Hello everyone,
I’m reaching out to tap into your knowledge and experiences, as my partner and I are heading to Guatemala and Belize for the entire month of February 2020, and we could really use some tips.
I was thinking of spending 20 days in Guatemala and 10 days in Belize, especially since our flight arrives in Guatemala City and departs from Belize.
We were considering hiring a driver-guide for part of our time in Guatemala. Which part do you think would be best? We’re choosing this country for all the culture and traditions it has to offer, so skipping a guide entirely would be a shame—but I can imagine it’d be tough to keep one for all 20 days.
So maybe a week or ten days. What kind of budget should we plan for? And most importantly, do you have any contacts for reliable driver-guides?
Thanks in advance for your valuable advice.
Marilyne
8 similar discussions in English
Hi everyone,
I’m in the middle of planning my trip for February 2027 with my family (4 adults). We’re thinking of a Guatemala-Belize combo. Could you let me know what you think of my itinerary? Should I add or remove anything? Is it too minimalist? Do you recommend renting a car or hiring a driver and guide? For the islands in Belize, is 5 days too much? The volcano hike isn’t included on purpose.
· 02/21 (Day 1) — Arrival in Guatemala Night: Antigua · 02/21 (Day 2) — Antigua, the colonial gem Half-day guided walking tour of convents, churches, and Spanish ruins. Volcanoes as a photo backdrop. Coffee plantation visit. Night: Antigua · 02/22 (Day 3) — Chichicastenango Market → Lake Atitlán Early morning drive to the big indigenous market. Guide to explain Mayan rituals in Santo Tomás Church. Afternoon transfer to Lake Atitlán. Night: Lake Atitlán · 02/23 (Day 4) — The Mayan Villages of Lake Atitlán Lake crossing. Visit the villages of San Juan La Laguna (weaving cooperatives) and Santiago Atitlán. Night: Lake Atitlán · 02/24 (Day 5) — Sololá Market → Return to Antigua Leave the lake in the morning. Visit the authentic high-altitude market of Sololá with a local guide, then drive back to spend the evening in Antigua. Night: Antigua · 02/25 (Day 6) — Flight to Flores → Transfer to Tikal Domestic flight directly to Tikal National Park. Night: Tikal (in the heart of the jungle) · 02/26 (Day 7) — Exploring the City of Tikal Explore the giant Mayan city of Tikal in the middle of the jungle with your French-speaking guide. Enjoy the lodge’s pool to the sound of howler monkeys. Night: Tikal
02/27 (Day 8) — Belize Border → Xunantunich Site → San Ignacio Visit the large Mayan site of Xunantunich right after crossing the border.
Night: San Ignacio
02/28 (Day 9) — Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve Full-day 4x4 tour with the lodge’s guide to explore Big Rock Falls (swimming in natural pools) and caves in the forest reserve.
Night: San Ignacio
03/01 (Days 10 to 15) — San Ignacio → Boat to Ambergris Caye
But I’m still not sure whether to go to Ambergris or Caye Caulker (what do you recommend?)
03/06 (Day 15) — Domestic Flight → International Return Flight (feasible or not?)
Thanks so much for your feedback!
I’m in the middle of planning my trip for February 2027 with my family (4 adults). We’re thinking of a Guatemala-Belize combo. Could you let me know what you think of my itinerary? Should I add or remove anything? Is it too minimalist? Do you recommend renting a car or hiring a driver and guide? For the islands in Belize, is 5 days too much? The volcano hike isn’t included on purpose.
· 02/21 (Day 1) — Arrival in Guatemala Night: Antigua · 02/21 (Day 2) — Antigua, the colonial gem Half-day guided walking tour of convents, churches, and Spanish ruins. Volcanoes as a photo backdrop. Coffee plantation visit. Night: Antigua · 02/22 (Day 3) — Chichicastenango Market → Lake Atitlán Early morning drive to the big indigenous market. Guide to explain Mayan rituals in Santo Tomás Church. Afternoon transfer to Lake Atitlán. Night: Lake Atitlán · 02/23 (Day 4) — The Mayan Villages of Lake Atitlán Lake crossing. Visit the villages of San Juan La Laguna (weaving cooperatives) and Santiago Atitlán. Night: Lake Atitlán · 02/24 (Day 5) — Sololá Market → Return to Antigua Leave the lake in the morning. Visit the authentic high-altitude market of Sololá with a local guide, then drive back to spend the evening in Antigua. Night: Antigua · 02/25 (Day 6) — Flight to Flores → Transfer to Tikal Domestic flight directly to Tikal National Park. Night: Tikal (in the heart of the jungle) · 02/26 (Day 7) — Exploring the City of Tikal Explore the giant Mayan city of Tikal in the middle of the jungle with your French-speaking guide. Enjoy the lodge’s pool to the sound of howler monkeys. Night: Tikal
02/27 (Day 8) — Belize Border → Xunantunich Site → San Ignacio Visit the large Mayan site of Xunantunich right after crossing the border.
Night: San Ignacio
02/28 (Day 9) — Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve Full-day 4x4 tour with the lodge’s guide to explore Big Rock Falls (swimming in natural pools) and caves in the forest reserve.
Night: San Ignacio
03/01 (Days 10 to 15) — San Ignacio → Boat to Ambergris Caye
But I’m still not sure whether to go to Ambergris or Caye Caulker (what do you recommend?)
03/06 (Day 15) — Domestic Flight → International Return Flight (feasible or not?)
Thanks so much for your feedback!
Hi there,
I spent two months alone in Guatemala this summer, without a guide or agency, and I’d love to share a quick recap of my impressions.
● First off, it’s really easy to travel without a guide or agency. If you want a guide for excursions, you can easily find one through the many agencies in Antigua or Panajachel. In Flores, there are also plenty of agencies offering multi-day jungle treks.
● I got around by shuttle for part of the "classic" and more touristy route. To step off that path, I took "camionetas" (chicken buses) or minibuses.
For me, "camionetas" are the best way to get around Guatemala. They let you travel everywhere, fully immersed, at the local pace. They run all the time and are even an adventure in themselves.
Shuttles are direct, but local buses aren’t. No matter how you travel, trips take a while because roads are often in bad shape, and in the mountains, you can’t overtake.
● As for safety, there’s nothing unusual compared to other Latin American countries. Just keep in mind it’s not Europe. As a solo woman, I try not to draw too much attention—though traveling alone already does that. Like in other countries, I was often asked where my kids and husband were, and I just gave whatever answer I felt like.
● Budget-wise, Guatemala isn’t too expensive for French tourists, but Antigua and Panajachel—two very touristy spots—are pricier.
● Guatemala is a small country but incredibly rich in culture and nature (volcanoes, mountains, beaches, etc.). You can easily spend several days (or even weeks) in each region.
● My top picks ❤️:
- The Mayan markets, especially the one in San Francisco El Alto - The Ixil Triangle: Nebaj, Chajul, Acul - The stunning landscapes around Todos Santos Cuchumatán - Antigua, very touristy but beautiful - Lake Atitlán, also touristy but gorgeous
I planned to climb Pacaya Volcano, but early in my trip, there was an earthquake in Antigua, and by the end, I wasn’t in the mood. Climbing Acatenango is more spectacular but also more challenging.
● Biggest highlights ❤️ ❤️:
- Tikal—it’s THE must-see site, an incredible mix of archaeology and nature!
- The Joyabaj Fair, which I hadn’t planned to visit but ended up spending a week at: Mayan ceremonies, equestrian parades, diverse dances, processions with Mayan priests, and especially the "palo volador"—the highlight of the festival!
● Small letdown 👎:
- Ranchitos del Quetzal, where I went hoping to spot the quetzal. I knew it wasn’t the right season, but I was still disappointed—I didn’t see any other birds either, and the hiking options were limited. It also took me a slight detour from Cobán.
If you have any questions, I’d be happy to answer them.
● If you’re interested, I kept a more detailed travel journal, and I’m working on another one just about the Joyabaj Fair:
https://www.myatlas.com/borboleta/guatemala-deux-mois-au-pays-de-la-couleur
I spent two months alone in Guatemala this summer, without a guide or agency, and I’d love to share a quick recap of my impressions.
● First off, it’s really easy to travel without a guide or agency. If you want a guide for excursions, you can easily find one through the many agencies in Antigua or Panajachel. In Flores, there are also plenty of agencies offering multi-day jungle treks.
● I got around by shuttle for part of the "classic" and more touristy route. To step off that path, I took "camionetas" (chicken buses) or minibuses.
For me, "camionetas" are the best way to get around Guatemala. They let you travel everywhere, fully immersed, at the local pace. They run all the time and are even an adventure in themselves.
Shuttles are direct, but local buses aren’t. No matter how you travel, trips take a while because roads are often in bad shape, and in the mountains, you can’t overtake.
● As for safety, there’s nothing unusual compared to other Latin American countries. Just keep in mind it’s not Europe. As a solo woman, I try not to draw too much attention—though traveling alone already does that. Like in other countries, I was often asked where my kids and husband were, and I just gave whatever answer I felt like.
● Budget-wise, Guatemala isn’t too expensive for French tourists, but Antigua and Panajachel—two very touristy spots—are pricier.
● Guatemala is a small country but incredibly rich in culture and nature (volcanoes, mountains, beaches, etc.). You can easily spend several days (or even weeks) in each region.
● My top picks ❤️:
- The Mayan markets, especially the one in San Francisco El Alto - The Ixil Triangle: Nebaj, Chajul, Acul - The stunning landscapes around Todos Santos Cuchumatán - Antigua, very touristy but beautiful - Lake Atitlán, also touristy but gorgeous
I planned to climb Pacaya Volcano, but early in my trip, there was an earthquake in Antigua, and by the end, I wasn’t in the mood. Climbing Acatenango is more spectacular but also more challenging.
● Biggest highlights ❤️ ❤️:
- Tikal—it’s THE must-see site, an incredible mix of archaeology and nature!
- The Joyabaj Fair, which I hadn’t planned to visit but ended up spending a week at: Mayan ceremonies, equestrian parades, diverse dances, processions with Mayan priests, and especially the "palo volador"—the highlight of the festival!
● Small letdown 👎:
- Ranchitos del Quetzal, where I went hoping to spot the quetzal. I knew it wasn’t the right season, but I was still disappointed—I didn’t see any other birds either, and the hiking options were limited. It also took me a slight detour from Cobán.
If you have any questions, I’d be happy to answer them.
● If you’re interested, I kept a more detailed travel journal, and I’m working on another one just about the Joyabaj Fair:
https://www.myatlas.com/borboleta/guatemala-deux-mois-au-pays-de-la-couleur
A fantastic trip, dominated by the Altiplano, volcanoes, and especially the Mayan people!
Our route: Antigua – San Lucas de Toliman (Lake Atitlán) – Chichicastenango – Sayaxché – El Remate – Flores – Río Dulce – Livingston – Antigua I won’t describe our trip in detail but will highlight a few points that go beyond the usual routes and really won us over. In Antigua, it’s easy to take a chicken bus from the bus station next to the central market in the eastern part of the city to visit nearby villages. We went to Santa María de Jesús on a Sunday without seeing any other Westerners. We got lost in its colorful market, ate at a *comedor* with local dishes we didn’t find anywhere else, and were surrounded by incredibly welcoming Mayans. Several villages around Lake Atitlán are well-covered by travelers and guides like *Routard* and *Lonely Planet*, but if you want to stay somewhere more authentic, I recommend San Lucas de Toliman (we stayed at *Casa Qatzil*—great place!). It’s in the southeast of the lake, with a market on Tuesdays and Fridays, a central square full of locals (more of those super-friendly Mayans!), and the option to visit other villages by *lancha* (boat) for the day. A walk toward the lake lets you pass by the washhouses, and there are hikes accessible by *pick-up* (shared transport), like the twin volcanoes Tolimán and Atitlán or Cerro del Oro (less challenging!). We loved visiting Santa Catarina Palopó—get lost in its maze of steep alleys, admiring the blue facades with their characteristic paintings. There are direct *chicken bus* connections to Chichicastenango in 1.5 hours. Cheap and convenient, though a bit bumpy! Chichicastenango is famous for its market, described as the largest in Central America, on Thursdays and Sundays. A flood of tourists arrives between 10 AM and 1 PM, shuttled in by organized buses from Lake Atitlán and Antigua. But if you have time, stay overnight the day before and enjoy the market before 10 AM or in the afternoon. This little town (more of those welcoming Mayans!) is worth lingering in for a day or two to visit the cemetery, extraordinarily colorful and a site of Mayan rituals. Also take time to go to *Plaza Baktun*, a site considered sacred in Mayan culture where religious ceremonies take place around seven sculptures several meters tall. The ruins of Aguateca are barely excavated (most structures are still covered in vegetation) and are only accessible by boat, traveling up a tributary of the Río de la Pasión to the sound of howler monkeys and birdsong (1.5 hours from Sayaxché). We felt like we got a sense of daily life in the ancient city—not just its religious dimension—with its ravine for sheltering women and children during attacks, its cliff, and defensive walls. Alone with our *lancha* driver, who acted as our guide in the barely cleared jungle, this site doesn’t overlap with Tikal at all—the vibe is completely different. We stayed in El Remate instead of Flores to visit Yaxhá and Tikal, at *Posada Ixchel* (great place!). This quiet little town lets you stroll along the lake and hike in *Cerro Cahui*, a protected biotope leading to a viewpoint. Plus, it’s on the way to the sites, saving 45 minutes per trip.
Feel free to ask me questions about the places, accommodations, etc.—I’d be happy to answer!
Our route: Antigua – San Lucas de Toliman (Lake Atitlán) – Chichicastenango – Sayaxché – El Remate – Flores – Río Dulce – Livingston – Antigua I won’t describe our trip in detail but will highlight a few points that go beyond the usual routes and really won us over. In Antigua, it’s easy to take a chicken bus from the bus station next to the central market in the eastern part of the city to visit nearby villages. We went to Santa María de Jesús on a Sunday without seeing any other Westerners. We got lost in its colorful market, ate at a *comedor* with local dishes we didn’t find anywhere else, and were surrounded by incredibly welcoming Mayans. Several villages around Lake Atitlán are well-covered by travelers and guides like *Routard* and *Lonely Planet*, but if you want to stay somewhere more authentic, I recommend San Lucas de Toliman (we stayed at *Casa Qatzil*—great place!). It’s in the southeast of the lake, with a market on Tuesdays and Fridays, a central square full of locals (more of those super-friendly Mayans!), and the option to visit other villages by *lancha* (boat) for the day. A walk toward the lake lets you pass by the washhouses, and there are hikes accessible by *pick-up* (shared transport), like the twin volcanoes Tolimán and Atitlán or Cerro del Oro (less challenging!). We loved visiting Santa Catarina Palopó—get lost in its maze of steep alleys, admiring the blue facades with their characteristic paintings. There are direct *chicken bus* connections to Chichicastenango in 1.5 hours. Cheap and convenient, though a bit bumpy! Chichicastenango is famous for its market, described as the largest in Central America, on Thursdays and Sundays. A flood of tourists arrives between 10 AM and 1 PM, shuttled in by organized buses from Lake Atitlán and Antigua. But if you have time, stay overnight the day before and enjoy the market before 10 AM or in the afternoon. This little town (more of those welcoming Mayans!) is worth lingering in for a day or two to visit the cemetery, extraordinarily colorful and a site of Mayan rituals. Also take time to go to *Plaza Baktun*, a site considered sacred in Mayan culture where religious ceremonies take place around seven sculptures several meters tall. The ruins of Aguateca are barely excavated (most structures are still covered in vegetation) and are only accessible by boat, traveling up a tributary of the Río de la Pasión to the sound of howler monkeys and birdsong (1.5 hours from Sayaxché). We felt like we got a sense of daily life in the ancient city—not just its religious dimension—with its ravine for sheltering women and children during attacks, its cliff, and defensive walls. Alone with our *lancha* driver, who acted as our guide in the barely cleared jungle, this site doesn’t overlap with Tikal at all—the vibe is completely different. We stayed in El Remate instead of Flores to visit Yaxhá and Tikal, at *Posada Ixchel* (great place!). This quiet little town lets you stroll along the lake and hike in *Cerro Cahui*, a protected biotope leading to a viewpoint. Plus, it’s on the way to the sites, saving 45 minutes per trip.
Feel free to ask me questions about the places, accommodations, etc.—I’d be happy to answer!
hi there,
we’re traveling as a couple to Guatemala from Feb 8 to 22. We’ve realized that given the distances, it feels a bit short. So, we’ve decided to limit ourselves to:
- Antigua: 3 nights (from Feb 8 to 11), including the arrival day - Lake Atitlán: from Feb 11 to 14 – 3 nights in San Juan La Laguna, including the morning trip from Antigua to Lake Atitlán - Chichicastenango: from Feb 14 to 15 – 1 night to attend the Sunday market and visit the cemetery
We have 7 days left that we’re not sure how to organize to cover: Flores – Tikal – El Remate, then head back to Guatemala City for our flight on Feb 22. Actually, I have a few questions: Do you think the time in Antigua and at the lake is enough? We might do the Pacaya Volcano, which is accessible for beginners, and that’s it. Should we spend a bit more time at these two spots: Antigua and the lake? If so, we’d have to skip the Chichicastenango market. We’re also thinking of leaving Chichicastenango to head to Flores, then staying overnight in El Remate. Does that seem doable in one day? We’ve noted that the trips are long, and since we don’t want to rush, we’ve reduced the number of accommodations. Even though we know we won’t see everything, we don’t want to miss the must-sees. We’re also wondering if we’ve planned the route in the right direction, or if we should head straight to Tikal when we arrive. Anyway, I know this is long, but we’re a bit lost. Thanks so much for your help! Annick
we’re traveling as a couple to Guatemala from Feb 8 to 22. We’ve realized that given the distances, it feels a bit short. So, we’ve decided to limit ourselves to:
- Antigua: 3 nights (from Feb 8 to 11), including the arrival day - Lake Atitlán: from Feb 11 to 14 – 3 nights in San Juan La Laguna, including the morning trip from Antigua to Lake Atitlán - Chichicastenango: from Feb 14 to 15 – 1 night to attend the Sunday market and visit the cemetery
We have 7 days left that we’re not sure how to organize to cover: Flores – Tikal – El Remate, then head back to Guatemala City for our flight on Feb 22. Actually, I have a few questions: Do you think the time in Antigua and at the lake is enough? We might do the Pacaya Volcano, which is accessible for beginners, and that’s it. Should we spend a bit more time at these two spots: Antigua and the lake? If so, we’d have to skip the Chichicastenango market. We’re also thinking of leaving Chichicastenango to head to Flores, then staying overnight in El Remate. Does that seem doable in one day? We’ve noted that the trips are long, and since we don’t want to rush, we’ve reduced the number of accommodations. Even though we know we won’t see everything, we don’t want to miss the must-sees. We’re also wondering if we’ve planned the route in the right direction, or if we should head straight to Tikal when we arrive. Anyway, I know this is long, but we’re a bit lost. Thanks so much for your help! Annick
Hi everyone.
I wanted to share a little feedback from our trip to Guatemala—we got back a month ago, and I really appreciated the well-commented posts here that helped us out. So, in turn, I wanted to share our own little recap.
We’ve traveled quite a bit together (we’re 38 and 42), and Guatemala had been on our radar for a while. But with so much info out there, it was hard to sort through it all—especially since we only had 3 weeks on the ground and didn’t want to waste time.
Here’s the itinerary we followed: Antigua, the Pacific coast, Lake Atitlán, a private coffee and bird reserve, Chichicastenango, Sayaxché, El Remate, Río Dulce, and Lake Izabal.
We rented a 4x4, which was essential given the state of some roads.
Our highlights: * **Pacific coast**: So authentic and preserved. We met sea turtles, cooked and baked coconut bread with a women’s community—such a meaningful exchange—and kayaked through a pristine mangrove full of birds. * **Lake Atitlán**: Even though we were worried it might feel too touristy, a private tour let us discover local crafts, hidden workshops (weaving, pottery), and the stunning views from the boat. * **Sayaxché**: The starting point for the Aguateca and Dos Pilas sites—one of our favorite outings. The site is breathtaking: walking through the canyon and jungle-covered ruins with almost no one around. We stayed in a little bungalow on an island, totally off the grid. * **In Petén**, we met an Itza Maya tribe—an unforgettable day sharing a meal and plant-based healing rituals. Wow. This tribe resisted the conquistadors and still lives traditionally. We also took a tour on Lake Petén and swam at hidden little beaches. Tikal was nice, but we preferred Yaxhá. * **Río Dulce**: A day at a private cocoa plantation—an adventure in a buggy with the owner himself. We harvested cocoa and ate the chocolate paste afterward, then swam in a waterfall on the property. Since it’s private, there was no one else around. A real privilege. * **Boat tour on the Río Dulce**: For us, the highlight. We visited a school where they’re committed to giving kids a solid education while blending Maya rituals. * **Lake Izabal**: A peaceful end to the trip in a magical setting. We visited Quiriguá.
We went through an organizer who knows the country really well. We weren’t initially planning on that, but thanks to her, we had experiences we never would’ve found on our own. On top of that, we actually paid less for the trip overall because of her local rates. I’m not getting anything out of this—I just think it could help other travelers. Her business is Secretplaceincostarica (she also does Costa Rica, which we’re now eager to explore).
On the ground, we felt completely safe. The people are lovely, the roads can be a little chaotic at times, but we loved every minute of it.
Happy travels to all! Marie
I wanted to share a little feedback from our trip to Guatemala—we got back a month ago, and I really appreciated the well-commented posts here that helped us out. So, in turn, I wanted to share our own little recap.
We’ve traveled quite a bit together (we’re 38 and 42), and Guatemala had been on our radar for a while. But with so much info out there, it was hard to sort through it all—especially since we only had 3 weeks on the ground and didn’t want to waste time.
Here’s the itinerary we followed: Antigua, the Pacific coast, Lake Atitlán, a private coffee and bird reserve, Chichicastenango, Sayaxché, El Remate, Río Dulce, and Lake Izabal.
We rented a 4x4, which was essential given the state of some roads.
Our highlights: * **Pacific coast**: So authentic and preserved. We met sea turtles, cooked and baked coconut bread with a women’s community—such a meaningful exchange—and kayaked through a pristine mangrove full of birds. * **Lake Atitlán**: Even though we were worried it might feel too touristy, a private tour let us discover local crafts, hidden workshops (weaving, pottery), and the stunning views from the boat. * **Sayaxché**: The starting point for the Aguateca and Dos Pilas sites—one of our favorite outings. The site is breathtaking: walking through the canyon and jungle-covered ruins with almost no one around. We stayed in a little bungalow on an island, totally off the grid. * **In Petén**, we met an Itza Maya tribe—an unforgettable day sharing a meal and plant-based healing rituals. Wow. This tribe resisted the conquistadors and still lives traditionally. We also took a tour on Lake Petén and swam at hidden little beaches. Tikal was nice, but we preferred Yaxhá. * **Río Dulce**: A day at a private cocoa plantation—an adventure in a buggy with the owner himself. We harvested cocoa and ate the chocolate paste afterward, then swam in a waterfall on the property. Since it’s private, there was no one else around. A real privilege. * **Boat tour on the Río Dulce**: For us, the highlight. We visited a school where they’re committed to giving kids a solid education while blending Maya rituals. * **Lake Izabal**: A peaceful end to the trip in a magical setting. We visited Quiriguá.
We went through an organizer who knows the country really well. We weren’t initially planning on that, but thanks to her, we had experiences we never would’ve found on our own. On top of that, we actually paid less for the trip overall because of her local rates. I’m not getting anything out of this—I just think it could help other travelers. Her business is Secretplaceincostarica (she also does Costa Rica, which we’re now eager to explore).
On the ground, we felt completely safe. The people are lovely, the roads can be a little chaotic at times, but we loved every minute of it.
Happy travels to all! Marie
We decided to leave.
To drop everything and try the adventure. The real deal? Not quite. We did some planning, skimmed through travel guides, and booked 4 nights.
But most importantly, we have a return flight.
The adventure has an end date. Like in any neat story, the parenthesis will close. The memory-making machine will run, feeding us for a while. For a long time, we hope. Helping us grow. But we know the machine will stop, leaving its faint scent lingering in our orderly lives, like a footprint in the sand.
Read more here: our blog
To drop everything and try the adventure. The real deal? Not quite. We did some planning, skimmed through travel guides, and booked 4 nights.
But most importantly, we have a return flight.
The adventure has an end date. Like in any neat story, the parenthesis will close. The memory-making machine will run, feeding us for a while. For a long time, we hope. Helping us grow. But we know the machine will stop, leaving its faint scent lingering in our orderly lives, like a footprint in the sand.
Read more here: our blog
Hello,
Our tickets are booked from mid-January to the end of February 2019—we’re heading to Central America for the first time! We’re getting ready by learning Spanish, checking out blogs, and we’ve got the Lonely Planet guide. We’re not exactly 20 anymore (not even close to 3x 20...), but we’ve got a bit of travel experience under our belts, mostly in Asia so far.
Six weeks might seem like an unusual length for Guatemala, but it gives us time to explore all the country’s most iconic spots and even dip into both coasts. Since we’ve got the time, I’m looking for ideas that aren’t as covered in the guides, and I’d love to hear about your experiences—you’ve all discovered this country before us. I’ve already read a ton of posts on this forum, by the way. We love everything this country has to offer: nature, culture, and meeting people. As for trekking, though, our age (and while we’re still in shape) means we’re sticking to lighter adventures.
Our plan is to travel using local transport, but we’re not looking to make things harder than they need to be.
For now, our route would start in Antigua and head to the Pacific coast: Monterrico, then back to Copán and the Atlantic coast (Livingston, Río Dulce, etc.), El Remate, Tikal, Sayaxché, Cobán, Semuc Champey, Nebaj, Quetzaltenango, and finally ending at Lake Atitlán.
Some of the places I’m interested in seem tricky to connect, and I could really use your insights. According to the LP, there are agencies in every town that could help us get from, say, Antigua to Copán (Honduras) or from Copán to Río Dulce? We’re open to breaking up the tougher routes with stops along the way.
Thanks in advance for your tips and advice!
Our tickets are booked from mid-January to the end of February 2019—we’re heading to Central America for the first time! We’re getting ready by learning Spanish, checking out blogs, and we’ve got the Lonely Planet guide. We’re not exactly 20 anymore (not even close to 3x 20...), but we’ve got a bit of travel experience under our belts, mostly in Asia so far.
Six weeks might seem like an unusual length for Guatemala, but it gives us time to explore all the country’s most iconic spots and even dip into both coasts. Since we’ve got the time, I’m looking for ideas that aren’t as covered in the guides, and I’d love to hear about your experiences—you’ve all discovered this country before us. I’ve already read a ton of posts on this forum, by the way. We love everything this country has to offer: nature, culture, and meeting people. As for trekking, though, our age (and while we’re still in shape) means we’re sticking to lighter adventures.
Our plan is to travel using local transport, but we’re not looking to make things harder than they need to be.
For now, our route would start in Antigua and head to the Pacific coast: Monterrico, then back to Copán and the Atlantic coast (Livingston, Río Dulce, etc.), El Remate, Tikal, Sayaxché, Cobán, Semuc Champey, Nebaj, Quetzaltenango, and finally ending at Lake Atitlán.
Some of the places I’m interested in seem tricky to connect, and I could really use your insights. According to the LP, there are agencies in every town that could help us get from, say, Antigua to Copán (Honduras) or from Copán to Río Dulce? We’re open to breaking up the tougher routes with stops along the way.
Thanks in advance for your tips and advice!
