Guatemala
Basic Info
Guatemala is a mountainous country. The capital city of Guatemala is Guatemala City. The official language is Spanish. The official currency is the Quetzal although lots of places do take the US dollar. Guatemala City is the place to fly to and then you can take local transport or internal flights depending on where you want to go.
Americans do not need a visa to enter Guatemala. The best place to exchange currency is at a bank. The independent exchange shops give you a very bad price.
For our itinerary we decided to include the UNESCO world heritage sites of Antigua, Tikal and after researching I also wanted to include Lake Atitlan.
Day 1 Travel to Antigua
We flew into Antigua City from Houston and then took a cab from the airport to Antigua. Ubers are available but since this was our first time in Guatemala we didn’t want to take any chances and asked our hotel in Antigua for a taxi. It cost us about $50 one way from the airport to Antigua and it took about 2 hours to get to the hotel although the distance is only about 40kms. It was a painfully slow ride due to traffic.
We had booked the San Rafael hotel - a meticulously preserved colonial home that was utterly charming. We arrived at around 3pm and quickly went out to explore the town. The hotel is a few steps away from the Santa Catalina Arch, one of the most photographed spots of Antigua. Just walk around the cobblestone streets of Antigua admiring the colorful homes and the beautiful architecture of this little town. Watch the sun set from the Terrace of Sky bar. We ended the evening with dinner from Ta Cool - the food was surprisingly pretty good. I would definitely recommend it.
Day 2: Travel to Tikal
Tikal is about an hour by flight from Guatemala City. Our flight was in the eveing at 4. So we had half a day to tour Anitgua before driving back to Guatemala City to catch our flight.
Some of the sights that I would recommend to see in antigua:
The remains of Cathedral de Santiago
Go on a walking tour with a local guide
Ruins of Santa Clara
Tanque la Union
Just walking around the cobblestreets of Antigua and stopping at every corner to take in the beautiful homes & stores is pretty much all we did.
The flight to Tikal from Guatemala City gets you to Flores and depending on where you book you can ask the hotel if they will book a transfer for you.
We booked at the Jungle Lodge (the best hotel close to the ruins of Tikal. This hotel is located right inside the forest a few minutes from where the tour to see the ruins of Tikal start.
Rest at hotel
Day 3: Visit the ruins of Tikal
When planning a visit to the ancient city of Tikal, Guatemala, make sure to reserve a day dedicated to exploring the majestic ruins that hold centuries of history. To make the most of your experience, I highly recommend booking both a sunrise tour and a day tour.
The sunrise tour, a truly enchanting experience, begins promptly at 4 AM. Led by an expert guide, you'll traverse through the expansive archaeological site, passing by towering pyramids that stand as silent witnesses to the passage of time. The guide provides insightful commentary, pointing out significant landmarks before leading you to the awe-inspiring Temple IV.
Climbing to the pinnacle of Temple IV, you'll find yourself perched atop the ancient structure as the jungle awakens around you. The pre-dawn stillness is broken by the symphony of the jungle, with the haunting calls of howler monkeys echoing through the trees. It's a surreal and spine-tingling moment that adds a unique dimension to your visit.
As the clock ticks towards 5 AM, the jungle comes alive, and the anticipation builds. The first rays of sunlight pierce through the horizon, casting a warm glow on the sprawling ruins below. Watching the sunrise over Tikal is a breathtaking spectacle, but luck plays a role – some mornings are shrouded in clouds, obscuring the sun's grand entrance. Fortunately for us, this was one of those magical moments when the heavens smiled upon our journey.
Following the sunrise tour, the guide leads you back to the entrance, where you have the freedom to continue exploring the archaeological wonders at your own pace or return to your hotel. With the day still ahead of you, consider delving deeper into the rich history and hidden corners of Tikal, creating memories that will linger long after you leave this ancient marvel.
Day 4: Fly back to Guatemala city & drive to Lake Atitlan
As we bid farewell to the captivating ruins of Tikal, Day 4 of our Guatemalan adventure was dedicated to reaching the serene shores of Lake Atitlan. Little did we know that the journey itself would unfold as a memorable chapter of our trip.
After checking out of our hotel, a swift transfer to the Flores airport set the stage for the next leg of our adventure. Touching down in Guatemala City around noon, we seamlessly transitioned to modern transportation, summoning an Uber to whisk us away to the breathtaking Lake Atitlan. Anticipating a 3.5-hour drive, we soon found ourselves navigating through a web of traffic, turning our estimated travel time into a leisurely 5-hour scenic journey.
As we neared Panajachel, the landscape transformed into a visual masterpiece, urging us to pause and absorb the natural splendor surrounding us. Verdant hills, quaint villages, and the ever-present allure of the lake's shimmering waters unfolded with each twist and turn of the road. My recommendation: embrace the delays, savor the journey, and take advantage of the numerous spots to capture the essence of the scenery.
Upon arriving at Lake Atitlan, I had the pleasure of booking stays at two distinct hotels, eager to immerse myself in the unique charm each had to offer. The first stop on our lakeside escapade was Hotel Atitlan. Nestled right on the water's edge, this enchanting retreat boasted meticulously manicured gardens providing a front-row seat to the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the glistening lake.
Wandering through the lush grounds, we felt a sense of tranquility settling in. The serene atmosphere, coupled with the direct vistas of the majestic landscape, made it clear why Lake Atitlan is often hailed as one of the most captivating destinations in Guatemala.
Stay tuned for the continuation of our Lake Atitlan exploration, where we delve into the distinct experiences offered by our second accommodation.
Day 5: Spend the day in Lake Atitlan
After a restful night at the enchanting Lake Atitlan, our morning unfolded amidst the beauty of the lakeside property. With a tinge of reluctance, we bid farewell to our hotel, eager for the day's planned excursion to the vibrant market in Chichinestango. However, life has its twists, and today, it came in the form of an unexpected challenge.
Ajayan, unfortunately, experienced a back injury, rendering a lengthy car journey to Chichinestango out of the question. Undeterred, we pivoted our plans and opted for an alternative adventure – a boat ride to explore one of the smaller villages nestled near our lakeside haven.
On the recommendation of locals, we set our course for the picturesque village of San Juan La Laguna. Envisioning a quaint, off-the-beaten-path experience, we were met with a surprise. The village, though charming, had transformed into a tourist hotspot, lined with shops offering an array of trinkets and souvenirs. Despite our initial expectations, the atmosphere was vibrant, and we decided to immerse ourselves in the experience.
Our journey took an interesting turn as we found ourselves attending demonstrations on honey, chocolate, and coffee – typical touristy activities that we usually steer clear of. However, the allure of locally produced coffee, chocolate, and honey proved too tempting to resist. A small indulgence in the touristy offerings added a unique flavor to our day.
Upon our return, we hopped onto a tuk-tuk to reach our next destination – the meticulously researched Casa Palopo. Nestled in the realm of Small Luxury Hotels, this hidden gem had caught our attention during our pre-trip exploration. Little did we know that this haven would steal our hearts.
The allure of Casa Palopo lies not just in its accolades but in the seamless blend of luxury and charm that the property exudes. Stay tuned for the next chapter of our journey as we unravel the enchanting details of our experience at Casa Palopo, a true testament to the art of finding hidden treasures.
Day 6: Travel to Guatemala City
We began our final day with a hearty breakfast at Casa Palopo, bidding farewell to the luxurious haven that had hosted us so graciously. Our journey continued with a smooth checkout, and with a cab booked online via Facebook, we set out on the last leg of our adventure.
Our cab driver, a gem we found through the wonders of social media, made the 3-hour journey to Guatemala City a breeze. Checking into Hotel Barcelo for our last night in this captivating country, we were greeted with exemplary service that added a final touch of warmth to our stay.
With time on our side, we ventured into the upscale Cayala neighborhood, a hidden gem that might easily be overlooked. The charm of this locale unfolded as we explored its streets, discovering a side of Guatemala City that often goes unnoticed.
For our farewell dinner, I had secured reservations at Flor de Lis, drawn by the promise of culinary artistry. Being enthusiasts of Michelin-starred experiences, we couldn't resist the allure of this establishment. The presentation and service surpassed expectations with a perfect 10/10, creating an ambiance that was equally exceptional.
While the food earned a respectable 7/10 in my book, some dishes stood out, complemented by delightful stories shared by the staff. Flor de Lis left an indelible mark on our culinary journey through Guatemala.
As we reflect on our travels, I can't help but think of how I might tweak the itinerary for the ideal visit. Based on our experiences, I would recommend:
2 days in Antigua to soak in its historic charm.
1 day in Tikal for an awe-inspiring adventure.
2 days in Lake Atitlan, aiming for a Thursday or Sunday to explore the vibrant markets of Panajachel.
1 day in Guatemala City, strategically positioned for flying in and out.
Day 7 marks the conclusion of our Guatemalan escapade, filled with memories of vibrant markets, ancient ruins, serene lakesides, and culinary delights. As we bid adieu to this beautiful country, we carry with us not just souvenirs but a heart full of cherished moments that will forever linger in our wanderlust-infused memories. Until the next adventure, Guatemala, you've been a treasure trove of experiences!