GUATEMALA - Tips and Reviews - UPDATED June 2015


GETTING THERE
Getting to La Aurora International Airport,Guatemala City (GUA) is relatively easy to do from most major airports.

Upon arrival you will have to process through Customs and Immigrations.  Information regarding travel to and from Guatemala can be found at the US Department of State, US Passports and International Travel page.

My entry and exit through GUA was uneventful.

CHALLENGES

Throughout my 10 day stay I didn't experience any challenges.  As is common, you may not find a particular name brand you like from home, but substitutes are usually available.  For instance, if you want "Dial" soap, you may have to switch to another brand for the duration of your visit.  Bottom line, if there is something you cannot do without, and it has to be a particular brand, bring it with you.
COMMUNICATIONS

Claro is the prominent cell phone provider and if you have an unlocked phone, SIM cards are available.  

My US carrier is Verizon, and with the Google Maps app loaded GPS worked fairly well.  The major thing I found was that, using the app to as my map, it's best to obtain and save the route while you have WIFI connection.  Then, while you're on the road, even without WIFI you can at least review the map and find your way. 

Here are the various locations I traveled while in Guatemala.  The map is expandable and the markers are places visited.




SAFETY and SECURITY

Driving;  The majority of the roads are well maintained and look safe enough.  We did travel on our fair share of dirt roads and roads that need repair.  Here are a couple driving tips:
  1) - plan your route carefully
  2) - talk to locals and/or tour operators about your route and reroute if necessary. For example, our route from Antigua to San Pedro originally led us south of Lake Atitlan.  After talking to locals, we rerouted to the northern route because they told us road blocks and robbery is common.
  3) - use common sense and drive safely

General; The only 'threatening' experience I had, albeit may have been unintentional, happened while walking a Lake Atitlan trail.  As a local approached and engaged us in casual conversation, I noticed he had a knife in his hand.  He seemed friendly enough, and invited us to follow him to a place with "great views".  Seeing the knife (my travel partner did not notice it) I told him no and we walked off.

As far as walking around all the towns we visited, I felt no safety concerns. 

BOTTOM LINE; pay attention to your surroundings.  While looking people in the eyes is a good thing, watch their hands; eyes can't hurt you, hands can.

MY RECOMMENDATIONS ON PLACES TO SEE and THINGS TO DO

Being there during the slow season, we still had plenty to do.  Hiking, museums, and tourist attractions in general were open.

Antigua; spend some time walking around town and check out the 'Craft Market'.  All the markets we visited were fine, I just got tired of them

San Pedro; this is a smaller town and many of the walls are painted with murals (wall art), wander the streets and look at the work of local artists.  If you're looking for an all natural facial or maybe a massage Erin's All Natural Facials and Massage is the place to go.

Also, take the ferry boat to the nearby towns of San Juan, San Marcos, Santiago, and Panajachel (if you're not driving to them).  While the first two aren't big towns, they do offer local crafts, and some good photo opportunities.

MY RECOMMENDATIONS ON PLACES TO STAY

Guatemala City; Dai Nonni Hotel.  We stayed her our final night in Guatemala and being close to the airport, reasonably priced, and clean, it was a good choice.

Antigua; For more than one or two people, this is a nice place to stay.  But for the price, it's not as affordable as places closer to town; it's not a place I'd stay again.

San Pedro; Luna Azul B&B.  It's available through Air B&B or their website.  If you have any questions about what to do or where to eat around town, Erin (the on-site manager) will give you the honest reviews.

Panajachel; Casa Solhana. Again, it was a decent place, but traveling as a single or couple, it's not a place I'd stay again.

MY RECOMMENDATIONS ON PLACES TO EAT and DRINK

Guatemala City; La Liga Steakhouse (Bar & Grill).  This place is right around the corner from the Dai Nonni  Hotel and is reasonably priced with good food.


Antigua;
-- Breakfast, Big Sky.  The food is good and the price is right.
As for lunch and dinner, I can't really recommend anyplace because while the food was decent and the price was right, they just weren't 'that' good.
-- Meeting for conversation and drinks; The Whiskey Den & Coffee Bar is comfortable, affordable, and in a central location.  Also a place frequented by locals and expats is the Cafe No Se

San Pedro; These recommendations will be for dinner.  Paul's Gaff Steakhouse, good service, good food, and affordable.

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