My husband and I are planning a two week trip to Guatemala next year. We are looking at going to Antigua, Lago de Atitlan, and Quetzaltenango. Does anyone know of any must see/do things in this area? We enjoy anything active, cultural exploration (food/learning to cook/music), and exploring the unique.
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Posted on Dec 24, 2011
6 Answers
i took my 16 year-old son to Quetzaltenango 2 years ago to study Spanish. We stayed with a family and both took Spanish at Pop-Wuj. Being immersed is the best way to experience the culture. The school trips were great. Every afternoon, my private teacher would take me out into the community to practice my Spanish. I got to go to a Chocolate factory that was run by 5 women and not usually open to the public. Do a week at a Spanish school.
Posted Dec 24, 2011
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A week is not much time, but a overnight flight to Los Flores and the Tikal national park is well worth the time. Stay at the small hotel in the park or at one of the small hotels near Los Flores for a unique experiance.
Posted Dec 24, 2011
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The highland Maya ruins are oftentimes overlooked, but are good way to link the living culture with the past, especially at Utatlan, where the gods are actively venerated to this day. Some other sites are Mixco Viejo, Zacaleu, Kamanaljuyu and Iximche. Kamanijuyu is located in downtown Guatemala City and has strong architectural and economic ties to Teotihucan in central Mexico.
Posted Dec 24, 2011
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You've gotten some great guidance here from Dawn, Rev. Larsen, and Dijedal. hope you have an awesome trip!
Posted Dec 24, 2011
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Skip Guatemala City except for flights, and more time at La Antigua (min 3-4 days). For something incredible and an experience of a lifetime, get a guide to take you to Volcan Pacayo for a close up look at a live volcano! Lake Atilan is gorgeous. Make sure you take to commute boat to Santiago and spend the day. The comments re Tikal are spot on. It's the most stupendous adventure in Guatemala.
Posted Dec 25, 2011
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Despite the hoards of hippies and ex-pats, San Pedro de Atitlan is a good base for exploring Lago Atitlan. The hike up Volcan San Pedro is difficult but the views from the top are stunning.
Posted Jan 02, 2012
Add a commentWould you pick San Pedro over Panajachel?
Posted on Jan 03, 2012
I'd say yes, San Pedro over Panajachel. I'm biased, though, because I spent more time San Pedro. All I saw of the Panajachel was the souvenir strip. San Pedro is smaller, which I preferred.
Posted on Jan 09, 2012
You can also stay at some of the private accommodations around the lake. My wife and I stayed at Villas B'alam Ya in 2010 and it was wonderful. If you want more details or have more questions, I can offer more. http://www.panzaverde.com/index.html
Posted on Aug 14, 2012
