Guatemala

Are there any members who would care to post some first hand experiences of their travels in Guatemala, especially outside of the Antigua area?

Hi Jsattapr2. I was in Guatemala in January and then a few years ago. I have posted a blog under "Travel Blogs" "Guatemala". I really enjoyed the trip and am now booked for February 2009. I had visited Livingston a few years ago and then on this past trip, we visited Tikal, Antigua and San Ignacio Belize. Next year we are headed to Montericco, Lake Atitlan and Antigua.

My husband & I have been to Guate 2 times and are planning our 3rd trip in February 2010 - Antigua of course is a wonderful city. Tikal is a must see, went to Solola market, Chichi market, Quiraga ruins near the Honduran border, overnight trip to Copan ruins in Honduras, Lake Atitlan is great - on our February trip we are spending 5 nights at the Laguna Eco lodge (won through luxury link) looking forward to it since we never really over nighted at the Lake before - from research, there are many things to do around the lake - many villages to visit - a big new nature reserve and lots more. We are also spending 4 nights in antigua in February and are looking forward to trying the many new restaurants I have heard recently opened.
Hope this info helps

Buenos dias, j-s

I have been to Guatemala just once (this Spring) and have plans to return in November -- to Lake Atitlan and Antigua. It was a nice surprise that we enjoyed the visit so much. The only other Central American country visited is Costa Rica -- about three years ago.

I would be happy to share our experiences. We took a day trip to el mercado at Chichicastenango. You may have already been there. If interested, give me a shout.

...in case anyone missed it, nice to see Andrew Harper still has nice things to say about Casa Palopo




https://www.andrewharper.com/Member/...D=3079&QView=1



For those who have stayed there, if you read AH material and look at the photos, the impression regarding the lap pool can be a slight bit distorted, since the pool pictured appears to be up top at the villa and does not offer general access to others guests.

Thanks O. One of my most favorite places in the world! I just love sitting on the terraces enjoying the breezes and views of the volcanoes and lakes. And I love sitting by the pool in those HUGE loungers!! It doesn't get much better than this!

Nice mention in Andrew Harper for Casa Palopo.

Popular routes around Guatemala (but outside Antigua) include the following. I have been to all of them except the last two and can highly recommend Lake Atitlan and Flores for having luxury hotels with brilliant service.



Monterrico Beach - Guatemalas main beach resort.



Lake Atitlan - an amazing spot to relax for a few days, boat trips are possible across the lake to visit indigenous villages.



Chicicastenango -the oldest and biggest market town in Guatemala, it also has a great mixture of colonial and mayan culture represented in its architeture.



Flores - a small and quaint town in the north which is on an island in the peten lake but connected by bridge. It is the most popular place to stay for visits to Tikal, the world famous mayan pyramids buried deep in the jungle.



Fuentes Georginas - nice relaxing hot springs.



Rio Dulce to Linvingston - a beautiful journey along the river ending at the caribean ocean.







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http://www.palaciodeleonor.com

Hi J...Loved Monterrico....still not a tourist trap which made it so special. The waves are huge! Lake Atitlan is beautiful especially in the early morning. Chichi is good crazy! Too many people though!! Went to Livingston in the 90's and it was not too touristy...wonder how it is now? I heard it is a stop on cruise stops.....can't imagine all the people from the ship coming ashore!

jon2009, do you have any affiliation withPalicio Deleonor? Why the web link?