Guatemala

[showard1]

Sleeping Dog, We returned from Guatemala and Lake Atitlan last week.

Yes, it was possible to get there by road(s), depending on which routes were being repaired at the time. The road from Solola to Pana was closed while we were there. We got out by going through the mountains via San Andres and Paxtun. Had to navigate one river (bridge destroyed), but fortunately the water wasn't too high and we made it to the airport in good time.

Our experience this time was not the wonderful, exhilerating, enchanting experience as in other visits. It was sobering to witness the extensive destruction which was so evident, especially around the lake. It was as if a giant hand reached up and ripped off huge swtches of mountainside from the top to the lake. The scars are grim reminders of the loss of lives and properties that have occurred over the past several months.

Roads are being repaired (and will be even safer than before this rainy season). The process is necessarily slow, so that traffic is not delayed too long at any one point. There are still several spots between Pana and San Antonio Palopo that are potentially dangerous. And others where only one vehicle can past at a time. That having been said, life goes on for the villagers pretty much as usual. The Mayan people are strong and resilient -- always ready with a greeting and a smile. I don't think anything nature can hand out would ever dampen their spirits.

All in all, we did enjoy our trip. Visited with friends -- made new ones, too. So if you're willing to overlook these small inconveniences and get out on the lake, take in the fascinating culture and picturesque villages, you will have a truly inspiring adventure. It will take time for the lake to resume its former beauty, but with a little imagination, I think you will be able to envision it. Go! Enjoy!!!

I booked CP for 4 nights from January 2, 2010 and purchased flight from Toronto as well. There is still some time, but, I am now worried if I can make the way to CP even in January..... (And if the hotel sold!?!? What would be the worst case???)

I was so looking forward to being there, and still I am. Hopefully everything will recovered somehow quickly. I cannot imagine hardship that people living there are experiencing right now (and other times this year...)

sleeping_dog

[bonniejoy03]

Hi S!! Thanks for your first hand report back. We have been receiving updates from Jennifer at Casa Palopo also. Did you stay at CP? Did you stay in Antigua? Thanks for your post. I really enjoyed Guatemala!!

[[email protected]]

Thanks for the report - Guate is one of my favorite countries and love Lake Atitlan and it is nice to see they are bouncing back!

[omegaet]

Sleeping Dog, We returned from Guatemala and Lake Atitlan last week.

Yes, it was possible to get there by road(s), depending on which routes were being repaired at the time. The road from Solola to Pana was closed while we were there. We got out by going through the mountains via San Andres and Paxtun. Had to navigate one river (bridge destroyed), but fortunately the water wasn't too high and we made it to the airport in good time.

Our experience this time was not the wonderful, exhilerating, enchanting experience as in other visits. It was sobering to witness the extensive destruction which was so evident, especially around the lake. It was as if a giant hand reached up and ripped off huge swtches of mountainside from the top to the lake. The scars are grim reminders of the loss of lives and properties that have occurred over the past several months.

Roads are being repaired (and will be even safer than before this rainy season). The process is necessarily slow, so that traffic is not delayed too long at any one point. There are still several spots between Pana and San Antonio Palopo that are potentially dangerous. And others where only one vehicle can past at a time. That having been said, life goes on for the villagers pretty much as usual. The Mayan people are strong and resilient -- always ready with a greeting and a smile. I don't think anything nature can hand out would ever dampen their spirits.

All in all, we did enjoy our trip. Visited with friends -- made new ones, too. So if you're willing to overlook these small inconveniences and get out on the lake, take in the fascinating culture and picturesque villages, you will have a truly inspiring adventure. It will take time for the lake to resume its former beauty, but with a little imagination, I think you will be able to envision it. Go! Enjoy!!!

I would like to see LL nail down a few more choices for Guatemala....short flight for us and a long weekend in Antigua could hold a lot appeal!

[sleeping_dog]

I would like to see LL nail down a few more choices for Guatemala....short flight for us and a long weekend in Antigua could hold a lot appeal!

Hello everyone.

First of all, my deep apologies for not to respond for a long time. I could not really make up my mind, and also my work schedule got crazy busy which made me away from thinking about the trip. When work got little slow down, I realized it was already December! It's now only two weeks to the trip (oh my..!) Yes, I am going to Guatemala after reading so many positive comments from all of you. I cannot thank more for your encouragement and good advice and updated information. I am sure we will enjoy this trip to Guatemala very much.

In Antigua, we decided to stay at Hotel Cirilo (http://www.hotelcirilo.com/) based on trip adviser's rating. This hotel is one of few hotel accepted only one night stay on January the 1st. There were other hotels that we were interested in, especially Casa Encantada, but most of them had minimum stay for the new year period, that made us impossible to book. Rocardo, the owner of the hotel is very kind, providing all information that we needed, and kind enough to accept my reservation only for one night on January the 1st. It seems the hotel location is not the best for people stay only one night (not very central), but every review says the hotel is beautiful so I am truly looking forward staying this place.

There is still a problem on the way to CP from Pana, but it is scheduled to fixed by December 20 (hopefully). If not, maybe taking a boat from Pana could be an alternative??? I was also wondering if any thing new at CP recently. Is Jennifer and her team still at CP? Any change for the restaurant? If there is anyone stayed at CP recently, please kindly let me know.

Looking forward to meeting local people, experiencing the nature and culture in Guatemala. And, relaxing to get ready for another crazy busy year. Any "MUST DO" activity recommended? We will be staying only one night in Antigua, and then 4 night at CP.

Thank you again for your input.

Sleeping_dog
(just woke up, and getting ready for Guatemala)

[omegaet]

Hello everyone.

First of all, my deep apologies for not to respond for a long time. I could not really make up my mind, and also my work schedule got crazy busy which made me away from thinking about the trip. When work got little slow down, I realized it was already December! It's now only two weeks to the trip (oh my..!) Yes, I am going to Guatemala after reading so many positive comments from all of you. I cannot thank more for your encouragement and good advice and updated information. I am sure we will enjoy this trip to Guatemala very much.

In Antigua, we decided to stay at Hotel Cirilo (http://www.hotelcirilo.com/) based on trip adviser's rating. This hotel is one of few hotel accepted only one night stay on January the 1st. There were other hotels that we were interested in, especially Casa Encantada, but most of them had minimum stay for the new year period, that made us impossible to book. Rocardo, the owner of the hotel is very kind, providing all information that we needed, and kind enough to accept my reservation only for one night on January the 1st. It seems the hotel location is not the best for people stay only one night (not very central), but every review says the hotel is beautiful so I am truly looking forward staying this place.

There is still a problem on the way to CP from Pana, but it is scheduled to fixed by December 20 (hopefully). If not, maybe taking a boat from Pana could be an alternative??? I was also wondering if any thing new at CP recently. Is Jennifer and her team still at CP? Any change for the restaurant? If there is anyone stayed at CP recently, please kindly let me know.

Looking forward to meeting local people, experiencing the nature and culture in Guatemala. And, relaxing to get ready for another crazy busy year. Any "MUST DO" activity recommended? We will be staying only one night in Antigua, and then 4 night at CP.

Thank you again for your input.

Sleeping_dog
(just woke up, and getting ready for Guatemala)

Sleeping_dog....you're going to be in very good hands when you arrive at Casa Palopo. Jeniffer and her crew are waiting for you with warm Guatemalan hospitality! Give us a report when your return!

Enjoy!

[[email protected]]

It would be nice to see more LL properties in Guate - it is not a very long flight from Philly and I can keep going there over and over - 5 times already and always something new to explore!

[bonniejoy03]

Hi S....In Antigua, I would recommend Hotel Cissus. (www.cissushotel.com) We loved it! We also had wanted to stay AGAIN at Casa Encantada but it was a two night minimum. No minimum at Cissus. Great location, very small and quiet, and great breakfast!

Have fun at CP!!!

[sleeping_dog]

Hi S....In Antigua, I would recommend Hotel Cissus. (www.cissushotel.com) We loved it! We also had wanted to stay AGAIN at Casa Encantada but it was a two night minimum. No minimum at Cissus. Great location, very small and quiet, and great breakfast!

Have fun at CP!!!

Bbonniejoy03, thanks for your advice. The hotel Cissus looks lovely! I have no idea why I missed looking into this hotel when I booked a hotel in Antigua. I always try to book a boutique hotel wherever I go especially for my vacation . Staying at a small luxury hotel is such a treat! As I understand how expensive and difficult to run successfully small places, whenever I find a hotel managed so well, I always try to go back to the same place again. I will report how my stay at Hotel Cirilo and CP in this trip when I return!

[bonniejoy03]

Hi S....I think there is also a Hotel Ciriilo in Valparaiso Chile....I wonder if they are related. Is this property a new one? I am not familiar with it.....you will have a great time.....Hopefully you avoid all this snow mess on the East Coast! PS-Lots of great restaurants in Antigua.....Have fun!