What to do? Arriving in Guatemala City
Arriving by plane in Guatemala City, you have 2 options: 1) Either you go to Guate by bus or taxi. 2)A taxi is 7 US$ to the center (11/98). 3) Buses are 10 Q, take bus 2, 5, 6 or 20. 3) Either you go directly to Antigua by taxi or by shuttle bus (7 US$ 11/98)..
General impression of Guatemala City
Guatemala City is said to be a dangerous city, especially at night, so take care and avoid walking alone at night.
Still, I didn't really hate the place. We spent there half a day on our way from Atitlan to Copan and further from Copan to Flores. We didn't have time to visit any of the museums unfortunately, but we just relaxed eating at Burger King and going to the cinema (they are in their original version).
Hotels
Posada Belen: this is a nice middle class hotel at 13 Calle A10-30, zona 1. It's cosy and quiet around a small courtyard. Rooms are big and have hot showers. A double costs 43 US$ (10/98).
Inquire at the airport if they have vacancies since they are often full. We spent our first night there. They have a website, you can make reservations through this site.
http://www.guatemalaweb.com/pbelenhp.html
Hotel Colonial is also quite nice, but the big disadvantage here is the noise in the morning. You can bet there's always someone who wants to take a shower at 5 am because his plane leaves at 7 am !! Also try to get a room at the back.
However, they have a reliable left luggage, which is handy if you want to go to Copan without taking all your stuff. They have rooms with and without shower. A bit less expensive then Posada Belen, 194 Q for a double with bathroom. Breakfast available for 30 Q (11/97).
Hotel Fenix is a cheapie in zone 1 at 42 Q (8/98) for a double without bathroom. However, it's in the middle of the red light area, so it's not advisable to go out at night (unless this is your piece of cake). During the day, you won't notice.
If you arrive late at night, the Airport Guesthouse might be a good option. It's close to the airport (about 250 meters), safe and not too expensive. A single costs about 30 US$. To reach the guesthouse walk out of the airport and turn left along the main road. You will come to a traffic circle. Go about 180 degrees around the traffic circle to the other side.
You will see the guest house on the right about 50 meters or so. It's a hous
e with a wall around it and a gate, but there is a sign in Spanish.
Another hotel near the airport and recommended by Nancy Hofman is the Dos Lunas Guesthouse (21 Calle 10-92 zona 13, tel 334-5264). I was there myself in 11/99, and the place is also very convenient when arriving late at night, or when you have to catch an early flight. It's situated in a normal house, and it has 7 rooms with also 2 living rooms where you can sit at night or have breakfast. Rooms are basic but very clean, and they all have bathroom with shower and hot water. They cost 20 US$ for a double with shared bathroom, 10 US$ for a single and this includes free pick-up or drop-off from the airport and breakfast.
You can contact them at lorena@pronet.net.gt. They now have their own site.
Hotel Suizo is a classic among backpackers. Rooms are clean, free safe, situated in the center near the police HQ 14 Calle 6-82, zona 1, tel 251-3786, fax 232-0429). Double room without bathroom is 100 Q, with bathroom 200 Q.
There are some museums which we didn't see.
The main square is worth a look with the palace and the cathedral. You can go into the palace, you could ask the employees to let you on the terrace of the palace to take a picture of the square.
If you want to do volunteer work at the casa Guatemala City on the Rio Dulce borders, you can go to their Guate office at 14 Calle 10-63 Zona 1. For more info, check the "Caribbean"-page.
Getting out of Guatemala City
To Antigua
Cheapest way is to take a direct public bus, 3,25 Q.
There are also tourist minibuses which are much more expensive.
To Copan
Easiest way is to take a tourist minibus, but they will charge you 40 US$ one way. There are tours who go and come back in 1 day for 80 US$, but count on 14 hours in the bus ! Better to spend the night in Copan, or even a second night in Chiquimula.
To Flores
There are buses which take you there in 12 hours (during the dry season), price is 90 Q (1/98). Try to avoid driving through Peten by night, robberies of the buses have been reported here.
Best option is to take the plane. Have a look at the Peten chapter for more details.
Go to Antigua
Article Comments:
| 04/19/2006 |
| Elisa (1) |
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Guatemala is a really nice place. There is everything for everybody... If someone wants to go, I recommend going to Coban which is a place where there are lots of activities like white water rafting and caving.
When I went there, I didn't find it dangerous at all!. Antigua is also a nice place and Peten is incredible!!! there are these mayan ruins that are huge!
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| 04/11/2006 |
| JJ (1) |
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Hmmm...never been there...dont want to.
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| 03/22/2006 |
| corie maylie (1) |
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i have nothing to say...never been there at all
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| 03/13/2006 |
| Sunshine (5) |
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Hey!
I'm leaving March 25th to spend 4 weeks in Antigua, Guatemala City for a medical rotation with 4 of my friends. We have weekends off and I am just wondering if anyone has suggestions for places to check out besides Tikal, which is already a planned trip. Also, any suggestions for which tour companies are best to travel with are appreciated, too.
Thanks!
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