And if so, would you recommend, and what parts? Hubby and I are considering a trip there. Thanks!
2006-12-03 09:31:06 · 8 answers · asked by Sugar_Mama 3 in Travel ➔ Latin America ➔ Guatemala
I recommend Guatemala 100%. Once you arrive to Guatemala you will get the surprise of your life. Most people do not imagine what it is. Is the most beautiful country in Central America (way more beautiful than Costa Rica, which i been to twice and its not worth going to).
I can suggest going to Antigua. There is a website www.aroundantigua.com There you can find all the info necessary for being there. I can also suggest going to Lake Atitlan. Its one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. Located in the highlands of Guatemala, and its sorrounded by 3 imponent volcanoes.
Another great tourist attraction that is worth going to its Tikal. Its better to fly from Guatemala city (a short 30 minute flight) into the Guatemalan jungle (the only true tropical rain forest in central america and its the size of of 3/4 of Costa Rica!). Tikal is one of the biggest mayan cities and its mistique lies on the tall pyramids sourrounded by jungle, where you can admire a lot of animals in their natural habitat. There are more attractions near Tikal that is worth going to.
Guatemala city, which is the main entrance to Guatemala, is the largest and most modern city of Central American. I suggest booking a hotel in Zone 10 (or zona viva). This place is full of restaurants and a good nightlife.
If you want to give your husband a very nice surprise... you can book a night in Casa Santo Domingo (www.casasantodomingo.com.gt) Its a 16th Century Convent turn into a 5 star hotel. Its not that expensive (around $150 per night in a suite) and its all worth it. By the way... the best time to visit Guatemala.... for Holy Week.
2006-12-03 14:45:41 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
it is a beautiful country that has a lot to do, too much and totally different activities in each place, the most popular I think in Antigua Guatemala and there you can by packages to visit Peten which is the jungle and all the archaeological places of the Mayas culture, also Izabal, Rio Dulce which is the Atlantic coast and Monterrico which is the pacific coast. I recommend to go with a excursion package or a guide because you can get loss very easy but is really nice and fun.
2006-12-04 05:05:57 · answer #2 · answered by Andrea lilo 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not for vacation, but I lived there before I moved to USA. Let me suggest Antigua which is about fourty five minute drive from Guatemala city, it is a colonial city where they have kept the architecture and look of back then. Also if you want something more primitive, go to the ruins of Tikal or Caminal Juyú. The beaches are awesome, they have black volcanic sand. There are also many touristic places in Guatemala city if you want something more modern, like La Zona Viva.
2006-12-03 11:17:20 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Gees, the others are all so negative and I bet just the one of the first 3 answerers has been there.
I spent a month in Guatamala 5 years ago, and have travelled to every country in South and Central America. I can tell you that it is my favourite country in Central America and would go back tomorrow.
You have the wonderful city of Antigua with its amazing views, it really is beautiful you can then use it as a base to visit Lago Atitlan (for me one of the most beautiful places in the world) and Chichicastenango a wonderful market.
You can even travel in a day to Copan the Mayan ruins in Honduras. You have to check out Livingston on the Caribbean coast, the truth is it isn't intersting but you can see manatees that swim inthe nearby gorge, it is also a stop-off on the way to Tikal for me the best Mayan site of all, not the best preserved but because of its location deep in the jungle.
Go it is wonderful, you are as likely to get mugged or shot in the States today as you are in Guatamala.
2006-12-03 10:28:54 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I vacationed in Guatemala for 30 years before moving there permanently 6 years ago. Go to Antigua for good restaurants and colonial architecture. Go to Lake Atitlan to experience Mayan culture, shopping, and all kinds of outdoor activities. Chichicastenango for the Sunday market. Tikal for ancient Mayan ruins. Check out www.atitlan.net for more info.
2006-12-04 01:59:20 · answer #5 · answered by guido1900us 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Was there over ten years ago.
The trash being dumped everywhere is what I remember the most.
I would suggest to read up, and decide what it is you want see.
Mayan ruins, Spanish colonial period, resorts, Eco tours, etc.
2006-12-03 09:44:50 · answer #6 · answered by r_e_a_l_miles 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
um---not the greatest place in central america or for a vacation. might get shot. COSTA RICA, is the best in that region of the world! jungles and beaches are beautiful. but my top choices for vacations are ITALIA, PARIS, BARCELONA y GRECIA
(italy, paris, barcelona and greece-preferably the greek islands like santorini, patmos, lindos, rhodes, crete...)
2006-12-03 09:35:07 · answer #7 · answered by dramateen23 3 · 0⤊ 3⤋
i work w/ some guatemalans and it is a very tough country to live in crime kidnappings etc id be careful if you go
2006-12-03 09:39:04 · answer #8 · answered by mschmitty920 3 · 0⤊ 3⤋