Guatemala

20 Must do Things While in Guatemala.

I selected Guatemala as my last escapade for 2021 and I must say it did not disappoint.  

Getting there: 

We were required to take a PCR or antigen test 72 hours prior. We did not have to register our travel prior to arrival; the test was reviewed only by the airline during departure. From the airport there were several taxi drivers and attendant to assist. Due to traffic, it took us over an hour to get to Antigua. 

Stay 1

  1. Hotel Convento Santa Catalina 

This was not a 5-star hotel but sleeping in an old convent’s room built in 1613 made the stay interesting. The location was in the most iconic part of Antigua, right under the famous arch and the church bells go off quite often. Our rooms overlooked the very busy area on the Main Street; we heard just about everything. The courtyard of the hotel a very popular restaurant with the locals got very noisy and hectic.  

Stay 2

  1. Sababa Resort 

Located in my favorite town in Guatemala. The Resort was beautiful, and the rooms were spacious, clean, modern, fitted with large comfortable beds, simple yet effective décor, flat screen tv, and en-suite bathrooms. The rooms tinted glass windows meant no one could see into our room yet were able to admire the amazing lake and pool view throughout our stay. There were a lot of noise from the main center that wafts over to the hotel and kept us awake but seemed to stop by 11pm. They only accept cash as a form of payment and their exchange rate was much lower than what was offered around town. Complimentary breakfast was rich, delicious but don’t expect meat.  

Stay 3

  1. La Fortuna at Atitlan 

We were blown away when the water taxi turned into the private bay and saw the thatched Balinese roof of the reception building nestled in between the soaring cliffs overlooking the stunning shores of Lake Atitlan. The lush jungle and gardens were pristine, the fine hardwood, bamboo architecture exquisite. We stayed in Suite 5, 4, and 3. Whether we were sipping wine, having breakfast on the porch of our bungalow, waiting for a ferry on the dock, swimming in their jacuzzi (was never warm enough during our stay) or throwing sticks for the dogs it was all just perfect. I would recommend staying for no more than 2 nights at this property due to its remote site.  

20 Things to Do 

  1. Santa Catalina Arch: The arch, located on a bustling street, surrounded by commercial establishments, various gifts shops, and restaurants. During the night there are lots of street vendors and the road is closed. It is the cornerstone of the city and stands tall right in front of the church, offering great views of the surrounding mountains. 
  1. Volcano Pacaya Hike and Horseback Riding: A moderate hike to the top of mountain but we opted for a guide with a horse. The Pacaya Volcano hike offers stunning views of both Agua and Fuego. This volcano Pacaya erupted not long ago so you can still trace the remnants of the black lava as you get to the top. We roasted marshmallows on the warm lava and had pizza prepared for us.  

a. Cook Pizza on Lava Stone 

b. Melt Marshmallow on Lava Stone 

  1. Overnight Hike at Acatenango Volcano: we skipped this volcano, but the overnight hike is a great alternative for physically fit hikers. Many tourists encountered throughout the journey complained about their experience and condition so do the proper research before booking a vendor. 
  1. Visit Hobbitenango; One of the most popular attractions in Guatemala is in fact a fantasy land. A replica of the Lord of the Rings movie set in New Zealand and is perfect for a half a day activity. Offers stunning views, a few cozy looking Hobbit various activities such as archery, axe throwing, machete throwing, big swing, giant hand and various restaurant and local vendors.  
  1. Santa Theresita Spa: This location was perfect for a half a day activity after our Pacaya hike. If you are heading to Lake Atitlan I would recommend to skip it as there are much affordable option. I did enjoy the thermal circuit with about 5 different pools with various temperature, followed by the sauna and hot stone massage session.  
  1. Explore San Pedro Laguna: if you are heading to Guatemala, visiting San Pedro should be a priority on your list. There is plenty to do around the indigenous Mayan community with a backpacker’s vibe. You should spend at least a weekend there. It was our favorite town in Guatemala. This small town offers all the possible tours and activities you can name, and it is more affordable than the other towns. 
  1. Visit Museum TZ Unun Ya’: the tour of this museum started with a video of the history of the country and everyday life of locals followed by a tour of the 4 rooms exhibition with a guide. I hope you speak Spanish because the guide on the day of my visit only spoke Spanish. 
  1. ATV Tour of San Pedro: The best way to explore Lake Atitlan. We visited several sights and had the option to swim in the lake. The tour gave us an insight to the culture and the beauty surrounding the lake. 
  1. Swim at the Black Sand Beach: There are a few secluded beaches in San Pedro Laguna further from the town. We went using our ATV and I would advise to rent an ATV as well to head to the beach as I did not see tuk-tuks nearby during our visit. The beach is not the best but since all other access to the water is interrupted by ferries and other watersport this one was the most accessible. 
  1. Take a Weaving Class: we participated in a weaving class located right next to the hot termales bath but the classes are offered everywhere on the island.  the classes are 2 to 4 hours session which was very informative and affordable. Weaving is very complex; requires a lot of patience and attention to details.  
  1. Termales Bath: a small property owned by a local family. Not to be confused with a more recent termales in the pink house next door. The pools were Awesome with great views on lake Atitlan surrounded by nature. They fill a pool with hot and another with cold water powered by a solar panel. We brought food and drinks along with us. 
  1. Massage: Various location offered massage on the lake. Ours were by Via Tour, a one stop shop offered accommodation, transportation and tours at the same location. The facility is very basic but the service was great. Select the gentleman I believe he is one of the owners if you top by.  
  1. Explore San Marco: it is what one would call a hippie community. Most of the visitors of the town are attracted to alternatives, spiritual, and holistic lifestyle. 
  1. Sign up for Ecstatic & Cacao Dancing: my favorite or at least the only thing I was willing to tray when in San March was ecstatic and cacao ceremony. Right before the class started the teacher provided cacao to everyone present. Best to bring your own cup for the ceremony. Followed by the ecstatic dancing session but I must admit it is for everyone. 
  1. Island Hopping along Lake Atitlan: The lake is the most beautiful that I have ever seeing. Surrounded by charming villages and breathtaking landscapes with various activities. The towns around lake Atitlan are unique despite being just a few minutes away on the ferry. Every day we selected a new town to visit such as Panajachel and San Marco but there are many others. We made San Pedro Laguna our based site while on lake Atitlan and it did not disappoint. Some people even fit 2 or 3 towns on their daily itinerary.  
  1. Mayan Cooking Class: Mayan Kitchen Cooking Lesson with Anita is another great activity to partake in. There are several other facilities that offer the similar lessons. First, she will take you to the local market to purchase all of the ingredients that will be prepared in her outdoor kitchen. While preparing the meal she will demonstrate and allow everyone to participate in the preparations. Once all is done, while eating the meal she will share personal stories about her journey.  
  1. Spanish Class: There are about 10 different Spanish classes at San Pedro alone. If interested feel free to sign up. Most of the people are kind and great host. Some will even practice Spanish free of charge. 
  1. Learn to Make Chocolate: Choco Museo is my favorite chocolate shop. Located in Antigua right across from the main square. Sign up for the bean to bar workshop if you have time. You’ll get to make your own chocolate bar, sample various traditional drinks and learned the history of cacao and chocolate making process. 
  1. Coffee Plantation: If you are a coffee lover this tour is for you. Coffee plants are found everywhere on the lake in San Pedro Laguna and occasionally you can see farmers collecting the beans from their farm. The tours often take you to a plantation and after you are often invited to participate in the harvest, processing and roasting of the coffee before enjoying a fresh cup.  
  1. Visit Ancient Ruins of Tikal: I opted not to visit the ruins because I’ve seeing my fair share throughout the years from Asia through the Americas. Ruins are nonetheless fascinating. I always wondered how people back in those days were able to not only built those giant, lasting structures but also their similarities with each other when they didn’t travel. If you have time and have not seeing Mayan ruins as of yet I hear a visit is worth it and they also have monkeys at the park.  

Despite spending 10 days exploring Guatemala I needed more to escapade through Lake Atitlan. Guatemala is by far one of my favorite countries in North America and second favorite to Belize in Central America.