This was the first country in Latin America I visited. It completely changed my life. It was from this trip that I decided to travel across Latin America for a year. I went back to the USA after 2.5 months in Guatemala to plan my one year backpacking trip. I’ve since returned to Guatemala several times. I simply love this country.

For Travel Tips, check out the Country Overview section (below the photos).

For Blogs, click Good Memories del mi viaje de Guatemala……,

Getting recharged in Guatemala,

We Meet Again: Central America (Guatemala, Belize & Honduras)

Enjoy the photos!

2011

2010

2008

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Country Overview

Visa: citizens of the U.S.A do not need visa. For others, check with the Guatemalan embassy in your country of residence

In-country Travel: very easy and fairly cheap to travel within the country. The local bus (popularly called ‘chicken bus’ by backpackers) is off course the cheapest means short distance traveling within the country. For long distance, use Linea Dorada, ADN, Litegua

International Travel: Easy access to other Central American countries. Tica Bus has direct connection with all Central American countries

Hostels

Antigua: Jungle Party Hostel. Free wi-fi & breakfast, great place to meet people, cozy dorm rooms and nice chill area….

San Pedro de Laguna: Hotel Gran Sueno- Really clean, room comes with its own bathroom & TV and Hostal Marisa: Pitiful place, bathroom are horrible.

Panajachel: Marios Room- Free breakfast purified water, wi-fi & internet, has TV room. Located on the main street.

Quetzaltenango/Xela: Hostal Don Diego- About 5 minutes walk to the parque central. Laid back staff, free internet & wi-fi, well equipped kitchen, hot water shower and nice dorm.

Flores: Hospedaje Goya – OK place, nice staffs, good if you are in transit. Kitchen not available for guests, free internet & wi-fi

Guatemala City:

• Dos Lunas– Slightly expensive $14/night/person for a dorm bed however located in  a safe area very close to the airport. Comes with free breakfast and Lorena -the owner is pleasant. Free wi-fi only, you pay to use the internet if you don’t have your laptop. Cozy guesthouse, no kitchen available for use.
• Hotel Casa Santorini: Safe area and very very close to the airport, you can walk to the airport from here. Awesome owner, cheaper than Dos Lunas $10 for dorm bed, free breakfast, wi-fi & internet. Roof top terrace with hammocks and BBQ area.

Spanish Classes

• Celas Maya.
• Educacion para todos

Cafes & Pastries (Quetzaltenango)

• Cafe Baviera
• XelaPan
• El Cuartito

Others

• Nuevo Horizontes (the only female shelter in the country)
• EntreMundos