Try and catch a Litegua bus (about 50q) to Fronteras. After staying there for a day, hop a river taxi to Livingston for a Day or so.
If you're eager to get off the tourist trail, try and spend a few of those days in Guat City...most of the guidebooks and recommendations say "Stay away" which--to the avid vagabond--means "Check me out!"
-JB
"Seriousness is stupidity sent to college." -P.J. O'Rourke
Cool, thanks. The Rio Dulce looks awesome. We've got a few contacts in Guatemala City (the Guatemalan side of the Iglesias family, no kidding) so I'm hoping we'll spend a few days getting the local side of things. I'm usually not a big fan of major cities, but they're hard to beat for getting a dose of a country's diversity.
Jenny,
Been to La Antigua for Spanish immersion, 1 week. Jose & Karla, LATINOAMERICA
Spanish academy were very professional. Hiked volcan Pacaya with group. 100 yards from small active lava flow. Never in the States.
Rio Dulce nice. Stayed in Hacienda Tijax, a short launch ride across river.
Clean, friendly, ample food. Kevin, the activities director is cool.
This time we go west to Atitlan, Chichicastenango, the 3 villages called the Ixil triangle, Totonicapen, Momostenango, etc. We are also going into Mexico to Chiapas.
My friend, is an altruistic purveyor of indigenous crafts and fabrics, plans on meeting with new sources of said items, so we're kinda' wingin' it. Once she
finds what she is looking for, she'll spend time there in order to hear the story those people have to tell. She sells here AND brings a message.
We leave Feb 6., Charlotte-Guat.
I didn't realize you could do Spanish immersion for so short a time--thanks for the tips! Have a great time when you head down next. Keep us all posted!
Update: recently returned from my trip to Guatemala, and here are the things I'd highly recommend (for others who found this post out of curiosity):
Hiking Volcano Pacaya outside of Guatemala City (also accessible from Antigua). It's a little touristy, but getting up close and personal with active lava flows is pretty awesome no matter how many people are around.
Staying at El Retiro in Lanquin. Fabulous riverside camping/hammock/private cabin setup, with excellent food and a great vibe.
Doing El Retiro's tour of Semuc Champey. Includes exploring a cool cave (in the water, in your bathing suit, in the dark, candles only) and great local guides that will show you where you can jump off a waterfall at the base of Semuc Champey itself. SC is probably one of the most beautiful places I've ever been. DO IT.
Happy travels!
Joined: 09-13-06
My bf and I are heading to Guatemala for three weeks in February, and would love to hear any and all of your suggestions about where to go and what to do--beyond Tikal, Antigua, Lake Atitlan, and Quetzaltenango (since those seem to be the minimum standard). We're pretty adventurous and eager to get away from the tourist trail.
Thanks!
Jenny