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[iguerra]

The wifey, 2-yr old and I will be traveling to Guatemala in a couple weeks. We want to make sure we see as much as possible given we have a 2-yr old w/us. As soon as we get there we are heading to Antigua and using it as a base for trips further out to Lago de Atotitlan , Copan and other sites to be determined. We are most likely flying to Tikal and staying overnight given the distance to/from Antigua. Is it crazy to try and cram all this into a week? I would love to see even more but have to be somewhat realistic. Are the Honduran Bay Islands out of the question? What about the markets in Chichicastenango, Pacaya, etc? Any advice/insight would be much appreciated.

[rbisset]

Nothings impossible. I went from San Cristobal de las Casas, Mexico to Granada, Nicaragua in a week! It was pretty easy going as long as you don't mind up to 4 hours on a chicken bus a day. I even spent 2 days in Leon in that time.

[Jessica_CDN]

Guatemala is pretty small, so it won't be that bad. But be prepared for some significant bus trips.

Personally, I would think that the best way for you guys to see as much as possible is to get private transport. You can take chicken buses, but may have to wait longer for them and they may be hard with a two year old.

The tourist industry in Guatemala is pretty extensive, so you can get transport to/from anywhere for pretty reasonable. (Guat is increadibly cheap! - Check out my travel blog for the $ I spent while I was away)

Antigua is a great place to base yourself out of since there are SOOO many tourists there - let us know how it goes!

[rbisset]

I found I never had to wait at all for the chicken buses. There were always loads going round shouting the destination so it was easy.

[SlipperyCoconut]

Hello,

I just returned from a 5 month Central America trip - including 6 weeks in Guatemala alone. Check out our blog on Travelpod if you'd like details.
http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entri...04140/tpod.html

There is a lot to see and do there, so I would recommend doing the Bay Islands (Honduras) another time since you only have 1 week.

My recommendations for Best Of Guatemala would include:

- Visit Lake Atitlan for 1-2 days. Stay at Casa Del Mundo (google for website) or Isla Verde if Casa Del Mundo is full. Transportation around the lake is really easy with the launchas (small ferries) - so you don't need to stay in Panahajel or Santiago to enjoy it on a tight schedule.

- Antigua for 1-2 days. Hike Volcan Pacaya during the afternoon ($5 for guided hike and transport through any of the 100's of travel agencies in town). It can easily be done in a half day - just ask your hotel when you arrive to arrange it. It is a must do! Walk through Casa Santo Domingo for curiousity's sake.

- Semuc Champey is really beautiful (and the nearby water caves are fantastic fun!) if you can fit it in (a logical halfway stop between Antigua and Flores/Tikal) El Retiro lodge in Lanquin is a great location on the river for tubing. They have direct shuttles to/from the Black Cat Hostel in Antigua every other day.

The Mayans in the Highlands of Guatemala are really genuinely friendly people. It is a real treat to observe them still wearing their beautiful brightly colored traditional attire. If you go to Lake Atitlan, you can easily visit the surrounding lakeside villages to visit some Mayan communities.

As far as shopping, Chichicastenango is the biggest brightest market in Central America. We didn't stop there because we had seen enough markets to keep us content. Antigua has TONS of souvenier and crafts shops and markets - so if you just want to shop and are limited on time, then you can just stick to Antigua and skip Chichi.

Normally I frown upon guided tours. But since you only have a week, you may want to consider one in order to hit the Best Of. We met a couple that went with Old Town Outfitters in Antigua and were impressed with the number of Guatemalan sights they visited during their short stay. The company arranged all the transportation and the couple did not have to worry about tranfers and timing. It is more costly, but will guarantee you get to see the highlights in a timely fashion.

Antigua is a good base for Lake Atitlan, the Pacific Coast, and even Copan Ruins (Honduras). But not very good for Tikal - they are on opposite corners of the country! If you have the spare change, then flying is your best option. (Travel by bus is over 10 hours each direction)

Cheers,
Kay

[Jessica_CDN]

I found I never had to wait at all for the chicken buses. There were always loads going round shouting the destination so it was easy.

No, you're right - generally chicken buses are coming and going all the time - more I was concerned about taking a kid on it - guess it depends on the kid though. Some would love it, some would freak out. haha.

[kariandlukeyb]

hola iguerra

everyone appears to have given you solid advice already... your family will truly fall in love with guatemala.

my advice is try not to fit too much in. when i first started to travel i rushed around like a headless chicken. yes, i understand that you only have s short time, but try to see a few places and give them credit, rather than spending more time on transport.

i think a few people have hit the nails on the head with where to go. if you go upto tikal, stay at flores,..and beautiful lake, a bit aimed at tourists in that there are hostels, hotels and restaurants (great ones eg la luna) all on oen small island, but its calm , and relaxing for a short family stay. from there, get a day trip to tikal.

i would also recommend poptun..on way down to rio dulce. there is a finca isabella (i apologise if i have spelt that wrong), but there you feel at home, can do various activties very cheaply, the food and accomodation has been the besti have experienced yet... you could very easily find yourself here for the whole time..seeing the real countryside of g.

good luck, and i hope you have fun...
my journeys through this beautiful land continues....

[caracuda]

I found I never had to wait at all for the chicken buses. There were always loads going round shouting the destination so it was easy.

No, you're right - generally chicken buses are coming and going all the time - more I was concerned about taking a kid on it - guess it depends on the kid though. Some would love it, some would freak out. haha.

Well if the locals can go on, you can too. for schedules visit thebusschedule.com