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[1gregp]

I'm in Puerto Rico and I have a week to kill. There are cheap flights here to either Panama or Guatamala. It's a last minute trip, so not much planning. I have never been to either. Any suggestions on which Country to go to this time of year, where to go and what to do in just 7 days?

[semi-backpacker]

I would recommend Guatemala. I originally had a trip to Guatemala and a trip to Panama planned (I was living in Costa Rica at the time) and I loved Guatemala so much, that I canceled my Panama trip and went back to Guatemala a second time!

I would recommend starting with Antigua Guatemala. Most hotels in Antigua have airport pick-up from Guatemala City for a reasonable fee. Spend 2-3 days here. Walk around the town, enjoy the great restaurants, take in the colonial sites, take side trips to San Antonio de Aguas Calientes, the water volcano, mirador de Santa Cruz, and many others!

From Antigua, head to Lake Atitlan. I kid you not, it is the most beautiful lake in the world. Spend 1-2 days here. Take a small boat (a bit pricey, but worth it!) to San Antonio. Visit the places where the women make the local fabric and enjoy unparalleled views of the lake from all sides.

I ran out of time on my trips, but I would recommend spending the last few days visiting the ancient Mayan pyramids of Tical.

Good luck!

[1gregp]

Thank you so much!!!

[mmbcross]

No contest! Guatemala any time. To me Guatemala, for it's size, is the world's most diverse destination.

As Semi-Backpacker recommends, stay in Antigua Guatemala rather than Guatemala City. Antigua is only a hour from the airport.

There are excellent tourist shuttles covering the whole country at reasonable prices.
http://www.atitrans.com/servicio_colectivos_esp.htm

Be sure to write a travelblog here about your experiences.

[troispistoles]

Anybody has been to Panama?

[mmbcross]

I have.

The Panama Canal is very interesting. Panama City reminds me of a Hispanic Las Vegas.

There are very good nature tours and beach tours out of town. Panama tends to be more expensive as the currency is the US$.

If you are looking at a beach holiday, don't go to Guatemala.

Check out these Travelpod visitors to Panama:
http://www.travelpod.com/blogs/0/Panama.html

Cheers
Martin

[rbisset]

Guatemala certainly has a lot of places to see but I never really warmed to the place. For me Nicaragua was the best Central American country!