Guatemala Itinerary
Hi All,First off, I know you guys probably get more of these requests than you'd like but I'm at my wits end to see if my schedule would work out. I know travel within the country can be slow and prone to delays but I really do want to be able to get a good sample of the country while I am there. My three main focus points are Lake Atitlan, Antigua, and Tikal, which after a month of reading this forum seems to be there three tourist highlights of the country. I fly into the GUA around 11PM on December 23 and fly out at 2PM December 31. I have done a bit of research but I would greatly appreciate any thoughts, insights, and/or improvements all of you may have.
December 23 - fly in, stay around the airport in Guatemala City
December 24 - take an early bus to Panajachel
December 25 - Christmas! in Pana, perhaps surrounding villages
December 26 - Bus back to Guatemala City and bus to Flores (perhaps the overnight luxury bus on Linea Dorada)
December 27 - Tikal
December 28 - Flores, bus to Guatemala City at night
December 29 - Antigua
December 30 - Antigua (perhaps hiking Pacaya in the morning)
December 31 - Antigua with morning bus to Guatemala to catch my flight back home
I would mostly like to use local transport. My budget isn't too low ($70-$100 USD) per day with lodging, travel costs are separate. I speak Spanish well enough and have traveled relatively extensively. I am male and in my mid-twenties if that matters and traveling alone.
There are a few concerns/questions. First, I will be traveling during a relatively busy time of the year for the country. Do I (or should I) make reservations? If so, can you suggest how far in advance? Secondly, have I built in enough cushion for traffic, other road incidents? Third, does it even seem doable? I am in great shape and young so fatigue isn't a big deal for me. Lastly, I have scoured the forums and have heard great things about Linea Dorada. I don't mind paying more for comfort. Would that be the way to go? Also, would tickets around this time of the year require reservation on the luxury bus?
Thank you very much for your help. I am looking forward to my trip greatly!
1
I would just go to Antigua when you get there, it will be much easier, 45 minutes on a shuttle at night direct from airport, and then enjoy Xmas in a old colonial city with 35 churches. They also have processions thru the streets of Antigua as well as midnight mass everywhere, and also Fireworks at Midnight, its pretty vibrant and fun. Pana you would be missing out big time IMO, plus 4 hours bus each way for what?Then go to Flores/Tikal, and then return to GC and bus to Pana if need be.
I was in Antiga at Xmas 2 years ago, one the best Xmas eve I ever had...
2
The itinerary you listed should work very well. I don't consider it too rushed, not at all. Ample time for all three places. I have spent Christmas in Antigua and thought it was a wonderful experience. Have not spent Christmas in Panajachel or anywhere at the lake, so don't know first hand about it. Hopefully others who have will post their comments about Pana. I think you will likely end up at the lower end of your budget range.Buen viaje!
3
Assuming you have places to stay I would go straight to Antigua for whatever amount of time, Pana, then to Tikal and end your trip coming back from Tikal in GC.5
Have spent a couple of Christmas eves at the lake, and one at Antigua... all were wonderful. At the lake, at least in the villages where I was, everyone got dressed in their finery and went out to church at midnight. Lots of fireworks, good times. Either one would be a winner, though IMO it'd be better to be in a village than in Pana.6
I have adjusted my schedule, per your recommendations. I have a couple of questions. Firstly, do the busses to Flores run on Xmas day? Secondly, I have heard people say to stay in Antigua during Xmas. Should I be there the night before (Xmas Eve) or the night of Xmas? Thanks.December 23 - fly in, stay in Antigua
December 24 - Antigua
December 25 - Antigua (Night bus to Flores)
December 26 - Flores
December 27 - Tikal, night bus to Guatemala City
December 28 - Bus to Pana
December 29 - Pana/Lake Atitlan
December 30 - Bus to Antigua
December 31 - Antigua with morning bus to Guatemala to catch my flight back home
8
Xmas eve in Antigua is pretty special time, there are street processions with locals singing/praying hymm's and carrying various depictions of Jesus and Mary, there are a lot of churches in Antigua, over 30, bells tolling and masses at midnight, there is also fireworks at midnight thru out the city, both planned and just locals celebrating, add to this a lot of of tourist enjoying the moment, and also all the better cafes have seating for dinners at like like 6, 8 and 10, all in the back drop of a old spanish colonial Unesco WHS of cobblestone streets and spanish colonial casas and building painted in traditional colors of the regions/latin americas.New Years eve is great at Atitlan, fireworks on the lake and a lot of partying in all the lakeside villages...
10
Agree with the others about going to Antigua rather than spending the night around the airport. Soon as you get to Antigua tell your hotel you want to go to Pana next day. They handle all. I spent one Christmas in Antigua. Great but glad I booked my hotel in advance. Pana shouldn't be as bad. Really recommend Mario's Rooms.
