Antigua.....

1 time on a share shuttle I sat behind an amazing combo mullet/dreadlock hairdo with visible lice. Ew.

Thankyou for all your replies. I'll leave my accomodation in Antigua unreserved for now. I have my old LP guide and have noted that both Casa Cristina & Casa Antigua are on the map.

I had good luck last time using Adrenalina Tours for my shuttles. Antigua to Xela & Xela to Panajachel, so I'll probably stick with them. I also used their office in Xela.

I had already intended to spend at least three nights in Copan. The guidebook and on-line reviews say as well as the Archaeological Site, the town itself is a nice place to hangout and spend multiply days. Your replies reinforce that.
I'll try to become part of a group when I visit the site to lower costs.

Finally I'll inquire about the Giant Kite Festival and the two options of Sumpango & Santiago Sacatepequez, once I arrive in Antigua.

Eww, stinky people. Seriously rethinking my decision to take a shuttle all the way from Antigua to Leon...