I'd like to try a loop by bus from Huehue to Colotenango, then to Cuilco, Tacana, San Pedro Zacatepequez and Xela. I think it's pretty straightforward, except the stretch between Cuilco and Tacana. Does anyone know whether there is bus service between these two towns? Are either of them big enough to have a simple hospedaje? Any suggestions or observations would be appreciated. Is this area as scenic as I'm led to believe? Thanks in advance for your help!
1
stingrayj
my experiences in the highlands have been that if there's a rd, dirt or otherwise, then some one will give you a lift. Sometimes have to pay a little for gas. Things have got a lot easier now in last few years as way more pick ups and microbuses doing remote routes. This is a remote region but sd be fine, and if you're really stuck just ask for the 'alcalde' (mayor) and they'll find a roomd for you or let you kip in the municipalidad.
Are you planning to climb Tacamulco?
2
delmonte
Hey there, I agree with #1, if your planning on hiking Tacana or Tajumulco, the highest volcano in guatemala at almost 14,000 feet. Then I would suggest you check out www.quetzaltrekkers.com. On the other hand there are several roads that've been paved recently on that part of the country. Thus, they still not shown on road maps.
3
nerowolfe
Thanks to you both. I'm going to give it a try; if it's a good trip, I'll post what I find! No, I'm not doing any climbing...at 65 and with a dodgy heart, I'm quite happy to wander wherever a bus, micro or tuk tuk can take me. My abilities may be a bit diminished, but not my enthusiasm!
4
delmonte
I would recommend you to check out www.passplanet.com/guatemala. It has lots of useful information on places to stay, eat and how to get to different towns on the highlands and the rest of the country. I'm sure you'll find it very informative. Good luck.
5
stingrayj
Do you have a guide book?
The Rough Guide is best for this area, though hardly comprehensive. Footprint has some info, though not much. LP zilch. Moon nada.
6
nerowolfe
I've got a copy of the Rough Guide, and found it pretty limited for the western highlands. I'm waiting for the new LP, due out in Sept. Don't know that it will be much help there, though. But that's ok...be kinda fun to poke through an area without a guidebook! Thanks to you all!
7
stingrayj
I doubt LP will have anything, never covered this region before, ignored it completely in fact. VVV few tourists. sd be fun!
PLEASE post up your feedback
8
delmonte
Doing some research on the guatemalan government official newspaper I came to reconfirm what I had read somewhere else before regarding those roads. According to the January 6th issue,the President was in the area supervising the construction work between Cuilco and Tacana which included paving the road and rebuilding several bridges that were damaged by hurricane Stan back in Oct 2005. The company that won the bid was expected to complete that project by July of this year. That road is supposed to be Ruta Nacional 12 (RN-12) which also includes the strecht from Tejutla-San Sebastian- Tajumulco-San Jose Ojetenam- Ixchiguan- Sibinal-Tacana- Tectitan and Cuilco. So, I would say that there's got to be regular bus service between those towns. Good luck.
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