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What to do in Antigua, Guatemala

[ 0 ] April 6, 2011

Planning a trip to Guatemala? Antigua is a popular stop-off point for travellers who love Colonial charm, 16th-century architecture and horse-drawn carriages.

It’s also one of the best – and cheapest – cities to learn Spanish in Central America and many find themselves staying for months.

Antigua, Guatemala - What to do in Antigua - Fabulous Travel Guide

Where to party

Nights out in Antigua consist of salsa dancing, afterhours bars and live music. Head to La Esquina to watch the locals spin themselves round on the dance floor. For a more ‘gringo’ vibe go to Mono Loco for super-cheap cocktails and disco classics.

Antigua, Guatemala - What to do in Antigua - Fabulous Travel Guide

What to do

Love adventure? Summit the dizzy heights of Pacaya – Antigua’s very own active volcano. If shopping is more your thing then you’ll be spoilt for choice: the local market is packed full of handpainted murals, pretty woven bags and stalls full of fresh fruit. You can also hire a bike and explore the city on wheels.

Planning a trip to Guatemala? Don’t forget to check out our favourite places Semuc Champey and Lake Atitlan – they’re to die for!

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Lake Atitlan – pictures to inspire your next trip

[ 0 ] April 3, 2011

Planning a trip to Guatemala? Lake Atitlan should be top of your agenda. Be inspired by some of our favourite pictures…

Lake Atitlan, Guatemala - Pictures to inspire your trip - Fabulous Travel Guide

Lake Atitlan, Guatemala - Pictures to inspire your trip - Fabulous Travel Guide

Lake Atitlan, Guatemala - Pictures to inspire your trip - Fabulous Travel Guide

Lake Atitlan, Guatemala - Pictures to inspire your next trip - Fabulous Travel Guide

Fallen in love yet? Wait until your cliff jumping in San Marcos or enjoying a pool party at Zoola hostel.

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Where to stay in Lake Atitlan: Zoola hostel

[ 0 ] April 1, 2011

Looking for a hostel in Lake Atitlan, Guatemala? Zoola in San Pedro has breathtaking views, a pool overlooking the water and plenty of social areas for guests to relax in.

And if you like spacious dorms, firm bunkbeds (these are made of stone) and pool parties on the weekend, this is your place.

Zoola hostel, Lake Atitlan, Guatemala - Fabulous Travel Guide

The restaurant is another reason to stay at Zoola. We love the low tables, straw mats and colourful pillows – a great combination that simply oozes backpacker style. Try the falafel pitta bread and delicious breakfast menu.

Prices cost from $6 for a dorm and you’ll need to book ahead – this one has been recommended by the Lonely Planet so it gets booked up fast.

See more pictures of Zoola hostel and don’t forget to follow me on Twitter for more travel updates and hostel reviews.

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Visit volcano-ringed Lake Atitlan in Guatemala

[ 0 ] March 30, 2011

If you thought Lanquin was pretty, gear yourself up for Lake Atitlan – another one of Guatemala’s hidden gems. Surrounded by volcanoes and shrouded in mystery, this dramatic region is as breathtaking as it is unique.

Lake Atitlan, Guatemala - What to do in Lake Atitlan - Fabulous Travel Guide

Where to stay

Lots of backpackers choose to stay in San Pedro (pictured below) where there’s cheap accommodation, great Spanish schools and a lively bar scene. Those looking for a more tranquil vibe should head to San Marcos where impromptu yoga classes spring up on the cliff tops. Love to shop? Panachel is packed full of souvenir stores and boutiques.

: San Pedro, Lake Atitlan, Guatemala – Fabulous Travel Guide

What to do

* Brush up on your Spanish skills

If your Spanish is a bit rusty, why not take a class? Lake Atitlan has some of the cheapest schools in Central America. San Pedro Spanish School is one of our favourites with sunny classrooms and professional teachers. Five days is just $70 – and you get 4 hours per day, one-on-one tuition.

* Go cliff jumping in San Marcos

Throw yourself off a 10m-high platform (pictured below) into Lake Atitlan. The stunning backdrop of volcanoes makes for a fantastic photo.

* Hike San Pedro Volcano

Love treking? Climb the beautiful San Pedro Volcano and experience some of the best views in Central America. Make sure you take a guide – robberies have been reported on some of the trails.

* Relax in thermal springs

Enjoy fantastic views of the lake as you laze around in thermal pools in San Pedro.

Looking for more places to visit in Guatemala? Don’t leave without swimming in the crystalline pools of Semuc Champey, one of our favourite places in Central America.

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How to cross borders in Central America

[ 6 ] March 4, 2011

Planning to travel through Central America? Crossing borders is fairly straight forward but occasionally tourists have trouble. Read these top tips for crossing borders safely:

* Avoid crossing borders at night

There’s usually a fair bit of walking to do between immigration offices so don’t leave yourself in a vulnerable position by arriving at night. You’re an easy target.

* Get stamped

Make sure you get stamped in and out of countries – this is really important as you could get refused entry/exit.

Crossing borders in Central America - Tips and advice for crossing borders - Fabulous Travel Guide

Crossing borders in Central America - Tips and advice - Fabulous Travel Guide

* Keep tourist cards and documents safe

It’s a good idea to buy a passport wallet so you can tuck away forms and tourist cards.

* Proof of onward travel

Read the latest entry requirements before travelling. Some countries, such as Costa Rica and Panama, require proof of onward travel. So print off flight documents or bus tickets ready to show them.

* Ask for receipts

There is usually a departure tax/entry fee when crossing borders in Central America. However, always ask for a receipt (see Spanish phrases) as tourists are often ripped off. It’s a good idea to carry extra cash in case of emergencies.

* Change your currency before you get to the border

You’ll get a better deal if you change your currency before you reach the border. If you do need to change money, make sure you know the exchange rate before you start negotiating.

* Be wary of fraudsters

Don’t hand your passport over to anyone until you’re safely inside the immigration building. Some fraudsters try and get you to ‘buy’ a stamp outside and insist you give them your passport. Don’t!

* Don’t leave valuables in your backpack

If you take a bus over the border it will usually drop you off at immigration and drive through separately. Don’t leave any valuables in your backpack – keep them on your person at all times (a money belt is a good idea).

* Travel in a group

You’re less likely to get ripped off if you’re in a group. If you’re travelling solo don’t worry, there will always be other people crossing at the same time as you so try and stick with them.

* Don’t carry drugs!

This may seem like an obvious one but it’s surprising how many travellers get into trouble because they forget to check their pockets.

Planning a trip to Central America? Get more tips for travelling safely abroad and don’t forget to follow me on Twitter!

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Relax in Flores, Guatemala

[ 0 ] February 22, 2011

Planning to visit the Mayan ruins of Tikal? Flores, a beautiful little town located on an island in Lago de Petén Itza in Guatemala, is a great place to stay.

The empty restaurants and cobbled streets give it a slightly twee feel, but the stunning views of the lake, and proximity to the ruins, attract backpackers from all over the world.

Cobbled streets of Flores, Guatemala - Tikal ruins - Fabulous Travel Guide

Where to stay

Hostel Los Amigos is the only hostel in Flores and is a great place to meet fellow travellers. Dorms cost from 45Q and privates from 120Q. The alfresco social areas are excellent, with a restaurant and bar serving cheap cocktails and heart-warming food.

What to do

Visit Tikal: Tours cost from 115Q. This includes transportation from your hostel, entrance fee and a tour guide. TOP TIP Some people don’t bother with a guide as it’s slightly cheaper – but make sure you do! You’ll learn so much more about the ruins and get a better understanding of Mayan culture.

Hike El Mirador: Discover one of the oldest Mayan cities in Central America as you trek through the jungle on a 5-day tour. Tours from Hostel Los Amigos cost from 300USD per person and include food, water, transport, camping equipment and guides.

Planning a trip to Guatemala? Visit the beautiful Semuc Champey or go cliff jumping in Lake Atitlan.

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Where to stay in Lanquin: Zephyr Lodge

[ 2 ] February 18, 2011

Looking for somewhere to stay in Lanquin, Guatemala? Zephyr Lodge is one of the best hostels we’ve seen – and the location is awesome.

Mountains loom on either side of the thatched dorms, pine forests stretch as far as the eye can see and clouds turn pink as the sun goes down. It’s magical, breathtaking and addictive, and many find they never want to leave.

Zephyr Lodge - Lanquin, Guatemala - Hostels in Lanquin - Fabulous Travel Guide

Zephyr Lodge - Lanquin, Guatemala - Fabulous Travel Guide

Rooms boast large windows overlooking Alta Verapaz, so enjoy those early mornings and take it easy until you feel ready to experience the showers (think open-air cubicles overlooking the mountains).

Dorms in Zephyr Lodge - Lanquin, Guatemala - Fabulous Travel Guide

It can get pretty lively here at night with drinking games, happy hour and the infamous Jenga dares, so get ready for impromptu shots, strong cocktails and parties until the early hours.

Love oven-baked pizzas, spicy chicken curry and salsa-drenched nachos? Then this place is for you. The only downside is that service can be pretty slow and orders often get mixed up, leaving people waiting up to an hour for food. But when you’re chilling out in a hammock overlooking the mountains, it’s hard enough to get up, let alone complain, so sit back, relax and enjoy…

Email [email protected] to make a booking. Check out more things to do in Lanquin, Guatemala and don’t forget to follow me on Twitter!

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PICTURE OF THE WEEK: Lake Atitlan, Guatemala

[ 5 ] February 16, 2011

Fallen in love yet? Wait until you’re cliff jumping in San Marcos or exploring the crystalline pools of Semuc Champey in Lanquin. Guatemala has it all, so get booking those flights now. No excuses.

Watching the sunset in Lake Atitlan, Guatemala - Picture of the week - Fabulous Travel Guide

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Cliff jumping in Lake Atitlan, Guatemala

[ 1 ] February 13, 2011

Fancy throwing yourself off a cliff into the cool waters of Lake Atitlan in Guatemala? San Marcos has its own jetty where swimmers can catapult themselves into the water 10m below.

The stunning backdrop of volcanos makes for a fantastic photo – so get your mate to climb down the cliff to get the perfect snap.

Cliff jumping in Lake Atitlan, Guatemala - Fabulous Travel Guide

How to get there

Lake Atitlan is 3.5 hours from Antigua and should cost around 60Q for a shuttle bus.

If you’re already on the lake, and staying in the backpacker town of San Pedro, take a water taxi (15Q each way) or hire a kayak (8Q per hour) and sail across. It should take around 40 minutes and you can leave it on a nearby beach.

How to avoid bruises

Make sure you land feet first and tuck your arms in as you enter the water. If you stick your arms out (or worse still, bellyflop) you’re guaranteed to come out with some mean-looking bruises.

TOP TIP Nervous? Get it over with asap. The longer you think about it, stare at it, put it off, cry, the harder it gets.

Looking for more exciting things to do in Central America? Go caving in Lanquin or swim with sharks in Caye Caulker.

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Semec Champey, Lanquin, Guatemala - Fabulous Travel Guide

Experience paradise in Semuc Champey, Guatemala

[ 5 ] February 9, 2011

Planning a trip to Guatemala? Lanquin, a small village just 40km northeast of Coban, is one of the county’s best kept secrets.

Its mountainous landscape, lush green forests and rumbling rivers set it apart from the neighbouring countries in Central America. And if you’re a fan of adventure, this place has more than enough to keep you occupied…

Semuc Champey, Lanquin, Guatemala - Fabulous Travel Guide

What to do

If you only do one thing in Lanquin, swim in the crystalline waters of Semuc Champey (pictured). The tumbling waterfalls, looming mountains and spectacular Cahabon River will take your breath away. Hike up El Mirador to see the 300m-long limestone bridge and emerald green pools in all their glory. It may be a fairly steep climb but the look-out point makes it all worthwhile.

If your hostel doesn’t arrange tours, there are plenty of places in town. A trip to Semuc Champey costs from 100Q (more if you include other activities) and includes entrance fee, a tour guide and transportation.

Tubing

Got an afternoon to spare? Soak up the sun by going tubing on the river. You can hire tubes from most hostels for around 60Q and it takes around 2 hours to float down. Most guides will provide a waterproof bag so you can take some beers. Beware of the rocks – they can be pretty lethal.

Tubing in Lanquin, Guatemala - Fabulous Travel Guide

Grutas de Lanquin

Looking for an adventure? Explore the cave network of Grutas de Lanquin by candlelight. Dive off rocks, climb waterfalls and squeeze through narrow passages. This excursion is sure to get the adreneline pumping and is well worth every penny. Tours cost from 60Q (more if Semec Champey is included).

Need somewhere to stay? Try Zephyr Lodge – it’s a great little hostel overlooking the mountains. Looking for more adventure? Caye Caulker in Belize has some of the best snorkelling in the world. Follow me on Twitter for more updates.

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Tag: "Guatemala"

What to do in Antigua, Guatemala

Lake Atitlan – pictures to inspire your next trip

Where to stay in Lake Atitlan: Zoola hostel

Visit volcano-ringed Lake Atitlan in Guatemala

How to cross borders in Central America

Relax in Flores, Guatemala

Where to stay in Lanquin: Zephyr Lodge

PICTURE OF THE WEEK: Lake Atitlan, Guatemala

Cliff jumping in Lake Atitlan, Guatemala

Experience paradise in Semuc Champey, Guatemala

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