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Trip Report

Holidays in Guatemala

17 days at Christmas and the New Year between Antigua, Tikal and Lac Atitlán

  • Antigua Guatemala
  • Antigua Guatemala
  • Lake Atitlán
  • Holidays in Guatemala
berenice.rosa
About Me:
AtlasGuru Contributor

North AmericaGuatemala9 days / January - December 2018

Highs & Lows

Perfect weather and people

Transport time (you have to take your time)

Itinerary Overview

After a long trip of 20 hours with a stopover in the United States we arrived at the airport of Guatemala City.

From there we took a cab that brought us directly to Antigua, a small town located a few kilometers from the capital known for its colonial style, its colorful houses, the volcanoes that surround it and its tranquility. I confess that it is one of my favorite cities. We did as activity : climbing a still active volcano the view was spectacular.

After a few days spent to settle down we went to Flores. This city of the North is located on an almost island at the edge of the lake Peten Itza.

After a day of wandering around the city we went to Tikal for a two day trip. This ancient Mayan city is a real treasure, in the middle of the tropical forest we can admire the famous pyramids.

Then we went back to Antigua to celebrate the new year. The city was very joyful, everybody had lanterns to launch the new year and the fireworks were magnificent.

Before going to our last stop in San Catarina Palopo, a small village on the shores of Lake Atlántico, south east of the capital.  We went there by bus (it takes about 4 to 5 hours to get there from Antigua). The big city of the lake is Panachel, from there you can find different buses that go to San Catarina Palopo. This village is very nice with houses of all colors. We took a boat trip to another village called San Pedro and its market.

After 6 days in this village, my little paradise, we went back to the capital to take the plane to Europe.

  • 4 Nights: Antigua Guatemala
    the architecture the atmosphere and the food
  • 5 Nights: Lake Atitlán
    spend time with your family
Antigua Guatemala - the architecture the atmosphere and the food
1

Antigua Guatemala the architecture the atmosphere and the food

Antigua Guatemala - the architecture the atmosphere and the food - null
Antigua Guatemala - the architecture the atmosphere and the food - null

Antigua is relatively small, but contains some magnificent monuments. its colorful houses, the volcanoes that surround it and its tranquility. For example, the Cathedral of San Jose, the Arch, the old National Palace and the ruined columns. 
It is a bit touristy but out of season it is still very bearable.  

I was lucky to have a trip to the top of the volcano, it lasted only half a day. We ate melted marshmallows with the heat of the volcano in front of a magnificent view. It's a great memory! 

In 1944, the city was legally protected by Guatemala. 
And in 1979 Antigua was included in the unesco world heritage list 

Lake Atitlán - spend time with your family
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Lake Atitlán spend time with your family

Lake Atitlán - spend time with your family - null

This small village by the lake is a real paradise. I spent my time reading, writing on a hammock but also visiting friends. Moreover the handicraft is really pretty. And I really enjoyed taking a small fishing boat to visit other villages. 

Q & A

  • What would you have changed?

    If I had more time I would have gone to the beach on the Pacific side
  • Restaurant recommendations?

    taste the tacos of the central square in antigua. Eating bananas and pineapples in the market. Eating the all-you-can-eat brunch on Sunday morning in an old colonial house in antigua
  • Packing tips?

    It is necessary to bring mosquito repellent if you are going into the rainforest and clothing that covers everything.
  • Transportation Tips?

    Not to be in a hurry. Not to be surprised if the buses go fast (some can cut the engine)

Lodging