Anyone been to Guatemala?

[nitsuj3580]

my g/f, myself, and a few of her friends are going to Guatemala in August. I really didn't know much about it but love travelling.

Later I find out that safety is a pretty big issue over there. I know there is potential safety issues in most places you go but does anyone have experiences about being in Guatemala? What to expect? Tips?

Thanks

 

[cleanerupper]

I hear they have killer guacamole.

 

[amddude]

I went when we adopted my now 2 year old sister. There is a city not far from Guatemala City called Antigua...unbelievably beautiful. I have never seen so many flowers with such size and color ever. Lots of really cool mini-hotels and stuff in Antigua as well. HIGHLY recommend going there. We were with a tour guide type guy from the orphanage the whole time, not really at street level without being in the car. It seemed to me if you streered clear of very urban areas you'd probably be fine. Make sure you are in a nice hotel...it's worth the effort. The airport in Guatemala city has a lot of uncool people once you get outside the building. Watch your wallet very closely.

 

[purbeast0]

I've been to Nicaragua which is a pretty poor latin country, and I had a blast. My GF is Nicaraguan and has family there so I stayed in this little town for part of the time I was there at her families home. It was a lot more fun than I had expected, trust me, you will have a good time.

 

[Mayfriday0529]

Central America is rough. Lots of gangs and violence, mostly everyone is nice and friendly but the bad apples mess it up.

 

[nitsuj3580]

we'll definitely be hitting up Antigua. Looks beautiful from pictures I've seen.

 

[amddude]

I promise you, you will get laid after going there.

 

[WildHorse]

Here's some good recent background info touching on many aspects of the country:

Republic of Guatemal

 

[loup garou]

My friend is moving to Guatemala to teach for 2 years in August. I definitely want to go visit him!

 

[JS80]

errr don't get kidnapped

 

[Matilda]

I went in the late 90's to Antigua Guatemla and it was amazing. I went to lake Aticlan (sp?) and a rainforrest that was really cool. also climb the mayan ruins. Obviously be careful but you will have an amazing time. If you need any other recomendations let me know

 

[HomeBrewerDude]

i went to Guatamala in the 1992. It was a great trip!

Me and a friend traveled by bus the whole freaking way from Monterrey Mexico...

We went to Lake Atitlan and stayed at Panajachel, and a little town near the volcanos... http://images.google.com/images?hl=en&q...ajachel&btnG=Google+Search&sa=N&tab=wi

We also stayed at a few towns between Mexico and lake Atitlan. Good Cheap Food. Check with the US embassy's for travel alerts and use common sense.

I wish we had had time to get down to Antigua and Tikal, but we just couldn't sqeeze it in.

 

[HomeBrewerDude]

 

[Alienwho]

Don't dress like a tourist, don't dress too fancy, take off your watch and any jewelery. Don't go around speaking loud obnoxious English, you'll be fine.