GUAT EM MA LA we loved you! We
only had 13 days but I think we covered the best you have to offer. A country
full of wonderful lakes, volcano’s, jungle, Cacao and coffee plantations and
even the odd Mayan ruin thrown in, what’s not to like?
The only thing we would do
differently, if we had more time, would have been to take a short boat trip to Belize
from Livingston and chilled out on a beach somewhere.
Unlike some Central/South American
countries Guatemala still has a real authentic feel. Traditional dress is still
worn in small villages which are hand woven colourful prints. Long skirts and
tops for the girls, and the men look like colourful cowboys. Equally colourful
chicken buses roar up and down roads and can take you to your destination for penny’s.
The food, despite the corn
tortillas, is pretty decent too, try Pepian if you come, a spicy and delicious soup.
We avoided Guatemala City, deciding
not to stay there as it didn’t have a lot to offer apart from being a bit
dangerous in parts and pricy accommodation. Guatemala is reportedly dodgy, but
despite the security guards with their sawn-off shot guns and machete wearing
guides, we didn’t run into or hear of any trouble.
By far our favourite was Semuc
Champey, elsewhere I’m sure it would be crammed with tourists. It is absolutely
stunning and we could have easily spent another day there.
Don’t be put off by the long and
cramped bus journeys, it does have airports, we just took the hardened traveller
route which whilst uncomfortable, allowed us to appreciate its beauty.
The Snug was by far the best bar
we have come across on our travels (and we’ve been to a few). Coming back to
Antigua and receiving a warm welcome from our new friends was a delight. I
still smile at a story a Brit Ex pat called Andrew shared with us. He got
kicked off a fox hunting protest by his fellow activists for eating a ham sandwich
J
I’m so glad that we opted for Guatemala
over Nicaragua, If we’ve sold it to you,
I’m including the details of the tour company we went with should you be
tempted.
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