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Guatemala Tour 2011!

By : Joseph Grant
Trip Begins February 7, 2011
Trip Ends February 16, 2011

Joe and Sharon's 2011 adventure in Guatemala!
See my photos : Guatemala Tour 2011!

Want to go? Guatemala Explorer

I went to: Guatemala, Guatemala City, Hotel Biltmore, Antigua, Hotel Aurora, Chichicastenango, Panajachel, Flores, Casona del Lago, Yaxha, Santiago de Atitlan, Tikal Ruins, Chiminos Island Lodge
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February 7, 2011
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Arrival in Guatemala City

Hotel Biltmore, Guatemala City

Flights on time. Pickup service great. Hotel very accommodating. Great start.

February 8, 2011
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Antigua

Hotel Aurora, Antigua

Our transportation (provided by ViaVenture) arrived early and gave us a lot of background on Antigua. We arrived well before noon and had chance to walk around for a few hours in the morning. Town was quiet; locals were friendly; and of course the town was very interesting. Food was great. Only had to buy 1 necklace from the street sellers so we got away cheap! Jose (our guide) showed up early and after some preliminaries, we found that we had mutual interests (anthropology, photography, and archeology). He seemed to know everything (and everybody). Went to a few city areas we had not seen for some in depth explanations. We knew we were going to like him. A few cups of Guatemalan espresso at a roof top cafe ended the day.

February 9, 2011
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More Antigua and the Fildelphia coffee plantation

We arose early and after breakfast met the Fildelphia "truck" for a bumpy ride to the plantation where we were fortunate to have sole access to a very informative tour of the plantation and a chance to meet some of the local pickers who kindly let me photograph them for nominal compensation. We were there quite some time enjoying not only the coffee areas but also the beautiful grounds. Later we spent more time poking around the ruins in Antigua.

February 10, 2011
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Chichi market then on to Lake Atitlan

Chichicastenango, Guatemala

Jose and another driver/guide took us up into the highlands with a running dialog on Mayan traditions and symbols...very informative. We also enjoyed the outgoing good humor they both had to offer. The market was all it's cracked up to be....big ...a bit chaotic to the uninitiated, and very colorful. Jose made sure we did not miss a trick especially with the respectful visit to the Mayan shrine on the hill above the town where a ceremony was underway. Dined at a market cafe...great tacos. Took lots of pictures in the market and could have stayed longer but we were due at the docks in Panajachel to take a water taxi to our hotel. Lake Atitlan and surrounding area has to be one of the most scenic places in the world. And hotel Lomas de Tzununa was one of a kind. We'll always remember the steps - but we're both over 60 and they didn't kill us! THE VIEWS! THE VIEWS! THE VIEWS!

February 11, 2011
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Villages of San Pedro and Santa Catarina

Morning found us on a pleasant boat journey across the lake to visit the people of the villages where we admired their native dress and their children and ate their food. We always asked to interact and were usually given permission. A full day of walking followed by a boat ride back to the hotel. Another great day of education from Jose. And yes, another walk up the steps to get to showers and dinner.

February 12, 2011
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Hiking...then a problem

Bright sun; THE VIEW, a hearty breakfast and we started off on what was supposed be a great hike from our hotel to village of Santa Cruz.... a hike that promised great lake views, homestead farms, and villages. Jose had thoughtfully arranged for an additional guide to accompany us so as to insure no local "misunderstandings". The machete seemed a little much but the inn keeper and Jose did not want to have any issues. Part way,Joe became very ill . A boat was called to meet us at the nearest village. We then got to appreciate the "other way " to get to our hotel which involved a 4X4 trip with the innkeeper. Later, Sharon also became ill , so we were both in bed. Now what? Was it the food? Did we get too much sun? Are we that out of shape?

February 13, 2011
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Guatemala medical care

Hotel Biltmore, Guatemala City

It became obvious this morning that we needed medical attention. (I will spare the details). It was at this point that we came to appreciate the people who Adventure Life and ViaVenture had assigned to us (guides, drivers, boaters). To make a long story short, all arrangements were made to get us to a private hospital in Guatemala City (took all morning) with English speaking doctors who were waiting for us. Tests...hospital gowns...OH NO!

We were diagnosed with a virus (could have picked up before we left or on the airplane) and sent to bed rest at the Biltmore hotel. We were going to miss our flight to Flores, but we were "mothered" the whole time by Jose (our hero). All trip schedules and accommodations were adjusted for us. That night we slept with our newly acquired meds and a strong positive impression of the care and attention we received at the hospital and by ViaVenture.

February 14, 2011
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No Yaxha as planned

Guatemala City, Guatemala

We were feeling better but not great...We couldn't get on the evening flight to Flores. Jose called to check on us. So did Adventure Life and the travel insurance company they had recommended. It seemed everyone was trying to help. Given we were stuck and a bit weak, Jose offered to take us to a "safe" lunch and on a brief, low impact tour of Guatemala City. It was a very nice gesture (he was not supposed to be with us that day). Early to bed for VERY early flight to Flores tomorrow. We are hoping to salvage at least one day among the Mayan ruins.

February 15, 2011
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Tikal Tour

Tikal Ruins, Guatemala

Good (but too early) flight. Met by guide at the airport for a very interesting tour of the ruins at Tikal followed by a surprisingly delicious late lunch. We were able to walk thru all the ruins and climbed one or two. The site was surprisingly empty. Very happy to have salvaged Tikal portion of the trip. It would have been terrible to have missed it . We got lucky. The temps never got out of the mid 70's and there were no bugs so even the sickly ones were able to do the whole thing.

Spent the rest of the day bumming around Flores and Lake Peten. Then flew back to Guatemala City to get a bit of rest before early departure tomorrow.

February 16, 2011
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Return Home

Guatemala City, Guatemala

Another uneventful series of flights back to the snow . We love Continental Airlines...been using them for years without issue or lateness. Guess we got the last of the free pretzels.

Home late and having a bit of a relapse ...probably because we did too much at Tikal.

We would recommend Guatemala to anyone and make sure Adventure Life gets Jose for you!

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