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Guatemala Tours - Testimonials



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Highland Discovery

Joan Hanson (Galapagos Deluxe Cruise - Nemo I, Mar 2006)
The Nemo I was the best! It took us to lots of different spots, and we were able to snorkel and dive 2 times every day. The crew told us what to expect each day.

Every day was well planned and we knew just what we were going to do and see at every moment. We got lots of time to read, nap, eat, talk, and relax. Our guide made sure we were first on the trail in the early morning and then we walked again in the late afternoon. We were able to swim and rest in the heat of the day.

The tour was excellent! Adventure Life was a lucky find and we thank you all!

Cliff Hansen and family (Guatemala Explorer, Feb 2006)
The pre-departure support for our trip was excellent! The Adventure Life staff was very responsive to my queries and gave me detailed answers to questions. We had a lot of help in customizing the trip to meet our needs.

We enjoyed the tour immensely - especially the country and its people. I especially like the jungle portions of the trip. I felt like we were really "roughing it". We would definitely recommend the tour to our friends.

Pam McPeek and Bill Halligan (Highland Discovery, Dec 2005)
Our guide was just the best. We can't say enough good things about him. He became our friend. We were lucky enough to have him to ourselves, and he MADE the trip. His genuineness, his knowledge of history, current affairs, places, and people; his enthusiasm, warmth, kindness, skill in getting around, competence and excellent judgment as a driver and his attention to our needs and wants and to all of the details made it so we could simply relax and revel in the experience of exploring and learning about Guatemala. He said that he sees his job as selling his country, and I can't imagine a better agent. His love and deep caring for his country and its people shine through. We all miss him a lot.

I loved being "close to the earth" and close to the people. I applaud heartily your environmental and cultural sensitivity. The Guatemalans were, to a person, enchantingly warm, charming, and friendly. The intimacy and person nature of this trip is simply unmatched by anything I have ever experienced before. And, to make it all even better, Guatemala is a scenically beautiful country and the weather was superb!

In terms of my family now, this was a first for us. We are usually independent travelers. We were unsure about traveling through Guatemala on our own, so this was the perfect compromise for us - a "non-tour" tour - giving us the happiest ... Read All

Belize Explorer - Ambergris Caye

Barbara Marroquin (Belize Explorer, Apr 2009)
This was my second tour with Adventure Life. Both of them were fantastic. I like that your tours are not so luxurious that a traveler is totally isolated from the local people. Your local guides are carefully chosen. I really enjoyed walking across the border into Guatemala and getting into our Guatemalan driver's pickup truck with our Belizean guide accompanying us. Driving through the ranch lands on a chalk white dirt road gave us a nice view of the "non-tourist" countryside. Finishing up back in Belize with a few days on the beach was perfect.

Stuart Poole (Belize Explorer, Feb 2009)
AL staff were very helpful and the personalized service was awesome.

The coordination for the transportation and lodging was seamless. With no need to worry about the logistics we had more energy to use on enjoying everything to see and do.

Without exception the guides were personable and knowledgeable and added much to the experience. We really felt we got more out of all the trips than those visiting without local experts.

We can't say enough - the experiences were well planned and executed. We will remember this week for the rest of lives.

Vicki Berchou (Belize Explorer - Ambergris Caye + Placencia, Mar 2006)
Guatemala was such an experience that we wish we'd taken extra days to see more of it! Our favorite experiences - aside from the great food - was the opportunity to spend a morning sharing breakfast with the Garcia Sisters. The Mayan immersion was terrific.

Lynette and Tom Thompson (Belize Explorer - Ambergris Caye, Feb 2006)
We were in awe for most of the time! The ruins at Tikal were awesome, and I really enjoyed breakfast at the Garcia Sisters. The setting for breakfast was very serene with birds all around us as we waited for our food to be brought by foot across the fields. It was a truly unique experience and gave great insight into the Mayan culture of today.

Thank you to all for making this a very memorable 30th wedding anniversary for us!

William and Betty Reed (Belize Explorer - Ambergris Caye, Mar 2005)
Visiting Actun Tunichil Muknal cave was an amazing experience. We couldn't believe that we actually did that! We felt like it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and he helped us through any difficult parts.

Belize Explorer

Yvonne Macartney (Belize Explorer + Reefs & Cayes, Jan 2009)
Special mention to Marissa, who was very helpful and came up with the idea of Pooks Hill, Tikal & Flores. The flights were perfect, on super little planes that actually made flying fun again. Look forward to traveling with you again.

All were good, but a special mention for ''Mike'' from Pooks Hill (who also came with us into Guatemala and looked after us ..we expected to have to muddle through ourselves with our very limited Spanish) and Ian who cooked for us in Placencia.

Rebecca Scherz (Belize Explorer, Jan 2009)
Marissa was wonderfully responsive and helpful, especially regarding our particular issues with storing luggage in Belize and coordinating Becca flying in from Costa Rica.

We absolutely loved Pook's Hill and Vicky was extraordinarily helpful in rearranging our itinerary due to sickness of Jeff. The room in Tikal was lovely and the location was terrific. The Tides Resort was in a great spot and run by really great people.

It exceeded all of our expectations. Between the natural beauty of Belize and Tikal and the professionalism of the staff and guides we met along the way, it was truly a trip to remember.

Anja Clark (Belize Explorer, Dec 2008)
I was particularly impressed by the friendliness and helpfulness of all the guides and their vast knowledge regarding wild life and historic sites. The whole trip was very smooth because of the great organization by everyone regarding lodging and transportation. The timing of the various expeditions we undertook was leisurely. The entire adventure contained no frustrations and provided pure enjoyment.

Ursula and Howard Booth (Belize Explorer, Mar 2007)
We loved the relaxed atmosphere of the smaller hotels and the family-run enterprises. The tour provided plenty of variety. We really enjoyed Pook's Hill and could have easily spent another day there to hike, etc. The cave tour is one of a kind. Nice group, we bonded well with the younger folks.

Parul Mehta (Belize Explorer, Mar 2007)
I loved, loved, loved Pook's Hill. I could have not asked for a better place to stay. The rooms were large, clean, and comfortable. The guides at Pook's were phenomenal and very knowledgeable. They added some extra tours/walks once they found out what are interests are. George took us on a night hike through Pook's and Ben took us birding three times at Tikal. They were truly exceptional guides who really went out of their way to make sure our vacation was fun and memorable. I will never forget the guides from Pooks. They really enjoy what they do and they love interacting with others. Please send down a special thanks to George and Ben at Pooks!
This vacation was everything I expected and so much more. You did a fabulous job with matching a roommate. Kathy has been the best travel companion I have ever had. She was actually better to travel with then some of my best friends. Everyone in the group was exceptional.

Bonnie and Joseph Lamphere (Rainforest and Ruins, May 2005)
We did things, went places, and saw things we never would have otherwise. This was not the "same old vacation" - and we had fun! I don't think that we've ever dealt with a travel company that took so much care with its customers. Usually, once the money is paid for a vacation, you're pretty much on your own. But we never felt that way at all with Adventure Life. There was always a resource person available and we really appreciated that. Thanks, we had a great time!

Andre and Pirjo Lesperance (Hamanasi Adventure, May 2005)
This was a most memorable trip for both of us. We would highly recommend Hamanasi Resort and the diversity of adventure excursions offered there to anyone that is looking for a more adventurous vacation. Our guides were very enthusiastic and they had a wealth of knowledge about the natural history of Belize. Our guides were able to satisfy our curiosity on just about any topic - birds, tropical plants, native wildlife, etc. The hikes were challenging yet immensely rewarding. Belize is an amazing country with friendly people that are enthusiastic to share it with visitors. Thanks for the wonderful experience!

Ivan and Ruth Ball (Machu Picchu by Train, Apr 2005)
Our tour guide was splendid and served our needs with great care.

John and Pia Crandell (John and Pia Crandell, Mar 2005)
The tour was excellent! In particular we were impressed with how timely all of the transfers and pick-ups were.

Bonnie and Joseph Lamphere (Rainforest and Ruins - Belize, Jan 2005)
We did things, went places, and saw things we never would have otherwise. This was not the "same old vacation" - and we had fun! I don't think that we've ever dealt with a travel company that took so much care with its customers. Usually, once the money is paid for a vacation, you're pretty much on your own. But we never felt that way at all with Adventure Life. There was always a resource person available and we really appreciated that. Thanks, we had a great time!

Guatemala Explorer

Jack Lowell (Guatemala Explorer, Jan 2009)
Our guides were absolutely outstanding. Hugo was our guide in Antigua and the highlands. He knew everyone and got us into places I am sure other guides would not have managed. Melvin was our guide for the remainder of the trip and we would recommend him to anyone who goes to Guatemala. He was very knowledgeable, pleasant personality and caring about each member of the group. When we went to Aguatecah, he went way beyond what we expected of a guide. One of our group was an older woman who had difficulty climbing the mountain to the ruins. In some spots Melvin actually lifter her over rough spots. He was always showing where to step and always an arm to help. I have never had such a wonderful guide. As much as we liked Hugo, Melvin was outstanding.

We had excellent food, even where we didn't expect it, like at the Petexbatun Lake Lodge. Here we were out in the middle of the jungle and yet had lovely dinners and great food, all prepared in the open air kitchen. The soups were outstanding, as well as the breads that they baked each day. We also got a full breakfast there which was only a continental at other places. But we had no complaints on the food.

I think this was one of the best tours I have ever taken. We definitely would take another tour with your company.

It was more than I expected. I did not expect to actually be involved in the Mayan's ... Read All

David Berkey (Guatemala Explorer, Jan 2009)
A great experience. Actually it was more than I expected, having been to Guatemala 18 years ago on my own, I was worried that "you can't go home again" and that I'd be disappointed. But I had just as good a time, and learned much, much more.

Both Hugo Lemus and Melvin Rivera were not only outstanding, they were exceptional. They totally made the trip into a great experience. I enjoyed my travels with them as well as getting to know them as the interesting and wonderful individuals they are. In particular, Melvin was a pure delight even when weather (soggy) was against us - he kept our morale up and his love for what he does was very evident.

I would absolutely use Adventure Life for my next trip, based on my experience in Guatemala. The quality was very high, especially the guides, who can make or break a trip. The only suggestion I'd make is to either include the major tips (for guides and drivers of long trips) in the price, even if it makes it higher. I found tipping confusing.

Paul LeBlanc (Guatemala Explorer, Jan 2009)
The two guides we used, Hugo Lemus and Melvin (at Flores) were excellent. At Santiago de Atitlan, Hugo took us to meet a native family at their home; it was a marvelous experience. Melvin had to work very hard to get us safely to and from the Mayan site at Aguateca. The footing was treacherous because of the rain and mud and the hills were steep. Some of our group had to be helped nearly every step.

This trip combined so many things that at times it was overwhelming. The scenery was stunning. The old colonial city was fascinating. The present day life and customs of the indigenous people was at times both uplifting and depressing. The backwoods experience was not to be missed. The Mayan sites were awe inspiring. What a trip!

Kathy Wyman (Guatemala Explorer, Dec 2008)
We especially loved Hugo, our guide for the first few days--to Chichi,Santiago Atitlan, and Antiqua. He was very enthusiastic, knowledgeable, helpful and an all around nice guy as well.

The tour covered a lot of ground and we felt like we saw much of Guatemala in the week we were there. We also had enough time on our own to explore and eat out.

Catherine James Rose (Guatemala Explorer, Dec 2008)
The pre-departure support was great. Marissa Jensen was on top of all my changes, questions and concerns.

Our guide, Hugo, was awesome. So kind and conscientious of our safety and happiness throughout the trip.

Guatemala had amazing produce. I ate so much avocado! I loved all the restaurants especially the one at Posada de Santiago.

I loved the people that I traveled with and hope to keep in touch with them for a long time. A few had traveled with AL before and said great things so I hope to travel with you guys in the future too.

Guatemala was really a beautiful country. I loved seeing how another culture celebrates Christmas, it was great to be in Antigua for the holiday. Fireworks went off all night and the whole town was decorated. I loved Lake Atitlan, what a peaceful place. I really understood the daily comings and goings of the people of the area, not touristy, I love that. The markets of Chi Chi and Solola were the most colorful, fantastic places to visit, both highlights for me. Antigua was a lovely colonial city and I actually felt very comfortable and "at home" there. Tikal was the best though, beautifully maintained park and a good guide. I had a wonderful trip! Thank you Adventure Life you made vacation a trip of a lifetime!

Jeanne Mucci (Guatemala Explorer, Jun 2008)
We had a wonderful trip! Carlos was a great guide and driver in Guatemala City. The kids loved the raised relief map he took us to. Hugo showed us the most wonderful aspects of the Guatemalan people and culture in Antigua and all around the lake. We loved meeting the family that showed us their home, and truly enjoyed all his help in the markets. He was a trooper getting us across the lake in all that rain. Melvin did an amazing job showing us the rainforest areas and ruins, especially having an 11 and 12 year old with us. Melvin plays a mean game of checkers. He just kept everyone going through the rain, like it was not big deal. So....it wasn't a big deal for us. We had a great time and we can't wait for our next adventure traveling with Adventure Life.

Beth Sullebarger (Machu Picchu by Train, Jun 2008)
Our trip to Peru was the most wonderful we have ever taken. The Andes are astonishing! We saw many Inca ruins, amazing mountains, engaging people, public markets, beautiful valleys, and exotic animals, and to top it all off— Machu Picchu on the winter solstice. Dave and I are very grateful to our personal guide, Edwin Vasquez Salas, who shared countless compelling scenes, experiences and ideas. He took excellent care of us and provided enlightening insight into everything we saw.

The trip was extremely well-organized, so that each experience built on the previous one. Each day the sights got more and more dramatic, and our accommodations got better and better, so that by the time we reached Machu Picchu we were ready for our “peak” experience. As we lined up to catch the bus up the mountain before dawn, we were treated to a tableau with full moon and glowing Venus framed in the sky by the dark silhouettes of soaring peaks. Watching the sun come up over the mountain and hit the sun dial was an unforgettable moment.

Our guide was indispensable; he performed above and beyond his regular duties on several occasions. After I ruined my camera by dropping it in a salt flat, he took many photos on his cellphone/camera and emailed them to us at the end of the trip. When my credit card was “eaten” by an ATM as a security guard was closing the door to ... Read All

Sandra Zita (Guatemala Explorer, Mar 2007)
The pre-departure support from Marissa was wonderful. Not only friendly, but informative and all encompassing. Great job! I loved the guides and found Yugo just perfect for us four “older” ladies. We also enjoyed Dave from the Tikal area who was very knowledgeable of the birds, trees, Maya architecture, history, and politics. He was really wonderfully smart, funny, and considerate. Thanks.

Eva Shinagel (Guatemala Explorer, Dec 2006)
Marissa and Monica were both very helpful and creative in seeing how I could finally do this trip-great work by both. The transfers were on time and well organized, which was a great benefit of going through Adventure Life. This is the first time I have ever had someone else organize my vacation and with limited travel and planning time I would definitely recommend it again.

Michael and Afshin Andreas (Rainforest and Ruins + Glover's Reef, Apr 2006)
All of the people made us feel so at home. They are what made the trip!

Guatemala Classico

Jeri Fritz (Guatemala Classico, May 2009)
Our adventure to Guatemala was more than we ever expected! The guides, hotel, food, and experiences were top notch. The people and culture were fascinating. After years of reading about the Maya, it was amazing to experience Tikal, gain a rich sense of the history of the area, as well as seeing modern Mayan in their villages. We can't wait to book our next trip!

Our guides were wonderful. We constantly asked questions and they provided us with a balanced picture of Guatemala. We didn't know much about Guatemala before we left, but we have learned quite a bit about the history, peoples, and politics. We appreciated an honest appraisal of what activities and places were safe to be.

Everyone was very kind in trying to understand my fractured Spanish.

We almost felt bad that the cook at Chiminos Lodge was handmaking bread and soups for just my husband and I. The guides were very good about only bringing us to places where the food was safe to eat.

Alvin Kellogg & Elsa Vivera (Guatemala Classico, Jul 2006)
The accommodations were above average quality. All the tour stops and gos were well organized, thanks in large part to our tour leader and vehicle driver. Sr. Lemus was outstanding throughout. Congenial, truly organized, extremely knowledgeable, sense of humor, took time with all parties of our mixed tour group. His knowledge of the country's history gave us some real insights into the local culture.

The tour was excellent overall--makes one want to see more!

Joan Hanson (Galapagos Deluxe Cruise - Nemo I, Mar 2006)
The Nemo I was the best! It took us to lots of different spots, and we were able to snorkel and dive 2 times every day. The crew told us what to expect each day.

Every day was well planned and we knew just what we were going to do and see at every moment. We got lots of time to read, nap, eat, talk, and relax. Our guide made sure we were first on the trail in the early morning and then we walked again in the late afternoon. We were able to swim and rest in the heat of the day.

The tour was excellent! Adventure Life was a lucky find and we thank you all!

Joan Offerle (Aleksey Maryshev Antarctica Cruise, Feb 2006)
The office support before we left was excellent. You addressed our questions, no matter how minor they may have seemed. The trip itself - Amazing! Wonderful! All we'd hoped! The Aleksey Maryshev was just right for us and well designed to allow for comfort in a minimum of space. The Russian crew seemed shy, but all were very kind, helpful and gracious. The food on the ship was excellent. It was amazing what they could do in a tiny galley!

Sue Carlson (Grigoriy Mikheev Antarctica Cruise + Iguazu Falls, Feb 2006)
I just returned this afternoon from one of the most awesome trips of my life - and I have had many outstanding trips! First, I want to compliment the Adventure Life office staff for all of the trip arrangements that you made. Everything went very smoothly. All the folks who were to meet me were on time and very efficient. All of the vouchers showed up and all were accurate. The airline tickets were just as you arranged, as were the hotels. I don't think I have ever had a trip go so smoothly. Thank you, thank you!

The ship was wonderful and the Antarctic was magical - a fantasy in ice. I have been raving about the crew, the excursion leaders, the itinerary, and on, and on. I am so happy to have gone on this trip!

Janis Blanton (Guatemala Classico + Peten Extension, Jan 2006)
Guatemala is a real treasure. The lodge at Lake Atitlan was superb - exceeding expectations!

Bob O'Reilly Jr. (Akademik Ioffe Antarctica Cruise, Jan 2006)
The ship and the people were awesome! I would give the food on the ship 5 stars.

Pam McPeek and Bill Halligan (Highland Discovery, Dec 2005)
Our guide was just the best. We can't say enough good things about him. He became our friend. We were lucky enough to have him to ourselves, and he MADE the trip. His genuineness, his knowledge of history, current affairs, places, and people; his enthusiasm, warmth, kindness, skill in getting around, competence and excellent judgment as a driver and his attention to our needs and wants and to all of the details made it so we could simply relax and revel in the experience of exploring and learning about Guatemala. He said that he sees his job as selling his country, and I can't imagine a better agent. His love and deep caring for his country and its people shine through. We all miss him a lot.

I loved being "close to the earth" and close to the people. I applaud heartily your environmental and cultural sensitivity. The Guatemalans were, to a person, enchantingly warm, charming, and friendly. The intimacy and person nature of this trip is simply unmatched by anything I have ever experienced before. And, to make it all even better, Guatemala is a scenically beautiful country and the weather was superb!

In terms of my family now, this was a first for us. We are usually independent travelers. We were unsure about traveling through Guatemala on our own, so this was the perfect compromise for us - a "non-tour" tour - giving us the happiest ... Read All

Guatemala Easter Festivals

Jean Donaldson (Guatemala Easter Festivals, Apr 2009)
Marissa and Monica were both very helpful and on top of things, as far as I was concerned. Our guide, Hugo was very friendly and enthusiastic especially about the history of the area.

The Hotel Aurora was centrally located, clean and the clerks at the desk were very helpful. The people at the Pasada de Santiago at Lake Atitlan were also very accommodating and the food was excellent. I liked the fact that both places were very much in keeping with a Guatemalan flavor

Guatemala Easter Festivals

Joseph Donohoe (Guatemala Easter Festivals, Apr 2009)
Jose' was the best tour guide that Lucy and I have ever had. He was very knowledgeable, passionate about the people and the culture and had a wonderful sense of humor. This guy is a real gem and his tips on where to go to eat were fabulous. Nice tour and lots of fun. Thanks and we will go with you again, I am sure, Joe