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Guatemala Tours - Adventure Life Testimonials and Reviews

Celebrate the Maya 2012

Lyn Corum (Celebrate the Maya, Dec 2012)
I hated to leave Guatemala. But on reflection, I think a great part of it was the camaraderie I enjoyed with my nine fellow travelers. We grew close and I loved that. I have not had that experience on other tours I've taken.

Colette Flakus (Celebrate the Maya, Dec 2012)
Marian was an outstanding guide. In fact, she was the best guide I have ever had on any of my vacations! Wonderful accommodations that exceeded my expectations! Excellent!

Belize Explorer - Ambergris Caye

Luciana Castilla (Belize Explorer, Feb 2013)
It was a wonderful tour with my two girls (15 and 13yo) and my mother. It catered for all our needs and expectations. We were well served all the way. Really good food!!! Loved Pook's Hill and Blue Tang Inn. Jungle Lodge at Tikal is more impersonal but as good as you get on the location. People from Poo's Hill and Blue Tang were really professionals, caring and informative!!! Really good.

Allan Mowat (Belize Explorer, Jan 2012)
Many thanks for arranging such a great itinerary and for all the excellent arrangements, which worked out perfectly. The mixture of places and activities was ideal and your choices of accommodation, local guides etc were all excellent. I particularly enjoyed Pook's Hill and the excursions associated with it, as well as the visit to Tikal in Guatemala. Pook's Hill is a lovely place and the staff go out of their way to make you feel at home - a real gem and the excursions are excellent. The ATM cave is amazing - hard work though and I'm not sure we realized we'd be swimming for a fair part of the time! The Jungle Lodge in Tikal is perfectly located, but the food and staff weren't great. However it was very good to spend the night at Tikal and I appreciate there's not much choice there. I found Ambergris Caye less interesting, although the snorkeling trip was very enjoyable and it was good to have a couple of relaxing days after the busy time at the start of the tour. I had a wonderful time.

Wendy Prober (Belize Explorer, Dec 2011)
From start to finish, our trip was great. The local guides were friendly, personable and very knowledgeable. The accommodations at Pook's Hill were outstanding and really made the trip. We met fantastic people on the tour that we really enjoyed spending time with. The ATM cave was the absolute highlight of our trip and will last with me for the rest of my life. Hector was an amazing guide--knowledgeable and conscientious. The whole trip (Belize Explorer) was perfectly balanced with adventure, sightseeing and relaxing (despite the rain in Ambergris which prevented us from snorkeling--boo hoo!)

Wendy Prober (Belize Explorer, Dec 2011)
We LOVED our trip. Pook's Hill was amazing, the hospitality superb and really a magical setting. Whatever Vicki does there is great. I would definitely put a stay at Pook's Hill for at least 3 or more days. We could've spent another day there. Our favorite part was hands down the ATM cave. I've never gone caving before and now I can't wait to do it again. Combine that with the archaeological aspect and it was truly spectacular. Tikal was fantastic also. I've been wanting to go to Incan/Aztec/Mayan ruins and never had the opportunity (didn't feel safe to to Mexico City) so it was really special. Tikal was breathtaking and I learned so much. From what I heard from fellow travelers, Costa Rica is great, but doesn't have the rich history (I could be wrong) and so is great for the outdoorsy party. What made this trip so great is that it had adventure, sightseeing, and relaxation.

Guatemala Explorer

Andrew Bremner (Guatemala Explorer, Dec 2010)
The group dynamic turned out to be excellent, and the four of us got along really well. Hugo Lemus (was an absolutely first rate driver/guide. Hotel lo de Bernal (Antigua) was the best lodging, and much enjoyed (though I enjoyed all the accommodations). Marissa was very helpful given my very late booking!

Gordon Parkhill (Guatemala Explorer, Dec 2010)
This tour is one of the top two we have ever taken, ranking along with our safari to Tanzania a couple years ago. We can't think of any better guide you could have provided. Also, we were very glad we added the two extra days to our trip. Without those extra days, we would have missed some really interesting village and market exploration with Hugo. That might be something you would recommend to prospective travelers for this tour. I'll send you some pictures when I get through sorting through them.

Our guide at Tikal, Jose Antonio Ortiz (Antonio), was also fantastic. Having grown up in and around Tikal with his father involved in past Tikal discovery and excavation, Antonia also was a wealth of knowledge about Tikal and the Mayan Culture and history. In addition to the great afternoon tour he gave us of the Tikal complex, he got up before 4 AM to take me and another couple at 4:30 AM into the Tikal area and up on Temple 4 for a spectacular sunrise over Temple 3 -- an experience of a lifetime!

We were very pleased with all our accommodations. We only had one instance where we had to call the front desk - At Hotel Lo de Bernal in Antigua one evening there was loud pounding on a wall downstairs in the breakfast room It turned out that they were redoing a frescoe on the wall and were chipping away the plaster around it at 8 PM. After my wife called the ... Read All

Kathy Ramsey (Guatemala Explorer, Feb 2010)
I was very impressed with everyone we worked with and met throughout the tour. The entire trip was so well organized -- nothing to worry about except enjoying our Guatemala experience! I have already recommended your company to others. Our trip planner, Marissa, was very helpful not only in putting together the tour on short notice but in sharing highlights of Guatemala. The pre-tour information was very helpful and complete. This was one of the most timely and best organized tours I have ever been on. Really made me feel secure. The drivers and guides were wonderful. Everyone was so proud of their country and so eager to share information and history. Each and everyone went out of their way to answer every question and to make sure we were enjoying our trip. There were some communication barriers but nothing that a smile couldn't overcome.

Vida Pittman (Guatemala Explorer, Feb 2010)
This was the best tour I have ever taken, completely hassle free (except for Customs). Everything was neatly and clearly orchestrated by Adventure Life. Our accommodations could not have been better. Our Chominos Lodge chef was 5 stars. An experience I would not trade for anything! It was the best food I have ever eaten, including my trips to Paris, France. Outstanding in presentation, taste, and service. Our guides were the best I have ever had, and I have traveled extensively. They were courteous, knowledgeable, and over the top in going above and beyond. We never had to worry about a thing. It was all taken care of for us. There was an excellent mix of historical insight and adventure. We felt completely safe and well-cared for during our journey. The tour was a great value for the money.

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

Belize Explorer

Mary Ann Brueckner (Ambergris Caye + Belize Explorer, Feb 2011)
We liked Pook's Hill VERY much and would like to return. Loved the local food and communal tables at Pook's. We chatted with lots of interesting people. All the staff at Pook's and Xanadu were perfect. Our guides were excellent. Especially Mike, from Pook's Hill who accompanied us to Tikal and stayed with us for two days. We had to force him to leave us when we reached the airport at Flores! Xanadu is excellent and only lacks morning coffee/continental breakfast. Our expectations for San Pedro were low - the aerial views made it look crowded and too commercial. But we were charmed. It's like a funky, slightly rundown Key West. Very relaxing. We had never used a travel company before - always used to doing it on our own. Well, we've changed our minds. This trip was so effortless and enjoyable. Well done Adventure Life!

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.

Guatemala Custom

Peter Sodermans (Custom Guatemala, Dec 2012)
Getting 50 years old is a once in a lifetime experience I wanted to share with my most beloved friends. I'm so glad that I discovered and hired Adventure Life. They made my dream become true. It was perfect from A till Z - All hotels were even better than I expected, the guides were well appreciated and everybody was very timely, organisation went perfectly. Couldn't be better. 5 stars at least!

Guatemala Explorer

Steven Anderson (Guatemala Explorer, Jan 2013)
We had an excellent time - - felt safe and well taken care of. Our guides "Rambo" and Carlos (Tikal) were excellent. All the drivers were courteous, helpful, and they drove safely, which can't be said of everyone in Guatemala. Our driver to Copan guided us through the border crossing very efficiently, where otherwise we would have been mystified.

Hotel Don Ugo's (Copan) was OK, but not up to the standard of Hotel Aurora (Antigua). We also liked Posada Santiago on Lake Atitlan. Casona del Lago was comfortable but a little sterile compared to the others - - in hindsight, we probably would have preferred to stay on the island in Flores, although the walk on the causeway was short, so we could get to the island easily. The hotel staff at Casona del Lago was very accommodating and arranged a boat trip on the lake, including a private museum of Mayan artifacts that was very interesting.

Anne-Marie Kloiber (Guatemala Explorer, Jan 2012)
My husband and I both enjoyed the trip to Guatemala. The guides knew their stuff. Learned a lot of history and local practices. Drivers were great. All locals were friendly and helpful. With all the personal attention from the guides and drivers we felt that for the price we paid was exceptional value.

Michele Turner (Guatemala Explorer, Mar 2011)
Marissa was great in the very beginning and then Ashley provided all the support we needed right up until the day before we left. We feel like we learned so much about Guatemala. This tour was far more than we expected. We were thrilled and our daughter who is adopted from Guatemala said to me on the 5th day "Mommy, I love the country where I was born!" Mission accomplished!

Sherry Faris (Guatemala Explorer, Mar 2011)
Our family tour was amazing for all of us, ages 8 to 68. Our granddaughter is adopted from Guatemala, and we all fell in love with her birth country. First time we had visited a developing country. I felt very safe and taken care of, more than anywhere I have ever traveled. Loved the visit with a Mayan family in Santiago de Atitlan (with Hugo). Loved the horseback ride in Ixpanpajul near Flores. We split up and did different things there, one did the canopy walk, one did the zip line while the rest of us rode. I loved mountain biking with Armando, even on the cobblestone streets. Loved the climate in the Highlands. We loved that it was just our family and our own personal tour.

Jesse Needleman (Guatemala Classico + Guatemala Explorer, Mar 2011)
I am sold on Adventure Life! Everyone on the staff was terrific and gave me lots of personal attention and answered my every question. The tour itinerary was perfect. Tons of variety, not too much time spent on the road, and amazing sites to see. Even better than I expected!

Guatemala Easter Festivals

Richard Popkin (Guatemala Easter Festivals, Mar 2010)
Adventure Life always seems to do a very good job with pre-departure support, trip planning, question answering, exploring options, etc. I also like that the trip as it plays out matches the itinerary, meaning that Adventure Life is "what you see is what you get." That's important. No surprises. No disappointments. No misunderstandings. It exceeded our expectations.

Roger Withrington (Guatemala Easter Festivals + Guatemala Easter Festivals, Mar 2010)
We really had a great time - there were too many pluses to enumerate. The festival, markets, local costumes, architecture and scenery were terrific. Our guide was very knowledgeable and flexible, and gave us excellent insight to the social, political, cultural and religious aspects of Guatemala. Overall, it was a very rewarding trip.

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

La Ruta Maya

Amy Sonbuchner (La Ruta Maya, Nov 2012)
We had a fantastic time in Guatemala and Belize. We felt like we were able to see so many unique places in a fairly short amount of time. From caves to Mayan ruins to markets to canoeing on a lake and river we experienced the highlands and the jungles of Guatemala and Belize within the comfort of a private vehicle and with the knowledge shared from trusted guides.

Guatemala Classico

Dahlia Hirsch (Guatemala Classico + Candelaria Festival in Puno with Homestay, Feb 2011)
I want you to know how pleased we were, from the beginning to the end of our tour with you. You tailored it to our needs, and the land part of Peru that we did with you was really seamless. Our tour guide was fabulous - personable, educated, caring, prompt, and flexible. His English was great, he really knew the area and the festivities well, and went out of his way to accommodate our every need. We had a phenomenal time mostly because of his wonderful care. The hotel was in a great location for the festivities. The breakfast was very nice and the front desk people were extremely helpful, even providing us with oxygen for our altitude challenges. I want to also thank you for your patience in answering all my questions before the trip- it was exactly as I expected and even better. Many thanks.

Patrick Scott (Guatemala Classico, Aug 2010)
Our tour was more than I had expected. I had never been south of Miami, Florida before. This was the first trip back to Guatemala for our son, who was adopted from Guatemala. He is 8. He had such an amazing time, and came back with even more pride about being from Guatemala. I was struck by every amazing sight I saw--from stray dogs to colorful markets to impressive volcanoes. It was spectacular.

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.

Mundo Maya

Steven Dudash (Mundo Maya, Mar 2011)
Nice variety of locales, and guides made everything interesting. We had visited Peru a couple of years ago, so it was interesting contrasting the Incan culture there with the Mayan culture in Guatemala. Both guides - Hugo (most of the trip) and Ishmael (Tikal) were knowledgeable, informative, and took obvious pride in their country - they were only too happy to share this with us. They were also very security conscious. We couldn't have asked for anything more in this area. This was very much a positive as far as we were concerned, and definitely added to the satisfaction we had with the trip.

Spent a pleasant free day in Flores - took a boat (obtained through the hotel) to the the Petencito Zoo, visited an overlook and a small museum on the way back. Based on a suggestion from our guide (concerns with security), we did not tour through St. Elena during this time.

Because of Lent, we were able to observe a Sunday procession, and the making of numerous sawdust "carpets." I had seen no refererence to either of these in our research, so they were quite a pleasant surprise. A trip during Holy Week would undoubtedly be quite interesting. Conversion rate at the currency exchange at the Guatemala City airport was significantly worse than at the banks in Antigua. However, reading message boards, there might be limits on the daily or weekly amounts that are ... Read All