Into the Mayan Heartland…

A Few Tips

• There are many ways to go around cities in Guatemala. I personally used the website www.guatego.com to reserve all of my trips, and they have great prices and the ability to use a credit card to pay for it. Plus it was safe and guaranteed! You can also take public buses if you want to be even more adventurous for a considerably cheaper price (if you do not mind the crowdedness).
• Guatemala is unbelievably affordable! My volcano excursion, which includes the 3 meals, warm clothing, transportation, a guide, sleeping bags/tents, all in total cost me 300 quetzales (about 40 USD!). Everything else was also super cheap and so no need to break the bank for a wonderful experience!
• The volcano climb, while it was an amazing excursion with the most breath-taking views I have ever seen, is incredibly difficult if you are not fit or trained for it. It is a steep climb at almost 45-degree angle and at high altitude with rain, low temperatures, and low oxygen levels (the rain can make the volcanic ground slippery too). Plus, you are carrying a heavy bag on your back. This is not to discourage you, but to make you aware and be prepared. I am pretty fit but it knocked the breath out of me! It helps to pace yourself and go at your own, slow pace. Also, being in a smaller group helps (mine had 6 people total only) so you won’t be lost or left behind.
• When planning some type of excursion, I opted to go to local travel agents rather than online websites, which I found to be more expensive. I have seen this pattern throughout some of my travels, but it is not the rule, so make your own research and judgement.
• I have said this before and I will say it again (and will repeat in future posts), the best way to pay for things is through a credit card with 0% foreign exchange fee, if possible. Do keep some cash (USD or Guatemalan quetzales) in hand as some vendors don’t take credit cards.
• Guatemala is well known to host Spanish exchange programs (especially in Antigua), and that is super helpful since the Guatemalan accent is pretty neutral and therefore intelligible! (It did help that I spoke Spanish throughout).
• There are so many other places in Guatemala that I would have loved to explore, but were sort of out of the way and I could not make it in the time frame I had. One of those places that I would love to visit in the future is Semuc Champey, a beautiful isolated place in the center of the country that is only accessible by road. Every body I have met there recommended highly that I pay it a visit if I can. If you can make it there, do go!
• Carry some basic medical supplies for food poisoning (happened to me). Make sure to eat from reputable sources only and not street food, unless verified by a local.