BootsnAll Travel Community

Hola Hola..

I haven't found the exact answer I'm looking for, so I prefer asking.. On a 3 week trip starting next Tuesday.. My goal is to get to San Pedro la Laguna to study spanish for one week at the beginning of the trip (I thought this would be a good idea to relax and get to know the country, and, of course, the language), and, since I'm arriving on Tuesday at 1.30PM, I've been told it could be a better idea to spend the first night in Antigua and head to panajachel the next morning (instead of trying to rush there in the same day of my arrival). And since apparently I could start any day of the week at the school, I don't think I'll wait until the next Monday.

1. Do I need to reserve a shuttle in advance for the airport - antigua route? - if so, where should I do that?

2. Does someone have advice on changing schools.. By this, I mean, is it a bad idea wanting to spend 1 week studying in san pedro and then 1 other week in Xela? I would like to be able to spend time in more than just one location, but I'm afraid I won't have time to see the surroundings of xela if I study spanish at the same time. My other option would be to stay in a hostel in xela and do side-trips with people I would meet there (I'll be traveling alone). Any advice on what not to miss is well appreciated! I would love to do some hiking and volcano trips.

3. Does that itinerary make sense: antigua first night, 1 week studying at san pedro, 1 week around xela (studying or just visiting?), back to antigua for the last 2 nights or so. I think I've ruled out Tikal, since it would take a few days and there's so much to see in the western highlands.

4. How much safer hiring a guide for hiking and volcano trips is?


thanks again

1. No, you don't need to reserve. There are typically more than enough shuttles to meet international flights into Guatemala City.

2. Changing schools shouldn't present any problem. You won't be studying more than four hours a day, so there'll be plenty of time to explore wherever you are.

3. That itinerary does make sense.

4. A guide for volcano hikes is absolutely essential, especially if you're female. There are lots of robberies (and worse) reported against travelers without guides, especially on Pacaya.

If you're arriving at the airport at 1:30, you won't be able to make San Pedro the same day. You'll probably be able to make it as far as Panajachel, but there aren't any lanchas running across the lake after dark. Better to decompress for an evening in Antigua, buy a shuttle ticket to Pana for the next day, and watch a film at Cafe 2000.

Thanks Felix! that's straight to the point, and really helpful!