BootsnAll's Travel Community

Hi folks,

I'm working in Guatemala from Jan-April (in the Dept of Huehuetenango, northern parts) and am hoping to do some bike and/or foot touring while there.

I have this (possibly insane) idea that I'll fly in to Guatemala City a week and a half before I have to be at work, bus to Huehue, and make my way on bike from there to San Mateo Ixtatán, where I'll be working.

So I guess here are my questions (quite a few of them!):

1) I'm planning on bringing my own bike, and will prob. take a chicken bus from Guatemala City to Huehue. Is it totally impractical to pack my bike in a hard case and expect it to be thrown up top? Or can I ditch a cardboard box at the airport and just throw the bike (fully assembled and in ready-to-ride condition) on top of the bus?

2) Trailer vs. panniers? I'd like to be able to fit my pack in a trailer for bike touring, but am worried about transporting the darned trailer while on bus/foot. Then again, I'd rather not have my panniers swiped while wheeling the bike through a market...

3) Should I bring a tent? Some of the guidebooks (ie: Rough Guide) say that you can trek town-to-town on foot in a day, and usually can find a place to bed down there. I'd assume those distances go even quicker by bike...

4) Anyone done any indie bike/foot touring in Guatemala? I've read some blogs on tours in Mexico, but not many in this region of Guatemala. And all of the hiking info I've read seems to be done on an organized tour... nothing against those, but I speak Spanish and have trekked without a guide in S. America, and I'm just not keen on paying someone to do the work I could do myself.

5) Bike parts-- I'm mostly concerned about tubes and spokes... can I find those in city centers, or should I bring a handful from home?

6) Other camping gear-- stove, sleeping bag? Practically speaking, should I plan on eating in comedores and save space by ditching the stove, or is self-catering a possibility?

7) Maps-- are there any topo-style maps available, or is it mostly asking for directions and getting pointed down a particular track?

8) The ever-popular safety question: I'm female and blond, so I tend to stick out anyway. I know with a pack/bike I'll scream "gringa;" I'm not as worried about bus travel, but is it insane to go off trekking on foot or bike alone?

9) Bike vs. foot? Am I better off practically speaking to just hoof it? I'd like to bring my bike because my employer has suggested that I try and organize a mountain biking group with the students I'll be working with (I'm teaching photo and envrio ed to high schoolers, in case anyone wanted to know ). I'm hesitant to bring it even for that, since (while it's not such a great bike in the States) I have a feeling that bike + helmet might alienate me even more from the students...

whew... should i come up with one more q to make it an even 10?

when it comes down to it, i'm in the mood right now to just go for it. the last time i was in guatemala was something of an accident, and i survived just fine without any planning. the only thing i regretted was not having my bike with me! and the fact that i had severly overpacked

muchísimas gracias!!!

Hey Fultzie,

Since no one is showing you any love, I'll at least say hi and throw a few questions your way. Of course I won't be of any help to you though.

Anyway, this is only your 3rd post so welcome to the boards!
Okay, in response to your first question you'll be able to tie your bike to the roof in a box or fully assembled.

Trailer VS. panniers - That's a good question. We need someone experienced in touring to give some feed back (I'm planning on a nice long bike trip through Central and South America in a month or two and don't know a thing about it yet). From my experience (just traveling) I'd say they can (and will) put just about anything on top of a chicken bus, so I wouldn't worry about that part. I'd definitely climb up with them and lock everything yourself though (after they tie it down).

Tent - If you've looked into the route and you think you can walk village to village than you probably don't need one. If you're gonna want to do more touring after you're done working though, than consider a tent.

I can't help at all with #4, but feel the same way you do about doing the work myself.

#5 - I'd bring at least some basics with me from home.

#6 - If you're gonna bring a tent (?) than a stove is a good Idea, if not than load up on some street food, or pre-made food from each town you pass through. That way if you get hungry, you won't have to wait till the next town. Bring a water filter and some purification pills though!

#7 - Get a nice map from home! It's always hard to find a good one in developing countries.

#8 - Good question! I always tell other guys not to worry, but solo women, I'd hate to give bad advice...

#9 - You regretted not having your bike with you last time, I bet you'll regret it this time too. You'll have a killer time either way though.

Have a good time down there!

Peace and Love!

Hey there Fultzie-

I was in Guate-Guate this summer and here's what I can tell ya. .

4) Anyone done any indie bike/foot touring in Guatemala? I've read some blogs on tours in Mexico, but not many in this region of Guatemala. And all of the hiking info I've read seems to be done on an organized tour... nothing against those, but I speak Spanish and have trekked without a guide in S. America, and I'm just not keen on paying someone to do the work I could do myself.

4. I did a bike trip with a real small group (3 of us) out of Antigua called Old Town Outfitters 5a. Avenida Sur # 12 c www.bikeguatemala.com or 502 5399-0440.

The trip was downhill to Lago Atitlan and was rockin'! I am confident I could have done it solo (I'm a chica too) with no worries. That outfitter is full o' really cool biker-hiker addicts from Oz US Guate etc. and they could probably hook you up with maps, tips, routes etc. They were very cool. There were a lot of pretty mountain roads in not bad shape that would be beautiful biking- as long as you dont get squished by the busses.

All I have heard about the smaller villages above and around Hue Hue is good peaceful easygoing people. Didnt get there myself but hope to next time. Seems things are finally stirring in that region for some genocide trials from the 300,000 Mayans killed during the 30-yrs war. Could be an exciting time to get to know the locals.

5) Bike parts-- I'm mostly concerned about tubes and spokes... can I find those in city centers, or should I bring a handful from home?

I cant rememebr seeing any bike shops. I'd probably bring some of your own. The Outfitters would know though!
As you have probably heard G-City is sketchy and for the birds, get in, get on (z bus), get gone! I found that the drivers- as psycho as they are behind the wheel- are super happy to stash your bags behind their seats and help you navigate bus stops etc. Must be the alter ego gentlemanliness of the most infamous machos en el pais.

Bueno Suerte y que tengas adventuras excelentes!!!

ShaynaCayley


My favorite Guate. quote by my beloved lanchero on atitlan
"!Que Vida,eh?"