My husband and I are going to Guatemala in March for 17 days.

As we plan on going back again either later on in the year or next year, we are limiting our destinations so we can spend more time in less places and try and get a better feel for them.

We will be spending 9 days in Antigua (and will do day trips from there as well) and will be in two different towns in Atitlan. We think San Marcos and Panajachel.

I was wondering about the weather and how to pack for this time of year. I have ordered some quick dry underwear, socks, shorts and tops so hopefully I won't have to take more than two of each and thankfully will be able to pack light. We will also pack rain ponchos, but what about the cold? And pants vs. shorts? There will be no "dress up" for this trip so only Teva's, flip flops and hiking boots are necessary . . .whew!!

We currently live in Costa Rica so I don't have much heavier clothing with me. I will be back in the states in 2 weeks and pick up anything else that I need. Any and all suggestions would be greatly appreciated

Also, any other helpful hints or suggestions for our trip would be great. We are getting soo excited!!

Thanks in advance and Happy New Year!!

It was very smart to be so specific as to the areas you will be visiting, as the weather varies so greatly by altitude. Fortunately, Antigua and Lake Atitlan have similar climates, so packing won't be different for each location.

March and April are two of our warmest months, and it is the dry season, so the weather should be terrific. You will probably start the day with a long sleeve shirt, short sleeves by noon, and possibly light sweater or jacket at night. Personally, I don't suggest shorts for either men or women in Guatemala, with the possible exception of the beach. The locals simply do not wear shorts, and there would probably be many places you would feel uncomfortable wearing them around anyone but tourists.

You will be able to do a great deal with Antigua as a base, and it is very simple to get from Antigua to Pana. There is a first class bus, with reserved seating, that leaves Antigua early each morning. There are many travel agencies in Antigua that will arrange almost any trip or activity you can think of.

One word of caution; do not take boat trips on the lake in the afternoon. The lake is wonderful most mornings, but very frequently, in the afternoons, the wind picks up and boat trips can be very uncomfortable and wet, if not dangerous.

Have a wonderful time, and if you have more specific questions please just ask.

Thanks for your quick reply.

I am a bit curious though. You mention that the weather should be great while we are there and that March and April are two of the warmest months. But then that we will need longer sleeves in the am and pm. I am a bit confused then about temperature. Also,does that mean it will be too cold to swim at Atitlan this time of year? My husband loves lakes and this is one of the reasons we are spending so much time there.

Also, what is the deal with short vs. pants? Is it a religious thing? I live in Costa Rica and when it gets hot, there are shorts and skirts on many people. I am just hoping that I will not be sweating in long pants during my vacation.

Thanks again. . .you have provided me some great information.

If you were at sea level in April, May, and June, you would be sweating just sitting still. But, you will be at 5,000 feet or so in Antigua and the lake. That is why this area is called the land of the eternal spring.

As to the shorts; bring a couple of pair, and if you think you need them, and after seeing how the locals dress you still want to wear them, go ahead. As I said, this is just my opinion. You will see some of the young European girls in short shorts, tank tops, and barefoot in Antigua, but they look really out of place.

I really do appreciate your quick response!! That is really helpful . .and great to know that I won't be sweating my buns off!!

Out of curiosity. . . where in Guatemala are you?

Twelve minutes, by car, SW of Antigua, at the foot of Vulcan Agua.

I'll be glad to answer any other questions that I can.

Hope y'all have a great trip.

I'm sorry, I forgot to reply about swimming in the lake.

You will be coming to the lake when the skies are clear and the lake water changes color with the movement of the sun. It will be anywhere from light blue to green to black. It is said to be one of the most beautiful lakes in the world.

As to swimming; I have never been in the water, but the lake is extremely deep, and people who have swum in it tell us that it is quite cold, at any time of year. With you being from the northern part of the US, the temperature may be just fine with you. For us, we like our swimming in bath temp. water.

Ask people locally where to swim. At one time, all of the water around Pana was brown with sewage. The other villages have the same problem, they are just smaller, with less sewage. There have been projects to clean much of the water going into the lake and things are getting better. Just use local knowledge.

Thanks soo much for your insight and helpful information. Looks like our trip won't be quite what we thought but we are still excited nonetheless!!

hello, you don't say what time in March you are coming. easter (semana santa) is early this year and things will be busy. think ahead about reservations, if you have not already made them. and have FUN

What he said. The information is specific and accurate. its a mountain zone, so the nights and mornings can be a tad cool, hence the need for a light sweater.
I have swum in the lake.

Its said that one should not swim in the lake if you have any open sores. I believe this. Sewage from all the villages pour into a lake that has no surface outlet. All the water leaves through underground streams, and so the flow is limited.

I have swum in the lake far from the outlet of the town sewers, which let out right by where the fools swim near the docks. You go out a bit, and theres a dock, and you can swim from there. Also, if you intend on going to San Marcos, theres a place where the locals swim. It and san pedro is a much better place to swim. The sewers there are smaller, and you're far from the pana sewerage.

Heres a warning: If you find a pristine beach, and think its just so cool to go topless or nude. Just dont. Natives canoe everywhere. There is no spot in the the entire lake areas where natives don't go. Women really don't want to see naked tourists, and the men really don't want to see naked women, or shouldn't see them. Some have to avert their eyes, and th e women just don't go at all if they think there will be naked men.

The Chocomil( i think thats the afternoon breeze) can make the ferry rides interesting, but so far, as far as I know, no ferry has ever sunk because of it. I've taken them at all times of the day up til nighttime and though the ride is rougher and the wind is heavier, you get there, These are some pretty heavy duty ferries. Just be careful about times. There are NO night ferries, and they stop running about 5-6pm(NOt sure, just before dark). Make sure of the times before you step off of one, or you WILL be sleeping over.


One incredible thing about Pana and lago atitlan is when a storm does roll in , it comes from one side of the bowl that is Lago atitlan, and fills the entire known sky on one side, and advances without cease as the boat you;re on, or the land you're standing on, becomes colder and colder, and the grey mass of cloud and rain advance, and then you're in it. Its incredible. The forces of nature are concentrated in Lago atitlan. When theres a full moon theres so much water and so little land that the water reflects on the land and makes it seem like dawn, and the moon hang absolutely huge in the sky like a supernatural force. Its incredible.

After the storms roll in, and they always seemed to come in at around 2-4 pm, it rains hard for about 30 minutes, lights go out, then they go on again eventually. The land drains quickly as a rule, and often dries quickly.

IN the dry season it almost never rains, the days are hot and dry, the nights can be cool. The sun sets early, as your horizon is not a flat plains,, but tops of mountains, actually the lip of a huge volcanic caldera, and so, sunset occurs much faster than you might think it would, sunrise later.

One cool thing to do in Pana, and this is a Bootie secret, pass it on only to special friends, is go up and down the stream that runs down to pana. In it are pieces of volcanic pumice which make great and cheap souvenirs, not to mention good callous removers.

Oh, and when you take the bus down, get a window seat. The view is just spectacular!!!!

Wow. . .some really,really great information. All of which will come in quite handy.

We will be there during semana santa (and the following week) and are in the midst of making our arrangements (actually just waiting on confirmation from our hotels).

If anyone is there when we will be there, we would love to meet up for a drink.

Thanks again for all your help.

our hostel owner said that march - april is the hottest... like you need to shower 3 times a day bc you sweat so much! haha

...one thing i forgot to mention, i was in atitlan in march for five days a couple of years ago...if i had not seen pictures, i would not believe it is surrounded by volcanoes.

slash & burn season can be UGLY. hopefully, you won't experience this. it is usually GORGEOUS