[kim wski]

I would really like to travel and see a few sights when we travel for our pickup trip. So is it safe to travel in Guatemala with my daughter after we have her US passport? What has been your experience with sightseeing with a toddler? What are your favorite places to visit in Guatemala that are safe to bring her along?

Thanks for sharing your experience.
Kim

[cbmstephanie]

Antigua is a must see when in Guatemala. We traveled there several times with our girls during both of our processes and never felt in danger or anything even close.

Another beautiful spot is Lake Atitlan. It's a little further away, but it is truely spectacular...and that is not an overstatement!

[Mindybeth6]

I second Stephanie. Antigua was amazing and it really gave me a feel for true Guatemalan culture you for sure don't get at the Marriott! We had an AMAZING guide who drove well and spoke great English. It was a great and BEAUTIFUL trip.

[kzwief]

Kim, I agree. We plan on going to Antigua. If you need the name of a tour guide and his info, I would recommend Victor Lopez. He is WONDERFUL and speaks great info. PM me if you would like his info, or you can check out his blog at...

Getting around Guatemala

[connorsmommy1999]

I second the suggestion of Victor. We hired him on our trip for our pick up, sightseeing to Antigua, trip to the zoo, trip to chuck e cheeses and return to the airport.
We've also hired him several times to deliver packages to the hogar for us.

He's very very nice! He and his partner, Luis, are wonderful at interpreting and helping with whatever you might need.

[2xaround]

We went to Antigua during our visit trip, but on pick up we went to Lake Atitlan, Chichicastenago, and Retalhuleu. We took our foster family with us, however, had it just been my husband, dd and me we would not have felt uncomfortable in anyway. No one gave us a second look and it was very apparent that we were her parents.

Guatemala is a beautiful country and I'm sure you will enjoy your trip no matter where you go.

[drjeanne]

We went to Guatemala 3 times during our adoption journey and the last 2 times we ended up staying in Antigua versus Guatemala City. The atmosphere there is just so much more peaceful and restful. You can walk the streets with your child and feel safe during the day. We shopped and went sightseeing and ate out every day we were there. We had a great time! We also went on a tour of Lake Atitlan. It was a wonderful adventure. We went through a tour agency that was right there in Antigua. The driver picked us up at 5am and were with him all day. He took us to breakfast and lunch and brought us back to our hotel safe and sound. He was very nice and friendly and played with our daughter all day. I'll never forget what a wonderful day we had.

Whatever you decide to do...have a good time! The people of Guatemala are warm and wonderful people! You'll be welcomed wherever you go!

Jeanne

[Aveasmom]

I am jumping in with a question? How far a drive from Guatemala city to Lake Atitlan?

[acesmommy]

I also second what everyone else has said. We also hired Victor to take us all around the country. He is so great and so helpfull. You really should call him once you're there.
We went to Antigua which is so beautiful. There is a Jade factory there that you can visit. I was able to buy a beautiful necklace and earrings.
He also does a whole day trip to Lake Atitlan and Chichicastenago. There is a wonderful market in Chichicastenago. I was able to buy an oil painting from an artist there. When we got home I had it mounted and framed. It's now my favorite thing in my house and I always remeber our adoption journey when I look at it.
In the city there is the zoo and there are great malls to go shopping.

DH and I were never scared. Having Victor will probably make you feel more comfortable since he can translate everything for you. We also called him to take us to the grocery store so we could pick up a few things.

Whatever you get to see will be great. Enjoy every minute of it. Have a great time on your pickup trip !!!

[kim wski]

Thanks everyone for the suggestions. I will definately contact Victor about a tour.

Kim, We came out of PGN the same day...so we may see each other in Guatemala. Hopefully we won't confuse Victor to much both being Kim W's.

Thanks everyone. Any new suggestions welcome.
Kim

[cbmstephanie]

Originally Posted by Aveasmom

I am jumping in with a question? How far a drive from Guatemala city to Lake Atitlan?

If I remember correctly it was about an hour and a half maybe 2 hours.

[susy...patience]

I didn't travel on pick up trip but did so on visit trip.....my drive from Guatemala City to Lake Atitlan was 3 hours (on road that was supposedly under construction but actually didn't look like road in many places). I agree that it would be great to sightsee on pick up trip.

I even thought about doing Tikal (which I heard is fabulous but not toddler friendly) before actually getting baby on pick up trip....but then the friend traveling with me told me to "focus, focus" because the point of pick up trip was to actually pick up baby....not get more travel points.