[mhpro]

we're getting our 2nd dna taken tomorrow so now i can think about our trip. we would like to see more of the country that has given so much to our family.

we've been to antigua and loved it. but this time we're thinking we'll be adventurous and try something new. . . any suggestions???


m.

[humanpitchpipe]

We loved Lake Atitlan - gorgeous!

[ndv101]

wish we would have went to the lake

[ej-momtobe]

Tikal is absolutely wonderful. The ruins are awesome and the jungle around that area is beautiful.

[drjeanne]

We went to Lake Atitlan and I would LOVE to go back there....loads of things to see and it's absolutely breathtaking!

Jeanne

[maccafan]

My very favorite place is Lake Atitlan; we took a boat to Santiago, which was a very memorable experience. There is a really cool place on the way to Panajachel called Iximche, with Mayan ruins. It was a lot easier to navigate than Tikal (although the temple ruins are a lot bigger in Tikal).

[Mariais5]

I agree with Lake Atitlan. One of the most beautiful places on earth..

[wvamom]

I agree with Jennifer. We have stayed at Lake Atitlan twice--we loved it! We took a boat across the lake to Santiago once and to San Antonio another time. We liked Panajachel. Also we went to Iximche and it was pretty cool, too.

[adoptnky]

Panajachel - Going back in March and I can't wait!!!

Kim

[annaguat]

Tikal this is what our Guatemalan friends recommended too. Anna

[cbmstephanie]

Lake Atitlan is incredible! It's a must see!

[Quesita]

I second everyone else's suggestions. Lago Atitlan is a really amazing and magical place. Volcanos surround a huge lake, and little villages sit on the side of the volcanos. You can travel by boat from town to town. It is a few hours from Guatemala City, and I would strongly recommend at least a couple of nights there.

Tikal is beyond description. You need to fly there, or take a very very long road trip. I know some people do it in a day, and I think that is crazy. Depending on your travel style, you could stay within the national park itself, in very modest accomodations, or you could stay in Flores, which is a very sweet little town. I think that there are some other options as well, and new hotels that have been built in recent years. The ruins are so huge, and so extensive. If you decide to stay on site, I highly recommend looking at the moon cycle, and trying to stay during the full moon. Bring flashlights and sturdy hiking boots, and join the groups of people who climb up to the top of temple IV in the moonlight to look down upon the ruins and the jungle. There will be moments in which your eyes play tricks on you, and you will think that the city is actually alive with people living the way they did well over a thousand years ago...

[guatparents2be]

we traveled to lake atitlan and tikal. i wouldn't miss either, to tell you the truth.

the trip to atitlan and surrounds gave me a flavor of guatemala that i wouldn't have gotten in the city or antigua. and the lake is beautiful.

tikal though was profound for me. to be in the ruins and know that my baby's ancestors walked on those stones. it was incredible.

tikal
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[Guatemomtobe]

I agree with everyone that says Tikal and Lake Atitlan. I also loved Chichicastenango. You see a lot of postcards from there with a white church and their beautiful markets. The main market day is Thursday and I would plan to be there on a market day to best enjoy it.

[dac_cincy]

I just got back from Guatemala. If you want to stay in the city, I would suggest IRTRA. It is the amusement park. It has rides, a small zoo, a pool (freezing cold- not sure of the water quality). There are rides for the bigger kids and rides for the little kids. We felt totaly safe there, no one bumped into us (happened at the zoo and my backpack was slashed open). The cost to get in was 40.00Q and the ride package was 50.00Q. There is a Pollo Campero on site. We spent about 5 hours there on Sunday.

Love to you,
Deb