With hundreds of schools to choose from, I was overwhelmed with how to choose a Spanish school. I knew I wanted an immersion program, forcing me to practice round-the-clock so I was guaranteed to improve my skills. Beyond that, it was hard to narrow things down. After trying six different Spanish schools in Guatemala (and …
If there’s one country I know well, it’s Guatemala. I’ve gone four times (once for six weeks!) because I can’t get enough. From the best-known sites to smaller villages and remote parks, I love it all. If you’re planning your own perfect trip, you’ll find everything you need to know about Guatemala travel: frequently asked questions plus …
The Complete Guatemala Travel Guide: FAQ to Get You Started Read More »
It’s hard to narrow down what made me love Antigua so much. There were volcano hikes, colonial architecture, and cheap Spanish classes. And there’s the food. So much of it, from traditional meals to street food to high-end entrees that would cost a fortune at home. Over the course of multiple visits, I’ve spent more …
I love Antigua but my enamoration stretches beyond city limits. Each time I return to the city, I’ve explored new corners of the area — there are a dozen surrounding communities that feel a world apart despite being exceptionally close. And, oddly enough, most of them are rarely explored by travelers. Apparently if a travel …
9 Easy and Wonderful Day Trips from Antigua, Guatemala Read More »
While most visitors spend just 2-3 days in this compact city, I’ve visited a few times, adding up to more than four weeks in the city. That’s given me lots of chances to try Antigua activities — most of which I’ve enjoyed! Since I was fortunate enough to explore the city thoroughly, here’s what I …
An Essential Resource of Things to Do in Antigua Guatemala Read More »
I wasn’t planning to travel to Guatemala this year but everything fell into place so quickly that it felt meant to be. I only booked 13 days in advance, so I didn’t have a ton of time to research covid precautions before I arrived. Turns out, I needn’t have worried: travel felt exceptionally safe and …
What to Expect Traveling to Guatemala During Covid Read More »
Guatemala isn’t known as being a beach destination, despite having a coastline on both the Atlantic and Pacific. There are no picture-perfect beaches, no award-winning resorts, and only the smallest assortment of things to do on the water. But these communities are a big contrast to what you’ll find on the typical tourist route and …
Comparing Guatemala’s Black Sand Beaches (Monterrico & El Paredon) Read More »
This post was originally written in 2014; updates from 2016 & 2021 are at the end. There’s a phrase in Spanish, caer mal, which is a way of saying you don’t like someone; for example, Me cae mal tu amiga means “I don’t like your friend.” The phrase has a few other uses, typically for describing how food sits with you or impressions …
Imagine being woken up at 5:30 in the morning because a marching band is outside your window, the sound of cymbals and sousaphones clanging in your ear. Only three and a half hours earlier, I had been outside, painstakingly helping my neighbors prepare an intricately designed alfombra, or “carpet” for the street. It was Semana Santa — …
Chichicastenango Guatemala has built a reputation for being the tourist market in Guatemala. Twice a week, hundreds of vendors set up their shops, anxiously waiting for busloads of visitors to arrive to buy colorful textiles, jewelry, and masks. But beyond the Chichicastenango market, you’ll also find a town that still honors and celebrates its Mayan traditions with ceremonies …
There’s More than a Market in Chichicastenango Guatemala Read More »
