Guatemala Travel Guides for Backpackers

Top 5 Cafes for Digital Nomads in Antigua, Guatemala

Antigua, Guatemala is a beautiful little colonial city nestled between 3 volcanos just 45 minutes drive from Guatemala City. Once the capital of Guatemala, it is now a popular destination for tourists, expats and digital nomads alike, all attracted to the charm and ease of the town and the picturesque surroundings. There’s a reason it was named to UNESCO World Heritage list. It’s not the most connected city in Latin America when it comes to wifi speeds and bandwidth, but it still has plenty of options for nomads and travelers who want to log on.  Many hotels and restaurants also offer wifi now, to cater to the growing trend of digital nomads and travelers who want to connect to back home while exploring abroad. There’s one coworking space as well, though I always found working from cafes to be one of the more fun perks of the location independent lifestyle.  That said, while good coffee is easy to find in Antigua, Guatemala, wifi in cafes is not a given. The ones on this list are the top cafes for digital nomads because they meet all the criteria you could ask for in a cafe, starting with wifi.  The locals are friendly, and cafes are easy to find in the walkable 7×7 block city center. Many even speak English if needed, and don’t mind you sitting and working for a bit. Especially if you tip generously and in proportion to the amount of time you were there, not just what you ordered. Having spent 3 months exploring that small city, here’s what I’ve found are the best cafes for digital nomads in Antigua.  View from Bella Vista. Photo Credit Katrina Cobb Best cafe with a view Bella Vista Coffee. 6a Avenida Norte 1, Antigua Guatemala. This little gem is a women-owned, women-run coffee shop featuring a lovely roof terrace with perfect views of the volcanoes. For the digital nomads, there are plugs in the interior room of the terrace for power, and free wifi both on the terrace and downstairs on the first level.  They have great coffee, good food and lovely fruit smoothies (licuados) for when the weather is a little warmer. Wifi isn’t exceptionally fast but it is generally reliable. The views and the service made this a top spot to appreciate your location-independent lifestyle though, and take an epic picture of your digital nomad life to share to social.  Courtyard at Cafe Stela. Photo credit Katrina Cobb Best cafe with a courtyard Cafe Stela 3a Calle Oriente 43, Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala. Slightly off the beaten path on the east side of the city, this little cafe combines with a boutique and a hostel. It features a lovely open-air courtyard with greenery and a fountain, and more often than not the owner’s dog sunning himself.  The menu has a good selection of healthy food options, smoothies, and toasts which are delicious. Wifi is reliable, and the atmosphere is great for a creative […]

Discover Panajachel and its lakeside charm

Panajachel is the largest and busiest town in the shores of Lake Atitlán with hundreds of local and foreign tourists, many hippies, tuk-tuks, businesses, stray dogs and street vendors. It might very well sound like a materialized nightmare, but Panajachel has its charms that can make many fall in love with it. If you walk towards the lake shore, the first charm becomes evident. The wonderful views of the volcanoes and Lake Atitlán make anyone fall in love immediately. Plus, the town itself has an unexpected cosmopolitan feel due to the many waves of foreigners who have arrived, attracted by the “magic” of the lake. So much that is has been nicknamed “Gringotenango”, the place of Gringos. In and around Panajachel you can find all kinds of lodging options, restaurants with local and international cuisine, cafés, bars and connections by boat to the rest of the lake and by land to the rest of the country. From Panajachel it is easy to organize day trips to the lake and surroundings and enjoy the town’s quirky but buzzing nightlife if you want. Many use Panajachel as gateway to Lake Atitlán, but it all depends on what each visitor wants to get from Panajachel. Discover Guatemala’s Mayan cultures in Panajachel Despite having the nickname “Gringotenango”, Panajachel has a Cakchiquel majority and through its streets you can listen to people speaking Cakchiquel with each other, selling handcrafts and textiles and some wearing traditional clothing from the towns around the lake. What makes Panajachel even more interesting is that it is a meeting point of Mayan cultures, as it can be seen in the passages of Tinamit. Tinamit is a handcraft and textile market on the main street, Calle Santander, where merchants arrive with products from all over Guatemala. There is a lot of competition, making it a great place to practice your bargaining skills or develop them. Besides the coming together of different traditions, it is very interesting to look at the way the products adapt to the needs of the market without losing its essence and style. You will see the latest backpack and handbag models with Mayan textiles, iPhone or iPad cases, etc. Places to eat in Panajachel You can eat very well in Panajachel. The culinary scene in Panajachel has been growing over the last couple of years, but some institutions still remain after a few decades such as Circus Bar, La Deli, Guajimbos or Casablanca. There is a bit of everything for everyone and all budgets, taste buds and diets. In order to try some local food, you can venture into the market where you can try local corn on the cob (it is special), tortillas fresh from the comal, fresh regional cheeses and all kinds of fruits from around Guatemala. It might seem tempting to eat in some of the carts you see around, but if you are not a local your intestinal flora will most likely not be prepared for it and you don’t want to spend […]

Things to Do in Antigua Guatemala

Guatemala is a beautiful country with lakes, volcanoes, and Mayan and colonial ruins. There are many places you might want to visit when travelling in Guatemala, but a tourist favorite is the quiet town of Antigua. There are activities here for all everyone, no matter how adventurous you are. Churches and Ruins Antigua is more than 200 years old and was once the colonial capital of Guatemala. For this reason, it is full of old colonial churches, buildings and cobbled streets. One of the ruins you might want to visit is the San Jose Cathedral. This Cathedral was built in 1545 and heavily damaged in the 1874 earthquake. Now, all that remains are the tall pillars holding in place the large circular structures overhead which used to form the ceiling of the cathedral. The ruins are quite magical as the remnants of the frame allow you to imagine how grand this ancient cathedral once was. Day Trip to Hobbitenango A great way to spend a day in Antigua is to visit the less well known Hobbitenango. This site is popular among locals, and if you end up meeting anyone there, they will recommend you check it out. You can book transport, which includes entry to the site, at a small office in the North of Antigua. From there you’ll be taken by pickup truck up the winding paths just outside of the town to a hotel and restaurant which looks just like Hobbiton, the fictional village from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. There are small Hobbiton inspired bunkers where you can spend the night and a medieval style bar and restaurant where you can enjoy meals inspired by the books and films, such as the dragon burger. There is also a wealth of games to keep you entertained for the day whilst you enjoy the views of Antigua below. You can play mini golf, try your hand at ax throwing or archery and, for the more daring, fly over the site on a giant swing at the top. After all that, enjoy an artisan ale and relax in one of the many loungers. Acatenango Trek For the most adventurous tourists, there is also the option to hike the nearby volcano Acatenango for a view of the adjacent Volcano Fuego which is active. From Acatenango, you will be able to see Fuego exploding lava from a safe distance. There are several tourist agencies within the city that offer this guided hike at a reasonable price. It takes two days, one day to hike up, which takes about 5 hours, and one to hike down, which takes around 3 hours. You will spend the night at a base-camp on Volcano Acatenango, enjoying the view of Fuego at night. Most tours will leave early on the first day and be back down by midday on the second. Some also include meals so make sure to check out whether food is included in your tour or if you need to bring […]

Best Mayan Routes Tips & Tricks

Go deep between Peten’s Forest to explore the biggest Mayan civilization from all times! Love challenges, camping, and the jungle? Get a week walking tour inside the jungle to be amazed by the El Mirador civilization. Traveling with kids or in short times? Don’t worry, you can still get a lot from the Mayan culture just on a one day trip to Tikal and still be surprised by the howling monkeys, last finish your day with a breathtaking sunset on top of Yahxa’s temple 216.  Take the level of adventure as hard as you want! I am from Guatemala city and Petén is a most if you are traveling through Central America. There is a lot of history, spiritualism, and nature to enjoy and leave the city stress behind. Plus its right next to the small island of Flores, which will present you a lot of nice hostels, restaurants, and nightlife, ideal to spend the nights there and take the tours to the Mayan settlements in the morning. So first let’s talk about the three most important Mayan Routes in Petén, Guatemala: The Best Mayan Routes in Guatemala Tikal   Quick history tip!  Tikal was one of the main cultural centers in the Maya civilization, around the 200 DC-850DC and is probably the most popular Mayan city in Guatemala. The good part: Is one of the biggest Mayan civilizations, and you can really understand the Mayan culture from there, so its a Historical MUST. The Pyramids are really impressive, do recommend you to go up the pyramids and enjoy the view from the top. The bad part: It gets kind of crowded, also depending on the season you are traveling, but is the most crowded Mayan park in Guatemala, so expect a lot of people getting in your pictures! I do recommend, if you are staying at Flores, take the trip with your Hostel’s tour, its usually not that much more expensive than what a bus would charge you to take you from Flores to Tikal and they usually include a tour guide that will show you around and talk to you more about the history. Geek tip! Also, very known for the famous 1977 Starwars scene that worked as a rebel base on the Yavin Moon! Its really only one second but if you go get up to the Temple IV and surprise your companions with this geeky tip!     Yaxha Yahxa Sunset   So this park is less popular, but personally, it was my favorite. Mainly, because since there are fewer people here, the animals are around more freely, we saw a lot of the howling monkeys all over the place. And when you are going up the stairs of the pyramids you can see the monkeys really close to you. Also, Yaxha is perfect for a sunset tour, make sure you are on top of the Temple 216 to see the sunset, in Guatemala, is normally around 18:00hrs. It is really magnificent because the Pyramid lays […]

El Paredón: Guatemala’s must visit beach

People say Guatemala isn't known for its beaches. They must have overlooked El Paredón, Guatemala's best beach and possibly one of its best kept secrets. Sure, other Central American countries beat out Guatemala in number and quality of beaches, but the experience of visiting El Paredón is too unique to compare. A rural fishing village on a black sand beach with palm trees, hammocks, and surf boards galore? You'll be shocked you didn't know about it sooner. The beautiful beach of El Paredón. A Town on the Brink of Tourism If you're planning your trip to Guatemala or are lucky enough to be there already, pack a swimsuit, a good book, and some extra money to donate to the local sea turtle hatchery and book a shuttle to this tranquil paradise. Why the urgency? This sleepy fishing village, with one dirt road through town that dead ends at a river full of lush mangroves, just made it on the tourist map… and with its beautiful black sand beach, firing surf break, magnificent sea turtles, and slowed down pace of life, it won't remain hidden from the tourist eye for much longer. Just three years ago, the only way to get to El Paredón was by taking a series of public buses, called chicken buses around Central America, totaling around 6 hours of travel time. Confusing transportation combined with the overshadowing of Guatemala's beaches by those of nearby countries has sheltered this tropical paradise from the touch of tourism and modernization. The few “restaurants” in town consist of picnic tables in a local's front yard with a small whiteboard indicating the menu of the day and at what hour the palm frond hut transforms from family home to village eatery. There are no ATMs (bring local currency!), no supermarkets, and no souvenir shops. What you will find here is natural beauty, a relaxing atmosphere, and a unique local community. What To Do Relax Perhaps the best part of El Paredón is that you don't have to do anything. Every accommodation has a laid back beach vibe with plenty of hammocks to lounge in while spending the afternoon reading a book and watching the waves. Take a break from your busy travel schedule and slow down on this black sand beach, but don't forget that there is a local community just down the road. Take a walk down the single dirt road leading into town and see the school buildings, local businesses, and family life that make up the unique culture of this village. Take a Chula Tour As tourism begins to hit El Paredón, the one non-profit in the town- La Choza Chula (The Cool Shack)- works to ensure that the members of the local community are the ones benefiting from tourism. One way they do this is by training local guides, with years of knowledge growing up in the town, to run various tours. With Chula tours, you can go fishing in the lush green mangroves of El Naranjo […]

Pacaya: Adventures on an active Volcano in Guatemala

Have you ever thought of hiking on an active volcano? Listen to the rumbling beat of nature’s unstoppable forces? Are you coming to Guatemala and are looking for excitement, fun, and rewards of an outdoors, body activating, stress-free adventure you can do in a matter of hours while being close to the city? Then Pacaya is the place to go. Despite its small extension Guatemala has 33 volcanoes, out of which three remain active as part of the Pacific fire belt; these are Pacaya, Santiaguito (Little James), and Fuego (Fire) Volcanoes. Pacaya is currently the least active of the three and one of the most recommended volcanoes to visit because of its easy and safe ascent as well as the beautiful views. Located at 47.5 km south of Guatemala City, it can be visited from the city of Antigua Guatemala or Guatemala City itself, which makes it a great option when you are in town for a few days and want some adventure. To make the most of this experience, there are few things to have in mind while planning your tour: Get informed of the current volcanic activity Don’t forget it is an active volcano and although it has been some time since the last eruption, you must always beware of any unusual activity. You can visit the INSIVUMEH website for further information. Get a tour guide In 1963 was declared a National Park, so there are local certified guides that can lead the ascent and let you know more about the volcano, its last major eruptions and amazing hot spots and sightings. Hydrate and bring some food The tour might take around 2 to 3 hours, so think of snacks. Some guides might bring along food to share with the tourists, especially if your group has made previous arrangements. You might bring water, sports beverages, proteins bars, nuts, and fruit. Just make sure to NOT LEAVE ANY SORT OF TRASH OR WASTE BEHIND. No need for dress to impress There is a path for both the ascent and down, so you just need light clothes and shoes. Depending on the time of the year you come, you might bring a light jacket. If you want to venture into the lava fields, bring shoes with a thick sole because rocks are uneven and have sharp edges. So now that you have that in mind, it’s all about enjoying the hike.   Now, the adventure begins It doesn’t matter how many times you’ve been there, it never stops surprising you. Pacaya Volcano does not look like a regular volcano because it is constantly reshaping itself on every eruption and little ongoing sudden spurts of activity and the lucky ones have been able to watch some minor eruptions and lava flows. Meet the locals I have always believed that the best way to get to know a place is by getting to know the locals and the people in San Vicente Pacaya are always keen to provide the best experience for tourists whether they […]

Antigua Guatemala: History and What to Do

Welcome to Antigua Guatemala Guatemala is a small country located in Central America, right below Mexico and above Honduras and El Salvador. Due to its geographical location, Guatemala’s most known motto is “The Country of the Eternal Spring”. The latter means that the climate doesn’t change much throughout the year, which only makes visiting the country even more attractive. Out of the twenty-two departments the country is divided into, one of them stands out from the rest: Sacatepéquez. Located near Guatemala City, Sacatepéquez possesses a big part of Guatemala’s history: a 16th century-like small town called Antigua Guatemala. Founded in 1524, “Antigua”, as the locals call it nowadays, was the capital of the Captaincy-General of Guatemala and its name used to be “Santiago de los Caballeros de Guatemala”.  The country's “guardians” are its thirty-three volcanos, three of which are located in Antigua: Agua, Fuego, and Acatenango. As beautiful as it may be, the volcanos and its geography have proven to be quite a problem for this incredible place. From 1541 to 1776, Sacatepéquez suffered from many natural disasters including volcanic eruptions, floods, and serious earthquakes. In spite of the various destructions, Antigua Guatemala has risen from the ashes over and over again and now stands as one of UNESCO's World Heritage. Its architecture is inspired in the Italian Renaissance, protecting it so that any new project must follow the same construction style. Today, Antigua is one of the most concurred and touristic places in Guatemala and very rightfully so. Being the old capital, this place is full of history, culture, and traditions. What to do in Antigua… I've been living in Guatemala for many years now and the first place to visit on your list should be Antigua. Only by listening to a tour guide explain its rich history you will understand so much more, not only about the region but about the entire country. The most impressive part of the journey is entirely visual: acquiring knowledge of the people's history by immersing yourself in a whole different era. Entering Antigua Guatemala is like going back in time to the 16th century, where life was simpler and more relaxed. Antigua has the power of distancing you from the rest of the world and your everyday life. Get away from the stress of traffic, the office, and the city. Surrounded by volcanos, its location offers a peaceful ambiance full of small shops, original hand-crafted art pieces, colorful architecture and amazingly kind people. So, after reading all about this incredible place, you're probably wondering what to do if you ever get there. Let me suggest a few things you might enjoy: Guided Tours Around The City Many places around Antigua, including lots of hotels, offer guided tours around the city. These guided tours not only take you to the numerous cathedrals with impressive architectures, but you can also get a chance to know old government buildings, parks, and locations with amazing century-old stories. For example, Antigua is very well known for having […]

Get to know Guatemala from a different perspective: Its people.

¡Bienvenido a Guatemala! “Welcome to Guatemala” in Spanish. I´m local and I would probably greet you this way if I knew you personally, which I would love to. You know why? Because I feel like you´re visiting me at my house, and when someone visits you, I assume you try to make them feel good and comfortable around. So either if I had met you personally or you are reading this… ¡Welcome to Guatemala! I´ll try to convince you why booking your flight and travel to Guatemala (or thinking about it) is worth every cent. What is Guatemala? Guatemala stands for a “Place with a lot of trees” on náhuatl language, located in Central America and is mostly known for its Mayan culture, great landscapes, great weather, and a good party. And absolutely! You can be on a classical temple in the middle of a forest with a “not so cold” / “not so hot” weather and having a beer and that´s a must! I´ll tell you later some tourist places you shouldn´t miss on your visit to Guatemala. But, on this article, I will show you some secrets of the country that not every traveler will tell you. Guatemalan culture… There are 4 ethnical groups in Guatemala (Depending on its culture): Ladinos, Mayas, Garífunas and Xinkas. And there are 24 ethnical groups depending on the language. So imagine all cultural richness depending on the location, every ethnical group has its own characteristics like physical, gastronomical, language, dress, social organization, art, and more. My tip? Do the research… You´ll be fascinated by this side of the story when you get to Guatemala… You can still go to all touristic places, but try to notice about this ethnic facts. For example, you want to go to Semuc Champey. Great! Semuch Champey is beautiful and it is located in Cobán, Alta Verapaz. Coban´s most important dish is kak´ik: The kak´ik on the Mayan language means “red and hot”. It is a soup made with turkey, local herbs, tomato, pepper, and more local ingredients (Different kind of chillis too). You can find it on almost all local markets where you´ll meet some incredible people wearing Mayan costumes and there´s a theory that its color red stands for some sacrifices made on ancestral ceremonies. You´ll travel time knowing these facts and it would make your stay more interesting. Guatemalan people I really believe Guatemala is beyond beautiful landscapes and touristic places, Guatemala is what it is because of its people. Try to know all locals better, we tend to talk a lot and make you feel like home. We are willing to make your stay in Guatemala unforgettable. Saying this before, I´ll also give you some suggestions of where to go in Guatemala and why I recommend it. It is really hard for me to not talk about every single corner from Guatemala, but I´ll make my top list basing on my experience and the historical, cultural and touristic facts about each place on the list. Guatemala […]

LAKE ATITLAN. A MAGIC PLACE IN GUATEMALA!

Almost Paradise. A magic destination you would never forget! Atitlan is a natural destination located in the department of Sololá, in Guatemala, where an 18 km length lake will brighten your eyes instantly. With a panoramic view of the lake and 3 volcanos: Atitlan, Tolimán and San Pedro, Lake Atitlan is a place you will surely fall in love with. Before I write about its beautifulness, I want to tell you how you can get there, or at least how I did it. Atitlan First of all, the money they use in Guatemala are “Quetzales” (Q.) If you get to Guatemala by plane, then you will be landing in Guatemala City, where you can exchange your money to Quetzales. In the touristic places they will also accept US Dollars, so if you have them, don´t worry too much because you will be able to spend them. The easiest way I found to get to Lake Atitlan is from “La Antigua”. You can also travel from Guatemala City to Sololá directly. Lake Atitlan has many little towns and there is three of them where you can arrive: “Panajachel” which is the most famous town. “Santa Cruz” a luxury little town, or “San Pedro La Laguna”, the other most famous town. I chose to go to San Pedro La Laguna because the first bus that was leaving at the moment was heading there. There is transport to any of this 3 towns and once you are in one of them, you can move by boat. Little town There are two kinds of transport in Guatemala: Public: Between 3 Quetzales (“Tuc Tuc”) and 30 Quetzales (Bus from one city to another) Cheap, very cheap. Uncomfortable Not organized (you will stand, seat, go tight, or everything at once) Very Cheap Hot (without air conditioning) Slow (lots of stops, and slow buses or tiny vans) Dangerous? Nothing ever happened to me, but I heard some bad experiences Cheap Tourist/private: Between 25 Quetzales (taxi) and 100 Quetzales (shuttle vans) Expensive (compared to public) Comfortable Air conditioner Faster than public, but still slow because of hard roads Tourist vans/shuttle: The bus from La Antigua was about $30Q.  There is also a shuttle van option (faster and more comfortable), the cost is $85Q. I wanted to sleep at Panajachel that night, but other backpackers told me there was a lot of parties there, and I just wanted to rest, so I stayed at San Pedro. Once I got to San Pedro, I looked for a hostel; there is a lot of options so don’t freak out if you didn’t book one. The one I chose wasn’t the best option, so I won’t event recommend it to you. Sports at Lake Atitlán There are many activities to do in lake Atitlan besides shopping traditional crafts: Horseback riding Kayaking: Almost every town that has the lake by its side offers you kayaks. I would recommend doing it early […]

Guatemala: Episodes of a Trip

We all have an adventure, a knowledge, an opinion, a memory, an episode to tell… These are the Episodes of a Trip: Guatemala You can watch the video here: [vc_video link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s2VNg7koe2s] Click Here to Follow Instagram Any question send an email for: [email protected] Before I talk a little about my paths and adventures, I leave my quick view of this country, about practical things: Traveling inside: “(…) there are plenty of shuttles that will pick you up and leave you in your final destination.” This country is extremely well organized regarding traveling in between cities – there are plenty of shuttles that will pick you up and leave you in your final destination. You can find more useful information regarding the shuttles (pricing and the schedule options) in almost all Hostels or tourist agencies. When you purchase the tickets, in the agencies, make sure you keep the receipt with you so you can show to the driver as a proof of purchase. Make sure that the same paper has the amount that was charged to you. My trip took place in the dry season, but even during this weather it was visible some problems getting through certain places due to bad road conditions. You have to be prepared to lose a few hours in the shuttles. The roads that have pavement are usually very busy causing several traffic jams… Driving in the remaining roads takes some time due to its characteristics- dirt and muddy roads- and even more if the car gets stuck in the mud or blow a tire… quite possible things like these happen – Due to this you have several garages shops throughout Guatemala – but in the end everything is worth it when we get to see the breathtaking view of our destination. You also have the public transportation, most known as “the chicken bus”. They are quite funny and unique, all of them have a specific decoration – character from cartoon network, or some patriotic motives- you can take nice pictures. However that’s the only thing you can do, because sometimes it becomes quite impossible to access some places using this transport due to the bad condition of the roads. It is true that there is a large price difference between the “Chicken Bus” and the shuttles. However I believe that is better to pay a little more and spend less hours driving from place to place. On average you pay about 80/100GTQ each way. Food: “(…)a lot of Nachos, Guacamole, Quesadillas, Tacos, Bean Paste, Barbecue Chicken.” The food is very similar to the Mexican one. You have a lot of Nachos, Guacamole, Quesadillas, Tacos, Bean Paste, Barbecue Chicken. I can’t tell you a lot about the beverage because I usually drank their local beer “Gallo” or ended up drinking something coold like a Mojito – something that knew well in double 1) because it is fresh 2) always be enjoyed with a good view. The average price of meals is 60GTQ, but you can eat for much less. […]

The Magic of San Marcos, Guatemala

I had never even heard of San Marcos La Laguna. San Marcos found me. Sunrise on Atitlan Lake After a few days in Antigua, Guatemala, my partner and I headed towards Panajachel, from where we took a lancha to cross Lake Atitlan. My initial gut feeling was wonderful: I rejoiced at the view of the shiny blue waters and volcanoes peaking all around. Taking in the crisp breeze and dreamy landscape, the lancha driver suddenly parked at a dock and shouted San Marcos! I disembarked and started walking towards, without knowing, what would be the two weeks that were about to change my life. Entrance of La Paz In the first few seconds, we caught a glimpse of the artistically painted walls sprinkled with colourful flowers, Mayan women in their traditional dresses, the narrow main path – which we ended up all calling Hippie Alley -, holistic centres, the scent of incense in the air, banana and coconut trees, the multiple stray dogs and of course, one cannot omit mentioning the several dreadlocked hippies playing music and making bohemian jewelry. I think I immediately knew I would either fall in love with this village if the people were bona fide, or despise it if they ended up being posers and just in it for the style and trends.                                                                                                         We had two nights booked in a dormitory in Hotel La Paz. Don’t let the hotel part fool you: this is no ordinary hotel. From Hippie Alley, you must walk a couple of minutes on a path leading towards a chunk of jungle vegetation, a tropical paradise of trees, flowers, hiding away a wooden house with a few cabins around it. A beautiful man with long brown hair and peridot green eyes welcomed us warmly and led us to our room. It was almost like a two-storey treehouse on ground with six beds. Uber cozy. Softened lights, Guatemalan textile bedspreads and a friendly kitty greeting us from time to time. Even though we slept far apart, and although the symphony of 200 barking dogs and screeching cats bothered me until I put earplugs in, we slept like babies. La Paz had yoga classes every morning for 40 Quetzales, sacred singing circles and a temazcal – Mayan Sauna – among other courses and treatments. We tried the yoga on our second morning: it took place in the middle of their garden in a quiet corner, on a circular wooden platform. We also went for a few yoga sessions at Hostal del Lago – gorgeous wooden platform with a lake view – and that was also nice. Trying Kundalini and Hatha yoga for the first time […]
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