Local Travel Guide: Guatemala Part 1 « Tanya & Victor

Local Travel Guide: Guatemala Part 1

It had been 15 years since Victor spent a Christmas with his family. With his recent promotion in immigration status, we booked our tickets (thanks to our Papa Chene, Victor’s dad,) and we took off just about 2 days before Christmas Eve which is really Christmas but slightly more explosive. He wore his heart on his sleeve the whole trip as this was his first time with all of the family during the holidays in a long time. He had a flood of memories come back of food and traditions throughout each event. Being surrounded by cousins, aunts, and uncles, and of course, all of our nieces and nephews was the best present we could ask for Christmas. It was my first time away from home, and I got a taste of what Victor had been through all those 15 years away from his loved ones during this season. Even so, Guatemala has a sense of home for me since this was my fourth time visiting.

We were immediately welcomed by our gracious hosts our sister Rocio and her husband Kike (pronounced Kee-Keh) and the warm 70-degree temperature of Guatemala City once again proving a sense of familiarity. We had our agendas wide open, and we wanted to experience adventure. Our first week was mostly spent at Victor’s grandmother house celebrating Christmas, cooking and eating (and some more eating). Rocio and the family took us on a quick visit to Iximche in Tecpan, Guatemala. We took a tour of Mayan ruins and had some quality time with our nephew and goddaughter, beautiful Anya. We learned about the different governments, social classes and sporting games of the ancient Mayans. We admired the beautiful landscapes with hundreds of year old ruins still standing to tell of a different time.

We had a plan to visit the Eastern part of Guatemala since Victor had only visited certain parts. We wanted to see as much as we could. Lorena, Victor’s cousin, offered to take us on a quick 2 day trip to Lago (lake) Izabal. From there we visited Mariscos, El Estor, Rio Dulce, among many attractions. We then stopped over at the national park of Quirigua. Each road trip on the Eastern more Caribbean side of Guatemala was full of miles and mile-long landscapes of tropical trees, bananas and coconuts (my favorite). Although we stayed in one of the gorgeous places there, it was rather remote but a perfect tourist site sans tourists 😉 Each excursion was succeeded by the next and only in-person views could do these sites justice. Victor now chimes in with his first set of tips on traveling the Eastern side of Guatemala and Guatemala City.

TIPS:

  • When traveling to the East side, ensure that you are either on reliable transportation with a good set of wheels and lights. It’s best to check when traffic times are predicted as it can get very congested leaving the City. While road tripping, the scenery is beautiful, but caution the many holes found on the roads when traveling to more remote towns on the Atlantic side.
  • Always have Quetzales cash on hand to be able to purchase snacks on the way of sweet and ripe fruit: coconuts, mangos, bananas. Some restaurants will take your dollars but will give you a lower exchange rate.
  • Make sure to make a quick stop at Santa Cruz, Zacapas for a delicious pupusa and empanada. It’s almost at the very halfway point in trying to arrive at any of the towns by Lake Izabal
  • Keep track of the opening and closing times of each attraction. Some like the Castillo de San Felipe closes rather early.
  • If you’re visiting any of the towns by Lake Izabal make sure to take a dip and swim. Its one of Victor’s favorite lakes in Guatemala. They’re warm temperature, mellow current and easy to walk in as well.
  • When you’re in the Historic Center of Guatemala City make sure to not exhibit valuables.
  • Try to purchase your souvenirs from El Mercado Central as you’ll find a variety of options and quality for good value.

Just purchased some of the pretty flowers for our Christmas Dinner

 

Our trip suggestions:

Attractions on the Atlantic side of Guate: Castillo San Felipe, Quirigua Ruins, El Estor, El Boqueron
Attractions in Guatemala City: The Historical Center, El Mercado Central, The National Palace, The Metropolitan Cathedral

Attraction in Tecpan: Iximche

Favorite Cafe: Cafe Leon in Zona 1

Favorite Dessert: Atol de Elote available anywhere in the City

Budget Eats: Restaurante San Martin and the Pupusas found in Zacapa

Favorite Restaurant: Bonanza, Tecpan

Where we stayed in Mariscos: G Boutique (highly recommended)

Some of Victor’s Grandmother’s home features

Playing with our nephew in Iximche, Tecpan

Victor’s mom

Our little goddaughter Anya and her mommy. This is Victor’s dad and EnricSome of the view from Rocio’s homeMoving to G Boutique in MariscosSome of the bungalows with a lake front view Enjoying the dock in the restaurant by the lake Izabal El Estor Izabal Lake The castle San Felipe found in San Felipe de Lara Established in the 1600’s The view from our window. {Experimented with new film stock Cinestill 800} Mariscos, IzabalQuiriguaOur nephew Rafita and his mommy LorenaWe probably had 3 or 4 helpings of ceviche that week Estelas Maya in Quirigoa established in 200 A. D. 

This is the Ceiba, the national tree of Guatemala

Stay tuned for part 2 next week for our adventure in Antigua and to the Pacific Coast and what we learned when taking professional gear to the Coast.

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