Guatemala-highly recommend!
Guatemala
|
Jul 5 - Jul 11, 2024
![Rebecca](https://cdn.kimkim.com/files/a/users/profile_photos/0c6ba5f1b29aeecc13429c60af175c3570181186/original-5070afd5ee9458c773ca586052a3b412.jpg)
This was a seamless and wonderful trip! It was easy to plan and communicate through KimKim. Catherina and all of Columbus Guatemala Travel was prompt at getting back to me and answered all my questions and were flexible with our interests. Our tour guide throughout the week as JJ. He was amazing! My Spanish is intermediate so I appreciated being able to practice speaking Spanish, but it was very comforting to have a bilingual local as our guide. My daughter and I were hesitant to travel alone, but having an excellent guide eased any anxiety we might have had. Even when we explored on our own, JJ gave us advice on where to go and checked in on us from time to time. We learned so much about the culture and history from talking with JJ, that we never would have learned on our own. He even helped teach me Spanish slang/phrases that were specific to Guatemala. Columbus Guatemala Travel even welcomed us with a small party so we could meet in person the people who had helped plan our trip!
All our locations we visited were wonderful as well as the hotels. Some highlights: Antigua is a beautiful and amazing city and we loved exploring it and the surrounding towns. We went out at night on our own and I went on a solo run through the city early one morning and never felt unsafe. I normally hate to shop, but I bought souvenirs from all the shops/artisans we visited because there were amazing items I wouldn't be able to find in the States, I wanted to support the local people, and everything was very affordable.
Lake Atitlan and the surrounding towns were amazing as well! Casa del Mundo was the absolute best and most unique hotel I'll probably ever see. It was an entire experience and I could see myself bringing the rest of my family just to see the lake and stay at Casa del Mundo again. Our hike to see the sunrise was the most beautiful view I've ever seen and was totally worth the struggle with the high altitude!
The locals were very friendly and would start conversations often! Knowing some Spanish was definitely helpful, but if you have a bilingual guide and use a translating app while alone, only speaking English would not be a huge problem. Seeing how people live off the land in a developing country is very worthwhile. I could go on and on about this trip, but I will end saying I'm grateful for JJ and the entire travel company. I'm a public school teacher and I have to save up for awhile before leaving the country, and I can definitely say this trip was worth every penny!
Hotel Reviews
This was a small, beautiful hotel that has a peaceful courtyard, excellent breakfast, nice views of the mountains from the balcony, and a perfect location for exploring Antigua. The staff was helpful and friendly and we felt safe enough to sleep with our window open. I appreciated all the filtered water throughout the hotel so I didn't have to buy plastic water bottles, and the availability of coffee throughout the day. Beautiful experience!
The grounds and buildings were beautiful. The pools were relaxing and clean. The food and service was excellent. The individual cabins were charming and relaxing. For spoiled Americans like myself, it's good to know that there is AC but not hot water. HOWEVER, I'm not complaining, because after learning about the area I understood that running water is hard to come by anyway, and it was very refreshing to take a cold shower because Monterrico is the warmest of all the places we visited. The beach has beautiful black sand, but was a little dirty. I'm not blaming this on the hotel but on people who litter. And it might have been dirtier because storms came through a few days before we did. It was very relaxing to lay by the pool or eat a wonderful meal and listen to the waves. We also booked relaxing massages and an early morning Mangrove tour, both of which were excellent.
This is a place like no other. Absolute paradise. If I could have brought my entire family, I would want to live there! The grounds and views were amazing, the staff was friendly and helpful. This was very valuable when trying to carry large bags up all those stairs when you aren't used to the altitude! The restaurant was wonderful. I loved explored all the gardens and seeing how environmentally conscious the owners are. The traditional Mayan decorations in the rooms and throughout the property were absolutely amazing. Anyone who is interested in this hotel should look at pictures and remember that it's even better in person. My only complaint is that I was only able to stay 2 nights. I almost cried when we left. My daughter and I are athletic and in good shape, but keep in mind if you are not, or have balance issues, getting around the hotel grounds might be a little difficult!
Activity Reviews
![Thank you](https://cdn.kimkim.com/files/a/images/3a58ade2a46cc4f3b05e60b66f6ac841f9f80b28/original-5d5d6cf3bb2293589510480672848b8c.jpg)
JJ made sure we go to the airport on time and we were sad to leave!
![Visit San Juan La Laguna](https://cdn.kimkim.com/files/a/images/ef21c4749891983fae6d75880946f4ed8c849b9b/original-21f2db88d34a9d7c6517055e2cb9fbd7.jpg)
This is an absolutely beautiful city. We had a lovely and relaxing breakfast. We visited several shops in the area and saw demonstrations by Mayan women or locals. I was able to buy many things for my family and learn about the culture at the same time!
![Welcome to Guatemala](https://cdn.kimkim.com/files/a/images/991c3c5debf69e9539fca8e128bccb792fe5ad5e/original-4f63774115efcc5c2cdf9704bb6a957d.jpg)
JJ was our guide and picked us up on time and we immediately felt comfortable with him!
![Villages Around Antigua By Chicken Bus](https://cdn.kimkim.com/files/a/images/86b7b8df9ab9e11261e54d5ccc13c7d4e7d2d965/original-f83788946a236f0309db407567b58e2c.jpg)
This was fun and informative! JJ taught us a lot about the history and culture of the area. The land and weather was beautiful. And the people were friendly. I loved visiting the local shops/artisans and learning about how the different items were made!
![Antigua Street Food Tour](https://cdn.kimkim.com/files/a/images/f86a330f94cebb735a01c7b443b4bd73d7ae0634/original-7bc9c1f4d77bea99691096dbd6f5d755.jpg)
This was a walking tour, which is the best way to learn about Antigua! We learned about the food and culture and history of the area. We were so full of wonderful food that we didn't have to eat for quite awhile! JJ, as always was a great guide.
![Hike Rostro Maya or Indian Nose](https://cdn.kimkim.com/files/a/images/949684503a0bb4fe96122a82b806995d936f4623/original-78380b603fd3c3bfcb18560c15f0ba84.jpg)
Indian Nose: This was a very early morning hike and absolutely worth the lost sleep! I'm very athletic but the hike was challenging, especially for those of us who live at sea level and aren't used to the altitude. But I love challenges and the view at the top was the best I've ever seen! Watching the sun rise over Lake Atitlan was an amazing experience.
![Catherina](https://cdn.kimkim.com/files/a/users/profile_photos/83c74d4f12b6479ed6a4a5b7f9a4a87439dc162f/original-87a81aa93946fb6347bcd3c182a4ac85.jpg)
Meeting you has been so wonderful but sharing with you was even more extraordinary. We rejoice with every travel experience, goal, success and meeting incredible people like you throughout this life is also worth celebrating. Thank you for your friendship and trust It's fantastic to read how JJ's bilingual skills helped ease any anxiety and added depth to your cultural understanding and spanish practice. We are delighted by your appreciation of... Read more