We have previously had some discussions on Guatemala - such as this one and this one - but I think there is room for one more, especially with two Slow Travelers going there this month!

I am heading south in less than three weeks, and here is a quick itinerary. I have been there many times before for work, but this time it is all pleasure! (It is also not very slow...)

First, a few days in Antigua Guatemala. I am hoping to stay at Casa Cristina which Teachick highly recommends. After that, the plan is to head to Panajachel (affectionately called Gringotenango) for some rest and relaxation by the lake. We want to stay at Hotel Dos Mundos. While in Panajachel, we might go north to the famous market in Chichicastenango. Then back to Guatemala City for socializing and maybe some museums.

I am so excited to go back and visit old friends, old places, and new places! I am contemplating some hiking around Antigua and possibly some mountain biking.

Any and all suggestions welcome!

OK, that is almost my EXACT itinerary for next week! I'm staying with Rosario at my usual haunt, Casa Cristina, and then I'm off to Hotel Dos Mundos. I've sent them two emails and nothing back (I've found this is not uncommon there). This happened before with my hotel in San Marcos in January and I just had Rosario call for me. I love her. She takes care of me. I'm sure if you stay there she'll take care of you too.

You should take the small boats around the lake and perhaps spend a night or two in San Marcos la Laguna at Posada Schumann as I did. Tell Julie the owner I sent you (if she happens to be there!) and ask for a cabin by the water. You get breakfast and use of the sauna included in the price. I loved it there and it is so inexpensive and right on the lake. I actually met a man who was staying there as well and I'm going to spend with him on the lake next week!

There are some nice little places to eat in San Marcos up away from the water and a neat cafe/restaurant called Blind Lemons that has internet access and free wifi with a meal. It's owned by a really cool American man who lives up the hill. They also have live music.

if you get out to Santa Cruz la Laguna, you can splurge a little and stay with Wendy at Villa Sumaya which is beyond heavenly. You can swim right off the dock there and you can partake in some quality girly healing treatment time. The food is also fabulous.

Even if you just take the boat over to check Santa Cruz out you should have lunch at Isla Verde way the hell up in the trees! You can stay there as well and I plan on doing so one of these trips as it was so peaceful and sweet. They have a private beach! It's kind of surreal as you keep climbing these stairs and you think you're heading nowhere and then all of sudden you find this enchanting little restaurant with AMAZING food. A must do... I had the best chocolate chip cookie there and they also have internet access in the restaurant. The place feels more like someone's private bohemian retreat house.

Splurge and have dinner or at least drinks at Meson Panza Verde. It's great to sit by the fire in the bar area and have after dinner drinks. The rooms are pricey for Antigua, but utterly divine. I have serious fantasies about dragging a man there and staying in one of the two first floor suites in the back with private gardens and GIANT tubs. I got a tour of those suites and fell in love... big time!

If you want drinks and a movie check out Cafe 2000 in Antigua. They show good films and they're free as long as you buy something there. It's one of the hipper lounges in town.

If you're interested in taking in some culture I'd highly recommend Elizabeth Bell's Cultural walking tour. It's three hours long and so worth the $20. I got so much out of it and I'm a non-tour kind of chick. Very enlightening.

Say, I can hook you up with my friend Deet who gives wonderful $13 massages and is a great source for the area. I'm booked with her for a massage and dinner when I fly in!

That's it for now. I only wish we were going at the same time. We'd have so much fun together.

Teachick,

I knew I could count on you for good info! I called Dos Mundos and talked to them, that might be an easier way to get hold of them. They were full for the first few nights we wanted which is why we are going there after Antigua. I have eaten at Panza Verde before but not stayed there - I agree that would be very cool!

I would love to book a massage! Maybe you could PM me with her contact info?

Thanks so much for the info about the places around Lake Atitlan. I hope we can visit more villages than Panajachel.

Have a great trip!! I am sure we will meet there one day.

Just moments ago, my secretary placed the mail on my desk and atop the heap was the May/June National Geographic Traveler. Unable to resist the temptation to open the magazine and browse a bit, I found a nine page article on Guatemala with gorgeous photos interspersed. I'm going to make time to read and savor later today.