Guatemala | October 2023
Guatemala:
This post is mainly about Antigua, Guatemala. We did make plans to visit San Pedro for a day, however, due to political unrest and protests, we were unable to make it. I included San Pedro research at the end of the post, but I cannot verify any information as I didn't get to experience it.
Weather:
Sunny in the morning, cloudy/foggy as the day went on, short bursts of rain at night. Bring a poncho.
Transportation:
Chabad is AMAZING. They have daily shuttles for you to take you almost anywhere, not just within Guatemala. You can do overnight rides to other countries. Check out their website for exact details.
We used Uber to get around. Super cheap. For short distances, you can get a Tuk Tuk ride. The cobblestone roads are SO bumpy in Antigua... use the bathroom before you get into the car;)
If you are taking an Uber to a location further out, you might get stuck finding an Uber to take you back.
Here are some drivers' numbers for long-distance rides:
Yisroel Meir Teller +502 4752-6189 (from the Satmar community. Better to give him parnassah than Uber. He can also show you his shul, explain the history, and take you to the local bakery. (Thank you Daniel from NY)
Luis Tezen: +502 5856-3735
Yosef: +502 5201-8353
The Chabad can find you drivers too.
Accommodations:
The Chabad of Antigua has hotel/hostel style accommodations on premises. You can book on their website. Unfortunately, they were fully booked so we had to find Airbnbs. It can be loud at night in the Chabad house, so if you want a really private, quiet place to stay, Chabad is probably not the place. Other than that, it's super convenient, Kosher food, wifi, good people, couches, ping pong table, etc.
We stayed in a brand new, modern Airbnb 20 minute walk from Chabad. Here's the link.
We then decided to extend our trip and found an old Airbnb around the corner from Chabad. It was perfect for Shabbos/Yom Tov because there is a 24 hour guard and the lock is manual with a key you can keep in the lockbox outside your door. Here's the link.
(Bring tape or get some from Chabad to cover the fridge light.)
Kosher Food:
The Chabad of Antigua has a restaurant on premises. You can order on their website for pickup, or just order there and wait for your food. The Chabad house is beautiful and you are totally welcome to hang around and eat there.
Attractions:
Acatenango Volcano Overnight - This is a MUST-DO. You cannot leave Guatemala without doing this! Chabad arranges everything- you just need to register a day before. You can either hike or jeep up Acatenango (inactive volcano) and then camp overnight while watching Fuego, the active volcano, erupt right across from you. The hike is intense, but no one regrets it. We jeeped up, much easier. We did need to hike the last 40 minutes to get to the base camp, but it was mostly flat. We also needed to get out of the jeep and hike 10 minutes mid-ride because it was too muddy/steep for the jeep to do it with a full car. Chabad provides coats, gloves, hats, food, tea, soup, snacks, marshmallows etc. You just need to bring warm pajamas/sweaters. There are porters who can carry your stuff. You probably won't need that service if you jeep it. If you hike, definitely hire a porter. There is also an option to hire a horse to take you up and down. I don't think it's necessary, perhaps even a little scary. We heard people hiked up Fuego too, unsure how that works, ask Chabad. Regardless of which option you choose, it's an experience of a lifetime!
Museo Casa del Tejido Antiguo - Indigenous Mayan weavers show you how to weave. You can walk in and take a private 1 hour class to make a bracelet or a 4 hour class to make a patch of weavework. Or...you can buy a bracelet for $2;) We learnt all about Mayan clothes and even got to try it on ourselves. It was actually very interesting and different.
D-Taza Chocolate Factory - Make chocolate from scratch. Super cool. The Chabad Rabbi said it's kosher because it's just cocoa and sugar. Whatsapp Daniel to book a tour: +502 4737 6021
Santa Catalina Arch - Cool photo op where you can see the volcanos through the arch, assuming it's not cloudy. You can buy a professional picture for $2. It would be at least $40 in NY lol.
Nim Po't - Souvenir store near Santa Catalina Arch. It's HUGE.
El Mercado - Marketplace 10 minute walk from Chabad. You can buy fruits, clothes, toiletries, souvenirs, etc.
Simoon ATV Tour - We did the 5 hour sunset ATV tour. We visited Hobbitenango, Cerro de la Cruz, and drove around Antigua. Click here to book.
Hobbitenango - Lord of the Rings style park. That's where you will find the famous hand. They have archery, a thrilling rope swing, souvenirs, etc. It's a nice place to visit for 1-2 hours. I'm happy it was part of our ATV tour - we got a chance to visit but didn't make a whole day trip out of it.
San Pedro:
Around 3 hours north of Antigua.
This is research I did for a daytrip to San Pedro, but I didn't end up going due to roads blocked by protests.
Accommodations:
La Casa Del Mundo - I heard about this hotel from lots of people. It seems to be THE place to stay in San Pedro area.
Kosher Food:
The Chabad website lists the 3 kosher restaurants in Pedro.
Jerusalem
Hafalafel
Espresso Bar
Attractions:
Eagles Nest Atitlan - Private yoga class in San Marcos
Rancho Moises - horseback riding in San Pedro La Laguna.
El Paredon:
Almost 2 hours south of Antigua.
Zoah Surf - $20 for a 1 hour private surf lesson. Whatsapp them to book and to arrange a private driver. +502 3569-0790