Has anyone been to Guatemala?

[Stowickthevast]

I'm thinking of going next year with teens. Would probably do Antigua, Lake Atitlan and Peten/Tikal.

Any other recommendations? I'm unsure whether to try and carve out a few days in Belize for beach time. We'd have two weeks. No-one flies direct so you'd need to change in the states so could go into Guatemala City and out of Belmopan.

We like wildlife and culture but also a bit of down time for reading, swimming etc.

I’ve been as a mid twenties backpacker so can’t comment on the teens but absolutely loved it. All those places are great, i would also look at Semuc Champey (although harder to get to). We also crossed from Flores to Belize via bus which by memory was easy. Antigua is gorgeous and we did an amazing volcano hike, lake Atitlan is perfect for downtime and swimming and Tikal was empty and otherworldly.

Thanks @Dayfurrrrit . Semluc Champey but am struggling to justify the time spent getting there and back in a 2 week holiday so may save it for when we're not bound by school!

I went about 7 years ago. Antigua, lake Atitlan and Tikal are all must do. Volcano hikes, stunning scenery, wildlife.

We did go to Semuc Champey, and while lovely, I'm not sure the additional travel time was worth it. Roads are poor and it takes basically a day of bumpy roads to get there. I'd skip it.

We went to Caye Caulker in Belize for a few days. We enjoyed the change in culture and pace, although not much of a beach of that island so choose location carefully. Did some good snorkelling boat trips, saw sharks, turtles, manatees, rays.

20+ years ago so may well have changed.

The thing I remember most is the traditional culture. We had a chuj (traditional sauna), saw Maximon (local idol), visited Todos Santos on market day -that was absolutely crazy and very memorable. Took a lot of brightly decorated chicken buses at stupid hours of the morning - amazing when going over mountain passes in the mist, if a little terrifying with hindsight. Ate a lot of unidentified “menu del dia” at cheap local places. It may be a lot of this culture has disappeared or become very touristified over the years but if not, it is something to look for as it really differentiates Guetamala from a lot of other places. In particular I would recommend getting up into the hill villages for market day if you can, but it isn’t quick.

Belize is totally different, we also went to Caye Caulker, it was perfectly nice but I might pick a different caye another time.

I went 20 years ago - got horrendously sick with amoebic dysentery, and remember that water was only available half the day and there were ginornous holes in the pavement everywhere so you had to be very careful when walking about. Antigua beach was okay; best if you like surfing. Lots of bitey insects. Wouldn't ever go back, but who knows perhaps it has changed. Costa Rica was infinitely better.

Interesting @TheLette we've been to Costa Rica which we loved so was looking for something similar but different. I don't think we'll do the beach.

Thanks also @turtletum and @minipie . I was thinking about trying to fit Belize in too but I just don't think 2 weeks is long enough given the distances. We could fly out of Belize but then wouldn't be able to afford premium economy on the return leg which I'm kind of fixated on as it's an overnight flight.

Panama maybe? Not been but my impression is it's a bit more like Costa Rica. Otherwise, Yucatan peninsula in Mexico is nice.

Yucatan might be a good idea, even if you just want a few days beach relaxation at the end? We liked Tulum, although this part of Mexico is more commercial than Guatemala.

I wouldn’t say Guatemala is similar to Costa Rica tbh. Yucatan or Belize would be more similar, in my eyes.

Obviously not nearby but if you loved Costa Rica you might find Borneo a good option.