Two Backpackers » Guatemala

Photo of the Day: St. Francis Church Panajachel, Guatemala

Aracely — Wed, 23 Feb 2024 12:30:01 +0000

St. Francis Church in Panajachel Guatemala at Lake Atitlan

Watch our HD Adventure Travel Video of Climbing Volcano San Pedro at Lake Atitlan in Guatemala
Panajachel is the largest town surrounding Lake Atitlan in Guatemala’s highlands and serves as the base for tourists visiting the area. Lake Atitlan is one of the highlights when visiting Guatemala and many tour bus companies will shuttle you from Antigua for a visit. Enjoy the beautiful landscapes of volcanoes surrounding Lake Atitlan, but don’t go swimming in the water.

Photo of the Day: Filming a Beach Sunset

Aracely — Sat, 22 Jan 2024 20:45:51 +0000

Filming a Sunset on Guatemala's Black Sand Monterrico Beach

Photo of the Day: Finca El Paraiso Hot Spring Waterfall

Aracely — Fri, 20 Aug 2024 12:00:20 +0000

Finca del Paraiso is a small remote park where a hot spring waterfall fills a pool of cold water. You can access the park in Guatemala by taking a 1 hour ride in a collectivo (shuttle bus) from Rio Dulce inland. It’s a wonderful day trip to explore the waterfall and nearby caves.
Watch our HD video!

Finca del Paraiso, Guatemala

Photo of the Day: Tikal National Park, Grand Plaza

Jason — Thu, 19 Aug 2024 12:00:20 +0000

Tikal is one of the largest archaeological sites and urban centres of the pre-Columbian Maya civilization. It is located in the archaeological region of the Petén Basin in what is now northern Guatemala. Situated in the department of El Petén, the site is part of Guatemala’s Tikal National Park and in 1979 it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tikal was the capital of a conquest state that became one of the most powerful kingdoms of the ancient Maya. Though monumental architecture at the site dates back as far as the 4th century BC, Tikal reached its apogee during the Classic Period, ca. 200 to 900 AD. During this time, the city dominated much of the Maya region politically, economically, and militarily, while interacting with areas throughout Mesoamerica such as the great metropolis of Teotihuacan in the distant Valley of Mexico. – Wikipedia
Watch our HD video!

Tikal National Park, Guatemala

Photo of the Day: Antigua, Guatemala

Aracely — Wed, 18 Aug 2024 12:00:16 +0000

City Streets in Antigua, Guatemala

La Antigua Guatemala (commonly referred to as just Antigua or La Antigua) is a city in the central highlands of Guatemala famous for its well-preserved Spanish Mudéjar-influenced Baroque architecture as well as a number of spectacular ruins of colonial churches. It has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. – Wikipedia

Photo of the Day: Semuc Champey

Aracely — Mon, 16 Aug 2024 12:00:16 +0000

Semuc Champey Guatemala from Above

Watch our Travel Video Tour of Semuc Champey.

Semuc Champey is a natural monument in the department of Alta Verapaz, Guatemala, near the Q’eqchi’ Maya town of Lanquín. It consists of a natural 300m limestone bridge, under which passes the Cahabòn River. Atop the bridge is a series of stepped, turquoise pools, a popular swimming attraction. Although it can be difficult to get to, Semuc is becoming more and more popular with travelers. – Wikipedia

Photo of the Day: Tuc Tuc Motor Taxi

Aracely — Wed, 09 Jun 2024 13:00:12 +0000

Tuc Tuc Motor Taxi In Panajachel, Guatemala

Watch our HD Adventure Travel Video: Climbing Volcano San Pedro at Lake Atitlan in Guatemala
Tuc-Tuc Motor Taxi is a very popular form of transportation in small towns throughout in Latin America. This photo was taken in Panajachel, Guatemala.

Is Guatemala Safe?

Jason — Fri, 21 May 2024 04:36:30 +0000

Walking the Streets of Panajachel, Guatemala

I was asked if Guatemala is safe by another traveler while hanging out in a hostel in Argentina. And let’s be honest, Guatemala is much less developed than Argentina, so it’s a legitimate question. It’s not the first time we have been asked about traveling in Guatemala, although the questions did usually come up when we were in South America. You don’t get asked such a question in Central America, mostly because all those countries are relatively the same in terms of safety and infrastructure less Costa Rica.

Safe is an Opinion

This is a very difficult question to answer, not because I think Guatemala is unsafe, but rather because the answer is an opinion. When speaking about travel safety, you want to hear facts or concrete evidence to squabble your fears. The only evidence I have is that Aracely and I traveled most of Guatemala for over a month and were never knowingly in danger. I am not asking you to make a judgement on the safety of traveling in Guatemala based on our experience alone, however all I can share is our experience.

Walking the Streets of Antigua, Guatemala

Guatemala was the first country we visited on this backpacking journey and the most underdeveloped country I had ever been to. I should clarify by saying, I have never really traveled much beyond the United States, Spain and Germany. I was nervous. We were carrying a few thousand dollars worth of equipment and I not only had to worry about myself, but I felt responsible for Aracely’s safety too.

Outside a Restaurant in Flores, Guatemala near Tikal National Park

Guatemala City

We had heard prior to visiting Guatemala that Guatemala City was very dangerous. Specifically, bus robberies and bus jackings were common by gangs. We made no plans to visit the city. When we arrived there by plane, we hopped on a shuttle bus to Antigua, “Gringo Town.”

While staying in Antigua, we did meet travelers that visited Guatemala City during the day for some sightseeing. They described it as any other major city, and had no bad experiences. We also were there when our hostel maid received a phone call that her sister was just hit and mugged while picking up her paycheck in the city. It’s all about experiences and what you may have heard. We decided to go bowling in the city one night. A bunch of us rented a private shuttle bus and all went well.

Antigua

Antigua is the backpacking mecca of Guatemala. All the amenities you are used to exist here including WiFi, bars, dance clubs, laundry facilities, cafes, fast food chains, restaurants and major banks. If you can’t find something ask another traveler or the Tourist Police. I think Antigua is the perfect place to get your feet wet as a backpacker.

Chicken Buses of Antigua, Guatemala

Transportation

Antigua is usually the base camp for visiting other nearby attractions such as Lake Atitlan, Xela, Monterrico Beach, Semuc Champey or even Tikal. Tourists usually take shuttle buses around the country, but Chicken Buses (old American school buses) are available for the more daring. More daring in the sense that you really need to speak Spanish, be willing to travel slower and hope that you can figure out how to get from one destination to the other. The shuttle buses will take you directly to your destination, but it will be cramped.

Backpacks Stored in the Back of the Bus

Volcanoes

There are many volcanoes to climb in Guatemala and some have had a history of bandit attacks. Bandits are looking to rob you and possibly harm you. It’s very easy to avoid such treks. Just listen to the advice from tour agencies and hike volcanoes that are national parks. The tour agencies are always trying to request the government convert more volcanoes into national parks, but it’s a slow process. Once a national park, rangers patrol the area for your safety.

Armed Guards

It may take some time getting used to seeing armed guards patrol everything from gas stations to jewelry stores. These aren’t your everyday mall cops, these guys all carry shotguns. It’s a bit intimidating, however that is what they are going for.

People

The people of Guatemala are kind, the country is explored by few and the adventures are endless. You won’t find roped walkways and concrete steps on your hike to Semuc Champey. You will find yourself saying, “This wouldn’t be legal in my country.” But, this is what makes it so exciting.

Streets of Panajachel, Guatemala at Lake Atitlan

Be Smart Stay Safe

This article isn’t intended to persuade you to avoid Guatemala City, chicken buses or volcanoes that aren’t national parks. We are just suggesting alternatives if you want to play it safe. However, the best way to be safe is to be smart. Don’t carry things in pockets that can be easily pick pocketed. Try to make friends and travel in groups. Always be aware of your surroundings. These are things that Aracely and I do in every country we visit.

I think Guatemala is special. I know this because every time Aracely and I are asked about it, we light up and explain how much fun we had while traveling there.

View PHOTOS of Guatemala.

Photo of the Day: Giant Waves in Guatemala

Aracely — Tue, 18 May 2024 13:00:54 +0000

Monterrico Beach has black volcanic sand which heats up to extremely high temperatures with the sun making it impossible to walk without any sandals on. The Pacific waters at Monterrico Beach are also very aggressive with strong riptides which can be very dangerous to swim in. This photo shows how powerful waves can get. Jason is attempting to take a swim but it became increasingly dangerous for him to be in the water. When visiting Monterrico Beach be very careful if you dare to swim.

Watch the HD Travel Video on Montericco Beach.

The Power Of Water at Monterrico Beach, Guatemala

Monterrico Beach Guatemala – Ep 10

Jason — Tue, 04 May 2024 13:53:30 +0000

Enjoy Monterrico Beach in Guatemala through an HD Travel Video from 2 Backpackers, Jason and Aracely. In Episode 10, we show you black volcanic beach sand, rough waves, baby turtles being released into the sea and a beautiful beach sunset. Enjoy the show!

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Monterrico is located just two hours west of Antigua on the Pacific coast, but the elevation change is enough to make the temperature difference very noticeable; it increases approximately 20 degrees Fahrenheit.

Monterrico Beach Guatemala

Monterrico Hostels

Johnny's Place Hostel / Hotel

We arrived to Johnny’s Place where we had reservations for 2 nights. The hotel is set right on the beach with beautiful views from the bar, lounge and dining areas. The coconut tree grounds are well kept with many hammocks surrounding the pools and beachfront lounges. Monterrico Beach is mostly known for its black volcanic sand and sea turtle breeding program. The sand is unique in color, but too hot to walk on during the day without sandals. For Aracely and I the really cool feature of Johnny’s is the life size chessboard complete with 3-foot tall pieces in the courtyard. Johnny’s Place offers bungalows, private cabins, and a dorm room that are all reasonably priced.

Active Nightlife

Monterrico Beach Main Street Plaza

The town of Monterrico is small, but doesn’t fall short of restaurants and dance clubs. The beach is more visited by Guatemalans than tourists, which provides a more realistic glimpse into their culture. We weren’t able to find Internet access in town, but it’s a beach and you should be there to relax anyway. Several tour guides offer early morning canoe rides through the mangroves.

Big Waves

Jason Getting Crushed by Big Waves in the Ocean

The ocean waters were extremely rough during our visit, with 10-foot waves breaking in 2-foot deep water. A steep decline on the beach leads to the water’s edge causing strong undertows, which make for dangerous swimming. However, Jason loves the ocean and a challenge, so of course he dove right in. He actually conquered a few waves, but not without being pounded and tossed around a few times.

Children Playing Soccer on the Beach Sand

Our 2 days in Monterrico were spent sitting by the bar, soaking up the sun and staring at the sea with drinks in hand. After baking in the sun for a couple hours we would jump in the pool to cool off for a bit. Then, we rested in the hammocks and walked the beach in the afternoons.

Soccer & Turtles

Baby Turtles Being Released on the Beach

After the sand had cooled, local children and adults congregated in front of Johnny’s to play soccer and volleyball on the beach; they take it very seriously too. Jason and I really enjoyed watching them play, and knew our place well, as spectators only. One of my favorite moments was watching a beautiful sunset over the ocean, which we were lucky enough to capture with our cameras. We also had the opportunity to observe 75 recently hatched turtles make their way to their new home in the ocean. Totugario (Sea Turtle Hatchery) breeds the baby sea turtles and releases them into the ocean.

Monterrico Beach Sunset

For Budget Travelers

If you are on a budget then go to Monterrico Beach. Guatemala is a cheap country in general and Monterrico is still underdeveloped for a beach town. You won’t find nice tourist shops selling souvenirs, fancy restaurants or beachfront hotels. Monterrico is a bare bones destination spot for locals from Antigua and Guatemala City. Grab a plastic chair, order a Gallo beer and something to eat at the beer gardens that line the main paved avenue. You can find cerviche being sold on the street and free bonfires outside bars late at night.

Photo of the Day: A Night Blue Sky At Lake Atitlan

Aracely — Tue, 20 Apr 2024 13:00:54 +0000

A Blue Night At Lake Atitlan, Guatemala

Watch our HD Adventure Travel Video: Climbing Volcano San Pedro at Lake Atitlan in Guatemala

We only visited Lake Atitlan, Guatemala for two nights and during our short time there we were able to capture many different views of the lake. This eerie yet beautiful image is of a storm that is approaching the lake. The lights in the background are from the town of San Pedro.

Photo of the Day: Up Close Cicada Molting

Aracely — Sun, 04 Apr 2024 14:33:50 +0000

Cicada Shedding Skin at Semuc Champey, Guatemala

Watch our Travel Video Tour of Semuc Champey.

Semuc Champey is a natural wonder of Guatemala near the Q’eqchi’ Maya town of Lanquín. As we walked though the jungle to get to the 300m limestone bridge of stepped of turquoise pools we encountered this cicada molting.

Guatemala Independence Day – Ep 9

Jason — Sun, 04 Apr 2024 02:59:06 +0000

Enjoy the Guatemala’s Independence Day as celebrated in Antigua, Guatemala through an HD Travel Video from 2 backpackers, Jason and Aracely Castellani. In Video Episode 9, we show you the school spirit as bands from all the local schools march all over town culminating in a competition in the town plaza. Enjoy the show!

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Independence from Spain

During our visit to Antigua Guatemala, we were fortunate enough to experience the celebration of Guatemala’s independence from Spain on September 15th. For weeks leading up to Independence Day, we were woken up by bands practicing from all the schools in town. For schools it’s a time to shine and show their school’s spirit by being awarded the best band.

Celebrations start early and bands begin marching all throughout town strutting their stuff to the cadence of banging drums. Eventually the marching bands make their way to the center of town and parade around the plaza in front of local judges. It looked like a dance off with instruments as bands competed to out perform each other.

Guatemala

Young kids run all around town blowing whistles as they carry the torch representing their independence from Spain. This is a newer tradition that has caught on recently and continues to expand each year.

Several countries from Central America claimed their independence on the same day of September 15, 1821.

Photo of the Day: Lake Atitlan Boat Dock

Aracely — Tue, 30 Mar 2024 15:20:28 +0000

Lake Atitlan Boat Dock

Watch our HD Adventure Travel Video: Climbing Volcano San Pedro at Lake Atitlan in Guatemala
Lake Atitlán is recognized to be the deepest lake in Central America. The lake is shaped by deep escarpments which surround it and by three volcanoes on its southern flank. Lake Atitlan is further characterized by towns and villages of the Maya people.

Photo of the Day: Sunrise at Volcano Pacaya, Guatemala

Jason — Thu, 18 Mar 2024 16:19:20 +0000

Sunrise at Volcano Pacaya in Guatemala

Enjoy our HD Travel Video of Active Volcano Pacaya in Guatemala.

Pacaya is an active complex volcano in Guatemala. It rises to an elevation of 2,552 metres (8,373 ft). After being dormant for a century, it erupted violently in 1965 and has been erupting continuously since then.

Pacaya lies 30 kilometres (19 mi) southwest of Guatemala City and close to Antigua.

Photo of the Day: Mystical Waterfall at Finca del Paraiso in Guatemala

Aracely — Tue, 09 Mar 2024 16:19:48 +0000

On the side of a long dirt load there is a hidden entrance that leads to forest through a corridor. Tucked away at the end of the trail is Finca del Paraiso. Here you will find a hot spring fed waterfall of hot water rushing into a pool of cool river water below. Finca del Paraiso is usually accessed from Rio Dulce, Guatemala which is a popular stopping point for Caribbean bound sail boats.
Watch our HD video!

Waterfall at Finca del Paraiso

KanBa River Caves of Semuc Champey

Aracely — Mon, 08 Mar 2024 16:28:01 +0000

KanBa Caves of Semuc Champey, Guatemala

Like our visit to Semuc Champey, we had no idea what we were getting into prior to leaving for our tour. This point is echoed throughout most of our Guatemalan journeys. The KanBa Caves are only a short walk from the metal bridge that spans Cahabón River.

Note: We didn’t have a waterproof camera to take pictures of the cave inside or outside. If you have pictures, or plan on visiting the caves, we would love to showcase your pictures on this post. Thank you!

Semuc Champey Caves

After paying the entrance fee to the owner of the caves and the Inn Posada Las Marias, you meet the guide for the adventure. The guides are provided by the cave’s administration and you don’t have a choice. Each guide has a good understanding of the caves structure and hidden surface. This is important when you find yourself swimming in a cave with the potential to kick hidden rocks lurking below.

A Candle Leads the Way

Each person is provided a single white candle about 4 inches long. Next, you are led up steep steps into the large opening of the cave. We entered the cave at ankle deep water and paused to light our primitive flashlights, or candles. The water came from our ankles, to our knees, to our waist and eventually to our chest. We all held our candles high in a sad attempt to further brighten our way.

The cave was masked in darkness, and exuded a creepy feeling of the unknown. We continued to walk through the cave with varying water levels. Occasionally our guide warned us to be careful not to bang our legs on the submerged rocks that rose up from the cave floor, but inevitably we did.

Swimming in a Cave

Our guide explained, “You must swim now, make sure you don’t extinguish your candle.” “Huh,” we thought to ourselves. You could see everyone in the group make eye contact with each other in an attempt to justify our own personal shock. I’m not a good swimmer. Okay, I’m not a swimmer at all and I sure can’t swim with one hand in the air. Jason was close behind me and suggested I hold onto his neck while resting on his back. My job became to hold the two candles in one hand while circled around his neck with the other arm. Jason then swam with both hands, frog style across the dark pool. Many people had wet their candles during the swim, but we all helped each other ignite them before continuing.

Climbing Ladders

As if we were in a small mine, different levels of the cave were connected by ladders made of thin metal pipes held together with thick bands of rubber and black electrical tape. We had to climb these ladders, which in our minds would be a legal nightmare in the States, but I guess that is truly one of the advantages to adventures in Central America. Narrow tunnels led to different chambers in the cave, some with still pools of water and others with rushing water falls. The cave’s walls were decorated with stalactite and stalagmite formations. We even had the option to climb up a waterfall and jump off a short cliff. Yes, all this inside the cave and far away from daylight. Jason went for it. I on the other hand, was particularly shy and nervous in the darkness of that cave and watched in disbelief as Jason trusted his life with our guide. He was the only one to make the jump.

The guide makes the journey fun with several surprises that we won’t disclose here. One bit of advice is to bring a glow stick to wear around your neck. We wish we did. We also don’t suggest this tour for those that aren’t physically fit, since some of the ladder climbing is a bit confined and difficult.

Budget Travel Tips

Turquoise Pools of Semuc Champey, Guatemala

Guatemala is one of the cheapest countries in Latin America, so just being there is saving money. There is no way to avoid hiring a guide for the caves, nor would you want to. For the more adventurous there are 2 hour, 4 hour, and 8 hour private high risk tours available in the caves, but pray it doesn’t rain. The El Portal Hostal located at the rivers edge in Semuc Champey is a wonderful base hostel for exploring all that Semuc Champey has to offer. If you plan to spend a few days there, choose to stay down by the river. The hostal may be slightly more expensive, but you won’t have to pay for transportation in and out of the valley back up to Lanquin every time you want to visit. The lodging by the river is much more connected with nature and Lanquin is not much of town anyway. Larger and more expensive caves can be found in Lanquin, as well as whitewater rafting.

Backpackers & Tattoos – Ep 8

Jason — Thu, 25 Feb 2024 20:53:11 +0000

Watch Jason get his first tattoo ever in Antigua, Guatemala in an HD Travel Video from 2 Backpackers, Jason and Aracely Castellani. In Video Episode 8, we both get some tattoo work done and introduce you to Mike from Antigua Tattoo, who creates tattoos for several of us from Basecamp Hostel. Enjoy the show!

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It’s stereotypical of backpackers to get a tattoo during their travels away from home. I fulfilled that stereotype, but I had wanted this tattoo of a burning sun for the last 3 years.

I was in Antigua, Guatemala, the first stop on our 1 year travel journey. After Aracely was feeling better, we both took the advice from those working at Base Camp Hostel and visited Mike, owner of Tatuaje Antigua (Antigua Tattoo). Mike had been doing some incredible work on a multi-visit tattoo for Victor, who worked at the hostel we were staying at and we were impressed. It was an easy decision to choose Antigua Tattoo.

Jason Getting His First Tattoo Ever

Sun Tattoo

I knew I wanted a tattoo of a burning sun with the words, “Carpe Diem.” The struggle would be making it look masculine enough to center between the shoulder blades below the neck. I imagine the sun as all powerful for all of nature, including me. The heat gives me energy and the ability to live life as exciting of a life as I can. After making several sketches on my own, I presented the concept to Mike. After a few days, Mike came back with an improved artistic design that Aracely and I both approved of. I had expanded the words to include the phrase, “Carpe diem quam minimum credula postero” – “Seize the day, trusting as little as possible in the future.” This was the entire phrase from the Latin poem by Horace.

Being my first tattoo, you would think I was a bit nervous, but considering Aracely already had one, a rose on the shoulder that she got when she was 18, I kept my manhood intact by showing no fear!

Mike finished the tattoo in 2 hours. The results were perfect. I got exactly what I was looking for, and now, coincidentally fit the backpackers stereotype.

Blue Rose Tattoo

The inking wasn’t done, however. Aracely originally had her blue rose tattoo done when she was 18 and at the age of 27 it had become quite dull. Mike took 10 minutes to redo the entire rose, and now it was colorful again.

We returned back to Base Camp Hostel with our warrior badges and shared our experiences with the other 3 that had recently been inked by Mike at Antigua Tattoo.

Photo of the Day: A Boat on Lake Atitlan, Guatemala

Jason — Sun, 21 Feb 2024 16:25:49 +0000

Boat on Lake Atitlan, Guatemala

Watch our HD Adventure Travel Video: Climbing Volcano San Pedro at Lake Atitlan in Guatemala

Lake Atitlán is recognized to be the deepest lake in Central America. The lake is shaped by deep escarpments which surround it and by three volcanoes on its southern flank. Lake Atitlan is further characterized by towns and villages of the Maya people. Wikipedia
Lake Atitlán has become one of the most polluted lakes in Central America and is now categorized as toxic. A major ecological cleanup is needed – Time Online Article

A Travelers Hospital Stay – Ep 7

Jason — Thu, 18 Feb 2024 21:14:49 +0000

In this Video Episode 8, Aracely of 2 Backpackers becomes ill while traveling in Guatemala. Ever wonder what it’s like to visit a foreign hospital? We were surprised while getting medical help through our World Nomads travelers insurance in Antigua, Guatemala. Enjoy the show!

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Begins With a Fever

Aracely started feeling ill with a fever while we were visiting Rio Dulce, Guatemala. A fever is basically the start of any number of possible dreaded illnesses you can get in Central America. Is it Malaria or Dengue?

Rio Dulce is not the most developed city, so she tried to wait out her sickness, hoping it was a short-term bug. After 4 days of sweating and exhaustion, we decided to pack our backpacks and take an air-conditioned first class bus to Antigua, Guatemala. Antigua is the main stay for tourists traveling into Guatemala and we felt confident we would find a good place to have Aracely checked out. This was the first luxury bus we took while in Guatemala and at $8 USD each for a 6 hour bus ride, we actually considered it expensive!

Travelers Insurance

After arriving at Base Camp Hostel, we contacted our travelers insurance provider, World Nomads, for recommendations on emergency hospitals. World Nomads put us on the phone with a nurse to first evaluate Aracely’s condition and then they suggested we go to Hospital Privado Hermano Pedro, a 24hr private hospital.

A Private Hospital

After wandering aimlessly in Antigua for 45 minutes we finally arrived at the clinic located near the Antigua bus terminal, towards the back of town. It was on the complete opposite side of town than where our hostel was.

They immediately took Aracely’s temperature and recognized she had a high fever. She was placed in a private room she was submitted to multiple blood tests. Aracely is not a fan of needles, so this was probably her worst moment. They recommended we stay overnight, monitoring the fever as they kept her hydrated and gave her large doses of antibiotics.

Aracely Feeling Healthy in Antigua, Guatemala

After 24 hours, her fever had declined and her white blood cell count was back to normal. Our care at Brother Pedro’s Private Hospital was top notch and the faculty was always very kind. We submitted our bill to World Nomads and sure enough, the reimbursement process was seamless.

Thank you World Nomads Travel Insurance and Brother Pedro’s Private Hospital (Hospital Privado Hermano Pedro) for taking care of Aracely.