FAQ's
HOW MUCH DOES THE TOUR COST?
The tour cost ranges from $1200 to $1500 - depending on which week you select and whether you will be sharing a room or traveling as a single.
The tour cost ranges from $1200 to $1500 - depending on which week you select and whether you will be sharing a room or traveling as a single.
WHAT COSTS ARE INCLUDED?
The tour includes all hotel costs, all meals and non-alcoholic beverages, all group classes, courses, meditations and activities.
The tour includes all hotel costs, all meals and non-alcoholic beverages, all group classes, courses, meditations and activities.
WHAT COSTS ARE NOT INCLUDED?
The flight cost to/from the airport in Guatemala City along with the transportation cost from the airport in Guatemala City to Antigua. The cost of your trip to the airport for your return flight is included in the tour cost and will be arranged for you after your arrival in Guatemala.
The flight cost to/from the airport in Guatemala City along with the transportation cost from the airport in Guatemala City to Antigua. The cost of your trip to the airport for your return flight is included in the tour cost and will be arranged for you after your arrival in Guatemala.
HOW LARGE WILL THE GROUP BE?
Each group will be between 6-12 people.
Each group will be between 6-12 people.
HOW WILL TRANSPORTATION ARRANGEMENTS WORK?
Flights should be to La Aurora Airport in Guatemala City (GUA). The airport has recently been renovated and has modern conveniences. If possible, it is best to try to arrive earlier in the day to avoid as much afternoon traffic as possible. Shuttles and taxis to Antigua are available immediately as you exit the airport after clearing immigration and customs. If your flight arrives late in the evening there may not be shuttles available, however, there will be taxis. Shuttles are typically $10-15. Taxis are typically $35-40 depending on the time of day- if it is after dark expect the higher fare. Shuttles and taxis will take you directly to the hotel in Antigua (though best to confirm this along with the fare cost prior to getting into your transport!). US dollars are accepted by shuttles and taxis at the airport.
Flights should be to La Aurora Airport in Guatemala City (GUA). The airport has recently been renovated and has modern conveniences. If possible, it is best to try to arrive earlier in the day to avoid as much afternoon traffic as possible. Shuttles and taxis to Antigua are available immediately as you exit the airport after clearing immigration and customs. If your flight arrives late in the evening there may not be shuttles available, however, there will be taxis. Shuttles are typically $10-15. Taxis are typically $35-40 depending on the time of day- if it is after dark expect the higher fare. Shuttles and taxis will take you directly to the hotel in Antigua (though best to confirm this along with the fare cost prior to getting into your transport!). US dollars are accepted by shuttles and taxis at the airport.
HOW DOES PAYMENT FOR THE TOUR WORK?
Payment must be made in full prior to December 2019.
Payment must be made in full prior to December 2019.
WHEN SHOULD I BOOK MY FLIGHTS?
Not until you have received confirmation from me that everything is a go!
Not until you have received confirmation from me that everything is a go!
HOW IS THE WEATHER?
The weather is typically in the 70's during the day and it can drop down to the 50's in the evening. We will be there in the dry season so it is very unlikely there will be rain.
The weather is typically in the 70's during the day and it can drop down to the 50's in the evening. We will be there in the dry season so it is very unlikely there will be rain.
WHAT SHOULD I BRING?
Casual, comfortable clothing. Sandals. Walking shoes. Swimsuit - for the sauna, even if you don't plan to swim in the lake. Toiletries- including sunscreen. Light jacket or sweater/sweatshirt. Alarm clock. Flashlight. Day pack.
Casual, comfortable clothing. Sandals. Walking shoes. Swimsuit - for the sauna, even if you don't plan to swim in the lake. Toiletries- including sunscreen. Light jacket or sweater/sweatshirt. Alarm clock. Flashlight. Day pack.
WHAT ARE THE FOOD CHOICES LIKE?
The restaurants we will be dining at in both Antigua and San Marcos cater principally to the tourist crowd - so the menus are typically designed with the western palate in mind and are usually quite expansive. The link below is to the Trip Advisor reviews of the restaurants in San Marcos- and as you can see the reviews are quite strong.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurants-g315771-San_Marcos_La_Laguna_Lake_Atitlan_Solola_Department_Western_Highlands.html
The restaurants we will be dining at in both Antigua and San Marcos cater principally to the tourist crowd - so the menus are typically designed with the western palate in mind and are usually quite expansive. The link below is to the Trip Advisor reviews of the restaurants in San Marcos- and as you can see the reviews are quite strong.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurants-g315771-San_Marcos_La_Laguna_Lake_Atitlan_Solola_Department_Western_Highlands.html
WHAT ABOUT INTERNET/PHONES?
There should be wifi access at our hotels, though at times the service can be unreliable. I find it easier to leave my phone at home and use Skype for any phone calls I need to make. (U.S. phones may not work and if they do there will be significant roaming charges). Electricity and outlets are the same as in the U.S.
There should be wifi access at our hotels, though at times the service can be unreliable. I find it easier to leave my phone at home and use Skype for any phone calls I need to make. (U.S. phones may not work and if they do there will be significant roaming charges). Electricity and outlets are the same as in the U.S.
BANKING
There are ATM's available in Antigua. Depending on how much you plan to spend on crafts and souvenirs you may not require much in the way of cash and could either bring a small amount of cash or use the ATM's.
There are ATM's available in Antigua. Depending on how much you plan to spend on crafts and souvenirs you may not require much in the way of cash and could either bring a small amount of cash or use the ATM's.
WHAT TRAVEL DOCUMENTS ARE REQUIRED?
U.S. citizens can enter Guatemala with a valid passport. Your passport must be valid for the length of your stay.
U.S. citizens can enter Guatemala with a valid passport. Your passport must be valid for the length of your stay.
ARE THERE ANY VACCINATIONS REQUIRED?
No vaccinations are required
No vaccinations are required
HOW SAFE IS GUATEMALA?
Guatemala has issues with safety, however, there is much less in the way of safety concerns where we will be staying in Antigua and San Marcos. Having said that, normal common sense travel considerations apply; don't wear expensive jewelry or watches, only carry with you the money or valuables that you are in immediate need of, keep purses and wallets out of view to the extent possible.
Guatemala has issues with safety, however, there is much less in the way of safety concerns where we will be staying in Antigua and San Marcos. Having said that, normal common sense travel considerations apply; don't wear expensive jewelry or watches, only carry with you the money or valuables that you are in immediate need of, keep purses and wallets out of view to the extent possible.