Hello from Guatemala, heading South...

HI guys I was in your part of the world last summer and had a great time. lots of warnings about muggings around lago atitlan but nothing happened

i really didn't get on with Quetzaltenango, not much to do apart from climb a volcano, lago atitlan or antigua are great places to learn spanish. if you haven't comitted to your other lessons. if you in coban be sure to stop of at el retiro hostel in laquin one of the most chilled out places i've ever been and whatever you do, do not miss out on Semuc Champey the 8th natural wonder of the world, beautifull limestone pools to soak weary feet in

good luck!

Conor, london

traveldemons said:

Dear World,

We´re a couple cycling from Cancun, Mexico, and heading south. We´re currently in Coban, Guatamala, and are trying to make our way across to Quetzeltenango for some Spanish lessons. The plan is to continue on to Panama, then skip to Equador and hopefully not stop till Patagonia.

After reading one scary account too many of roadside robberies, we were wondering if anyone has any useful advice about no-go areas, especially in Guatamala and Honduras.

Also, anyone in the area? We especially like meeting other cyclists and swapping stories of favourite high calorie snacks.

You can contact us and hopefully laugh at our diary at www.topatagonia.co.uk.

Happy cycling one and all,

Tom & Eleanor, ex of UK

I amlost forgot, you must try and get to lago atitlan, San Marcos on the north side of the lake is a great hippy alternative medicine centre they also do the best massages you can find in Guatemala!!!! not to be missed!!

Conor, london

traveldemons said:

Dear World,

We´re a couple cycling from Cancun, Mexico, and heading south. We´re currently in Coban, Guatamala, and are trying to make our way across to Quetzeltenango for some Spanish lessons. The plan is to continue on to Panama, then skip to Equador and hopefully not stop till Patagonia.

After reading one scary account too many of roadside robberies, we were wondering if anyone has any useful advice about no-go areas, especially in Guatamala and Honduras.

Also, anyone in the area? We especially like meeting other cyclists and swapping stories of favourite high calorie snacks.

You can contact us and hopefully laugh at our diary at www.topatagonia.co.uk.

Happy cycling one and all,

Tom & Eleanor, ex of UK

I realize this thread is old but myself and a few friends just returned from two weeks riding in Guatemala. It was a fantastic trip: 540 miles in 9 days riding and 40,000 feet of climbing. Beautiful country, warm friendly people, wholesome food and no sign of any aggro or banditos. Perfect.

Feel free to read all about it here. We are just getting it set up (2/2/10), but aim to post every day or two. We will detail our route, road quality, bikes and gearing used, suggestions for support, and chronicle our daily rides. Our aim is to offer useful info to riders who are thinking about Guatemala as a destination. We hope you will decide 'yes'. It is a great place to ride.

kgb