BudgetTravel

Sausalito, Calif.: What's the best mode of transport to get from a cruise ship on the west coast of Guatemala to Antigua? Is there public transportation? Buses? Only taxis? How long would the trip take?

We are seniors, 65 and 67, but speak pretty good Spanish, so can take public transport. For cost's sake, we prefer not to take ship's offering.

Can you comment on safety of public transport in that area. I read recently Guatemala is "The most dangerous country in central America." What is your stance? That's more than one question, isn't it?

Thanks for your help.
--Margaret

Al Argueta: Hi, Margaret. The cruise ship terminal at Puerto Quetzal is a bit out of the way and almost completely off-limits to the general public. This makes public transport to Antigua a bit tricky. You'd have to hitch a taxi ride to the nearest bus terminal and then a bus to Antigua. There should be no shortage of transportation offers from local tour agencies, as Antigua is a popular day trip. My advice is to just book the trip once you get there. You only have a few hours and public transport will be more of a hassle than it's worth saving a few bucks.

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Los Lunas, N.M.: I am leaving for Guatemala Nov 15 and returning Nov 28. I will be in the highlands for 1/2 of my trip. How heavy a jacket will I need for the evening? I have researched temps and it looks like 55-58 degrees in the evenings...will it be damp or dry?

Al Argueta: Pack a heavy jacket and a fleece. The highlands can get quite chilly throughout most of the year. During this time of year, cold fronts descend from the northern latitudes (they're actually experiencing one right now) bringing temperatures in the highlands down to the freezing mark. Quetzaltenango (Xela) often sees lows right at the freezing mark and Guatemala City should see lows in the 50s. If you plan on climbing the volcanoes, bring a hat and gloves. Temperatures in Guatemalan highland towns often feel colder than they are because houses have tile floors and lack heating. November is also extremely windy. On the upside, days are mostly sunny and clear with the countryside retaining much of the greenery bestowed upon it from the now-finished rainy season.

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Niceville, Fla.: Can you suggest an eco-tourism lodge in Guatemala that specializes in birding, including around Tikal?

Al Argueta: Cayaya Birding runs the fabulous Maya Cloud Forest Lodge in the Chelemha Cloud Forest Preserve in the Verapaces region. They can also put you in touch with area lodges on the Pacific Coast and near Tikal. As for the latter region, I recommend La Casa de Don David and La Lancha, both of which are found along the shores of Lake Peten Itza on the road between Flores and Tikal National Park.

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