Travel
Travel Note
VITAL INFORMATION
For those that don't travel much, yes you need a passport! It needs to be VALID FOR AT LEAST 6 MONTHS BEYOND YOUR RETURN DATE!!! Please check your passport now to be sure you do not need to renew. No, you don't really need any vaccinations. We do recommend bringing probiotics, activated charcoal, pepto, mosquito repellant, etc. We'll provide more packing suggestions via email as the dates get closer. Guatemala is technically a "developing country". Yes, it has had a tough history. Antigua is safe, heavily touristed, the food is amazing, we have local support if needed in case of an emergency. We will provide contact information for them via email before departure. Many people speak English in Antigua, but many of us traveling in our group do speak Spanish.
Flight
Guatemala City
To get to Antigua, book a flight into Guatemala City. We will have transportation arranged for you by our local friends Orlando and Nayo. It is recommended that you book your flight arriving into Guatemala City on Thursday, May 15th. This will help us coordinate an easy pick-up for our drivers. We do not recommend arriving on Friday if you can help it, it is the worst time to travel between Guatemala City and Antigua (we are talking 3 hours versus the usual 45-60 min). You are welcome to arrive early and arrange your own transportation, please note your specific plan in your RSVP. You will also depart from Guatemala City, even if you are choosing to add on to your trip with our pre-arranged travel to Lake Atitlan. If you are joining us for the additional adventures, please wait to hear from us before you book your flight! If you are only traveling for the May 15th to May 19th festivities, you may book your flight at any time arriving May 15th and departing May 19th. Once you book your flight, if you are requesting pick up and departure from the airport PLEASE FORWARD YOUR ITINERARY to sah.m.davidson@gmail.com. Thank you!! Don't hesitate to reach out to us if you have some crazy plan and want to Frankenstein a bunch of options together for your trip, we are happy to help you figure that out :) Suggested Routes (subject to change of course): San Diego to Guatemala City (United Airlines) approx 7 hours with one layover Tijuana to Guatemala City (Aero Mexico) approx. 8.5 hours with one layover. Please take into account CBX fees and Mexico stopover fees when looking at pricing. Unless you are getting a great deal we don't think this is all that worth it versus flying from San Diego. Los Angeles to Guatemala City (United, Alaska, Delta). Direct! Just under 5 hours. San Francisco to Guatemala City (Alaska, United) 7.5 hours+, 1 layover Detroit to Guatemala City (United, Delta, American) 7.5 hours+, 1 layover
Travel Note
Lodging
We have pre-booked lodging for everyone from May 15th to May 19th. Anything outside of these dates you are responsible for, however we are happy to provide guidance if you would like! Our group will be taking up one boutique hotel (12 people), and a series of airbnbs. Nothing will be more than a pleasant 15 minute walk away. We will arrange guests at these locations so you will have a designated room when you arrive. Every couple or person will have their own bathroom. If you are interested in booking your own lodging, please let us know as early as possible so your room can be reassigned, thank you!
Travel Note
Optional add-on excursions
We are planning to head from Antigua to Lake Atitlan and Chichicastenango market. This is optional for anyone else to join, we can provide details for those who RSVP that they are interested. Our local friends will be providing transportation and depending on number of people we will likely be staying in an Airbnb on the lake, day trip to Chichicastenango market, and one last night likely in Guatemala City to prepare for departures the next day. PLEASE WAIT TO BOOK YOUR FLIGHT UNTIL WE CONFIRM DEPARTURE DATES.