u/DoorExcellent838 — reddlx

Guatemala Itinerary Review/Advice (2 weeks, 24f)

Hey everyone!!

I (24f) am visiting Guatemala for just over 2 weeks this November. I have my international flights booked (coming from London), and have put together a rough itinerary below. It would be really helpful to get opinions on whether this itinerary looks good or could do with some work, as well as my questions at the end.

Day 1 (Travel)
- Arrive in Guatemala City around 7.00pm. Taxi straight to Antigua, staying at Maya Papaya hostel.
Day 2 (Antigua)
- Walking tour and exploring city.
Day 3 (Antigua)
- Coffee plantation tour with De La Gente.
Day 4 (Antigua)
- Overnight Acatenango hike with Lava Trails.
Day 5 (Antigua) -
- Return from Acatenango, chocolate making class with Ek Chuah.
Day 6 (El Paredón)
- Morning shuttle to El Paredón, staying at Mellow hostel. Beach day, maybe some kayaking.
Day 7 (El Paredón)
- Beach day, baby turtle release if possible.
Day 8 (Lake Atitlán - San Pedro)
- Early morning shuttle to Atitlán, explore San Pedro. Undecided on accomodation.
Day 9 (Lake Atitlán - San Pedro)
- Day in San Juan.
Day 10 (Lake Atitlán - Santa Cruz)
- Early hike to Rostro Maya. Transfer from San Pedro to Santa Cruz, staying at Free Cerveza hostel.
Day 11 (Lake Atitlán - Santa Cruz)
- Lower Mayan Trail morning hike (booking through hostel), afternoon in San Marcos.
Day 12 (Lake Atitlán - Santa Cruz)
- Full day relaxing at lakeside, maybe go to a spa or ziplining.
Day 13 (Flores)
- Early morning shuttle to Guatemala City, then flight to Flores around noon (undecided on hotel).
Day 14 (Flores)
- Sunrise tour of Tikal National Park, catamaran boat tour in evening.
Day 15 (Flores)
- Explore lake area, Yaxha sunset tour.
Day 16 (Travel)
- Shuttle from Flores to Belize City Airport for late afternoon flight.

Some specific questions I would appreciate advice on:

The main part of my route I am unsure about is El Paredón - I've heard conflicting things about whether it's worth it, but I would like some beach time. I also considered visiting Semuc Champrey, which looks incredible, but given I have limited time I don't want to essentially lose two full days to travel. Another option I thought about was a Xela to Atitlan 3-day trek through Quetzaltrekkers. Would be grateful for any opinions on whether El Paredón is a good addition and, if not, how I could better use those two days.
Is Semuc Champrey an absolute must see (i.e. is it worth the long travel)?
Is it worth visiting Yaxha while in Flores if I'm already doing Tikal? I had considered going on a tour to Mopan Waterfalls or Crater Azul, but I'm not sure I'll have time for those as well as Yaxha.
Has anyone flown with TAG airlines, and what was the experience like?

Thank you so much!!

reddit.com

u/DoorExcellent838 — 2 days ago

▲ 2 r/backpacking

Guatemala itinerary advice/suggestions (2 weeks, 24f)

Hey everyone!!

Day 1 (Travel)
- Arrive in Guatemala City around 7.00pm. Taxi straight to Antigua, staying at Maya Papaya hostel.
Day 2 (Antigua)
- Walking tour and exploring city.
Day 3 (Antigua)
- Coffee plantation tour with De La Gente.
Day 4 (Antigua)
- Overnight Acatenango hike with Lava Trails.
Day 5 (Antigua) -
- Return from Acatenango, chocolate making class with Ek Chuah.
Day 6 (El Paredón)
- Morning shuttle to El Paredón, staying at Mellow hostel. Beach day, maybe some kayaking.
Day 7 (El Paredón)
- Beach day, baby turtle release if possible.
Day 8 (Lake Atitlán - San Pedro)
- Early morning shuttle to Atitlán, explore San Pedro. Undecided on accomodation.
Day 9 (Lake Atitlán - San Pedro)
- Day in San Juan.
Day 10 (Lake Atitlán - Santa Cruz)
- Early hike to Rostro Maya. Transfer from San Pedro to Santa Cruz, staying at Free Cerveza hostel.
Day 11 (Lake Atitlán - Santa Cruz)
- Lower Mayan Trail morning hike (booking through hostel), afternoon in San Marcos.
Day 12 (Lake Atitlán - Santa Cruz)
- Full day relaxing at lakeside, maybe go to a spa or ziplining.
Day 13 (Flores)
- Early morning shuttle to Guatemala City, then flight to Flores around noon (undecided on hotel).
Day 14 (Flores)
- Sunrise tour of Tikal National Park, catamaran boat tour in evening.
Day 15 (Flores)
- Explore lake area, Yaxha sunset tour.
Day 16 (Travel)
- Shuttle from Flores to Belize City Airport for late afternoon flight.

Some specific questions I would appreciate advice on:

The main part of my route I am unsure about is El Paredón - I've heard conflicting things about whether it's worth it, but I would like some beach time. I also considered visiting Semuc Champrey, which looks incredible, but given I have limited time I don't want to essentially lose two full days to travel. Another option I thought about was a Xela to Atitlan 3-day trek through Quetzaltrekkers. Would be grateful for any opinions on whether El Paredón is a good addition and, if not, how I could better use those two days.
Is Semuc Champrey an absolute must see (i.e. is it worth the long travel)?
Is it worth visiting Yaxha while in Flores if I'm already doing Tikal? I had considered going on a tour to Mopan Waterfalls or Crater Azul, but I'm not sure I'll have time for those as well as Yaxha.
Has anyone flown with TAG airlines, and what was the experience like?

Thank you so much!!

reddit.com

u/DoorExcellent838 — 2 days ago

▲ 0 r/travel

Guatemala Itinerary/Route Suggestions (2 weeks, 24f)

Hey Everyone!!

Day 1 (Travel)
- Arrive in Guatemala City around 7.00pm. Taxi straight to Antigua, staying at Maya Papaya hostel.
Day 2 (Antigua)
- Walking tour and exploring city.
Day 3 (Antigua)
- Coffee plantation tour with De La Gente.
Day 4 (Antigua)
- Overnight Acatenango hike with Lava Trails.
Day 5 (Antigua) -
- Return from Acatenango, chocolate making class with Ek Chuah.
Day 6 (El Paredón)
- Morning shuttle to El Paredón, staying at Mellow hostel. Beach day, maybe some kayaking.
Day 7 (El Paredón)
- Beach day, baby turtle release if possible.
Day 8 (Lake Atitlán - San Pedro)
- Early morning shuttle to Atitlán, explore San Pedro. Undecided on accomodation.
Day 9 (Lake Atitlán - San Pedro)
- Day in San Juan.
Day 10 (Lake Atitlán - Santa Cruz)
- Early hike to Rostro Maya. Transfer from San Pedro to Santa Cruz, staying at Free Cerveza hostel.
Day 11 (Lake Atitlán - Santa Cruz)
- Lower Mayan Trail morning hike (booking through hostel), afternoon in San Marcos.
Day 12 (Lake Atitlán - Santa Cruz)
- Full day relaxing at lakeside, maybe go to a spa or ziplining.
Day 13 (Flores)
- Early morning shuttle to Guatemala City, then flight to Flores around noon (undecided on hotel).
Day 14 (Flores)
- Sunrise tour of Tikal National Park, catamaran boat tour in evening.
Day 15 (Flores)
- Explore lake area, Yaxha sunset tour.
Day 16 (Travel)
- Shuttle from Flores to Belize City Airport for late afternoon flight.

Some specific questions I would appreciate advice on:

The main part of my route I am unsure about is El Paredón - I've heard conflicting things about whether it's worth it, but I would like some beach time. I also considered visiting Semuc Champrey, which looks incredible, but given I have limited time I don't want to essentially lose two full days to travel. Another option I thought about was a Xela to Atitlan 3-day trek through Quetzaltrekkers. Would be grateful for any opinions on whether El Paredón is a good addition and, if not, how I could better use those two days.
Is Semuc Champrey an absolute must see (i.e. is it worth the long travel)?
Is it worth visiting Yaxha while in Flores if I'm already doing Tikal? I had considered going on a tour to Mopan Waterfalls or Crater Azul, but I'm not sure I'll have time for those as well as Yaxha.
Has anyone flown with TAG airlines, and what was the experience like?

Thank you so much!!

reddit.com

u/DoorExcellent838 — 2 days ago

▲ 5 r/solotravel

Guatemala Itinerary/Route Advice (2 weeks, 24f)

Hey everyone!!

Day 1 (Travel)
- Arrive in Guatemala City around 7.00pm. Taxi straight to Antigua, staying at Maya Papaya hostel.
Day 2 (Antigua)
- Walking tour and exploring city.
Day 3 (Antigua)
- Coffee plantation tour with De La Gente.
Day 4 (Antigua)
- Overnight Acatenango hike with Lava Trails.
Day 5 (Antigua) -
- Return from Acatenango, chocolate making class with Ek Chuah.
Day 6 (El Paredón)
- Morning shuttle to El Paredón, staying at Mellow hostel. Beach day, maybe some kayaking.
Day 7 (El Paredón)
- Beach day, baby turtle release if possible.
Day 8 (Lake Atitlán - San Pedro)
- Early morning shuttle to Atitlán, explore San Pedro. Undecided on accomodation.
Day 9 (Lake Atitlán - San Pedro)
- Day in San Juan.
Day 10 (Lake Atitlán - Santa Cruz)
- Early hike to Rostro Maya. Transfer from San Pedro to Santa Cruz, staying at Free Cerveza hostel.
Day 11 (Lake Atitlán - Santa Cruz)
- Lower Mayan Trail morning hike (booking through hostel), afternoon in San Marcos.
Day 12 (Lake Atitlán - Santa Cruz)
- Full day relaxing at lakeside, maybe go to a spa or ziplining.
Day 13 (Flores)
- Early morning shuttle to Guatemala City, then flight to Flores around noon (undecided on hotel).
Day 14 (Flores)
- Sunrise tour of Tikal National Park, catamaran boat tour in evening.
Day 15 (Flores)
- Explore lake area, Yaxha sunset tour.
Day 16 (Travel)
- Shuttle from Flores to Belize City Airport for late afternoon flight.

Some specific questions I would appreciate advice on:

The main part of my route I am unsure about is El Paredón - I've heard conflicting things about whether it's worth it, but I would like some beach time. I also considered visiting Semuc Champrey, which looks incredible, but given I have limited time I don't want to essentially lose two full days to travel. Another option I thought about was a Xela to Atitlan 3-day trek through Quetzaltrekkers. Would be grateful for any opinions on whether El Paredón is a good addition and, if not, how I could better use those two days.
Is Semuc Champrey an absolute must see (i.e. is it worth the long travel)?
Is it worth visiting Yaxha while in Flores if I'm already doing Tikal? I had considered going on a tour to Mopan Waterfalls or Crater Azul, but I'm not sure I'll have time for those as well as Yaxha.
Has anyone flown with TAG airlines, and what was the experience like?

Thank you so much!!

reddit.com

u/DoorExcellent838 — 2 days ago

▲ 2 r/backpacking

Costa Rica vs Guatemala Backpacking - Advice Needed!

Hi Everyone!

I'm weighing up the pros and cons of visiting either Costa Rica or Guatemala later this year. It would be super helpful to get any tips or recommendations, and I've set out some info on me and my trip below:

I am 24f and will be travelling solo from the UK. I have backpacked and travelled solo in Europe, Central Asia, SEA and Australia, but have never been to Central America.
I am looking to travel for around 2.5 weeks. I will be travelling in either November 2026 or late January/February 2027.
I'm planning to stay in hostels for the majority of the trip, and would like to be able to meet up with other travellers.
I enjoy hiking, adventure and outdoor activities, seeing historical sights and good nightlife. If possible then I would like to go on some kind of nature/wildlife tour.
Budget isn't really an issue, so I don't want to make my decision based on cost.
I cannot speak any Spanish (literally just a few basic words here and there), although I will likely take a few lessons before the trip.

It would also be amazing to get any advice on whether November or January/February is the best time to travel (if it makes any difference).

Thank you so much in advance!

reddit.com

u/DoorExcellent838 — 3 days ago

▲ 149 r/LegalAdviceUK

Hi All!

I was born in Ireland and am an Irish citizen with a (valid) Irish passport, but have lived in the UK for 22 years (since I was 4). I have rented for the last 8 years, and currently live with a flatmate in London. I do not have British citizenship.

Recently my landlord emailed me saying they were doing Right to Rent checks and, as a non-British citizen, I would have to generate a share code on the UK Government website and send it to the landlord. I had never been asked to do this before, but I took a look at the website and it seems that this requirement is not applicable to British or Irish citizens. From what I can see, holding an Irish passport constitutes proof of right to rent in itself, the same as if I held a British passport.

I got back to the landlord, explained to them that I literally couldn't generate a share code, and this shouldn't be a requirement for me. They did already have a copy of my passport, but I re-sent this to them just for their records.

Unfortunately, the landlord insists that I generate the share code and are saying that the requirements are different for British and Irish citizens. I sent them links to the gov.uk webpage, but they ignored this. It's been two weeks since their initial email, and they've told me that if I can't provide proof of my right to rent they'll need to terminate the tenancy.

I am extremely confused and worried because I cannot generate this code, and the rental market in London is too much of a disaster to find somewhere else on short notice.

Please could I have some advice as to what the position is here, and how I should move forward? Just for added info, my flatmate is a British citizen so this isn't an issue on her side, and my landlord is a fairly large property company rather than an individual.

Many thanks!!

u/DoorExcellent838 — 25 days ago