Central Highlands Dos and Don'ts

If you are interested in taking a look around a coffee farm on a horseback, you should go to Parramos. Type in Posada de me abuelito, Guatemala on Google. You will find some information about this german country farmhouse converted to a BB. Get a weekend package that includes bed, brekky and horse riding for Q.300 or something(apprx. $40) Take a chicken bus to Chichicastenango at Antigua bus terminal and get off in Parramos it cost like 3 Q's p/p. Then get a local taxi to the hotel...it takes around 5 minutes from town center. I loved everything about this place - its coffee(fresh coffee from the owner's finca), its food(authentic guatemalan), its atmosphere(green, fresh, cool and quiet), unforgettable horse riding(though it hurt my unprepared arse bit too much) and the hospitality of the hotel owner couple! Bet you'll have a great time.

Driving is an extreme sport in the city. If possible hire locals to drive. If attempting to drive keep stay focused as traffic laws are rarely if ever followed.

If you for some reason ever should need to have some work done on your motorcycle in the area, stop at local gas station and ask for Manuel. He has bike repair shop and seems to now what he's doing. Charged me 40 quetzal for 2 hours work, after paying for parts of course.

A bit of historic Guatemalan culture, architecture, good restaurants, expensive hotels, bank machines, mountains, and local artisans offering wood work, textiles, crafts, and jewellery. Its a short drive from Guatemala City too - an easy day trip by bus or car.

Make sure you check out the natural hot springs! It's a great piece of local fun :) Women should be pretty well covered up though. It's not unusual to see people swimming in shorts and t-shirts, especially if you're female.