Have been moving pretty fast doing this loop trip of Central America and have reached Guatamala at the top of of the loop. Pretty impressed by all we have seen in Nicaragua and now here. Skipped right through El Salvador and Honduras which don't have much to offer. Guatamala is very modern in the cities. Guatamala City is 5 million people! Got out of there by taxi to Antigua which is the historical capital and full of great buildings and things to do.
Atitlan Lake was brilliant with just a bit of pollution from some fires spoiling it from being perfect. 4 major volcanoes surround it and the water was clear as crystal. The boat stopped at 3 towns around the shores and the whole thing, including the 2 hour shuttle bus cost $30! Took all day and went straight to a free jazz recital in some old ruins back in Antigua when we got back there. Now this was the highlight, with a famous guitarist from Mexico playing with a guy from the US on alto sax. They played perfect together for 2 hours. One guitar solo had everyone screaming. They are touring Central America so I was lucky to fluke them here in Antigua.
Leaving here at 6.30 tonight for an overnighter to Flores on the other side of Guatamala. This is the springboard for Tikel, which is a famous Mayan ruin and then down to Rio Dulce where you can do a boat trip down the river to the Caribbean town of Livingston. Will be heading back to the south in about 4-5 days
