We left Copan Ruinas, Honduras about 8am, stopped once to stretch after about 2 hours, then arrived at Quirigua Ruins about 11:30am. The ruins are off the main road a ways on a dirt road, thru banana plantation(s), Dole I think. Although very small, Quirigua was still interesting with some cool stellae and zoomorphs (human-animal sculptures). The guide in Copan had told us his opinion was that the Mayans that made some of the designs in stone were probably on drugs... some peyote, mescal concoction popular at the time. Some of them were weird enough that he might be right! After a brief walk-thru, we had a picnic lunch from the Copan hotel, then headed down the road towards the lake and our stay at Rio Dulce. When we arrived at the lake, we pulled ... read more

We found out that not only was the tour comprised of only 6 people, we had a big 40-passenger bus! We loaded up and left Antigua. The bus was very comfortable, with reclining seats, two table and chair sets in the back and a good-sized paperback library and a cooler. After about 2 1/2 hours, we stopped for a quick stretch and then continued to the Honduras border about 2 hours later. We waited on the bus while the tour leader Lisa showed our passports and paid our border fees, 10 Quetzals each ($1.50) to leave Guatemala and $3 US to enter Honduras. We also bought some Lempiras (Honduras money) from one of the ever-present moneychangers at the border. Copan Ruinas (the name of the town... Copan is the name of the ruins..go figure!) was ... read more

After relaxing and getting some orientation and tips from our hosts, we walked into town. Although very touristy, Panajachel (our town on Lake Atitlan) was still colorful and interesting. We stopped first at the Crossroads Cafe (Americn owner Michael) for a couple of cafe con leches to go, then strolled about half way down the main street towards the lakefront, checking myriads of gift shops and Mayan street vendors. We stopped for lunch at "Sandra's", the place the Inn recommended. The British owner was friendly and the food was great. Supposedly Lebanese, but very tasty and varied. We had the appetizer plate and shish kabobs... total with drinks... $15.00. We finished our stroll to the lake, but by now it was raining, which happens most afternoons here, so the view wasn't as stunning. Getting back ... read more

We arrived in Guatemala City at 11:50pm and easily found Victor from Dos Lunas Hostel waiting for us outside. Things were finally going our way again! Hostel Dos Lunas was under major renovations, but the staff was very friendly and the room was nice and clean. Within 30 minutes, we were asleep.... read more

Well, it's time to head out to the jungle. We will be in Guatemala City, Guatemala tonight and Lake Atitlan tomorrow. Hope to post something again by tomorrow, with pictures of the beautiful lake and the Mayans. We hope you enjoy following our trip. You can leave comments for me (and everyone else) to see by clicking on 'Add Comment' when viewing a specific journal entry. The attached picture is our trip itinerary. See you all in a few weeks! J.C. & Manoli Petty... read more