Our trip to Guatemala was simply awesome! We visited during the month of January. There are no nonstop flights from our home airport so we had to take two flights to arrive into Guatemala City. Upon arrival, I exchange USD for Guatemala Quetzals at the currency exchange booth. Some people get currency from the ATM for the better rate but I just went to the booth this time. Getting through customs was a breeze. Once we were outside our driver was standing outside holding a sign with our name on it. There are lots of people at the airport selling things. It was actually a little overwhelming. At one point a lady gave my son a balloon and expected payment. Another lady followed us all the way to the car. I gave in a made a purchase. It’s was only $1 so nothing big.

Our hotel was about 20-25 minutes from the airport. We stayed in Guatemala City at the Hyatt Centric. The reviews were amazing so that’s why I selected this location. Most people opt to stay in Antigua or Lake Atitlan but I wanted to be close to the airport in the evening.

Upon arrival to the hotel, it was typical grand style for a Hyatt hotel. There was a bellman there to take out luggage and we went to check-in on another level. Our room was located on the 9th floor. I reserved a junior suite. The room was nice and spacious. There were lots of details such as robes, slippers, and bottle waters; all which had the Hyatt’s name on it. We had a jacuzzi tub with a separate shower and a sliding door where the toilet was located. This hotel also offered room service. Anyone who knows me know that I love room service. There was also a nice rooftop pool and a restaurant on-site. Also, other restaurants were within walking distance. We were only there for a short time so I had to pack a lot of adventure in a short period of time. Our first day we just relaxed at the hotel but the next two days were busy.

The next day we were up super early at 5am to get picked up by 6am to head to Antigua. We went to Antigua to see the famous Santa Catalina Arch. We arrived around 7am on a Saturday and it was pretty much empty. A perfect photo op. My son loves chases birds and found great pleasure doing that while there. We were able to get a great shot of one of the volcanoes in the background. There are several volcanos in Guatemala. While there our driver asked one of the locals if my son could sit in his Tuk Tuk and he agreed. Another photo op! We left this area and headed to Hobbitenango which was about 20 minutes away.

We arrived at Hobbitenango before it opened at 8am and had to get in line to get tickets. There is an area around the ticket booth that sells various items. Another family was there with their son and him and my son started playing together. It’s amazing how kids play understanding without words. The little boy did not speak English and my son does not speak Spanish but they understood each other. The cost to enter was 160 Quetzals. We had to get on the back of a pick-up truck to take us to the top of main entrance. It was extremely steep going up to the point that I had to move son to the opposite side of me so that I felt that we both were secured in the truck. Once to the top most people went to the breakfast buffet. We headed straight for the hand! It’s best to get there early so you don’t have to wait in line for a long period of time.