We felt very safe and secure while at the hostel. The rooms did have locks on the doors and there were also lockers in the room
Be aware that many racers have gotten sick off of street food along the lake
Safety in Lake Atitlan, Guatemala What do other Racers need to know in order to be safe? Current safety protocols/precautions in place? Any relevant issues/concerns? Any precautionary suggestions?
People’s Opinions
Comment
Ministry Summary
Many English schools where you can volunteer.
Translators are needed and available.
Team’s should move beyond Panajachel to an outlying village.
Building / construction work can still be done due to the storms that have caused major mud slides.
Pastor Antonio is in San Pablo and San Pueblo has a radio program that his family hosts everyday for an hour. Antonio also has a couple of different church plants that he works with, you can lead a service every week night and on Sundays. VBS / kids / sports programs. Can get into schools to do presentations. He also knows of a ministry that works with widows and orphans.
The Red Team WR Feb08 – a bunch of blogs about ministry with Pastor Antonio
Sean Smith Team Awaken WR April08 – a very long video about Pastor Antonio
Additional Hostel Info:
La Iguana perdida – Q35 or $4.38 dorms, perfect English prefer email for reservations
+502 5706 4117 laiguanaperdida@gmail.com North side of lake Hiking, snorkeling, cliff jumping and kayaking near by. Also recommended by a contact
Hostel Magel Bed and breakfast – +005 2309 0779 $7 single beds
Hotel isla verde – +005 5760 2648 $14 a night for a room
Ministry Summary in Lake Atitlan, Guatemala Breakthroughs? Suggestions? Concerns? On a scale of 1-4 (1 being not at all, 4 being absolutely) how strongly would you recommend another World Race team go to this ministry location & why?
People’s Opinions
Comment
Lodging
La Iguana Hostel
The owners of the hostel are amazingly sweet people with their own kids who live there and truly love on people We prayed for them and they were open to it!
There are many guest houses around, but they may be expensive. . . but ask around for the best deal. There is a camping site in San Pedro (coming off the boat take the first road to your left, it’s down that in that area of town). If you are working with Pastor Antonio you maybe able to stay in his house and his wife can cook for you (she is an excellent cook!).
Lodging in Lake Atitlan, Guatemala Where did you stay? What were the accommodations (sleeping arrangements, toilets, showers, etc.)? Cost (per person per night in USD), Contact info.
People’s Opinions
Comment
Food / Meals
Amazing homemade food by locals and the owners. Plenty to eat and they were very good at accommodating to dietary needs.
Local farmers markets in each of the different towns, these are great places to shop! Although some of the street food looks very tempting and inexpensive, be aware that many racers have gotten sick off of street food along the lake.
Food / Meals in Lake Atitlan, Guatemala What did you eat? Where did you get the food? Cost (per person per day in USD)? Contact info (if applicable).
People’s Opinions
Comment
Transportation
School bus to the dock and then a 30 min boat ride to the pier.
Getting there – bus from Guat. City (approx. $10)
Crossing the lake – take one of the boats. Some of the boats have a direct route and some make stops. Be sure to check.
When taking a boat from Panajachel there are two different locations to leave from. The boats leaving near the tourist side of town (near Santander St.) is the more expensive dock. When walking toward the docks you WILL be bombarded by commission based scouts asking which boat you want to take. DO NOT TALK WITH THEM. Make sure you get to the dock and speak with one of the boat captains and you will get a better rate. (approx. $ 3.50 oneway across the lake)
Chicken buses go from village to village around the lake.
Transportation in Lake Atitlan, Guatemala What transportation did you use to enter the country? Where were you coming from? What transportation was used to move throughout the country? Be sure to include the cost per person in USD and contact info if applicable.
People’s Opinions
Comment
Medical
Medical in Lake Atitlan, Guatemala Information on local hospitals / doctors / pharmacies. Where would someone go in a medical emergency? (addresses and contact info).
People’s Opinions
Comment
Communication
Communication in Lake Atitlan, Guatemala Did you have cell reception / Internet service? Where? Carrier / Provider, where did you get phones / SIM cards, cost? Country code?
People’s Opinions
Comment
Financial
Financial in Lake Atitlan, Guatemala Location of banks or ATMs, notes about transaction fees, best places to exchange money, and other money related advice.
People’s Opinions
Comment
Translators
Translators in Lake Atitlan, Guatemala List any local translators – name and contact information, languages spoken
People’s Opinions
Comment
Off Days / Fun Activities
Not much for free besides swimming, hanging in the hammocks, enjoying the view, watching movies, going for a walk to town, but there were many options for money. You can hike volcanos, go cliff jumping, get a massage, do yoga, get your laundry done, call the states, drink fresh squeezed orange juice!
Off Days / Fun Activities in Lake Atitlan, Guatemala What activities did your team experience? Recommendations? List locations/contact info. Any locations to be avoided? Any extra safety tips for off days?