Terrific Experience in Guatemala!
Guatemala
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Mar 7 - Mar 14, 2026
We had a great time in Guatemala and could not have had better support from Carino Sotelo (as well as Catherine and the other fine staff members at Columbus Travel in Antigua). Carino’s communication was consistently clear, timely, and useful. She was extremely gracious, and we now consider her to be a friend.
Specific things done for us include:
1) A detailed spreadsheet showing time, guide name, activity details, and helpful suggestions for each activity. It addressed every question we could possibly have had prior to the trip.
2) An actively managed WhatsApp chat that we used daily. Columbus Travel responded within seconds after each of our chat updates - regardless of time of day.
3) An impromptu offer to join the Columbus Travel team in making a sawdust rug on the street before a Sunday Lenten procession. It was great fun.
4) An informative group discussion with their full team on the Mayan calendar - made at our request.
5) A welcome gift of our favorite drinks and snacks upon arrival.
I am pleased to note that all of our activities, hotel stays, and transports went off without a hitch. We give Columbus Travel an unqualified 5-star review. Well done by KimKim to partner with Columbus Travel in Guatemala!
Hotel Reviews
I stayed at Hotel Posada de Don Rodrigo during my trip to Guatemala, and it was a fantastic experience. The hotel itself was charming, fitting beautifully with the Colonial feel of Antigua. The location was perfect for exploring the area, and the views of the Volcanoes added a lovely backdrop. The food at the hotel was great, and overall, it was a very pleasant stay.
I stayed at Posada de Don Rodrigo Panajachel while visiting Lake Atitlán. The hotel's location next to what seemed like a farm with poultry and industrial noise made it quite noisy, as we had to leave the windows open to keep the room cool. Customer service was not as good as at other places we stayed at, which was a bit disappointing.
Activity Reviews
Kayaking in Lake Atitlán was one of the highlights of my trip. The lake's beauty is unparalleled, and paddling through its serene waters offered both relaxation and stunning views. It was a very enjoyable experience and a perfect way to spend a day at Lake Atitlán.
Taking a boat tour to the villages around Lake Atitlán was an interesting experience. Each village had its own unique charm, such as the chocolate and coffee villages. While we didn't find every stop compelling, it was a great way to see different parts of the lake and appreciate its cultural diversity. Expect a bumpy ride!