Comments for musings

Comment on Swimming Holes in Guatemala by Brennan Pang

Brennan Pang — Tue, 18 Jun 2024 15:59:43 +0000

In reply to Mari. It’s off the beaten path and you may need some flexibility in your schedule. We took a backpacker bus from Antigua (you could take one from Guatemala City) to Semuc Champey, then another bus to Livingston on the east coast. We took a large local bus from Livingston to Chahal, then got picked up in a pickup truck to get to Oasis Chiyu, which may be the only place to stay near the falls (if still open). Other options are ~30 miles away.

Comment on Swimming Holes in Guatemala by Brennan Pang

Brennan Pang — Tue, 18 Jun 2024 15:54:48 +0000

In reply to Mari. If you don’t want to worry about logistics then a tour might be a good option. You can take a tourist / backpacker bus to Semuc Champey from Antigua or Guate city. You could also hire a private van with driver if you have a small group or family. Renting a car is a possibility, but I wouldn’t recommend driving in Guatemala. The transportation can take ~8+ hours. Las Conchas is another ~6ish hours from Semuc Champey.

Comment on Swimming Holes in Guatemala by Mari

Mari — Tue, 18 Jun 2024 14:43:30 +0000

Thanks for sharing this it’s really helpful! How do you actually get to Chahal to visit Las Conchas and Cuevas de Setzol? Do you rent a car? I tried finding a shuttle from Guatemala city to Chahal but there doesn’t seem to be any.
Thank you!

Comment on Swimming Holes in Guatemala by Mari

Mari — Tue, 18 Jun 2024 12:43:51 +0000

Hi! thanks for the info on the Semuc Champey & Las Conchas. I saw a tour for those two that was 3 days/2 nights for $155USD with hotel, food, and tour guide. Did you do something similar or how did you get to those locations? Is there a good place to stay in the area or is it better to just book the whole tour? Thank you!

Comment on Swimming Holes in Guatemala by shahdaroba rodd, the Hatman

shahdaroba rodd, the Hatman — Wed, 29 Mar 2023 13:10:37 +0000

I’m a gringo who has visited Guatemala many times over the past 13 years. My first trip was in 2010 and I was in Guatemala for only 2 weeks. But because I ran out of time and money I did not go to Finca Paraiso, which is basically half way between the towns of Rio Dulce and El Estor. Despite my short time there, I had fun, I liked the people and the country. so I came back for trip #2 in December 2012.
Finca Paraiso is a waterfall, a cascada but what makes it very special in my opinion is the fact that the water is HOT !! Of course, like most waterfalls, a swimming hole is created. this is a very nice place to go to.
Admission in 2012 was Q10 ($1.30). well worth it.

Comment on Swimming Holes in Guatemala by Brennan Pang

Brennan Pang — Mon, 11 Mar 2019 04:17:28 +0000

In reply to Amy. Finca El Pilar is a farm with natural pools just outside Antigua. The closest beach west of Antigua is Monterrico, but not very swimmable due to the currents. There's also Sipacate, Las Lisas, and Tulate. I wouldn't necessarily visit Antigua, Guatemala for the beaches, but there are some if you are dead set on visiting them.

Comment on Swimming Holes in Guatemala by Amy

Amy — Thu, 07 Mar 2019 18:26:57 +0000

Any natural pools within a few hours of Antigua? What about beaches within a few hours? Thanks!

Comment on Frank Lloyd Wright in San Francisco by Dot

Dot — Fri, 10 Nov 2017 23:50:32 +0000

I think Frank Lloyd Wright was originally inspired by the Vatican museum’s double helix spiral staircase by Donato Bramante.

Comment on Mount Vesuvius by Dot

Dot — Sun, 30 Jul 2017 05:29:30 +0000

This photo is so surreal and from a creative vantage point!! Arrivedelci, Vesuvius!

Comment on from instagram – Pontifical Swiss Guard at the Vatican by Dot

Dot — Sun, 25 Jun 2017 04:03:10 +0000

I like your photograph’s composition. You have an artistic eye!