A Day in One Place - Guatemala
If you're fortunate enough to have the easy hop from IAH to GUA
then you will most likely have arrived and have enough time to see quite a bit
of Guatemala City in one day. Just prior to landing you will be given a customs card to
fill out. I suggest getting two because you will need to fill out another one
once you check-in and before you head out through GUA immigration. Immigration
is rather easy and quick. Make sure they stamp your passport, however. You will
then proceed to baggage which is also as easy then get in line to have your
items scanned at customs. There are a few third party agents at baggage who
will check your claim ticket against your luggage so keep that claim check
handy. I just showed them my ID.
One hotel I enjoyed was the Mercure Casa Veranda. You can set up a shuttle pick up by emailing the hotel. They will send you a
confirmation email and bill it to your room. The shuttle driver will be outside the airport doors
with a sign and YOUR name on it. The hotel will charge you approximately $5 USD for this
service both ways. I tipped USD and then was able to get a few Quetzals at the
hotel. The hotel is located in a pretty cool and hip area called Zona Vida.
There's quite a few hotels including the Best Western, Days Inn, Crown Plaza,
Westin, Holiday Inn, Intercontinental and others. Once you have checked in,
it's time to return to the lobby and request a cab to the city center or
Capital de Cultura. There is a "cab manager" out front that will work
with the hotel to get you a cab that takes a credit card. They are either green
or yellow. Indicate you want a cab that takes credit cards (unless you are
using Quetzals) and that you either want it to wait or come back and get you at
a mutually agreed upon time and spot. My cab cost $80Q which is about $9-11USD
with a time frame of about 2 hours. Have the cab first drop you off at the
Iglesia Metropolitan. This is a large church in the square. You will notice it
by its size as well as the giant Guatemalan flag in the center of the square.
Spend some time visiting the church and the square area. There may be a
"pigeon man" in a little box (no kidding) who sells pigeon food. And
you will see ALOT of pigeons. EWR has nothing on this square. There are also
some street vendors that sell ice cream, fruit and religious trinkets out front.
They take Quetzals and some will also take USD. I bought a religious figure for
like .89 USD. If you are in the church, exit the church and make a right onto
the sidewalk. 
Go to the next street and turn right. Go up about maybe two
blocks to the Central Mercado on your right hand side (under a parking garage).
You may see some fruit vendors outside. Take the stairs down and explore. Just
remember which side you entered it as this is also a good spot to have you
picked up. I initially went into the church, took a few photos, then returned
to my cab out front who then drove me to the market literally two blocks away.
He returned to pick me in front of the mercado when I was finished. I then
walked back up the street back to the square to explore. (This is an option).
In the mercado, they sell meats, fruits, snacks, party supplies, candles, etc.
I also sat at one of the many food stalls and ate some delicious food and had
some tamarind juice. The whole thing was like $1.99 USD. It's like eating with
family. You don't need to speak the language. After I finished with the market,
I went back up the stairs I came down and turned right to the next street, then
right again (You should see a McDonald's). This street has a ton of vendors and
you can pick up some very inexpensive souvenirs. There are also bakeries and
other eateries. Don't be afraid to try the fruit or horchata or other food
offerings. Be careful both on the street and market about taking pictures. Some
do not want their picture taken. After you are done, walk back to your
designated pick up area (or call your cabbie when you are ready). I felt safe
and kept my small purse as a cross-body close to me. I was told by one of the
food vendors that thieves would cut it if it's on your side. Just use caution.
There is also a presence of tourist police and police with automatic rifles.
Just don't be "that" tourist!
Back at the hotel, I got ready for the evening. Exit the hotel
and go right and walk to two lights then make another right and explore. I
dined at Tacontento and had like four tacos for cheap. Gallo is also the
national beer apparently. They also take AMEX. Other choices in the area
include San Martin Restaurant and bakery (great to pick up that croissant fix
for like .89). There's also Kloster, BBQ Barn, Jack Russell Burgers, Pitaya
Juicery, Dunkin Donuts, McDonald's, Applebee's, TGIFriday's, Hard Rock Cafe
plus a few along your walk. I found chocolate at Zurich which is also a cafe.
There are also a bunch of small "tiendas" or stores to get snacks and
water. However, most did not take credit cards. There is another shopping
center called The Plaza Village. There is also a Starbucks in a fancy mall
called Fountainbleu, I think, with additional restaurants and wine bars. Again,
I felt safe walking around and returned around 8pm. Depending on the day you
are at the hotel, there may be music in the bar/lobby area. You should be able
to see the Mercure above the buildings to guide you back if you get lost. Try
and skip the chains and eat outside of your comfort zone.
The morning of your return to the airport, the shuttle leaves at
the top of the hour every hour. Just be down a few minutes before and to settle
your bill. The shuttle drops you right in front and I tipped him the remaining
Quetzals I had. Also in front are street vendors. This is a good place to pick
up really cheap items before getting in the airport. There is security before
you enter the terminal checking passports so have it ready. Once you have
checked in, you will go through immigration with your second form then
security. However, there are a row of shops just before this that you can pick
up some additional items. I found them cheaper then actually the shops by the
gate. They take credit cards. Also, you will need to take off your shoes. I had
the fun experience of watching them take every single item out of my backpack
one section at a time. There is a small food court between gates with a
McDonalds and a coffee and snack place. There are a few beer kiosks as well and
additional shops. I had no issue taking water on the plane. Now might be the
time to try some Guatemalan coffee if you haven't already. Some of the duty
free stores were not open when I was there but there's plenty to see. Oh, and I
was able to get Wi-Fi only at the gate under "Claro". It was free. I
could not get it anywhere else in the airport. Board your plane and off you go!
Viajes Seguros!
Song:
Items to buy: Coffee, chocolate, little woven items such as coin
purses, belts, sandals, little Guatemalan dolls, flutes, toy guitars
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