Antigua, Guatemala Datasheet
Hey guys, I've just spent around 6+ weeks in total backpacking in Guatemala, 4 of which were spent in Antigua studying Spanish. Before arriving, my español was a bit shaky, but after doing 20 hours a week of private lessons (PM for school name), I felt pretty comfortable doing basic conversations and storytelling in spanish toward the end of the trip.
I got here at the end of February and just left mid-way through Semana Santa, which means that Antigua gets very packed with people from all over. I went into this country with low expectations because of the negative rumors I've gotten from others on the forum regarding the women of the country, the general security situation, and the food. So I wanted to share with you all my thoughts and experiences of the few places I visited here. I spent the most time in Antigua, so this sheet will focus on that. But at the end I'll throw a few tips for Xela (Quetzaltenango) and San Pedro La Laguna (Lago Atitlan).
OVERVIEW OF THE COUNTRY
So in all, I really enjoyed myself here. It was comparable to Mexico where I just spent six weeks (datasheet coming...been lazy but I'm doing this one first as it's very fresh on my mind with some obvious differences). The food paled in comparison to Mexican food, obviously; but then again Mexican food dominates most cuisines of the world in my opinion. The cost of living is pretty cheap, and I narrowly overspent my overall budget ($45/day) by less than 4% - though this was due to me losing my passport like an idiot which added about $135 USD to my expenses. PM me if you need to know the procedure for getting a new passport in Guatemala...it's a bit of a pain in the ass! A typical Guatemalan "tipica" meal will run anywhere from 15Q - 35Q depending on the place. Then again, you could easily spend $30+ on a meal here at the more touristy places. At the time of this writing, the exchange rate was roughly 7.63 GTQ to USD.
Safety didn't really feel like an issue, aside from one isolated incident in Guatemala City where a guy unsuccessfully attempted to pickpocket me in Zona 1 and then got a little aggressive (started yelling/taunting) towards me when he came up empty-handed...all in broad daylight at 2PM. Private security guards are everywhere with tactical shotguns but I never saw a single episode of violent behavior the whole time (save for the isolated incident). Not a single barfight or even a confrontation that resulted in raised voices. I was impressed, especially considering how many brawls are typically witnessed in the average American bar or club on a weekend night.
THE GIRLS
Not great, but not as bad as I was lead to believe. Didn't see really anything above an 7.5-8 while I was here, save for a few Euro chicks. That being said, there are plenty of girls in the bangable 6-7 range, with nice butts, slim bodies, feminine features, and good attitudes with minimal shit-testing. Take note for whatever reason these cute girls were rarely found during daylight hours. Most of the girls you will see during the day aren't approach-worthy in my opinion. Overall, ladies here were pretty receptive to foreigners, especially if you can demonstrate some español ability.
Chicks here obviously love to dance, didn't meet a single one who didn't enjoy this - I have a feeling this applies to ALL latinas though. The girls, to me were quite warm and responsive to my direct compliment openers - one of which was, "Tus labios son muy besables." Your lips are very kissable, said while staring deep into her eyes with a sly smile. Also, I didn't meet a single girl who knew how to cook, which to me was highly disappointing. Even though I'm not specifically looking for a girlfriend, this still bothers me for some reason...Every girl I banged with the exception of one still lived with their parents, so maybe this explains the lack of cooking skills when mama is taking care of your meals. Lastly, the girls (and dudes) are really tiny here. They reminded me a bit of Filipinas in terms of stature and general openness to foreigners. Think average height is somewhere around the 5'-2 range.
NIGHT GAME
Nightlife here in Antigua is respectable. This is the place to come for your Guatemalan flag. You can have a great time and have the potential to pick up at least 4 nights (Tues, Thurs, Fri, Saturday) per week, and more if you really look. SNL are very doable in my experience. Normally, I went with direct complement game with strong eye contact and dominant frame. There is nothing here that rivals the dance clubs of places like NYC, Vegas, or Bangkok, most of the places are smaller-sized because to be honest, there are probably 100 bars in this town and the competition for business is fierce. With that being said, these were the noteworthy places to pick up the ladies if you were to find yourself here for any length of time. Oh and as far as dressing up, I usually rocked a nice t-shirt, nice jeans, and boat shoes. Didn't really see any suits here.
*Important note - Nightlife shuts down early here - 1AM. Start your night early and make your moves quickly. As is usual, the girls arrive before the sausage. One successful move - let's call it "the quickie" - I played was to seduce a girl early, lead her outside to isolate, talk for 10+ minutes with good kino, kiss, then invite her back to my place (conveniently located 3 blocks away![[Image: banana.gif]](https://rooshvforum.network/images/smilies/new/banana.gif)
) for a "drink" (normally a cuba libre) by or before 11-11:30. Since many of these girls come from Guatemala City to party on the weekend, many come with friends who drive them in their cars and expect to drive them back after 1. I was able to bang two girls this way and walk them back to the bar post-bang to make sure they were able to make it home in time and safely with their friends...such a gentleman ![[Image: angel.gif]](https://rooshvforum.network/images/smilies/angel.gif)
. That being said, have ice, liquor, mixers, and music ready to go at your crib. And make sure your place is within 5-7 minute walk of 6a Calle.
**You can find a hotel for around $18-40 USD here, depending on location and negotiating skills. My guest house with private room and bathroom was $8/night but that was a monthly rate.
Reilly's - Pretty large Irish pub with several bars and separate mingling areas located at the corner of 6a Calle and 5a Avenida. There is a cavernous main area that gets packed on Saturdays. Prices aren't fantastic for Guatemalan standards but you can typically get a drink here for 25Q. I normally drink Ron Botran 12 year on the rocks or with soda. This is a popular place on Friday and Saturday nights, with Saturday being super-packed. Also there is trivia night here on Sundays around 6. Had the pleasure of being here on St. Patricks day and worked my quickie move with a sexy young 25 year-old from "Guate". For some reason I always seem to pickup on St. Patty's, it must be my Scottish ancestry. Picked up another sexy and fit 36 yo who looked 26 later that same week.
La Sala - Small dance venue located next to Reilly's. Small place with a little dance floor on the first floor with upstairs smoking patio. Lady's nights on Thursday nights with 10Q entry fee - a couple nights there were definitely more girls then guys at a few points in the night. Usually Fridays and Saturdays are good here. Picked up my Guatemalan flag here with a very lovely and tight 21 year old. First pickup with minimal english used. They place a mix of Latin and Club music here. Sunday nights are Latin nights with a 20-30 minute free salsa lesson. But on the weekends, this is the place where you can basically take a girl, start grinding on her or dancing with her, initiate makeout, take her home kind of thing. Very basic stuff.
Mono Loco - Located on 5a Avenida 1/2 block or so south of Parque Central. This is a bit of an American Sports bar with two levels, the second of which is pretty large. They are famous for two things here. First is Lady's night on Tuesday which does actually attract quite a few decent looking females (mostly foreigners) and their second claim to fame are their nachos. For Lady's night guys need to buy a drink to get in. Didn't have any luck here but I don't do well for some reason on Ladies Nights...
Lucky Rabbit - Located on the same side of the street as Mono Loco just 50m south of Mono Loco. This is a bit of a college (younger crowd, early to mid 20's) bar/dance bar with three main areas. There is a decent main bar with dance floor when you first walk in with a second level with seating overlooking the dance floor and main bar. There is also giant jenga and beer pong setup along with a large projector screen playing various videos. There is a second bar and balcony in the front of the bar which is where you can smoke. Also, you can get respectable slices of wood oven pizza for 20Q in the balcony/smoking area. Good mix of locals and foreigners here; got the number of a local hottie here with a phenomenal ass who ended up being flaky as shit and mostly wasting my time.
La Sin Ventura - Located on 5a Avenida between Lucky Rabbit and Mono Loco. This is predominantly a salsa dancing place which has a live band some nights. I didn't do well here aside from a few dead-end numbers. If you got the latin dance moves and good español, you could probably pick up locals or salsa loving foreigner groupies.
Punto Cielo - Across the street from La Sala. This is definitely not a pickup spot but I got in a weird routine of always starting my night here with one 10Q tequila shot and some light conversation with weirdos.
The Snug - A little hole-in-the-wall Irish bar with ok drinks that is another good warmup spot to do a few practice interactions with bar staff or other patrons (usually drunk).
Red, White, and Brew - 1 Avenida Sur #4. A pretty cool, albeit expensive ultra-micro brewery selling legitimately tasty beers for around 60Q (from memory) plus each. Not a pickup spot but noteworthy for you beer snobs.
La Caspah - A two-level dance club playing pretty good electronic music. 5a Avenida Norte #30. This place seems to be popular with the locals. I didn't have much luck here but I feel like they have good music and a great setup. I would come back here with a girl picked up from elsewhere. There was a cover around 20-30Q which included a free shitty beer.
Cafe No Sé - Avenida 1 Sur #11C. This is a pretty dimly lit expat/foreigner bar with a mezcal bar in back. It wasn't my cup of tea. A bit hippyish and I got a big whiff of body odor on each of my two visits. Didn't care for this place but it may work for you.
DAY GAME
This is where I should have focused my time more on foreigner chicks, because there were some legitimately cute ones walking around every day. But didn't really. Mostly pussed out.
Locations: Parque Central, most streets in Antigua, la Bodegona supermercado, coffeshops.
FOOD
Food in the town is decent, albeit a bit pricy. I found a couple places I liked and just stuck with them most days, which is very much against my principles.
Rincón Típico - 3a Avenida Sur #3. Solid place to grab a 1/4 wood-grilled well-seasoned chicken, two thick hand-made tortillas, roasted potatoes, grilled onions, guacamole, and a drink for 25Q. Had lunch here most days. Good lunch place, not recommended for dinner when you get the less fresh leftovers for lunch. Go between 11:45-2PM for the freshest tortillas and chicken.
Taqueria Doña Lupita - Ok place with decent Mexican food. I had a burrito here one night and it was respectable for Guatemalan standards. It wouldn't cut it in MX, however.
Cafe Refuge - in my opinion, best coffee in Antigua with coffee roasted regularly and of good quality (aka not roasted to "char" Starbucks style). I would buy 12 oz bags of their beans here for 65Q and brew every morning at my crib.
Tipico Antigueño - Calzada Santa Lucia Norte No. 3A. Another decent spot to get local grub for good value starting around 25Q.
Café Doña Luisa Xicoteneatl - 4a Calle Oriente #12. Bomb pastel de zanahoria (carrot cake) for 10Q per slice. Famous for their banana bread as well, but I wasn't a big fan. I like butter in my banana bread, damnit.
Lava Terrace Bar - 4a Avenida Norte #4. Thursday after 8PM is their wing night. Respectable but small wings for 2Q each. I tried the "muy picante" and they were pretty good - not too spicy for me. Smashed 20 and they are served with bleu cheese and celery. Also live music by a pretty good local artist @8:30 on Thursdays. Happy hour is earlier like 5-6 or 7-8, can't remember.
La Fonda de la Calle Real - 5a Norte #12. Had a respectable Guatemalan breakfast here one morning for around 35Q.
El Viejo Café - 3a Calle and 6ta. ave Norte. They have decent fresh pastries here and tasty breakfasts.
MISCELLANEOUS
Casa de Ron - 4a Calle Oriente #22. Where you go to buy your Ron Zacapa 23 or XO. Can snag a bottle of the former for $40 here. Good prices on Ron Botran as well, which was my go-to rum in Guatemala.
Pachamaya - 5a Calle Pontiente #13D. Good dark chocolate. 10Q per ounce for the 70%. It was tasty but don't let them overcharge/gringo price you. I thought the Chocolate Museum chocolate was severely overpriced and not that tasty.
La Bodegona - Good store to buy groceries, liquor, and other misc. items.
El Mercado - Located on the western edge of town, this is a place you can go to buy cheap produce, cheese, meat, and what have you. Prepared food around the edges is decent, but nothing to write home about...and I'm a street food guy.
SAN PEDRO
Chill place with a very hippy vibe. Too many hippies for me to spend more than 2 nights at a time here. Plus it's a very small place and easy to get bored. Although it is gorgeous. Great place to bring a girl although pickup is possible judging from a few makeouts in bars that I witnessed while there. Definitely bangable girls here, local and foreigner.
Hotel
Hotel Tepepul Kaan is a great spot rooms starting 75Q per night for private room with hot shower.
Also stayed at Hotel Pinocchio. Nothing special but rooms were 150Q per night during Semana Santa for 2 people. Strangely the bathrooms didn't have a door.
Pickup spots:
Sublime - good place to pickup locals/foreigners. Was open mic night on Monday when we went and there was a good crowd of foreigners. Very smoky. Tuesday night was great also with a live band. There seems to be some good live music here regularly. Plus they host touring bands.
Zoola - The party/dance spot in town, located right on the lake. Wouldn't be a bad place to stay either as it's a hostel as well. Reasonably priced drinks and the party starts on Wednesday night with live DJ.
Food - Decent food here although my favorite meals were on the main street via the street vendors. Had the best pupusa of Guatemala made by a Salvadorean lady here and another tasty longaniza (sausage) plate for like 15 or 20Q.
There is a pretty sweet organic shop to pick up some supplies for you closet hippies out there.
Panajachel (town) - Eat the house-made pasta at Circus Bar. Probably the best Italian I've had in months.
The boat ride between San Pedro and Pana costs 25Q and takes about 15 minutes or so.
XELA
Good place to learn Spanish as it's not super touristy. Gets a little chilly at night. Do the Fuentes Georginas (hot pools) and hike to Los Vahos (steam bath) up the hill from town for 20Q per hour which will be plenty. Night life isn't great. I wouldn't return here.
Eat at Comedor Tipico Tiguilo for very tasty local breakfasts and lunches starting at 15Q.
There is a fun salsa night on Wednesdays at La Parranda.
Do the Quetzaltrekkers 3 day hike from Xela to Lago Atitlan. It is pretty magical.
FINAL THOUGHTS
5 bangs. All Guatemalan. All in Antigua. 5.5 - 7 range. Ages: 21, 25, 26, 31, 36 (I'm 30). 4 SNL with 1 requiring a day 2 dinner date at my guest house (won't name for privacy reasons as everyone knows me there). All direct-style approaches with strong eye contact but usually a smile too. Got physical quickly with lots of touching and dancing. But not too much kissing. Then invited back for a "drink." Worked most of the time. Very little LMR, with the exception of the oldest 36 yo broad which took all of ten minutes to push through, strangely enough.
Had a mini relationship with the last girl and spent my last week with her between Panajachel, San Pedro, and her parent's place in Guatemala City. I would return to Guatemala again. I feel like there is more to see and I'd happily spend another month in Antigua learning more spanish and banging local girls. The ok food be damned!
Anything you'd like to know, ask away.
Hey guys, I've just spent around 6+ weeks in total backpacking in Guatemala, 4 of which were spent in Antigua studying Spanish. Before arriving, my español was a bit shaky, but after doing 20 hours a week of private lessons (PM for school name), I felt pretty comfortable doing basic conversations and storytelling in spanish toward the end of the trip.
I got here at the end of February and just left mid-way through Semana Santa, which means that Antigua gets very packed with people from all over. I went into this country with low expectations because of the negative rumors I've gotten from others on the forum regarding the women of the country, the general security situation, and the food. So I wanted to share with you all my thoughts and experiences of the few places I visited here. I spent the most time in Antigua, so this sheet will focus on that. But at the end I'll throw a few tips for Xela (Quetzaltenango) and San Pedro La Laguna (Lago Atitlan).
OVERVIEW OF THE COUNTRY
So in all, I really enjoyed myself here. It was comparable to Mexico where I just spent six weeks (datasheet coming...been lazy but I'm doing this one first as it's very fresh on my mind with some obvious differences). The food paled in comparison to Mexican food, obviously; but then again Mexican food dominates most cuisines of the world in my opinion. The cost of living is pretty cheap, and I narrowly overspent my overall budget ($45/day) by less than 4% - though this was due to me losing my passport like an idiot which added about $135 USD to my expenses. PM me if you need to know the procedure for getting a new passport in Guatemala...it's a bit of a pain in the ass! A typical Guatemalan "tipica" meal will run anywhere from 15Q - 35Q depending on the place. Then again, you could easily spend $30+ on a meal here at the more touristy places. At the time of this writing, the exchange rate was roughly 7.63 GTQ to USD.
Safety didn't really feel like an issue, aside from one isolated incident in Guatemala City where a guy unsuccessfully attempted to pickpocket me in Zona 1 and then got a little aggressive (started yelling/taunting) towards me when he came up empty-handed...all in broad daylight at 2PM. Private security guards are everywhere with tactical shotguns but I never saw a single episode of violent behavior the whole time (save for the isolated incident). Not a single barfight or even a confrontation that resulted in raised voices. I was impressed, especially considering how many brawls are typically witnessed in the average American bar or club on a weekend night.
THE GIRLS
Not great, but not as bad as I was lead to believe. Didn't see really anything above an 7.5-8 while I was here, save for a few Euro chicks. That being said, there are plenty of girls in the bangable 6-7 range, with nice butts, slim bodies, feminine features, and good attitudes with minimal shit-testing. Take note for whatever reason these cute girls were rarely found during daylight hours. Most of the girls you will see during the day aren't approach-worthy in my opinion. Overall, ladies here were pretty receptive to foreigners, especially if you can demonstrate some español ability.
Chicks here obviously love to dance, didn't meet a single one who didn't enjoy this - I have a feeling this applies to ALL latinas though. The girls, to me were quite warm and responsive to my direct compliment openers - one of which was, "Tus labios son muy besables." Your lips are very kissable, said while staring deep into her eyes with a sly smile. Also, I didn't meet a single girl who knew how to cook, which to me was highly disappointing. Even though I'm not specifically looking for a girlfriend, this still bothers me for some reason...Every girl I banged with the exception of one still lived with their parents, so maybe this explains the lack of cooking skills when mama is taking care of your meals. Lastly, the girls (and dudes) are really tiny here. They reminded me a bit of Filipinas in terms of stature and general openness to foreigners. Think average height is somewhere around the 5'-2 range.
NIGHT GAME
Nightlife here in Antigua is respectable. This is the place to come for your Guatemalan flag. You can have a great time and have the potential to pick up at least 4 nights (Tues, Thurs, Fri, Saturday) per week, and more if you really look. SNL are very doable in my experience. Normally, I went with direct complement game with strong eye contact and dominant frame. There is nothing here that rivals the dance clubs of places like NYC, Vegas, or Bangkok, most of the places are smaller-sized because to be honest, there are probably 100 bars in this town and the competition for business is fierce. With that being said, these were the noteworthy places to pick up the ladies if you were to find yourself here for any length of time. Oh and as far as dressing up, I usually rocked a nice t-shirt, nice jeans, and boat shoes. Didn't really see any suits here.
*Important note - Nightlife shuts down early here - 1AM. Start your night early and make your moves quickly. As is usual, the girls arrive before the sausage. One successful move - let's call it "the quickie" - I played was to seduce a girl early, lead her outside to isolate, talk for 10+ minutes with good kino, kiss, then invite her back to my place (conveniently located 3 blocks away
) for a "drink" (normally a cuba libre) by or before 11-11:30. Since many of these girls come from Guatemala City to party on the weekend, many come with friends who drive them in their cars and expect to drive them back after 1. I was able to bang two girls this way and walk them back to the bar post-bang to make sure they were able to make it home in time and safely with their friends...such a gentleman . That being said, have ice, liquor, mixers, and music ready to go at your crib. And make sure your place is within 5-7 minute walk of 6a Calle. **You can find a hotel for around $18-40 USD here, depending on location and negotiating skills. My guest house with private room and bathroom was $8/night but that was a monthly rate.
Reilly's - Pretty large Irish pub with several bars and separate mingling areas located at the corner of 6a Calle and 5a Avenida. There is a cavernous main area that gets packed on Saturdays. Prices aren't fantastic for Guatemalan standards but you can typically get a drink here for 25Q. I normally drink Ron Botran 12 year on the rocks or with soda. This is a popular place on Friday and Saturday nights, with Saturday being super-packed. Also there is trivia night here on Sundays around 6. Had the pleasure of being here on St. Patricks day and worked my quickie move with a sexy young 25 year-old from "Guate". For some reason I always seem to pickup on St. Patty's, it must be my Scottish ancestry. Picked up another sexy and fit 36 yo who looked 26 later that same week.
La Sala - Small dance venue located next to Reilly's. Small place with a little dance floor on the first floor with upstairs smoking patio. Lady's nights on Thursday nights with 10Q entry fee - a couple nights there were definitely more girls then guys at a few points in the night. Usually Fridays and Saturdays are good here. Picked up my Guatemalan flag here with a very lovely and tight 21 year old. First pickup with minimal english used. They place a mix of Latin and Club music here. Sunday nights are Latin nights with a 20-30 minute free salsa lesson. But on the weekends, this is the place where you can basically take a girl, start grinding on her or dancing with her, initiate makeout, take her home kind of thing. Very basic stuff.
Mono Loco - Located on 5a Avenida 1/2 block or so south of Parque Central. This is a bit of an American Sports bar with two levels, the second of which is pretty large. They are famous for two things here. First is Lady's night on Tuesday which does actually attract quite a few decent looking females (mostly foreigners) and their second claim to fame are their nachos. For Lady's night guys need to buy a drink to get in. Didn't have any luck here but I don't do well for some reason on Ladies Nights...
Lucky Rabbit - Located on the same side of the street as Mono Loco just 50m south of Mono Loco. This is a bit of a college (younger crowd, early to mid 20's) bar/dance bar with three main areas. There is a decent main bar with dance floor when you first walk in with a second level with seating overlooking the dance floor and main bar. There is also giant jenga and beer pong setup along with a large projector screen playing various videos. There is a second bar and balcony in the front of the bar which is where you can smoke. Also, you can get respectable slices of wood oven pizza for 20Q in the balcony/smoking area. Good mix of locals and foreigners here; got the number of a local hottie here with a phenomenal ass who ended up being flaky as shit and mostly wasting my time.
La Sin Ventura - Located on 5a Avenida between Lucky Rabbit and Mono Loco. This is predominantly a salsa dancing place which has a live band some nights. I didn't do well here aside from a few dead-end numbers. If you got the latin dance moves and good español, you could probably pick up locals or salsa loving foreigner groupies.
Punto Cielo - Across the street from La Sala. This is definitely not a pickup spot but I got in a weird routine of always starting my night here with one 10Q tequila shot and some light conversation with weirdos.
The Snug - A little hole-in-the-wall Irish bar with ok drinks that is another good warmup spot to do a few practice interactions with bar staff or other patrons (usually drunk).
Red, White, and Brew - 1 Avenida Sur #4. A pretty cool, albeit expensive ultra-micro brewery selling legitimately tasty beers for around 60Q (from memory) plus each. Not a pickup spot but noteworthy for you beer snobs.
La Caspah - A two-level dance club playing pretty good electronic music. 5a Avenida Norte #30. This place seems to be popular with the locals. I didn't have much luck here but I feel like they have good music and a great setup. I would come back here with a girl picked up from elsewhere. There was a cover around 20-30Q which included a free shitty beer.
Cafe No Sé - Avenida 1 Sur #11C. This is a pretty dimly lit expat/foreigner bar with a mezcal bar in back. It wasn't my cup of tea. A bit hippyish and I got a big whiff of body odor on each of my two visits. Didn't care for this place but it may work for you.
DAY GAME
This is where I should have focused my time more on foreigner chicks, because there were some legitimately cute ones walking around every day. But didn't really. Mostly pussed out.
Locations: Parque Central, most streets in Antigua, la Bodegona supermercado, coffeshops.
FOOD
Food in the town is decent, albeit a bit pricy. I found a couple places I liked and just stuck with them most days, which is very much against my principles.
Rincón Típico - 3a Avenida Sur #3. Solid place to grab a 1/4 wood-grilled well-seasoned chicken, two thick hand-made tortillas, roasted potatoes, grilled onions, guacamole, and a drink for 25Q. Had lunch here most days. Good lunch place, not recommended for dinner when you get the less fresh leftovers for lunch. Go between 11:45-2PM for the freshest tortillas and chicken.
Taqueria Doña Lupita - Ok place with decent Mexican food. I had a burrito here one night and it was respectable for Guatemalan standards. It wouldn't cut it in MX, however.
Cafe Refuge - in my opinion, best coffee in Antigua with coffee roasted regularly and of good quality (aka not roasted to "char" Starbucks style). I would buy 12 oz bags of their beans here for 65Q and brew every morning at my crib.
Tipico Antigueño - Calzada Santa Lucia Norte No. 3A. Another decent spot to get local grub for good value starting around 25Q.
Café Doña Luisa Xicoteneatl - 4a Calle Oriente #12. Bomb pastel de zanahoria (carrot cake) for 10Q per slice. Famous for their banana bread as well, but I wasn't a big fan. I like butter in my banana bread, damnit.
Lava Terrace Bar - 4a Avenida Norte #4. Thursday after 8PM is their wing night. Respectable but small wings for 2Q each. I tried the "muy picante" and they were pretty good - not too spicy for me. Smashed 20 and they are served with bleu cheese and celery. Also live music by a pretty good local artist @8:30 on Thursdays. Happy hour is earlier like 5-6 or 7-8, can't remember.
La Fonda de la Calle Real - 5a Norte #12. Had a respectable Guatemalan breakfast here one morning for around 35Q.
El Viejo Café - 3a Calle and 6ta. ave Norte. They have decent fresh pastries here and tasty breakfasts.
MISCELLANEOUS
Casa de Ron - 4a Calle Oriente #22. Where you go to buy your Ron Zacapa 23 or XO. Can snag a bottle of the former for $40 here. Good prices on Ron Botran as well, which was my go-to rum in Guatemala.
Pachamaya - 5a Calle Pontiente #13D. Good dark chocolate. 10Q per ounce for the 70%. It was tasty but don't let them overcharge/gringo price you. I thought the Chocolate Museum chocolate was severely overpriced and not that tasty.
La Bodegona - Good store to buy groceries, liquor, and other misc. items.
El Mercado - Located on the western edge of town, this is a place you can go to buy cheap produce, cheese, meat, and what have you. Prepared food around the edges is decent, but nothing to write home about...and I'm a street food guy.
SAN PEDRO
Chill place with a very hippy vibe. Too many hippies for me to spend more than 2 nights at a time here. Plus it's a very small place and easy to get bored. Although it is gorgeous. Great place to bring a girl although pickup is possible judging from a few makeouts in bars that I witnessed while there. Definitely bangable girls here, local and foreigner.
Hotel
Hotel Tepepul Kaan is a great spot rooms starting 75Q per night for private room with hot shower.
Also stayed at Hotel Pinocchio. Nothing special but rooms were 150Q per night during Semana Santa for 2 people. Strangely the bathrooms didn't have a door.
Pickup spots:
Sublime - good place to pickup locals/foreigners. Was open mic night on Monday when we went and there was a good crowd of foreigners. Very smoky. Tuesday night was great also with a live band. There seems to be some good live music here regularly. Plus they host touring bands.
Zoola - The party/dance spot in town, located right on the lake. Wouldn't be a bad place to stay either as it's a hostel as well. Reasonably priced drinks and the party starts on Wednesday night with live DJ.
Food - Decent food here although my favorite meals were on the main street via the street vendors. Had the best pupusa of Guatemala made by a Salvadorean lady here and another tasty longaniza (sausage) plate for like 15 or 20Q.
There is a pretty sweet organic shop to pick up some supplies for you closet hippies out there.
Panajachel (town) - Eat the house-made pasta at Circus Bar. Probably the best Italian I've had in months.
The boat ride between San Pedro and Pana costs 25Q and takes about 15 minutes or so.
XELA
Good place to learn Spanish as it's not super touristy. Gets a little chilly at night. Do the Fuentes Georginas (hot pools) and hike to Los Vahos (steam bath) up the hill from town for 20Q per hour which will be plenty. Night life isn't great. I wouldn't return here.
Eat at Comedor Tipico Tiguilo for very tasty local breakfasts and lunches starting at 15Q.
There is a fun salsa night on Wednesdays at La Parranda.
Do the Quetzaltrekkers 3 day hike from Xela to Lago Atitlan. It is pretty magical.
FINAL THOUGHTS
5 bangs. All Guatemalan. All in Antigua. 5.5 - 7 range. Ages: 21, 25, 26, 31, 36 (I'm 30). 4 SNL with 1 requiring a day 2 dinner date at my guest house (won't name for privacy reasons as everyone knows me there). All direct-style approaches with strong eye contact but usually a smile too. Got physical quickly with lots of touching and dancing. But not too much kissing. Then invited back for a "drink." Worked most of the time. Very little LMR, with the exception of the oldest 36 yo broad which took all of ten minutes to push through, strangely enough.
Had a mini relationship with the last girl and spent my last week with her between Panajachel, San Pedro, and her parent's place in Guatemala City. I would return to Guatemala again. I feel like there is more to see and I'd happily spend another month in Antigua learning more spanish and banging local girls. The ok food be damned!
Anything you'd like to know, ask away.
