Travel

Hotel

Jardines Del Lago

This is where we will be having the wedding ceremony and reception. They have beautiful rooms and lakeside gardens to explore. They also have a cafe and restaurant that are open daily. There is a pool and dock available to all guests. It is located in Panajachel, within walking (or Tuk tuk) distance of many shops and restaurants that we frequent regularly while visiting. This is a special place for Will and I both since we were able to visit together during his year there. While Will was staying in Guatemala, this was one of his favorite spots to grab a coffee and relax for a bit in a hammock or bench by the lake.

Flight

La Aurora International Guatemala Airport (GUA)

Guatemala does have other private airports, but La Aurora Airport in Guatemala City is the one that you will want when flying in from the states. They will have a customs form to fill out during your flight, so it's good to have a pen in your carry-on. They usually have both English and Spanish on the form. For "destination," simply put the name of your hotel, or "Panajachel." Under "purpose for visit," you can mark "tourism (turismo)." Once you arrive at the airport you will be guided, or follow the flow of people, to baggage pick-up. Very similar to pick-up in the States, you will look for your bags on the carousal and grab them off. You will want to hold on to your checked baggage ticket, as they often ask for those when you leave the area. There will be many willing assistants offering to help grab and carry your luggage if you would like help or are in need of a cart. They do expect to be tipped for their service, and are not always airport staff. If you would not like them helping you, simply tell them politely "No gracias." After getting your luggage, you will go through their customs and hand them the form you filled out during your flight, along with your passport. They do bag checks at random, so do not be surprised if you are randomly chosen to send your bag through their security machine. They are generally much nicer than US airport security, so simply ask if you need help or tell them you don't understand. They are very used to tourists. Once out of customs, you will go out into a large waiting area with many vendors and tour guides offering deals. You will want to wait in that area until you know that your ride is there. **Once you exit the airport, you cannot reenter.** There is a cafe just to the right when you walk out, if you need another place to sit and wait. Keep a close eye on your luggage. Your driver should be waiting with a sign that has your name or group. You should be able to see them through the large windows before you go out.

Rental Car

Transportation From Airport

We recommend allowing us to help arrange your transportion from the airport to Panajachel. For your safety, we prefer to support drivers we know and trust. There are always risks when traveling internationally, but we can help reduce them with informed guides. They make their living driving to the city and back almost every day, so they know what they're doing and where they're going. When we arrange transport we usually instruct drivers to make at least one stop on the way to allow you to use the restroom and get food. Usually that stop is a Pollo Compero (a popular Guatemalan fast chicken place) or other fast food restaurant just outside the city.

Hotel

Hotel Dos Mundos

This is a hotel owned by one of our friends. Probably the closest hotel to the wedding location, and also very close to tourist shopping, and the lake. They have a cafe with wonderful desserts and coffees that we love to visit with friends.

Hotel

Rancho Grande Inn

This Inn is about a 10 minute walk from the wedding location. We've passed by it many times and have always thought it looked great. Close to the main grocery store in Panajachel.

Hotel

Hotel - Villas JABEL TINAMIT

The owners of this Air Bnb run a Spanish school in Panajachel. One of our friends lived here for a time and really enjoyed staying there. Located right in the center of town, about a 10 minute walk from the wedding location.