Guatemala City

[TomJackin]

Overall, I was pleasantly surprised about Guatemala. The people are friendly, the food is good, the weather is good even in August and I saw a lot of attractive girls all over besides just the strip clubs. I didn't have any situations where I felt unsafe, but I always try to be smart about safety.

Thank you for giving back to the forum with an excellent TR.

Glad I was able to help.

[Bijou]

I just got back from a 4 day trip to Guatemala and thought I'd share my experiences.

Prelude:

Since my last update on my favorite place to go that got ruined by the Secret Service scandal (Cartagena, Colombia), I've been to a few places that already has plenty of information (Buenos Aires, Argentina), or didn't have much to contribute (Aruba, Curacao, San Jose (CR)). Since a longer trip to explore new areas in Colombia fell through and GUA was on my bucket list of places to explore from a travel perspective, off I went.

About Me:

I'm in late 40's, speak passable Spanish, and tend to blend in well (dark hair, darker skin). I prefer the simple, girl next door look in the "7" rating scale. I don't like casas, or street walkers and prefer freelancers, or "semi-pros". I'm not a budget traveler, nor am I a "high roller". I don't travel to monger, but rather enjoy female "companionship" when I do travel. I'm providing this information for readers to understand my perspective of GUA.

Preparation:

For a while I had been looking at GUA and used Tomjackin's report from Jan 2014 (in the ROD), WT69's Guatemala City list and map.

Currency:

GUA currency is the "Quetzal" and the exchange rate was about $1 USD=7. 7 Q. As I do with most of my trips, I have an account with CapitalOne and the "cirrus" exchange network that I put money into prior to a trip so I can withdraw from an ATM and get the best exchange rate without any additional fees. The only challenge is to get to an ATM upon arrival to airport, but for some reason, I did not see any ATM's on the "arrivals" side of the airport and the currency exchange booths were even before immigration, so I wasn't able to get local currency until I was at a mall later.

Airport / Immigration / Customs:

Very basic and fast. GUA didn't seem to a very busy airport.

Lodging:

In the city, where you stay will be the key for a lot of different reasons including traffic issues and taxi fares. The first night I stayed in an apartment I found on AirBNB in Zone 7, but because it was difficult for taxis to find, wasn't completely private, and had hot water issues, I booked at Eco Suites Uxlabil in Zone 10 (http://www.uxlabil.com/). This is an Aparthotel in a gated residential area of Zone 10 called Colonial Oakland. There are only 8 or 9 rooms and only 1 on the main floor with the other rooms being either a few flight of stairs up or down without an elevator. I was fortunate enough to get the one room on the main floor, which also was closest to the wifi modem, but it was also directly behind the reception desk and so there was no privacy. There is hot water, and wifi but not sure how strong the signal is on the other levels. No A / see, but surprisingly didn't need it. I asked about a guest fee and was told $10 if "they stay all night". Although this was very quiet, the front door gets locked at night and if returning late, you have to ring the night person (who is probably sleeping) to come and upon the door. Also, you will need to have someone call for a taxi and then when you return, I strongly recommend taking a little map that they have at the reception with you to give to the taxi driver to return. No real breakfast is included, but there is coffee, yogurt, and some sort of bread with baked beans available in the morning. During the weekdays, the reservations staff is available that speaks English, but after 6 pm local time and on Sunday's the staff may not speak English. The aparthotel is a 25 Q ($3 USD) ride to the "Oakland Mall", which is a modern mall with a food court and other restaurants. Overall, although I was satisfied with the place, I wouldn't recommend and there are probably better places to stay.

Taxis:

There are two types of taxis: yellow and white. Yellow taxis are metered with a minimum charge of 25 Q, but you actually have to call for one because they are centrally dispatched. The white taxis are more readily available but don't use a meter and you have to negotiate upfront. Charges tend to be either 25 Q or 50 Q within the city during the day and about 10 Q more at night. Unlike other places where the taxi drivers really try to rip tourists off, I think you can generally expect to be asked for 10 Q more than the locals would pay and then negotiate down (for white taxis). A white taxi from the airport should run about 25 Q-60 Q depending on which zone, time of day, and traffic conditions.

If you are going to several venues, taxi costs can add up and I would follow the same strategy that Tomjackin did (and which I tend to do in any new area I am visiting), which is to hire a taxi driver on an hourly basis to take you around from venue to venue. $10 USD / hour seems to be acceptable. I tried to contact the driver that Tomjackin used when I got in, but couldn't get a hold of him. I contacted the driver on WT69's list who speaks good English but wanted $12/ hr with a minimum of 3 hours and who only "recommended" 3 or 4 strip clubs. I wasn't interested in only going to the same places that other tourist go so I passed.

I was able to find another taxi driver (Alberto) who agreed to $10 USD / hr and to take me anywhere I wanted for as long as I wanted. He seemed to know most of the people at the various clubs and a few of the girls. This eliminated the parking attendant hassle that Tomjackin experienced in his report because Alberto gave only 5 Q from his own pocket at one club and didn't pay anything to the attendant at the same club that gave Tomjackin trouble. Another advantage is that the "meseros" (waiters) at the clubs seemed to be less of a pest when I was with him. One thing to know is that if he goes into the club with you, you will be required to buy him one drink (per the club) or pay his cover. He was open to just waiting in the taxi until I came out, but I liked him as a wingman. Alberto seems like a good guy, but only speaks Spanish. If anyone wants his number, PM me.

Weather:

Although a Central American country, the weather in Guatemala City was pleasant in August, very similar to Costa Rica. I was surprised that there was really no need for A / see. At night, it was cool enough for a long sleeve shirt, sweater, or jacket. However, near the coast it was hot and humid. Also, it was the "rainy" season and it was sunny and pleasant during the day and rained in the evenings and at night, sometimes heavy, but only for a short period of time.

Venues:

Le Club (full of Colombians surgically enhanced, very crowded, good for entertainment).

Baron Rojo (found the hottest girl of my trip here with the others being average at best; got the number of the hot girl to try to hook up later, but never happened).

Moulin Rouge (local hang out, laid back, some cuties that were occupied).

Venus (didn't see anything of interest; left after 1 beer).

Platinum Club (nice club, lots of hot girls, but expensive!

Streetwalkers (on Avendida 6 A Zone 9, surprisingly some are attractive, different price ranges, according to taxi driver some girls that work at the casas during the day, work on the street at night; "auto hotel" available in different price ranges from 85 Q to 150 Q).

The prices on WT69's list seemed to still be applicable. The waiters can be a pain, but surprisingly, the girls seemed to be more relaxed about trying to get drinks. The best strategy would be to go in and out of the clubs about an hour after they open and see if there is anything you like and if not, move on. If you wait too long after they open, they may be occupied with other customers. Try to get the number of the girl to hook up the next day before they go to work. The hot girl at Baron Rojo who gave me her number said that the girls get half of what the club charges. So, of the 100 Q for the girl's drinks, she gets 50 Q and of the 500 Q charged for 30 minutes onsite, she would get 250 Q. So, I think that most girls would be open to hooking up outside of the club for less and with a better experience.

Tour Guide / Side Trip:

Although I am very cautious about local guys that are willing to "help", I did contact Isaac ("Ronaldimbo" on this board) and it was the best decision I did. After the first two nights of getting tired of the strip club scene and nothing to do during the day, I arranged to go on a side trip a place called "Puerto de Iztapa", which is about a 1 hr drive from Guatemala City on the coast. This is a port town and neighbored by Puerto de San Jose and Puerto Quetzal. Although lacking tourism infrastructure and the beach is a black sand beach without any major appeal at present, there are plenty of local girls available. However, there are no actual strip clubs, or casas that I know of and you will need a local contact to connect with the girls, it would be worth it if you are like me and like "semi-pros". Apparently, there is disco nearby that fills up with the local girls but only on Saturdays.

Isaac is a student and speaks good English. His availability may depend on his access to transportation and his school schedule, but he is a good guy and I will vouch for him. If you contact him ahead of any trip to GUA, he may be able to assist in finding inexpensive housing and if you want to make they side trip to Iztapa, he can help you connect with the local girls. Additionally, there is inexpensive deep sea fishing that he can arrange for you in Iztapa.

GUA Impressions / Conclusions:

Overall, I was pleasantly surprised about Guatemala. The people are friendly, the food is good, the weather is good even in August and I saw a lot of attractive girls all over besides just the strip clubs. I didn't have any situations where I felt unsafe, but I always try to be smart about safety.

Although I got tired of Guatemala City (nothing to do during the day, strip clubs typical clip joints, no freelancer venues), I think there is further exploring to do outside of the city with the local girls. I plan to do this in the future and will report back.

[Java Man]

Monday, just before midnight, I hit Madona's Strip club. I thought they closed at 1a, but doorman said they stay open as long as they have business. It looks bigger from the outside. No cover, Q45 for a beer. The mesero was a pest, he did bring me a dancer, not to my liking, less than 5 min into my beer. Her lady drink was Q85. I quickly sent her away. Saw about 6 dancers, also none to my liking. Lots of silicone, a little on the older side. Of course, there was one, with a boomin ass, but she was occupied. She was on the second level with some dude. He musta paid a small fortune, to keep her. He left just before I did, she didn't appear, so I figured he bar fined her. FYI, Madona's was exchanging dollars at 7.0 Quetzals. Holiday Inn was giving Q7.3, while the Crowne Plaza Hotel was giving Q7.5. I had my beer and left. Slim pickings, understandingly, as it was a Monday night. Sadly, family kept me out late Tuesday, plus early Wednesday departure equaled no late Tuesday night run.

I was impressed with the cleanliness of the City, (at least zone 9 and 10,) I'll return and stay longer next time. Lots to do and see here.

[Artisttyp]

Hi,

I'm trying to go to Guatemala everyone in September for a month. Last trip I did was 3 months in Baja California Sur Mexico total washout expensive and stuck up girls. OK Well I know Guatemala Women are the bottom of the barrel with not much of nice bodies and really no big tits.

I really need good info on cheap hotels cheap bars and sometimes a little bit of spending more in zona10 for afterhours.

Is it possible to find any Big tits working girls in like Exceso or other clubs as Finding huge tits in Guatemala City and Guatemala is very hard in general. If possible then guys post here or pm me on this.

Also how can I stay safe from not getting robbed? I will stay in zona 1 in a cheap hotel need info on how to take the cabs after night too and not get shook down by cops.

OK before I finish this too info on the new bus system is a must too and of course Antigua and envirions.

Thanks,

Nibu

You might want to look at Hotel Spring. There are two other budget hotels on that block too. One is called Swiss something I believe and the other doubles as a car rental / hotel. I think it is called Hotel Tally?

I think some rooms at Hotel Spring were going for $15 with a shared bathroom but don't quote me on that. I paid roughly $30 for my own room. Not the nicest digs but it was quiet. Ask for a room AWAY from the street. The street noise sucks.

Night time sucks in Zona 1. Not a lot to do.

[WorldWideScout]

Will be in Guatemala City Zone 10 in a couple of days staying at Westin.

Any decent massage places close to Westin?

Thanks

Yeah! There's a great map on this thread I believe. I'll have to find it again. I'll be in that area as well, when are you going? We should hit some places together perhaps.

[Romero001]

Will be in Guatemala City Zone 10 in a couple of days staying at Westin.

Any decent massage places close to Westin?

Thanks

[Nibu Raphael]

Hi,

I'm trying to go to Guatemala everyone in September for a month. Last trip I did was 3 months in Baja California Sur Mexico total washout expensive and stuck up girls. OK Well I know Guatemala Women are the bottom of the barrel with not much of nice bodies and really no big tits.

I really need good info on cheap hotels cheap bars and sometimes a little bit of spending more in zona10 for afterhours.

Is it possible to find any Big tits working girls in like Exceso or other clubs as Finding huge tits in Guatemala City and Guatemala is very hard in general. If possible then guys post here or pm me on this.

Also how can I stay safe from not getting robbed? I will stay in zona 1 in a cheap hotel need info on how to take the cabs after night too and not get shook down by cops.

OK before I finish this too info on the new bus system is a must too and of course Antigua and envirions.

Thanks,

Nibu

[WorldWideScout]

I will see you guys in a couple of weeks!! I'll try to post trip reports regularly vs in bulk after the fact. Oh that reminds me I have a bunch I need to post for another city.

QUICK Q! Tripadvisor talks about airport security at GUA upon leaving stealing a lot of stuff from passengers, but it is not clear what I should bring / hide. Ha anyone gonoe through this? Are they mainly stealing soap / liquids or are they jacking laptops / harddrives etc. Too? Do I need to buy a handbag with a secret compt to hide my cash? Etc. Etc. Etc. Would love to hear your thoughts.

Thanks! See you soon.

[Ronaldimbo]

I'll be arriving midday Sunday Aug 3. For a 3 night stay. First time visit to Guat City. Looks like Sunday may be a wash per World Travel 69's list. as most venues are closed. Questions for the Guatemala Vets: What are the Must visit venues? Where are the best culos in town? Also where can I exchange Dollars? I'll be staying in Zona 10 area. Language is not a barrier and I blend in. Thanks in advance. JM.

Send me PM I can help You. I'm realiable. I have good reference her.

Regards

[Java Man]

I'll be arriving midday Sunday Aug 3. For a 3 night stay. First time visit to Guat City. Looks like Sunday may be a wash per World Travel 69's list. as most venues are closed. Questions for the Guatemala Vets: What are the Must visit venues? Where are the best culos in town? Also where can I exchange Dollars? I'll be staying in Zona 10 area. Language is not a barrier and I blend in. Thanks in advance. JM.

[Ronaldimbo]

I am in GT city for 3 nights. Staying at Barcelo. Looking for evening fun.

Yes I can, send me pm.

For everybody if you want help or a touristic guide you can send me a pm. I could help you!!

Greettings from Guatemala, land of eternal spring!

[JamesThomp]

Thanks GrandPop Thanks for put your trust in our. Nicolle and her friend are very grateful with you. Thanks again.

Regards

I am in GT city for 3 nights. Staying at Barcelo. Looking for evening fun.

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Greetings,

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[SagaraGun]

I'm in Westin in town tonight (GC). Had dinner in Antigua for dinner earlier tonight. Sorry I didn't see your posting before. Thinking about cruisong Le Club since I am tired after long flight. Easier but expensive. Or can you help? I want to find an advanced girl for the night.

Hey,

I just saw your post and tried sending you a PM but the system won't let me, send me a PM with what you are looking for and I'll see what I can do.

[Superlarry]

Hello fellow mongers,

I was away for a while from the forum as I was busy with work but I'm back and ready to help any new traveler or returning veteran to the scene in Guatemala, so if you need anything let me know I am always open to helping, I live in Antigua so of anyone wants to come for a beer let me know my treat as long as it's after office hours haha.

I'm in Westin in town tonight (GC). Had dinner in Antigua for dinner earlier tonight. Sorry I didn't see your posting before. Thinking about cruisong Le Club since I am tired after long flight. Easier but expensive. Or can you help? I want to find an advanced girl for the night.

[SagaraGun]

Hello fellow mongers,

I was away for a while from the forum as I was busy with work but I'm back and ready to help any new traveler or returning veteran to the scene in Guatemala, so if you need anything let me know I am always open to helping, I live in Antigua so of anyone wants to come for a beer let me know my treat as long as it's after office hours haha.