Home
Rafting
Traveling
Guidebook
Fast Fred Travels Guatemala

Fast Fred Travels Guatemala
Guatemala Travel Tips, Cities, and Places of Interest

I am Fast Fred Ruddock a wandering guide enjoying endless summers

Colorful checken bus in Panajachel Guatemala at 4:30 AM

How to Travel within Guatemala

Learn about the different travel modes found in Guatemala. We will cover from the most frugal to the most expensive and the pros and cons of each. I traveled over land from Mexico through Guatemala and tried a variety of different options. Thus I can give you honest feedback and tips.

First we will explore the way to travel between Panajachel and Guatemala City. There are three primary methods: bus, shuttle, and car. While I typically find no need to rent a car in Latin America some do. Traveling by taxi, Uber, or private driver are all likely to cost roughly about $100 USD and all have the advantage of taking less time. Shuttles reach a middle ground with more direct travel but could involve a side trip to Antigua with a cost around $40 per person. The bus is the most frugal choice with an expected cost of less than $10 ... Learn more

Colorful checken bus in Panajachel Guatemala at 4:30 AM

How to travel between the Towns of Lake Atitlan in Guatemala

Learn about the affordable water taxis at Lake Atitlan. I used at trip to San Marcos as an example in this video but have recently visited San Pedro as well. I traveled over land from Mexico through Guatemala and tried a variety of different options. Thus I can give you honest feedback and tips.

Taking the water taxi from Panajachel to San Marcos La Laguna on Lake Atitlan in Guatemala is pretty fast and only costs gringos $25 Q or about $3.20 USD. The back of the boat has the best ride. The front can be rather abusive to the back and other body parts. This is the easy and safe way to get around the lake. San Marcos La Laguna is the most hip town on the lake in my opinion. Lodging is higher but if you have the bread it might be worth the added cost ... Learn more

Colorful checken bus in Panajachel Guatemala at 4:30 AM

How to visit Iximche Maya Ruins from Panajachel

Iximche is located 3 km south of Tecpan in Chimaltenango Guatemala. This adventure to visit Iximche began along the shores of Lake Atitlan at Panajachel. After spending a month at Panajachel I was ready to see some history and culture in Guatemala. My friend Wade joined me on the day trip and our pal Allen provided some information regarding transportation options.

Chicken buses are a popular means of transportation in Guatemala. We met early on a Tuesday morning to catch a chicken bus to Solola. The process was simple. We would ask each arriving bus if it was going to Solola. The third bus was heading to Solola. So we boarded and and found seat in a nearly empty bus. The ride was not long but had some great views of the lake. This first leg of the trip only cost $3.50 q or about 44 cents usd ... Learn more

Colorful checken bus in Panajachel Guatemala at 4:30 AM

Where to find the best tacos in Panajachel

It is no secret I love tacos. I especially love authentic tacos al pastor. These are the best tacos al pastor that I have found around Lake Atitlan. If you visit Panajachel and love Mexican food or tacos then watch this video!

Looking for the best tacos in Panajachel Guatemala on Lake Atitlan? Look no further than Taqueria La Guadalupana. You will see and smell the authentic al pastor cooking as you walk to Calle Santander. I really enjoyed the tacos and plan to go back and try the tortas on my next visit soon! They don't serve beer so this is a very family friendly location. ... Learn more

Colorful checken bus in Panajachel Guatemala at 4:30 AM

Cooking & Eating Well In Guatemala on a Frugal Budget

How to live a rich life without a lot of money. I cooked a frugal but tasty shrimp and veggie breakfast today and wanted to share because folks asked. Living like this is how I eat well and keep to a frugal budget. Do you have questions about how to live well in Latin America?

This video includes a lot to tips about Guatemala in addition to how to cook and eat well on a budget. Enjoy some banter and join the conversation in the comments. ... Learn more

Colorful checken bus in Panajachel Guatemala at 4:30 AM

Take a Tuk Tuk Ride with Andy Lee Graham and Fast Fred Ruddock

Take a virtual Tuk-tuk ride across Panajachel Guatemala with Andy Lee Graham and Fast Fred. Experience riding off road, narrow alley and a crazy little metal bridge across a gorge over a nearly dry river. Hey that bridge is almost surely to wash away in the next flood season. We're here. You're not. Why not? ... Learn more

Colorful checken bus in Panajachel Guatemala at 4:30 AM

Cost of Living in Panajachel Guatemala

Come along on grocery shopping day and get an idea of the cost to live in Guatemala on Lake Atitlan. I breakdown the costs in local currency and the US dollar for you. Enjoy walking the streets and browsing the stores. Got questions about other items? Then leave your questions in the comments. ... Learn more

Colorful checken bus in Panajachel Guatemala at 4:30 AM

What You Should Know About Lake Atitlan Water Quality

Listen to the video. public tap water is relatively safe with regards to arsenic but beware of private wells. Water quality at Lake Atitlan and what you need to know. While many expats make a big deal about fecal matter and microbes in the lake as well as the tap water this is a more pressing concern. Arsenic present in both are a greater long-term concern. The more vocalized concerns about microbes and fecal matter can be addressed with proper hygiene and boiling water for drinking and cooking ... Learn more