Places to Visit
Panajachel
Panajachel is home to beautiful Lake Atitlan (see below). The town, which is about a two-hour bus ride from Patzicia, is popular with the volunteers who like to spend their weekends there. It is one of the most popular sites in Guatemala due to the lake, the beautiful and peaceful surrounding towns, and the volcanoes.
Lake Atitlan
Lake Atitlán (Espanõl: Laguna de Atitlán ), is a beautiful volcanic lake in the Western Highlands of Guatemala. It is ringed by small towns, many of which are favourites among backpackers. The region encompasses the lake and the towns around them
Church in Antigua
Antigua is an old Spanish colonial town popular to volunteers and visitors alike. It is popular due to its architecture, volcanoes (fun to climb) and its shopping and restaurants. It is about 45 min from Patzicia.
Guatemala City
Guatemala City is about an hour from Patzicia and is popular because of its architecture, shops, and restaurants.
Tikal
Tikal is where the ancient Mayan pyramids are located. It is a 40 min plane ride from the city, or a 10 hr bus ride from Patzicia. From Tikal it is about a 4-hour bus ride to Belize City.
Livingston
Livingston is home to Rio Dulce, the 7 Waterfalls, Playa Blanca and other beautiful sites. It has some of the most beautiful scenery in Guatemala. It is about a 4-hour bus ride and an hour lake ride to get there.
Semuc Champey
Semuc Champey is often called Paradise. It is home to the Bat Caves and the most beautiful hot water pools. It is about a 6-hour drive from Patzicia and is half way between Patzy and Tikal.
Monterrico
Monterico located on the Pacific Coast is about a 2-hour ride from Patzicia. It is a popular weekend getaway for the volunteers where the ocean, swimming pools, and the hammocks are waiting for them.
Belize
Belize is a 12-hour bus ride from Patzicia and well worth the trip. Belize is home to many Mayan cites and home to the Islands of Caye Caulker and San Pedro where the volunteers go to scuba dive or snorkel. The islands are unbelievably beautiful.
Honduras
Honduras is a popular tourist site due to the Mayan ruins, and the peaceful town of Copan. It is about a 3-4 hour bus ride from Patzicia.