Here's what's new in Guatemala since the publication of Frommer's Guatemala, 1st Edition.
Planning Your Trip
As of February 2007, the exchange rate was one U.S. dollar to 7.72 Guatemalan quetzales. One British pound was worth 15.21 quetzales.
In January 2007, two major Guatemalan banks -- Bancafe and Banco de Comercio -- collapsed. The closures led to a temporary monetary crisis, and banks and ATM machines across the country ran out of quetzales. The cash crunch lasted for a couple weeks, but the situation has normalized.
Guatemala's two major airports -- the La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City and the Mundo Maya Airport in Flores -- are both in the midst of major remodeling and expansions. Both will eventually have more space and services geared at serving an increasing number of passengers. The La Aurora expansion will not be fully completed until 2014, although the first phase is expected to be ready by 2008. The Mundo Maya project will hopefully be completed by late 2007, and will include the upgrading of all facilities, including new departure and arrival waiting areas, as well as the installation of air-conditioning throughout the terminal.
Antigua
The hotel Mesón Panza Verde, 5a Avenida Sur #19 (tel. 502/7832-1745; www.panzaverde.com) has made some substantial changes. They've added a new business center, with computers which guests can use to access the internet. They've also soundproofed the doors and windows of the rooms close to the restaurant and bar. Four hundred count Egyptian cotton sheets are now standard linens throughout, and all of their rooms are now non-smoking. Smokers can still have at it in the public and outdoor areas. New rates are now $90 (£45) for standard rooms; $150-$170 (£75-£85) for suites; and $200-$250 (£100-£125) for the master suite. These rates include a full breakfast and all taxes.
Vista Real (3a Calle Oriente #16A; tel. 502/7832-9715; www.aroundantigua.com/hotels/vistareal.htm) is a new entry into the already crowded and very competitive high end boutique hotel market. This place offers five luxurious suites in a beautiful intimate setting, with an excellent restaurant.
Barrocas restaurant has closed, and in it's place a new sushi joint Nokiate, 1a Avenida Sur #7 (tel. 502/7821-2896; www.nokiate.com) has opened. Actually, joint is probably the wrong word, this place is quite elegant and refined, with a delightful ambience.
In terms of Antigua's nightlife, El Club, 4a Calle Oriente #39 (tel. 502/7832-9845) is a new spot with pool tables and some sort of live entertainment every night, ranging from live music, to karaoke, to stand-up comedy.
Western Highlands
In Quetzaltenango, the restaurant El Alquimista, at the end of 13a Avenida, a 15-minute walk from Parque Centro America, has closed.
Tikal & The Petén
The Guatemalan government plans to increase the entrance fee for foreign visitors to Tikal National Park. Although not confirmed, the proposed increase would be to Q120 ($15.54/£7.89), and it would take effect July 2007.
In El Remate, on the way between Flores and Tikal, there's a new lakeside restaurant and souvenir shop called El Muelle (tel. 502/5529-1374). These folks serve good seafood and local cuisine, and also rent out kayaks and jet skis.Â
Central Guatemala
In Copan, Honduras, the Bar Tunkul has closed indefinitely, due to a dispute amongst the owners.
Copan has a new travel agency. Copan Connections (tel. 501/651-4182) is located below, and run by the same folks as Twisted Tanyas. These folks offer a range of tours around Copan, and can handle arrangements for further excursions into Honduras, or throughout Guatemala.
Atlantic Lowlands
The Hotelito Perdido (tel. 502/5725-1576; www.hotelitoperdido.com) is a lovely new addition to the remote Rio Lampara (Lampara River) a small spur off the Rio Dulce. These folks offer a range of accommodations from dorm rooms, to shared bath cabins, to individual bungalows with private bathrooms.
Pacific Coast
In August of 2006, the Guatemalan government signed initial contracts authorizing the construction of a major cruise port and tourism infrastructure project in Puerto Izabal. The project, which will take several years to complete, foresees the eventual arrival of some 200 cruise ships per year.