SummitPost.org

I assume you know that July is the rainy season. That said though, Guatamala doesn't have the glaciers as Mexico does nor is it as wet as say Costa Rica. It will probably rain every afternoon, but I guess if you don't mind it, climbing/hiking is still possible.

It's been a while, but I climbed Tacana and Tajumulco in the 1992-1993 season as well as visited the Lago Atitlan area. I would recommend them for hiking and the information is on SP in the form of mountain pages.

Scott wrote:I assume you know that July is the rainy season... nor is it as wet as say Costa Rica. It will probably rain every afternoon, but I guess if you don't mind it, climbing/hiking is still possible.

I don't know about that. The Pacific slope gets close to 200 inches in a 6 month period. Early mornings are your only good weather, and clouds already start to gather against the mountains before noon, like this picture around 10am: http://www.summitpost.org/images/medium/69444.jpg. I would definitely recommend as many early mornings as possible. I remember San Marcos (~7000 ft) was frequently in the clouds/fog during the afternoon.

Most afternoons and evenings in the rainy season will be a tropical downpour. There are a few dry days, but that is not the norm. Be prepared to be wet. I'd even suggest some of those goretex socks if they still exist, because who knows how deep the water will be on trails and roads when it is raining. Also, up high it is cold, so bring warm clothes for high altitude.

Medicine: Pepto. You will probably get sick, so be prepared. Most towns will have a well stocked pharmacy.

Mountains to visit would be Volcan de Agua, Atitlan, Sta. Maria, Chicabal, Tajumulco, and the Cuchumatanes. (Summitpost pages). The Cuchumatanes, above Huehuetenango, will have the best weather since they are further inland.

It's a beautiful country with rich Mayan culture.
How long will you be there and what are you planning to do?

Hi,

I had great trekking experiences in Guatemala with QuetzalTrekkers during the 6 Day Nebaj-Todos Santos Hike + the 2 Day Volcan Tajumulco Hike + the 3 Day Xela-Lake Atitlan Hike...

This NGo working w/ young volunteers will organize the logistics for you.

Check out their web site, it's all there !

http://www.quetzaltrekkers.com/

Saludos

I don't know about that. The Pacific slope gets close to 200 inches in a 6 month period. Early mornings are your only good weather, and clouds already start to gather against the mountains before noon, like this picture around 10am:

True that it won't be ideal, but I guess still possible. Interestingly, on my Tajumulco page, five out of seven people whom signed the log climbed in the rainy season (I guess the one October could be shoulder season between dry and wet). Of course the logs do mention the rain!

http://www.summitpost.org/object_discus ... _id=150286

Still, I bet that you are right it would be rain/downpour almost every day and can be quite unpleasant. Probably not much of a view either. December through March is definately the ideal time to go there.

I lived in Malacatan from August to December a few years ago and that's what I remember. The rain was relentless until October.

My wife and I were there for a couple weeks last summer. We rockclimbed, hiked, and did 2 volcano's upto 4000 meters. If you would like, you can check out some of our pictures on our profile page. We used a guiding company to show us around (in fact, I think where we were, westerners are not allowed by law to be unacompanied in certain areas without a hired policeman). Guatemala is a wonderful place to visit and we highly recommend going there. The guiding company we used is called Old Town Outfitters and we highly recommend them.

Their website is: http://www.adventureguatemala.com/

Also, we bought the Rough Guide to Guatemala and that was superb resource...it really helped us locate places to stay, eat, and things to see.

Hope that helps

Have a great time!

We went rockclimbing in in a place called Lake atatitlan (not the famous lake atilan) but I can't remember the exact name.

Go to the website that I posted above....there, you will find the names of a couple of options.

Peace

No we didn't take any meds...but, we didn't eat from any of the street vendors (which really sucked...cause what many of them were selling looked AWESOME!)

I am from Guatemala, and every time I traveled from the states I always climb a volcano. I would recommend before you arrive to the airport, find an agency that can provide you with good information on how to get a taxi to the hotel and other places you visit. Just make sure how the exchange rate is currently now, and do not tip to high. Definitely July is the beginning of raining season, but if you get up early enough you might climb some volcanoes. Sometimes it does not rain for a couple of days but do not take my word for it, you know how it is around mountains, the weather can change at any time. About the food, just do not drink the water or you will be in the bathroom quite often; get a beer, coffee, or soda instead. If you want to climb an awesome volcano try Pacaya because besides his safety surroundings you can get close to the crater if you are fearless. If you going to Agua Volcano, pair with another group on your way up if you can, its pretty safe but is always good a big group. If you want more tips do not hesitate in writing back.