R and R Oct 16 - Panajachel

Content taken from Allan's e-mail

On the afternoon of Saturday, October 16 we will be traveling to Panajachel and staying at Hotel Kakchiquel for one night.

Panajachel is a community of 14,000 at an altitude of 5238 feet. Located in the Guatemalan Highlands it provides breathtaking views of three volcanoes that accents what is said to be one of the most beautiful lakes in the world.

Panajachel is the doorway to Lake Atitlan ‘s indigenous villages Santiago Atitlan, Santa Catarina Palopo, San Pedro, San Marcos and Santa Cruz to name a few.

During the period of Spanish conquest the shores of this lake were the scene of great battles in which the Spanish defeated the Tzutujils. The Spanish set up a church and monastery in Panajachel soon afterward and used the town as a centre for converting the Indians to the Catholic faith. The original façade of the church still stands is a significant representation of the colonial architecture in Guatemala.

Panajachel or Pana as it is called by locals is a town full of interesting sights, sounds, and smells. The town has numerous hotels and is full of restaurants and interesting night spots. We will visit Panajachel’s busy market street (Calle Santander) a great place to pick up a souvenir or two.

Map of Panajachel

R and R Oct 18 - La Antigua

Content taken from Allan's E-mail


On October 18 we will travel to La Antigua and check in to Hotel La Merced for two nights.




Antigua in Guatemala is one of the oldest and prettiest colonial cities in Latin America, situated in a valley between three volcanoes. The setting is beautiful but hazardous, the town having experienced 16 earthquakes, frequent floods and a number of fires. It was the country's capital until 1776 when, after sustaining severe damage in a series of devastating earthquakes, the capital was moved to the present day Guatemala City, 30 miles (48km) away.





La Merced Church



In colonial times Antigua was considered to be one of the most splendid cities of the Spanish Empire and was the principal city in Central America. Today it remains an enchanting place with remnants of a prosperous past. It is a delight to wander down the quaint traffic-free cobbled streets, past single storey multi-coloured buildings and mansions, magnificent churches, monasteries and convents. Plazas, inner courtyards and fountains are pretty reminders of the Spanish legacy. The town has been protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a popular destination for visitors. Buildings of interest include the Iglesia de San Francisco, La Merced and the Las Capuchinas.

Antigua becomes extremely busy during the Easter celebrations of Semana Santa, when people from all over the region flock to see the colourful street processions. The rest of the time it has a relaxed and convivial atmosphere with a strong indigenous culture, prevalent in the Sunday market. It is also a popular place to learn Spanish at one of the many language schools, and most students are able to stay with a local family as part of the learning experience.

Map of La Antigua Guatemala

R and R Oct 19 - Pacaya Volcano

Content taken from Allans' e-mail

On the morning of October 19 we will hike the Pacaya Volcano .

Pacaya is a must do experience in Guatemala! After all how often do you get to climb an active volcano? No worries we do not have to be related to Sir Edmund Hillary or have extensive hiking or climbing experience because we can get halfway up the volcano by shuttle. Depending upon the volcanic activity we may see rivers of lava and or chunks of lava shooting out of the crater.

Getting to the top of the crater takes about 3 hours and is not very steep, although the crater itself is somewhat tricky because of lava rock. It will get colder as we reach the top so bring a fleece/sweater and windbreaker (water proof or resistant).  Just remember we will be climbing over lava rock so have a sturdy pair of shoes - not your 'best' pair since they will get cut up by the sharp lava - just a sturdy pair so you have good footing on the rocks.

Current Itinerary

Original content taken from HfH Website and updated based on changes - last updated 27 Sep
This information continues to be subject to change.  

Sunday, October 10
Arrive at Guatemala City La Aurora Airport. Shuttle departure time from the airport is 12:30 PM - look for Habitat signs, Travel to La Antigua and check-in to La Merced Hotel (1 night)

Monday, October 11
Travel to Affiliate - 8:00 AM, Possible visit to Iximche Ruins, Lunch, Welcome & Orientation with families, Check in to La Villa de Don Pancho in Tecpan (5 nights)

Tuesday, Oct.12
Build 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Wednesday, Oct.13
Build 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Thursday, Oct. 14
Build 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Friday, Oct. 15
Build 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Saturday, October 16
Build ½ day 8:00 - 11:00, Depart at 12:00 to Panajachel, Check-in to Hotel Kaqchikel (1 night)

Sunday, October 17
Morning in Panajachel, Visit Local Market, Travel back to Tecpan and check in to La Villa de Don Pancho (1 night)

Monday, October 18
Build ½ day and Goodbye Ceremony 8:00AM - 3:00 PM, Depart for Antigua 4:00 PM and check-in to La Merced Hotel (2 nights)

Tuesday, October 19
Hike Pacaya Volcano, Free day in Antigua

Wednesday, October 20
Shuttles to Airport (very early)

Build Day Schedule
Breakfast at 7:00 AM, leave for the work site at 8:00 AM, build until noon or 1:00 PM, lunch, build until 4:00 PM, back to hotel & clean up, pre-dinner refreshments, dinner at 7:00 PM.

Accommodation

Content extracted from HfH Website, team e-mails, and some googling

Team members should expect to share rooms in a simple but clean and safe hotel. Breakfast and dinner will be at our hotel. We will bring a box lunch from our hotel with us to our worksite.

Current accommodations are:

Tecpan, Chimaltenango (Build Site)
La Villa de Don Pancho
12 Ave. 2-57 Zona 3
Tecpan, Guatemala
Phone: (502) 7840-3202
Some Pictures: http://www.naturalezabierta.com/interna.php?id=173
Hotel E-Mail (maybe): hotellavilladedonpancho@hotmail.com
Notes: Lunch will be sandwiches (1PBJ, 1 meat), fruit and H20, supper will be at the hotel

Panajachel (on Lake Atitlan)
Hotel Kaqchikel
Avenida Santander y Calle los Tigres
3 avenida 4-78, Zona 2, Panajachel, Solola, Guatemala
Phone: Tel: (502) 7762-0634, (502) 7762-1312
Website: http://www.panajachel.com/hotelkakchiquel.htm
Hotel E-Mail: hotelkakchiquel@yahoo.com.ar

Antigua City
La Merced
7a Ave Norte #43 A, Antigua, Guatemala
Phone: (502) 7832-3197
Website: http://www.merced-landivar.com/
Hotel E-Mail: posadalamercedantigua@gmail.com