Semuc Champey, Lanquin is a gorgeous site consisting of a series of limestones pools basked in clear turquoise waters. A day trip there entailed a visit to the Semuc caves into which we were led by candlelight and climbed various crags and waterfall ridden rocks. The rock formations by candlelight were fascinating but I did have a twinge of regret that we'd chosen to do the tour with such a big group as I laboriously waited for 30 people to negotiate each rock. T...

Blissful sun rays and a swim in the clear lake waters makes up for the previous disappointment of the beach and fulfils my cravings for chill traveller downtime. The only downside is my lack of motivation to do anything other than socialise, swim and sleep. Not a bad combination as it goes. Besides, there is enough culture purely in that the city is swarming with Mayan locals; women wearing the traditional Frida Kahlo style Aztec skirts, carrying baskets of bread...

We decide to brave the chicken buses again. Nowhere near as packed this time but still pretty eventful. The route to 'Del Lago' (the lake) involves half a dozen or so different buses, a few tuktuks, a pick up truck and a couple of boats. I was pretty shocked when on one of the chicken buses a man jumps on with a netted bag full of puppies and couldn't help but scream out when, at one particularly bumpy turn, a sack of potatoes fell on them. A friend jokingly accu...

Having arrived at beachside Monterico the overwhelming emotion is boredom. Yes, the lack of things to do by the beach is ultimately the whole point and usually this wouldn't daunt me but this place lacks the tranquility I was seeking in my slice of beach downtime. It's also a ridiculous breed of humid hot and I'm being absolutely attacked by Mosquitos (despite my constant layer of insect repellent and my mosquito net). It sounds like all the Mosquitos are after m...

The ride to Antigua was the most treacherous yet. We took one of the infamous chicken buses which are clown like decorated old American school buses with pictures of Jesus alongside advertisements for electronic parties. Also, blaring stereo music which alternates from western club music to Guatemalan traditional. They squish a ridiculous amount of people on said buses and when four us from the hostel stepped aboard for the hour long trip, our hearts sank as we n...