The original plan with my Central American trip was to go up north from Costa Rica using local buses and avoiding flying if possible. However believe it or not they are still requiring covaids passes to enter Nicaragua. That is really unfortunate and I hope this nonsense will be waived soon!
So as usual I had to come up with some plan B and C.
As I was already moving down south from San Jose it would make sense to go further to Panama. Even though it sounded very cool I had some doubts. Many travelers told me there is not much to do and see instead of Panama City.
Another minor issue is that you can't continue further south because of the Darien Gap. I had no intention of crossing the jungle over there. I am trying to be a digital nomad and not a full blown refugee yet. So the idea would be to take a ferry to Cartagena - Colombia. Quite a trip if you ask me...
So soon after a cheap flight ticket to Guatemala appeared. It is probably the last country I was thinking of visiting. But it sounded like an adventure so I was in!
And so came the morning of my departure. Exciting vibes... I had plenty of time to make it to the airport as my flight was taking off at 11:30 AM.
First challenge was to find a local bus to make it cheaply to the airport. I went and asked at the bus station already one day before as there is zero straight forward information to be found anywhere. There were some weird celebrations going on and for a while I was afraid we would get stuck in traffic somewhere. But after few left turns we would hit the highway and I was relieved from my worries.
Border check was quite smooth, no questions asked and no items confisated.
Happy days. Waited one more hour and the gate opened. My slightly over sized backpack was no issue and I was up in the air going to Guatemala for 66 USD.
Border control in Guatemala City was simple too. They make every traveler fill in a piece of paper stating some basic information and stamp the passport without questions. Second are the customs which didn't ask me much as well as my first sentence following "Buenos Dias" was "I have nothing to declare".
A girl smiled at me and opened the gates into a new country to my list.
Now, I knew from Costa Rica about two weeks ago that changing dollars at the airport isn't the wisest of ideas. So I have first bought cafe while still at the airport and used WiFi quickly. It is needed to activate offline GPS mode after returning from the airspace. Than I could see myself on the map again and could venture out into the unknown with relative ease.
So I started walking direction center and what appeared to be an ATM on the map. Of course it was further than planned, but heck I was in a new country - full of energy.
First bank I found wasn't open for foreigners. The guard explained to me I can go to Shell gas station and withdraw cash there. It costed me 4 USD in local fees. Still better than about 10% at the airport.
Sorted with cash I had to find a bus going to center. "Lucky" is a weak word to describe how easy it was. First bus I jumped on took me exactly to my hostel and I didn't even had to pay for it. Amazing.
After checking in for two nights I was craving some warm food. It was two weeks in expensive Costa Rica and I thought I could have a chance to find something within my budget here.
The center of the city is a web of one way streets that are very busy. It is not that cool to walk around really. But what else are you going to do right?
So I was on my way to the central market - one of the only attractions around.
I did found some traditional chicken soup and payed 35 Quetzals - 4.50 USD. Was it a gringo price? Not so sure when comparing with other things around...
Right next to the market is the famous Plaza de la Constitution.
A must see place to visit and also almost the only thing to visit.
Yes the menu here is that simple.
Made it back to the hostel just in time. The rainy season is starting now and when it rains it is real showers pouring down. Our small terrace shortly turned into a swimming pool due to heavy storm. Lightning and thunder were intensifying the atmosphere as we have chatted the night away with some other hostel life lovers...
All the best,
Global Local