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Kosher Travel Guide to Guatemala
Guatemala is a stunning country, rich in culture, history, and natural beauty. Whether you’re drawn to its picturesque towns, towering volcanoes, or ancient Mayan ruins, it offers something for every traveler. For those seeking to explore this vibrant country, Guatemala provides various resources, from kosher food to welcoming Chabad Houses, making it an ideal destination for kosher travelers.
Arrival in Guatemala City
Our first day in Guatemala began in Guatemala City, where we headed straight to Chabad of Guatemala City for Shachris. Upon arrival, security will ask for an ID or passport before granting entry. Once inside, we enjoyed a beautiful Shachris service followed by a delicious breakfast. Afterward, we explored the city, visiting the National Palace and browsing the local markets. While Guatemala City offers several attractions, it’s important to note that it is not as safe as other areas like Antigua or San Pedro. We quickly moved on to our next destinations to fully enjoy the experience.
Exploring Antigua
Next, we traveled to the charming town of Antigua, a short drive from the capital. We arranged our shuttle through Chabad’s website, making the journey easy and efficient. Antigua’s cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and breathtaking views of volcanoes quickly became a highlight of our trip. We checked into the Chabad House, a welcoming spot offering kosher meals and a home away from home for Jewish travelers.
During our time in Antigua, we visited the famous Hobbitenango and arranged an ATV tour through Chabad, exploring the town’s outskirts and the nearby natural landscapes. The following day, we hiked the Acatenango Volcano—an incredible experience with stunning views and the chance to witness the Fuego Volcano erupting nearby. It was a truly memorable adventure, and Chabad helped coordinate the excursion for us.
On another day, we spent time wandering around the beautiful town of Antigua before heading to visit the converted Ohr Chodush Gerim community, a remarkable and unique experience.
Kosher Food at Chabad
Chabad’s meal offerings are a fantastic resource for kosher travelers in Antigua. They also offer an in-house hotel or hostel for Israeli backpackers. From homemade Shabbat dinners to daily kosher meals, we enjoyed hearty, delicious meals at Chabad, including traditional dishes that made us feel right at home. They even packed us with kosher food for our overnight stay at the Acatenango Base Camp while we watched Volcán de Fuego erupt.
Visit to Lake Atitlán and San Pedro
After Antigua, we journeyed to San Pedro, a picturesque town on the shores of Lake Atitlán, surrounded by volcanoes. After checking into a beautiful apartment right on the water, we enjoyed a delicious dinner at the kosher Ha Falafel shop located near Chabad House in San Pedro. The falafel was crispy on the outside and perfectly seasoned, a real treat.
The next morning, we had breakfast at the kosher Espresso Bar near Chabad before setting off to explore the stunning Lake Atitlán. We visited the nearby towns of San Marcos, Panajachel, and San Pedro, each offering unique sights and experiences. We also enjoyed a beautiful Shabbat at Chabad of San Pedro before heading back to Guatemala City for our departure.
Safety and Affordability
Traveling around Guatemala felt incredibly safe. The local people were warm and welcoming, and we always felt comfortable exploring the country as proud Jews. Fun fact: Guatemala has a special affection for Jewish people! While we were at Lake Atitlán, we saw many boats flying Israeli flags, and I even met someone with a Star of David tattoo. One of the most pleasant surprises of our trip was how affordable everything was. Guatemala is an incredibly budget-friendly destination, from food and accommodations to activities and transportation.
All our transportation, including shuttles between towns and tours, was arranged through Chabad Antigua. This made getting around seamless and stress-free, and having everything organized for us allowed us to focus on enjoying the sights without worrying about logistics.
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Wow wow was really helpful! Very detailed 👌
How many days do you recommend in Antigua and San Pedro ?
Is February a good month [email protected] steve