Two Backpackers

Photo of the Day: Tuc-Tuc Motor Taxi

| by Aracely on June 9th, 2010 | No Comments » | Photo of the Day

We know you like beautiful scenery pictures but this week we decided to bring you pictures that show more culture of the places we have visited.

Tuc-Tuc Motor Taxi is a very popular form of transportation in small towns throughout in Latin America. This photo was taken in Panajachel, Guatemala.

Tuc-Tuc Motor Taxi In Panajachel, Guatemala

Is Guatemala Safe?

| by Jason on May 21st, 2010 | 8 Comments » | Central America, Guatemala, Reflections

Walking the Streets of Panajachel

I was asked if Guatemala is safe by another traveler while hanging out in a hostel in Argentina.  And let’s be honest, Guatemala is much less developed than Argentina, so it’s a legitimate question.  It’s not the first time we have been asked about traveling in Guatemala, although the questions did usually come up when we were in South America.  You don’t get asked such a question in Central America, mostly because all those countries are relatively the same in terms of safety and infrastructure less Costa Rica.

This is a very difficult question to answer, not because I think Guatemala is unsafe, but rather because the answer is an opinion.  When speaking about travel safety, you want to hear facts or concrete evidence to squabble your fears.  The only evidence I have is that Aracely and I traveled most of Guatemala for over a month and were never knowingly in danger.  I am not asking you to make a judgement on the safety of traveling in Guatemala based on our experience alone, however all I can share is our experience. (more…)

Photo of the Day: The Power of Water

| by Aracely on May 18th, 2010 | 1 Comment » | Photo of the Day

Monterrico Beach has black volcanic sand which heats up to extremely high temperatures with the sun making it impossible to walk without any sandals on. The Pacific waters at Monterrico Beach are also very aggressive with strong riptides which can be very dangerous to swim in. This photo shows how powerful waves can get. Jason is attempting to take a swim but it became increasingly dangerous for him to be in the water. When visiting Monterrico Beach be very careful if you dare to swim.

The Power Of Water at Monterrico Beach, Guatemala

Monterrico Beach Guatemala – Episode 10

| by Jason on May 4th, 2010 | 3 Comments » | Central America, Guatemala, Travel Videos

Enjoy Monterrico Beach in Guatemala through an HD Travel Video from Jason and Aracely of TwoBackpackers.com. In Episode 10, we show you black volcanic beach sand, rough waves, baby turtles being released into the sea and a beautiful beach sunset. Enjoy the show! (more…)

Photo of the Day: A Night Blue Sky At Lake Atitlan

| by Aracely on April 20th, 2010 | 2 Comments » | Photo of the Day

We only visited Lake Atitlan, Guatemala for two nights and during our short time there we were able to capture many different views of the lake.  This eerie yet beautiful image is of a storm that is approaching the lake.  The lights in the background are from the town of San Pedro.

A Blue Night At Lake Atitlan, Guatemala

Photo of the Day: Up Close Cicada Molting

| by Aracely on April 4th, 2010 | No Comments » | Photo of the Day

Semuc Champey is a natural wonder of Guatemala near the Q’eqchi’ Maya town of Lanquín.  As we walked though the jungle to get to the 300m limestone bridge of stepped of turquoise pools we encountered this cicada molting.

Locus Shedding Skin at Semuc Champey, Guatemala

Guatemala Independence Day – Episode 9

| by Jason on April 3rd, 2010 | No Comments » | Central America, Guatemala, Travel Videos

Enjoy the Guatemala’s Independence Day as celebrated in Antigua, Guatemala through an HD Travel Video from Jason and Aracely of TwoBackpackers.com. In Episode 9, we show you the school spirit as bands from all the local schools march all over town culminating in a competition in the town plaza. Enjoy the show! (more…)