Quetzalroo
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Though slightly outside of the typical trampers budget, if you are hoping to spend some time in Quatemala City, and want to be able to discover all the well kept secrets that it offers as a travel destination (rather than a stop on your way to the airport), the staff at Quetzalroo are wonderful. If the city overwhelms you, the walking tour offered by the staff is a great introduction to not just some of the city’s main parks and popular sites, but also to the country’s rich history and it’s current cultural and political climate. (Price is $15 or 120Q) Marcos has a love for his city, and his country, that is immediately contagious. He will gladly share his wealth of knowledge about Guatemala, and is happy to help you plan any part of your stay, in the city and beyond. (We’ve seen some very impressive hand-drawn maps of Guatemala that he has made for guests.) If you are looking for a place that feels like home, with staff who will treat you like family, Quetzalroo is you’re stop.
The rooms are nicely sized, the beds comfortable, and breakfast (two pieces of toast, fruit and coffee/tea) is included in the price. They also offer free drinking water, a computer and television for guest use, and have wifi available in the common area. Laundry service is available, and phone calls can be made for a nominal fee.
Location: In Zona 10, the area has an abundance of restaurants, bars, and shopping plazas. You’ll be located in the heart of Guatemalan night life, if that’s your interest. If not, evenings spent sharing cervezas and stories on the rooftop terrace of Quetzalroo are as enjoyable and peaceful as they would be anywhere else in the country. And, despite it’s downtown location, you can still find small restaurants serving tipico meals for a few dollars. Check out the “Eating” Section for more information. In Zona 10, you are also close to the Museo Ixchel and Museo Popol Vuh, and to the beautiful Avenida Reforma, which is closed to vehicle traffic on Sundays, and makes for an excellent walking path to explore some of the city. Finally, there are several banks in the area, and stations for the Green Buses that can take you throughout the city are just a short walk as well.
RATES
Dorms w/ shared bath: $18 USD/person/night
Single w/ shared bath: $20USD/person/night
Double w/ shared bath: $25/person/night
CONTACT
6ta Avenida 7-84, Zona 10
Phone: 2339 3328
Email: info@quetzalroo.com
La Coperacha
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Offering very competitive prices for rooms in the city, La Coperacha is a spacious hostel, with a large common area, dining room, and kitchen available for guest use. There are only four beds in the dormitory, however the privates and doubles don’t cost much more. The hostel offers wi-fi in the common area, which if you are lucky, you can pick up in your room also. There are three showers, separate from the bathrooms, and soap/shampoo/conditioner is sold for Q7 if you don’t have any. Lucian, the hostel’s manager, is always around and willing to help. He will be able to answer any questions you might have about where to find things or how to navigate the city. If he doesn’t know, he’ll look it up on the computer. And be sure to ask him about the traditional Mayan Restaurant in Zona 1. Plates are around $10 USD (Q75-Q85) but if you are willing to splurge, it’s a wonderful experience.
The rooms at La Coperacha are spacious and comfortable. If you are staying for a while, you can unpack all of your things and feel like you are at home for a few days, especially with the kitchen available for guest use. Breakfast (scrambled eggs, beans, fried plantains, bread and coffee/tea) is also included in the price, and served between 7am and 10am each morning.
Location: Located North of the “Historic District”, Zona 2 feels more like one of the smaller pueblos you will find in other parts of the Guatemala, and if you stay in this neighborhood long enough it’s easy to forget you’re in Central America’s largest City. This means that the museums and cultural sights are a little farther away, but there is a Green Bust stop at Park San Sebastian, and it’s easy to find a taxi at both parks as well. Heading across town will cost around Q40-Q60 in a taxi, and closer stops, like in Zona 1, are around Q25. There are two beautiful Parks within walking distance, and more small restaurants and stores selling food than we can count. (Check out the Eating Section for more information.) In Zona 2 you are also only a short walk to the Central Park and Market, where you can eat or purchase any kind of produce you would want to cook at home. Two supermarkets, a bank, and a post office area all also within a short walk from La Coperacha.
RATES
Dorms w/ shared bath: $9/person/night
Private with single bed: $10/person/night
Private with double bed: $15/people/ night
*2 people in Private w/double bed: $20/night
The Suite
(Private room upstairs with private bathroom and balcony)
1 Person/night: $18
2 People/night: $26
CONTACT
4 Av. 2-03, Zona 2
(There is no sign but 2-03 is market clearly next to the front door)
Phone: 2232 1414
Email: coperacha.guate@gmail.com
(Email is preferred method for making for reservations)
Note to Trampers: At both hostels, we recommend making a reservation in advance. Because of how spread out Guatemala City is, we guarantee it’s going to be a pain to show up and be turned away, and have to navigate the city with your pack to find another available hostel. Sometimes rooms are booked way in advance, especially during high tourist season. But giving even a few days or one week’s notice could save you a lot of hassle when you arrive in Guatemala City. Emails are responded to quickly at both hostels.
GETTING // GOING • SLEEPING • EATING • DOING • MAP
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