Guatemala lodge recommendations/experiences

[PV_Premier]

My partner and I have a milestone birthday coming up and we're considering a few options for a trip, Guatemala being one of them...anyone had any experience with the big game lodges down on the south coast, good bad or otherwise?

[WLREDBAND]

No question about it, Casa Vieja. It's expensive (but most of the good ones are) but a first class operation all the way. Incredible sailfish on the fly, world class. A general warning about Guatemala, it's a very poor country with horrible crime rates. You will see armed guards posted at every valuable business (including the McD's in Guatemala City!) , with bandoliers of ammo slung over their shoulders holding tactical shotguns. You will not be allowed out unescorted at night on your own. Personally, I don't like pimply faced 18 year old's holding shotguns providing security, but that's the way it is in Guatemala. And that's another reason to stay at a first class resort like Casa Vieja, it has great security. Most of the good places (like Casa Vieja) are security fortress'. Most of the cheaper places are not. Casa Vieja also provides top quality fly tackle, which is pretty specialized (and expensive).

[PV_Premier]

NA general warning about Guatemala, it's a very poor country with horrible crime rates. You will see armed guards posted at every valuable business (including the McD's in Guatemala City!) , with bandoliers of ammo slung over their shoulders holding tactical shotguns. You will not be allowed out unescorted at night on your own. Personally, I don't like pimply faced 18 year old's holding shotguns providing security, but that's the way it is in Guatemala. And that's another reason to stay at a first class resort like Casa Vieja, it has great security. Most of the good places (like Casa Vieja) are security fortress'. Most of the cheaper places are not. Casa Vieja also provides top quality fly tackle, which is pretty specialized (and expensive).

Thank you, this is very helpful. I've traveled to Guatemala City and outlying areas several times on business so I know what I'm getting into. It's great to know Casa Vieja has good quality tackle on offer, I don't think we could swing the cost of both the trip and buying a set of rods we will use once in our lifetime most likely.

We would do a 3-4 night stay at the lodge at the coast and two nights in Antigua on the front or back end.

Realistically, we are hoping we can get back into NZ by the time of the trip and we would go there with preference, but that is appearing unlikely at the current trajectory. Pent up demand will also be a huge issue down there.

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

Flywater Travel in Ashland, Oregon represents Casa Vieja Lodge in Guatemala.


https://www.flywatertravel.com/destinations/casa-vieja-lodge


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