many call guatemala city one of the most dangerous capitals of the world. many told me never to come here. almost every backpacker i met skipped this part of their exploration because of safety reasons. getting a shotgun held to your head demanding your bag isn’t too fun. yes, it happens and most crimes don’t get solved. so after the long 7 hour back to antigua, i was the only backpacker that got off the bus in busy guatemala city. the others told me i’m crazy and not to do it, but i did. scared? yes, i won’t lie.

the bus drops me off and i jump into the taxi heading to my hostel. had my passport stuffed in my pants, and everything else i would have given to anybody that held a gun to my head. if they asked for my passport, i’d rather get shot. yes, i plan things when i’m concerned about my safety. anyway, get to the hostel and was greeted by the coolest guy named Marcus. my plan was to stay locked in my room all day and night until i get my flight out tomorrow morning. Marcus asked me if i wanted to join him for a bicycle tour. what? are you crazy? he said “hey, this place is safe if you’re with me. if you’re not with me, you’re fucked!” sorry my language but that’s exactly what he told me.

not even 5 minutes since i arrived at the hostel, i was on a bicycle ready to explore the so called “most dangerous capital of the world.”

omg, it was so beautiful! just super cool structures and cool lifestyle.

we kept riding and riding. my legs still so tired from all the hiking and walking i’ve been doing ever since i got here. yes, the most in my life. but hey, as my legs were burning, i was in awe checking out a capital i never thought i’d ever visit.

i seen about a thousand guns already. one wrong move and you’re dead. i actually felt safe.

checked out some cool museums and even toured the national bank. learned a lot about this beautiful country.
now the question is: would i come back?
answer is: of course. in fact, i’m coming back for sure because i have places in this beautiful country that i want to see. other active volcanos, other lakes, other food, and other amazing people of this amazing country they call “GUATEMALA.”

i haven’t seen so many guns in my life before. everywhere you go, you see armed security guards everywhere. so people ask me if guatemala is safe? here is my answer: if somewhere is safe, you wouldn’t need armed guards with shotguns in every store around the country. armed, loaded, and ready to be shot.

the bus ride from hell? got on a shuttle bus from antigua to lanquin. solid 9 hours of dangerous driving throughout the mountains. 28 people and super packed in the bus. stink, hot, and no leg room. put it this way, it wasn’t fun.

getting there was awesome! spectacular views!!! and a speeding driver that you put your life into his hands. one slip or one too wide turn, the whole bus with 28 people will go over the mountain and everybody will die. pretty simple.

on the way, people come up trying to sell you drinks and fresh fruits.

i bought this mango for 80 cents.

want to hear a funny story? we make our first stop at the convenience store. i wait in line to buy my water and see somebody familiar. i thought to myself “hey, i know this guy???” then i remember! he’s our driver! while waiting in line he opened a beer, started tanking it, then had another one in his other hand. OMG, our driver was drinking beers only 3 hours into the drive!!!!

i get back in the van and close my eyes because now i have a drunk driver speeding over one of the scariest mountains in the world. i put my headphones on, close my eyes, thank god for my wonderful life, and prepare to die. yes, i’m freaking serious.

then i change my mind and open my eyes to enjoy the beauty. if i’m going to die, i mind as well die with a view.

then out of the blues, 3 guys run out of the bushes and jump on the back of the moving van. OMG! we got hijacked!!! haha. come to find out, these kids were just hitchhiking. crazy!
anyway, 9 hours later, made it one of the most magical places in the world. spent 2 beautiful days there enjoying pure nature. no internet, no phone service, no bullshit. just you and mother nature. i loved it!
and yes, i’m glad to be alive!!!!

Experience pure nature and pure people!