The Parks of Guatemala

[Noxegon]

I've just returned away from a long weekend away in Guatemala, taking in all five roller coasters in the country as well as some general tourism. I've got to say that the Mundo Petapa and Xetulul constitute two of the nicest parks I've ever visited, with the theming at the latter in particular being on the far side of stunning. The country itself felt like a spanish-speaking version of Florida, a stark contrast to the mayhem that is Mexico.

 

Here are a few preview shots:

 

Xetulul

Xetulul

Mundo Petapa

Mundo Petapa

Galerias Primma

 

The full photo albums are up at ThemeParks.ie; here are some direct links:

 

- Galerias Primma

- Mundo Petapa

- Xetulul

 

I've also posted trip reports at the following links:

 

- December 3rd - Xetulul

- December 4th - Mundo Petapa, Galerias Primma

 

Enjoy!

[redfoot12]

Oooo--Cental American Intamin!

[sixflagsguy5]

Did you stay onsite or did you find somewhere else? I had strongly considered going to Guatemala last Winter, but cancelled because I wasn't able to find enough information on park hours and lodging. Everyone I talked to was convinced that the country was too dangerous to travel to, which also factored into my decision. From the research I did, Northern Guatemala and Guatemala City is where most of the crime takes place. Northern Guatemala gets a lot of tourists form cruises and people that are into bird watching.

 

The Guatemala City parks did not have any big coasters as of last year, so I had no intention of staying in Guatemala City. The plan was to get a rental car right after landing, and drive straight to Xetulul. We would stay there for maybe two or three nights. On the last day we would drive back and fly. This way we would avoid Guatemala City (sort of). Did you stay in the city at all, or did you simply make stops at the parks on the way to Xetulul?

 

Thanks for posting this.

[Noxegon]

I stayed in the Crowne Plaza Guatemala City. Honestly, it seemed absolutely fine to me; I wasn't worried about safety. I hired a car/driver through the hotel, though with the benefit of hindsight I probably would rent a car for a second trip. The only thing unusual about the driving was having to stop on the way to Xetulul for a check point where local police make sure you're not carrying fruit; it's illegal to move fruit across the country without a license due to local problems with bacteria/etc.

 

Xetulul is a beautiful park but (IMHO) is not a multiple day place really; there's not enough to do there for more than one day, though if you're a water park person you might want to spend some time at Xocomil next door.