Five Reasons We Need to Return to Guatemala
Clearly we don’t need a specific reason beyond what we’ve already experienced in Guatemala to make a third trip there. In two three-day trips we’ve caught 37 and 44 sailfish, respectively, and more of the same would justify the effort of getting there. On top of that, we’ve enjoyed incredible hospitality, food and drink. Nevertheless, we’ve only seen and done a small sliver of what the place has to offer. Here are some of the top things we need to go back and try – both fishing and non-fishing related:
Antigua
Even the most hardened billfish freaks around the pool and at the bar at Casa Vieja Lodge were aghast that we didn’t take the time to visit Antigua, a UNESCO World Heritage Site founded in the 16th century and brimming with historic sites, local crafts and superior restaurants. The quaint cobblestone streets, bustling marketplace and Spanish architecture are the draws for most gringos, but I’m craving some seafood and local Zacapa rum poolside.
Volcanoes
While we’re in the highlands, I want to take a tour of the Pacaya Volcano, preferably on horseback. When Hanna and I visited Triple Creek Ranch in Montana for our 10th anniversary I figured that riding would be a necessary evil, but I was surprised to love it from the start. One night in the pool at Casa Vieja we were showered with volcanic dust – I’d like to see that up close, but not too close.
Lake Atitlan
Captain David Salazar told us that Lake Atitlan is surrounded by nine distinct communities, each of whom speak a different Mayan dialect. Some of them are accessible only by boat. In San Pedro there are thermal baths, and the views from and of the lake are reportedly breathtaking.
Marlin
I caught my only marlin to date in Costa Rica in 1995. Based on the way the billfish gurus talk, the incredible leaping sailfish I’ve caught are only a warm-up for their bigger billed brothers. Right now I don’t care if it’s a blue, a black or a striped marlin – I just need to get another one to whet my appetite further.
Sailfish on a Fly
I’m not a fly rodding expert by any means, but now that I’ve done a bit of it for smaller quarry in Alaska, and watched just about every video YouTube offers of sailfish on a fly, I’m ready to spread my wings and try it. If you were only getting one or two shots a day it might not be worth it, but in a place where you’re playing with house money by late morning on the first day it seems to be worth a shot. The big rods and hunks of feathers look unwieldy, but on the plus side you don’t have to cast exceptionally far or accurately.
If you’d like to join us on our next trip to Guatemala, or go on your own, click here for more information.
