To Guatemala from Honduras

Today was my last day of working at Copan, my last day of hanging out with the archaeologist campensinos, unearthing the Maya, and dreaming my way through the stone chiseled corridors and byways of a truly ancient city. I have learned much from this archaeology project – chalked up another mark on the old curriculum vitae – but it is time to be moving on. I offered my farewells to the cowboy hat wearing campesinos at the site, shook hands, got a little choked up, and made my final bows to good old Copan. For Guatemala calls.

As well as a meeting with the Hobo Traveler.

Andy made Antigua yesterday. I am excited to cross his path.

The world turns, times change, but rivers still run to the sea. Guatemala is the place where I may soon meet the Hobo Traveler.

I am thinking over the ways that I can get from Copan to Antigua. The Guatemala border is only 12 km from where I am standing, and I think that Antigua is only a few hours beyond that. I am close. There are tourist shuttle buses that leave from Copan and go directly to Antigua which I could hop for $12. Or I could go my usually route and take the local bus and maybe keep a few more dollars safe inside my pocket. Though it is looking like this route is full of potholes, as I will probably have to transfer local buses twice before getting to Antigua. The bus from Copan goes to the border, where I will probably have to catch another bus to Guatemala City, and then another bus from there before getting to Antigua.

I am thinking that it may be almost the same price and less of a hassle to just ride the $12 tourist shuttle rather than three different local buses. I will have to look into this. If I can get a local bus to Antigua from the Honduran border then I will definitely take it, as it is usually a far more interesting ride. I also enjoy being able to ride out the day without being able to fully understand what my fellow bus mates are saying. But if it would be silly to not take the direct shuttle – if the locals will cost about the same – I will pack up my pride and pile in with the rest of the khaki-clad tourists for the joy ride to Antigua. I am hoping for a straight running local bus, but from looking at the maps, I do not think that this is a possibility.

I have no need to go to Guatemala City, even if it is just to change buses.

Guatemala City Hotel Accommodation

Wade from Vagabond Journey.com
Copan Ruinas, Honduras
March 28, 2008