Thanks for your comments ratbikemike. It's nice to know others have done this by the seat of their pants. I get a little intimidated when I read on here and ADV about those skilled enough to tear down and rebulid their bike while on the road in a foreign country. About all i know how to do well is fill the gas tank. However, this site is a great resource for building knowledge for the journey.

That's the easy part. Dealing with customs and brokers for parts is what will try to wear you down!
Seriously, you'll probably find enough garage space, tools, know how, etc...from people networking for forums such as this to always have you back on the road in style.

We all have our own long suits and our own characteristics that can be a problem. I do the language poorly. Much of the time I try, but others adapt quicker. And I often connect poorly with those that might enjoy being an asset. I learned from a friend, that travels very light indeed, that on his first trip he was overloaded, just like me and most others. Said ' I brought all that stuff because I was afraid'. Personally, I learned to swim, altho poorly, and brought a life jacket with me. I use it for a pillow while camping. It has been great.... Let me know if I can be any help.

south into belize and then Guatemala
 

Hey guys! I will be leaving Playa Del Carmen on May 29th and start heading south into Belize....From there I plan on crossing into Guatemala 4 days later. I want to spend at least 2 weeks in Guatemala hopefully seeing the beautiful countryside and hiking, camping some nice mountains. Then el Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua and finally costa rica......I have never done any trip on a bike before and am super pumped.....if anyone wants to meet up. Let me know! Also I am rocking a little 125 enduro so even if I were planning on going quickly I couldnt!! haha

Let me know when you are coming to Antigua (a must in Guatemala) , bier is on me !
Small world, I had a good time last year in Chilliwack

Hey guaterider,

I plan to spend at least a month in Guatemala this summer to learn some Spanish. Maybe longer if my little brain can handle it. I'll probably enter at the La Mesilla border town. Thinking of Quetzaltenango or Antigua. Some have said not to ride around the Lake Atitlan area. Any suggestions where would be the best place to settle for a month or two.

Spanglish
 

As an Australian I had fek all exposure to Spanglish before my trip. I had no itinerary and no set plan. Only an arrival and vague return date.

I tried an online course in Spanish and learnt very little. I carried electronic translators, and 2 Spanish language books. Both were a waste of space. Like others have written you'll pickup the essential words very quickly.

Do spend some time in Mexico. It's a wonderful, and surprising, country.

I used the La Mesilla border, as you've proposed, into Guatemala. No problems whatsoever.

Antigua is a must. Go to the Ocelot bar, adjacent to the centre of town. Alot of bikers there, good food and good conversation.

If you have time, consider going north to Belize, via Tikal. I did Antigua to Tikal in a day. Belize moves to a completely different rhythm.

Have a great trip mate.

La Mesilla is the best place to cross into Guatemala, very easy border and your bike is always at your sight. After the border you ride for 60 km through a beautiful canyon.

Atitlan : I would not miss it and I would ride around the lake . There have been some security issues on the only unpaved stretch (3km) between Santiago and San Pedro . You can ask for a FREE police escort for this short stretch , but the rest of the ride will more then compensate you for this little inconvenience.

Antigua or Quetzaltenago : Difficult to answer, it depends a lot of what you are looking for . Quetzaltenango is cheaper , colder . Nice dayrides in the surrounding area, the city itself is not beautiful at all.

Antigua : Very interesting colonial town , nice dayrides in the surrounding area, much more tourists so will probably speak more english once out of school,the highend schools are the best in the country, more expensive

Hope this helps

:clap::clap::clap::clap::clap::clap::clap::clap::c lap:

Thanks guaterider,

I appreciate your advise. I will likely spend some time in each area. Hopefully, i will meet you this summer if you're around.

If you want a place to stay in Mex City just tell me.

Garry

Thanks Garry,

I will get in touch with you when I'm ready to leave the US and see if you are going to be around. Looks like i will be in your area by early July.

Hey!!!! Sweet ill definitely stop by Antigua and send you a message .... Eta approx 2-3 weeks :) hablamos pronto!

antigua
 

Hey guaterider, bring him at motocafe for a beer bier

Frenchy

http://www.motorcycle-adventure-guatemala.com/

cheers mate