Distance: 116.7 km
Ride time: 7:11:57
Average: 16.2 km/h
Max speed: 52.2 km/h
Total: 36499 km
I had been in contact with long time supporter and follower of the trip Juan Carlos TG9AJR who had invited me to stay in his home in Guatemala City. Yesterday I told Juan Carlos that I would try to make it from El Salvador to his house in a single day. The distance of 116 km was not frightening, but Juan Carlos lives at 1800 m of altitude so the day would be almost one long, big climb.
I left my hotel at 6 and was at the border by 7. Stamping out and in went very fast without any problems, and I was suddenly in Guatemala, country number 34 on this trip!
I was happy to have made it through Honduras and El Salvador without any issues. Those two countries were probably be the most “dangerous” I have passed on my route north. In my experience however, I would say that with a bit of common sense there should be no reasons not to visit those two interesting countries. Guatemala is, at least on paper, supposed to be a little safer.
After the break the other day in San Salvador the legs were still fresh, and I was making slow but steady progress on the climb toward Guatemala. The country has a very good reputation among the travellers I have met further south. Basically everybody loves the country. I was looking much forward to see for myself what all the fuss was about.
With only a few kilometers to go, Juan Carlos and his friend Rafa came to meet me by car. I was feeling like a celebrity being escorted and photographed the final kilometers of the climb.
Juan Carlos lives in a beautiful home on top of a hill. After being welcomed by his wife Jocelyn and a tasty local meal, Juan Carlos even gave me a new cycling shirt with my name and everything on it.
I have only reason to believe that my days here in Guatemala will be something special. Thanks for the wonderful welcome Juan Carlos!
My dear friend Thomas please remember that “mi casa es su casa” and it was an honor have you spend a few days here, we had a great time and we are looking forward for your next adventure and come to spend a few more relax days here in Guatemala “the land of the eternal spring” were you are always welcome, please come back soon amigo. Meanwhile go on keep pedaling, safe travels and will see you soon.
I am the one who says thank you 🙂 Wow, that was really a special stay at the TG9AJR QTH. Looking forward to be back soon!
AWESOME!!
Love the shirt!
Crikey. That’s a hell of a climb, though. Is that 2993 metre gain accurate?
Yes Stephen, it should be accurate. BIG climb 🙂
Seguro! 🙂
Wow! I am reading all your stories as I am about to cycle more or less the same route. The only difference is that I will be cycling the other way around, going south from Cancun and the fact that I am a female solo cyclist…. Your stories are very reassuring. Please, if you have any specific (safety) tips for me, I would love to learn more about your perspective, even though you’re a guy ;-0.
Hi Marjo! I how great that you are about to leave on your own cycle trip! Mexico and central America was a great great part of the trip for me with amazing nature and interesting culture. I really don’t think there are any specific safety issues to be concerned about – even as a solo female cyclist. I didn’t camp much on this part of the trip but stayed mostly in cheap hotels… If you choose to camp I would probably ask at some fire stations, churches etc. Have a great trip!! Thomas