After a couple of months back in the good old USA, I decided that I wanted to travel more- so I headed south to Guatemala
Arrived at Guatemala City around midnight, so I stayed the night then caught a shuttle bus to Antigua the next day.
Antigua is mostly a tourist town, but still enjoyable and affordable. The exchange rate is 7.6 Quetzals; 330ml beers are around $1.30 to $2.60 Q inmost bars, but of course you can always pay more.
The town was packed because of New Years but I managed to find a room (had to move three times) with no reservations.
A supposedly active volcano in the back ground of the "Chicken Bus Station" old recycled US school busses. Cheap transportation- but they really pack you in, three to a seat and filled to standing room in the aisle.
My second night was at the "Roo" Hostel. Yeah it was Aussie run. If you can't get to the beach, the proprietors bring the beach to you