Comments on: Monday Escape: Panajachel, Guatemala

By: Ksenia

Ksenia — Sun, 06 Dec 2015 14:41:14 +0000

Having lived in Lake Atitlan area for a few months now, I would definitely advise against retirement and especially real estate investments in the area. The lake is beyond polluted and unswimmable, there is raw sewage everywhere, garbage gets burnt rather than collected, produce is seasonal and whatever doesn’t come from the farmers costs a lot more than in the states even. And lastly, the area is geomorphologically unstable, subject to earthquakes and mudslides. Come and live here for 3-6 months and see for yourself, but from all the Central American counties I’ve been to, Guatemala is by far the dirtiest and poorest. I’d advise to look into Honduras, Belize, Panama and Nicaragua instead.
But on the same token, I bough gorgeous land in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Georgia for under 30.000 and you can put a house there and not worry about a thing all for under 100,000. Believe me, it’s hard to find anything even in the thrid world country that would give you 2 acres with a nice new home for under 100K. I’ve done plenty of research in this regard. The era of retiring overseas on the cheap is mostly gone, they’ve caught onto us now 🙂

By: Marilyn Botta

Marilyn Botta — Sun, 24 Jun 2012 20:01:08 +0000

Hi. I am an almost 60 year old woman who is visiting Guatemala alone. My traveling friend cannot make it but the trip is booked already. I barely speak Spanish and I am a little nervous. I will be coming into Guatemala on July 29th and would love to have some people to advise me and help me out. I am considering moving there. I’ve seen some homes in Panajachel, but I saw some bad press on that area. Can someone get back to me soon. Thanks.

By: Janette Oliver

Janette Oliver — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 16:41:46 +0000

Phyllis,
I am a 63 year old African American woman who has traveled to Guatemala twice in the last 6 months. I have clearly fallen in love with the place. I too, am looking for a good place to be when I fully retire at the end of 2012.
Let’s talk!
janette

By: Phyllis

Phyllis — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 15:35:51 +0000

60 year old retired African American widow would like info on relocation from the USA to a less stressful and laid back environment, with great people. Tell me about your experience as an expat living in Guatemala? Phyllis in Atlanta, Ga.