Noosadaz

Hi,

I can't remember exact timings but approx as follows:

2 hours to San Jose

1.5 hours in San Jose

.5 hours to HRC

1 hour at Hard Rock Cafe

1.5 hours back to ship

Obviously time back at port will depend on your total time and traffic but it was more than comfortable for myself.

Yes - did get to Guatemala City - used a company called Elizabeth Bell Tours: elizabethbell@inreach.com

Not as good as Odyssey as no English speaking drivers but managed to get around 1 hour in Antigua (the old capital) and .5 hours at the HRC - mainly due to heavy traffic in the city itself - would recommend perhaps doing in reverse or the city only. Think the cost was $200 and four of us went in the 10 or so seater minibus.

Hope this helps and have a great cruise!!

Hi,

First my apologies to pilotdane - I knew we'd been discussing aspects but the recommendation came from elsewhere.

I'm pleased however to report they were EXCELLENT! My driver spoke perfect English and the minivan I had was air conditioned and in good condition. I have no concerns recommending Odyssey foe your excursion.

Worth noting the HRC is around 15km outside of the city near the airport and doesn't open until noon so we stopped on our way back to the ship.

Hope you have a wonderful time!

Best wishes.

Will happily forward the email - not sure how to do this through Cruise Critic?? Basically I have an English speaking driver for 7-8 hours the city being 2 hours away... They asked for no deposit and said a driver will be waiting on arrival. Besides the HRC I'll simply ask for recommendations as I've found the locals always know a few hidden gems... A real shame we're not there the same day as I'm sure the price is fixed and will be flying solo!

I am there on 22nd April (depart tomorrow from Miami) and have booked a private vehicle through Odyssey Tours as recommended by pilotdane in the thread below. Price is $250 and if you can remind me I will happily give feedback prior to your departure ad have I think 6 ports of call thereafter so should get WiFi access okay

Hey there!!

Apologies for slow response as am travelling at present... I'll be there in a couple of weeks so will let you know how I get on

Looks like it's May you're there so will hopefully give enough time to arrange

Hi,

Nothing too exciting really - I am (sadly perhaps!) an avid collector of Hard Rock Cafe memorabilia and recording visits - I often plan trips around the locations which gets me places in the world I would not normally think to visit!

My cruise next year is part of a 10 month trip which is taking me all over the world with destinations loosely defined by HRC localities...

Fortunately I am more into the cocktails that the food or I'd be 10 times my size haha!!! :)

Anything else you would recommend I try and squeeze into my visit??

Really appreciate your assistance - I'll certainly be in touch with the tour company they mentioned (Odyssey) and feel a lot more comfortable about the idea of heading to San Jose for the day.

That's great - thank you at least I know it is possible now :)

Thank you both for your advice :)

I may well speak to Elizabeth Bell Tours if they are trustworthy and reliable - I have personal reasons for wishing to visit Guatemala City and would appreciate any further advice from members.

I want to get from the port in Puntarenas to San Jose city centre. Has anyone done this before or does anyone know the best way to get there? Thanx.

I am going to be at Puerto Quetzal port for a day and would like to visit Guatemala City from there. Does anyone know how to do this, will I need a private tour or is there some mode of transportation to get me there from the port?

Would appreciate any help here. Thanx.