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A Car Free Sunday in Guatemala City

Dancers
Dancers with Band

Today was Sunday, and I felt like wandering around Guatemala City. I joined a couple from Portland, Oregon for a walk down the main street in Zona 10 of the city.

The avenue was closed off to traffic for an event called Paso y Pedales (Steps & Pedals). Citizens could bike, walk, and skate down the road to enjoy the day. It’s part of a larger worldwide movement called Car Free Days.

In one park along the route, we found a band and some dancers taking part in some sort of fund-drive put together by the mayor’s wife. There were people selling art, photos, and sweets while clowns and a Santa Clause performed for kids.

Guard with Shotgun
Friends with Guns

Further down the street, I found this guy. One of the many private security men that guard the shopping plazas, gas stations, and banks in the city was standing in front of a sign that read Friends.

It was too funny to pass up, so I politely asked him for a photo. He looked confused for a second, then agreed after thinking about it for a bit.

Goat Rides
Rent Your Own Goat

There were many different parks next to the street, and some of them had horse, donkey, or goat rides for kids. This family was treating their children to a goat ride. I wanted to ride a goat but they wouldn’t let me. :(

Decorations for Christmas were getting set up all over town as well. Things like lights, banners, and a giant 80 ft. tall wire constructed Christmas tree.

The day was very relaxed and families were out in abundance with their children and dogs. I felt completely safe the whole time, and so did everyone else walking around that day.

Travel Planning Resources for Guatemala City

Packing Guide

Check out my travel gear guide to help you start packing for your trip. Pick up a travel backpack, camera gear, and other useful travel accessories.

Book Your Flight

Book cheap flights on Skyscanner, my favorite airline search engine to find deals. Also read my tips for how I find the cheapest flights.

Rent A Car

Discover Cars is a great site for comparing car prices to find the best deal. They search both local & international rental companies.

Book Accommodation

Booking.com is my favorite hotel search engine. Or rent local apartments on Airbnb ($35 discount!). Read my post for tips on booking cheap hotels.

Protect Your Trip

Don’t forget travel insurance! I’m a big fan of World Nomads for short-term trips. Protect yourself from possible injury & theft abroad. Read more about why you should always carry travel insurance.

READ MORE GUATEMALA TRAVEL TIPS

I hope you enjoyed my story about Guatemala City! Here are a few more wanderlust-inducing articles that I recommend you read next:

  • My Budget Travel Guide To Guatemala
  • Meet The Garifuna Of Livingston
  • Visiting Guatemala City
  • Starting My Travel Adventure?
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