So, what did we learn and what would be now do differently?
Speak Spanish. Without a doubt that would have added the most to our experience. Although by going through Henry Sanchez I thought I would have a guide that spoke a bit of English, that was not the case. Things in Guatemala are just not that organized - whoever's free is who you'll get. And it's guaranteed your guide will speak Spanish. So go with the flow and study up on the language.
If possible, set up your trek after you get in Guatemala. Having only the US allotment of vacations days make me plan everything ahead of time. But for Guatemala that's not the way things work. There's easily a dozen places in Flores that can arrange this for you. If you can build a couple of days of cushion into you itinerary, you'll probably get a better price and more attentive service if you're actually sitting down in front of someone. Communication and payment ahead of time may not be worth the effort.
Spring the extra money for good food. You will not have a good time hiking. And if the only thing that awaited me at the end of the trail each day was spam and spaghetti, that trail would have seemed a whole lot longer. The jungle is about basics, and nothing is more basic than food. We paid $840 for two of us, but could have paid half that from another agency and skimped on the food. The extra cost may not have got us any English, but the food was truly excellent. Trust me, it'll be worth it.
Study up beforehand. Read The Ancient Maya by Sharer/Traxler, or any other general background book. Scour the web for preclassic Maya information. Your guide may or may not know much. They know the jungle, but it's not like they've gone to Maya history school. It's best to be able to spot things yourself.
