A cool shower sure is refreshing after a hot day cycling. A few days ago we crested 3000m (nearly 10,000ft) with a wool hat and two layers. Today we dropped below 200m (~650ft) with much warmer riding.

It was warm last night in Guastatoya though air conditioning in hotel was a big help. This morning it was 20C (68F) starting out. We started with 100m of climb followed by 300m of descent. Above is a fast food chicken place along the way. We didn’t eat there, but shown because have found these small Guatemalan towns seem to have an abundance of fried chicken, pizza and similar fast food. Hamburgesa seems to be term for generic patty and can be chicken or beef.

We joined with main road here and for next 50km had a reasonable road with shoulder. Sometimes slightly rough but usually reasonable to ride. Despite being Sunday, there were still plenty of trucks on the road as well.

Another little climb brought us past a giant chicken symbol besides the road.

Good example of shoulder and road surfaces.

By time we reached 25km, it was already getting warm, so we took our rest breaks in the shade and also looked for cold drinks.

We passed a number of small villages today. Overall we followed a river valley so only 650m (2000ft) of climb for the day, though definitely still some hills. Around 50k was slightly larger town of Teculutan. We had a hamburgesa (beef) at small comedor and then found nearby supermarket to get some additional foods.

Grapes, watermelon and other tropical fruits were available at stands along the way.

At 62km was big split in the road. We took the right fork which heads off to Honduras. Unfortunately, we lost our road shoulder. Traffic was still moderately heavy though well behaved.

We passed a large shopping mall.

Coffee spread out to dry.

We came into slightly larger town of Zacapa. Cycled in and checked a few hotels before finding our choice. Air conditioning is a big plus and having cold water in the shower is also nice.