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Guatemala Travel Guide

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Guatemala is a small country, lush and mountainous, that is graced with beautiful scenery, a rich indigenous culture, colonial history and important archaeological ruins. The country lies at the heart of the Mayan culture in Central America with remarkable Mayan sites scattered throughout the land, none more so than the magnificent ruins of the ancient city of Tikal, set deep within the jungle.The Mayan villages of the highlands are spread amid the breathtaking scenery of smoking volcanoes and spectacular lakes, where ancient customs and traditions persist despite five centuries of European domination. Their culture is expressed through vibrant weekly markets, bright traditional clothing, fabulous handicrafts, different languages and colourful religious festivals. Lake Atitlán, a beautiful deep lake ringed by volcanoes and Mayan villages, is a remarkable place combining astounding scenery with traditional culture.Guatemalan society is split between the traditional and the modern, each following their own path in a country sprinkled with remnants of a colonial past. Nowhere is the Spanish legacy more evident than in the charming city of Antigua with its cobbled streets, plazas and elegant fountains, and towering volcanoes as a backdrop. Interrelations between the Spanish and the native population produced a mixed population, the Ladinos, who have embraced their European heritage and are typically city folk.A rough past provides a troublesome background to the country and its people. Inequalities between the Spanish-speaking Indians and indigenous cultures, and rich and poor, have been a source of tension and discord throughout the years. The violence caused by political differences has left thousands dead, while the devastation caused by earthquakes has left people homeless and in need of world aid. Despite this travellers are drawn to the intriguing mix of cultures and history set amid dramatic scenery, with extremely considerate people to show them the sights that Guatemalans are justifiably proud of.


Guatemala Climate and Weather

Guatemala's climate is lovely year round and makes travel possible at any time. The rainy season is generally from May to November. Climate variations are due to altitude, but it is generally hot throughout the country. The north has a hot, tropical climate with maximum rainfall between May and September. The coastal regions and north east are hot, with a dry (November to April) and rainy season, with temperatures averaging 68°F (20°C). The highlands, including Guatemala City and Antigua, have a pleasant climate with less rainfall than the coast, and cold temperatures at night.


Guatemala Currency

Money: The official currency is the Quetzal (GTQ) divided into 100 centavos. In 2001 the US Dollar became the second official currency alongside the Quetzal and both are accepted. Travellers cheques and major credit cards are accepted, though some more than others. It is recommended to take travellers cheques in US dollars. Cash exchange is easier, but more risky. Visitors are not advised to exchange money at the informal booths on the street. There are ATMs in the towns and cities, which accept American Express and Visa. MasterCard and Diners Club have a more limited acceptance.

Currency Exchange Rates

GTQ 1 = US$ 0.13£ 0.06C$ 0.12A$ 0.14R 0.84EUR 0.09NZ$ 0.17

Note: These currency exchange rates are not updated daily and should be used as a guideline only.



Guatemala Health Overview

There are a number of health risks associated with travel to Guatemala and travellers are advised to take the latest medical advice at least three weeks prior to departure. Malaria is prevalent in the low-lying areas outside Guatemala City and dengue fever is endemic. Other risks include rabies, typhoid, Hepatitis A and cholera. Dysentery and other diarrhoeal diseases are common; visitors should be careful what they eat and stick to bottled water. Guatemalan hospitals are unlikely to give medical treatment unless the patient has medical insurance or can pay up front. Good travel insurance is therefore essential. State-funded hospitals best avoided, travellers should only use private clinics where possible. A yellow fever certificate is required from travellers entering the country from infected areas.

Guatemala Passport & Visa Requirements

Entry requirements for Americans: United States citizens must hold a valid passport, but no visa is required for stays of up to 90 days. One extension for a further 90 days is possible through the Immigration Office.
Entry requirements for UK nationals:British citizens and British Overseas Territories Citizens must hold a valid passport, but no visa is required for stays of up to 90 days. One extension for a further 90 days is possible through the Immigration Office. Other passport holders require visas and a valid passport.
Entry requirements for Canadians:Canadian nationals must hold a valid passport, but no visa is required for stays of up to 90 days. One extension for a further 90 days is possible through the Immigration Office.
Entry requirements for Australians:Australians must have a valid passport, but no visa is required for a stay of up to 90 days. One extension for a further 90 days is possible, through the Immigration Office.
Entry requirements for South Africans:South African nationals require a valid passport, but no visa is required for a stay of up to 90 days. One extension for a further 90 days is possible through the Immigration Office.
Entry requirements for Irish nationals:Irish nationals must hold a valid passport, but no visa is required for a stay of up to 90 days. One extension for a further 90 days is possible through the Immigration Office.
Entry requirements for New Zealanders:New Zealand nationals require a valid passport, but no visa is required for a stay of up to 90 days. One extension for a further 90 days is possible through the Immigration Office.
Passport/Visa Note:All visitors must hold a return or onward ticket and documents required for further travel. Sufficient funds are also required. Passports should be valid for at least the period of intended stay. Since January 2007 all US citizens travelling to and from Guatemala by air require a valid passport; by 1 January 2008 the requirement will be extended to include all land and sea border crossings as well.

Note: Passport and visa requirements are liable to change at short notice. Travellers are advised to check their entry requirements with their embassy or consulate.



Guatemala Basics

Time: Local time is GMT -6.
Electricity: Electrical current is 110 volts, 60Hz. A variety of plugs are in use including the flat two-pin, flat three-pin and the UK-style three-pin.
Language: The official language is Spanish but English is understood in hotels and tourist destinations. Many indigenous languages are also spoken.
Health: There are a number of health risks associated with travel to Guatemala and travellers are advised to take the latest medical advice at least three weeks prior to departure. Malaria is prevalent in the low-lying areas outside Guatemala City and dengue fever is endemic. Other risks include rabies, typhoid, Hepatitis A and cholera. Dysentery and other diarrhoeal diseases are common; visitors should be careful what they eat and stick to bottled water. Guatemalan hospitals are unlikely to give medical treatment unless the patient has medical insurance or can pay up front. Good travel insurance is therefore essential. State-funded hospitals best avoided, travellers should only use private clinics where possible. A yellow fever certificate is required from travellers entering the country from infected areas.
Tipping: Generally a 10% tip is recommended. It is customary to tip waiters if a service charge hasn't been added to the bill. Taxi drivers are not usually tipped. Hotel staff and tour guides expect to be tipped for their services.
Safety: The rate of violent crime is exceptionally high in the country. There has also been a relatively high rate of violent attacks on tourists, especially in remote places and in the capital, Guatemala City, especially after dark. Visitors need to be particularly vigilant in the central Zone 1 of Guatemala City where most of the cheap hotels and bus terminals are, and in all parts of the city at night. There has been an increase in crime targeting tourists arriving at Guatemala City airport and travelling to hotels in the business district of Zones 9 and 10; visitors should be extremely alert when leaving the airport. Pick-pocketing and petty theft are common in tourist areas and market places. An increase of armed robberies targeting tourists has also been reported in Antigua. Many robberies take place on the cheaper buses when travelling on the tourist routes from Guatemala City to Antigua, and from Antigua to Panajachel; keep all belongings close at hand. There has been an increase in reported incidents of attacks, including the rape of female passengers, on cars and buses during the day on main routes. Hold-ups by armed gangs occur frequently on city and long distance public buses; visitors are advised not to use the buses if possible. Armed robberies on minor roads around Lake Atitlan have taken place and visitors are advised to use the boat services between towns on the lakeshore. There have also been armed attacks on tourists at Tikal and on the approach road from Flores to Tikal. Guatemala's rainy season between April and November usually brings about heavy rain and flooding, mudslides and hurricanes. Fuego volcano is very active and climbing it is not advisable at present.
Customs: Ask permission before taking photographs, particularly of children, as local people are suspicious of foreigners approaching children for pictures due to incidences of child kidnapping. There were fatal attacks on two people who were suspected of taking away children for adoption. A small tip might be required. Public displays of affection between same sex couples should be avoided, particularly outside of Guatemala City.
Business: Business etiquette in Guatemala is similar to the rest of Latin America. Due to the warm, humid climate men often wear lightweight suits. Always be punctual for meetings, even if the host is not. The person should be addressed as Señor (Mr), Señora (Mrs) and Señorita (Miss), followed by their last names, unless otherwise specified. Business cards may be exchanged although there is no ritual around it. Business hours are generally 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday with an hour taken over lunch.
Communications: The international access code for Guatemala is +502. The outgoing code depends on what network is used to dial out on (e.g. 13000 for Telefonica or 14700 for Telgua), which is followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 1300044 for the United Kingdom). City codes are not required. There are generally surcharges on calls made from hotels and it is cheaper to use calling cards. Rates are generally less expensive after 7pm. Mobile phones work in the major towns and cities on a GSM network, but check that your network operator has a roaming agreement covering Guatemala. Internet cafes are available in the main tourist areas.
Duty Free: Travellers to Guatemala over 18 do not have to pay duty on 80 cigarettes or 99g of tobacco; 500ml of liquor or spirits (equivalent 2 bottles); and perfume.

Guatemala Airports

Guatemala City La Aurora International Airport

Location: The airport is situated four miles (6km) south of Guatemala City, and about 16 miles (25km) from Antigua.
Time: Local time is GMT -6.
Contacts: Tel: +502 (0)2 600311 or 3326084 or 3326085.
Transfer to the city: There is an airport shuttle bus, which meets most flights and drops off at the larger hotels. Bus 32 leaves for the centre every 30 minutes and buses leave regularly from Guatemala City to Antigua (journey time 1hr). Taxis are also available.
Car rental: Car rental companies include Avis, Budget, Hertz and National.
Facilities: There are banks and bureaux de change, bars, shops and restaurants at the airport. Shopping at the airport is particularly good, with plenty of local crafts on offer. Other facilities include a post office and pharmacy, hotel reservations and tourist information kiosks.
Departure tax: US$3 (security tax).