Destination:
Guatemala

Overview

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.

Basics

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. 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 are 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 for good service in Guatemala. 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 in Guatemala is exceptionally high. 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 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 them 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
Guatemalans wave goodbye in a unique manner, which looks similar to someone fanning themselves. The hand is raised, palm facing the body and fingers are waved back and forth, together as if in a mitten. 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, particularly in remote areas where tourists have been attacked. A small tip might be required. Military clothing is illegal. 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, except for punctuality. Due to the warm, humid climate men often wear lightweight suits and women should wear a dress or a skirt. Always be punctual for meetings, as Guatemalan business people are very punctual. Use professional titles such as such as 'Doctor', 'Professor', 'Ingeniero' (engineer) or 'Abogado' (lawyer); otherwise address colleagues as Señor (Mr), Señora (Mrs) and Señorita (Miss), followed by their last names. 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. Speaking softly is considered polite.

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.

Currency

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.

GTQ 1 =

US$ 0.12

£ 0.08

C$ 0.13

A$ 0.12

R 1.05

EUR 0.10

NZ$ 0.16

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

Health

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. 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 are best avoided. Travellers should only use private clinics where possible. A yellow fever certificate is required from travellers entering the country from infected areas.

Visa

Americans


UK nationals


Canadians


Australians


South Africans


Irish nationals


New Zealanders

Passport/Visa Note
It is strongly recommended that all foreign passengers to Guatemala hold return or onward tickets, and the necessary travel documentation for their next destination. Note that the period of stay for visa-exempt nationals is 90 days; however, 90-day extensions can be organised through the Immigration Office. For nationals requiring a visa, the consulate issuing the visa will advise visitors about the amount of deposit to be paid at the port of entry in Guatemala, which will be refunded if the visitor leaves Guatemala within one year. NOTE: It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

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.

Contacts

Guatemala Tourism
Guatemala Tourist Commission: +502 331 1333 or www.visitguatemala.com

Foreign Embassies in Guatemala

Guatemala Embassies

Regions and Cities

Antigua Guatemala

Antigua in Guatemala is one of the oldest and prettiest colonial cities in Latin America, situated in a valley between three volcanoes. The setting is beautiful but hazardous, the town having experienced 16 earthquakes, frequent floods and a number of fires. It was the country's capital until 1776 when, after sustaining severe damage in a series of devastating earthquakes, the capital was moved to the present day Guatemala City, 30 miles (48km) away.

In colonial times Antigua was considered to be one of the most splendid cities of the Spanish Empire and was the principal city in Central America. Today it remains an enchanting place with remnants of a prosperous past. It is a delight to wander down the quaint traffic-free cobbled streets, past single storey multi-coloured buildings and mansions, magnificent churches, monasteries and convents. Plazas, inner courtyards and fountains are pretty reminders of the Spanish legacy. The town has been protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a popular destination for visitors. Buildings of interest include the Iglesia de San Francisco, La Merced and the Las Capuchinas.

Antigua becomes extremely busy during the Easter celebrations of Semana Santa, when people from all over the region flock to see the colourful street processions. The rest of the time it has a relaxed and convivial atmosphere with a strong indigenous culture, prevalent in the Sunday market. It is also a popular place to learn Spanish at one of the many language schools, and most students are able to stay with a local family as part of the learning experience. For the more adventurous the three volcano peaks offer superb hiking opportunities and views, and many tour operators in town offer trips to the surrounding countryside, as well as excursions to the only active volcano in the region, Volcán Pacaya. Villages nearby, like San Antonio Aguascalientes, offer visitors a closer look at indigenous life and are centres for beautiful hand-woven textiles.

Lake Atitlán

This shimmering volcanic lake surrounded by forested slopes and three distinctive volcanoes has been hailed by some as the most beautiful lake in the world. Not only is Lake Atitlán scenically spectacular, the lake and hillside settlements are also rich in Mayan culture.

Deeply cultural, some of these villages are the only ones in the country where traditional costume is still worn, each village sporting its own distinctive style and colour of densely embroidered dress. The people are also famous for their artisan crafts, and textiles are admired for their design and colour, distinguishing one village from the other. The colours are all blended in a flurry on market days when villagers from around the lake gather to sell their products. The Friday market at Sololá is one of the best in the highlands.

Around the lake are the main tourism centres of Panajachel and San Pedro La Laguna with lots of accommodation, small restaurants and craft shops. Santiago Atitlán is the biggest and most important cultural village along the shore with an interesting local deity. There are good hikes around the lake as well as various water sports and excellent swimming.

Guatemala City

The largest city in Guatemala and Central America, Guatemala City is a bustling metropolis of around three million people. However, it has a feeling more of a small town, with the city loosely divided into 20 'zonas'.

Ornate buildings dating back several hundred years give the city a period feel, with many antique churches and government buildings like the Palacio Nacional worth seeing from the inside and out. This gives Guatemala City an attractive look to make up for its lack of natural beauty.

Guatemala City is also the most modern city in the country, playing a role as the administrative, economic, and cultural capital of Guatemala, with a variety of restaurants, shops, art galleries, theatres, museums, hotels and other attractions to keep visitors entertained. The hotels and nightlife in Zona Viva and Cuatro Grados Norte are particularly popular with visitors.

Despite its vibrant arts scene and attractive facade, many travellers avoid Guatemala City due to the high crime rate, opting to head for Antigua or Monterrico instead. However, travelling to Guatemala City is relatively easy because most lines of transport connect there, so a convenient city break in Guatemala City can add a lot to a holiday in Guatemala.