Guatemala Tours and Travel

Mini Guatemala / Maya Textiles / Maya Magic & Mystery / Archeology Highlights / Markets
Maya Archeology / Maya Multisport / Guilt Free / Honeymoon / Group Highlights

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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.

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.
Climate: 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.
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. 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 Visa and MasterCard.
Tipping: Generally a 15% 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.
Visa and Passport
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 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. British Overseas or Dependent Territories Citizens require visas and must have official authorisation from the 'Direccion General de Migracion' in Guatemala City.
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.
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.
Customs: Ask permission before taking photographs, particularly of children, as local people are suspicious of foreigners approaching children for pictures. This follows the fatal attacks on two people who were suspected of taking away children for adoption.
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 Highlights

ANTIGUA
Antigua, Guatemala is an exquisite Spanish Colonial town with elegant 16th & 17th Century architecture, cobblestone streets, tranquil central squares, stylish hotels, luxurious shops and superb international cuisine. The town enjoys a unique and impressive setting, nestling beneath three towering volcanoes and surrounded by lush evergreen forests.

LAKE ATITLAN
Lake Atitlan has been called by many "the most beautiful lake in the world." It is indeed an amazing setting with the crystal blue waters of the lake surrounded by the three lofty peaks of Toliman, San Pedro and Atitlan volcanoes. This is a fabulous place for hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, or just relaxing in one of the elegant hotels around the lakes shoreline. Boat trips are an enjoyable excursion to visit the traditional Mayan people in their villages to see their colorful dress and traditions.

CHICHICASTENANGO
"ChiChi" as it is known by the locals, is a highland village famous for its huge traditional market, boasting a fantastic array of beautiful and inexpensive traditional crafts. On market days (Sunday & Thursday) ChiChi is awash in a sea of traditional costumes as Mayan indigenous people from the surrounding villages descend to sell their wares. ChiChi is a fascinating village as it offers a rare display of a mix of faiths. Mayan priests make pilgrimages from distant villages to hold ceremonies and make offerings to their gods…inside the Catholic Church.

COPAN (HONDURAS)
Copan is in Honduras, just over the border from Guatemala nearby the pretty little town of Copan Ruinas. Often called the "Paris" of the Maya world Copan is famous for its intricate carvings and hieroglyphics. Highlights include the impressive hieroglyphic stairway, decorated ball court and Rosalila temple which was found by Ricardo Agurcia, intact under temple 16. As well as the ruin site and excellent museum, the town itself has a pleasant small museum and is a quiet and atmospheric place to wander around

RIO DULCE / LIVINGSTON
Rio Dulce means "Sweet River". Travel on this beautiful river 42 kilometers long from Guatemala's largest lake, Lake Izabal, to the Amatique bay on the Caribbean coast, through a changing landscape of flat rainforest to sheer canyon cliff walls. Pass old Spanish forts built to keep the marauding pirates at bay, modern marinas, natural hot springs, manatee breeding waters and abundant wildlife until you reach the Caribbean and the coastal town of Livingston. Only accessible by water or air, Livingston is a unique town and home to the "Garifuna" people, descendants of the indigenous Carib and African cultures. The Garifuna people are known for their rich culture, music and dance. An evening here can be a truly different experience, dining on the best seafood, enjoying the local cocktails and dancing "punta" to the rhythmic percussion.

PETEN RAINFOREST, TIKAL & YAXHA
The northern rainforest area of the Peten is a huge expanse of rainforest with home to thousands of archaeology sites and a myriad of exotic wildlife. Of the few archeology sites that have been excavated and restored, Tikal is the largest and most spectacular Mayan temple site yet uncovered. Over 3,000 separate temples, shrines, ceremonial platforms, ball courts and plazas make up this impressive archaeological discovery. The largest temples here tower above the jungle canopy and spectacular views can be gained from climbing their height. Close to Tikal, situated on the shores of a peaceful lake is the site of the third largest known Classic Mayan site in the country. Yaxha has a twin pyramid complex, nine acropolis and more than 500 structures. Similar to Tikal, Yaxha was at its height of importance between AD 300 - 900. Temple 216 offers a wonderful view of the lake and surrounding rainforest.

PETEXBATUN LAKE, CEIBAL, AGUATECA & CHIMINOS LODGE
Just an hour by bus and an hour by boat from Flores is the beautiful rainforest lake of Petexbatun. On the shores of this lake sits the idyllic Chiminos Lodge from where guests can take day trips to visit lesser know archaeology sites of Aguateca, Ceibal and Dos Pilas. Enjoy bird watching as you take boat trips to see these fascinating sites and see howler and spider monkeys as you hike rainforest trails behind the lodge.

BLACK SAND BEACHES & MANGROVES
The Pacific coast of Guatemala is made up of black volcanic sand beaches and sand bank islands lined with thick mangroves. Although not the tropical white sand beaches of the Caribbean, the coast can prove to be an idyllic relaxing hideaway with activities such as bird watching and fishing.

A variety of outdoor and sporting activities are also on offer throughout Guatemala:

Deep Sea Fishing & Golf
Mountain Biking , Hiking, Volcano Climbing
Kayaking & White Water Rafting
Helicopter Tours & Private Plane Trips.

Phone: 800-232-5658 or 1-512-443-5393 email

Blog - Jim's Thoughts

Guatemala Tours and Travel

Guatemala Highlights

Phone: 800-232-5658 or
1-512-443-5393
email