Guatemala

Discover Mayan Culture and Colonial Cities in a nation full of character in a setting with tall volcanos, Mayan ruins, dense jungle, and a spectacular array of wildlife. Tourism in Guatemala is starting to see record numbers as the nation recovers from military rule and fighting from guerrilla warfare.

Guatemala is located just south of Mexico and also shares borders with Belize to the northeast, Honduras to the southeast, and El Salvador to the south. Tropical waters are located to the southwest in the Pacific Ocean and there is a small piece of Caribbean coastline to the east. Like other Latin American nations, Spanish is predominately spoken.

Cities of Guatemala

The capital, Guatemala City is modern yet colonial. Many people just call it Guatemala and with three million people it’s the largest capital city in Central America. The National Palace, now named The Palace of Culture is located in the capital and admission is free. Near the airport is The National Archaeology Museum where you can see a large collection of Mayan relics.

Just 45 minutes from Guatemala City is the old capital, Antigua. This serene city sits in the shadow of the extinct Agua Volcano and it home to stone streets and colonial houses. In the 18th century the city was abandoned as a result of seismic activity, but today it’s a captivating city and protected as a World Heritage Site.

In the western highlands is the city of Quetzaltenango, also known as Xela or Xelaju. Not only is Quetzaltenango the second largest city in the country, but it's also a historical centre where traces of the colonial period have been conserved. The city is on flat land but surrounded by hills and volcanos, thus its name - Quetzaltenango - meaning Place of Walls. As buildings and homes have been built with volcanic stones, the classic, neoclassic, and Italian renaissance styles can be seen. There are several villages less than 10 km away with beautiful colonial style churches and you can purchase local handicrafts and hand woven materials on market days.

Mayan Ruins of Guatemala

The Peten Region of Guatemala is considered the birthplace of the Maya. The city of Flores is a good place to base your expeditions and is located 7 hours from the capital (luxury buses are available) or you may take a 35 minute flight into Mundo Maya International Airport (FRS). Flores offers lodging from B&B’s to Five Star Hotels.

Tikal is the most spectacular sight in the Maya World and it is located 65 km from Flores. Tikal is a must-see if you are visiting this area. There are also the Mayan Sites of Yaxha, Topoxte, Nakum, Aguateca, La Ceiba, and El Naranjo within day trip distance of Flores. Limestone caves are located nearby and are open for exploration, but for the thrill seeker there are several canopying sites in the area. Canopying is zip-lining in the tree-tops, in which you can see birds, monkeys, and other wildlife.

Caribbean Guatemala

Visit Lake Izabal, the entrance to the Caribbean on Guatemala’s coast. Here you can see a castle that looks like it came out of a storybook – San Felipe Castle was built along the waterway to stop pirates from raiding goods destined for Guatemala. In fact it’s possible to take a boat down the length of the Rio Dulce ending in the Caribbean. As you make your way by boat you’ll encounter bird sanctuaries and native communities - the trip will also take you through a spectacular canyon.

On the Caribbean sits Livingston – the Garifuna settled the coast here many years ago and speak three languages: Spanish, Afro-Caribbean English, and their own Garifuna language. The only way to Livingstone is by boat - One must travel up the Rio Dulce or enter the Port of Livingston on the Caribbean. Boats frequently depart from Rio Dulche Town and Puerto Barrios. Just 5 km north is Los Siete Altares, a collection of picturesque waterfalls with seven freshwater pools. South from Livingstone are splendid, white, sandy beaches along with something unique – one of the world’s last manatee reserves is located on the Guatemalan side of the border with Honduras.

Other Regions of Guatemala

The above is just an introduction to Guatemala. Other regions include the Alta and Baja Verapaz – a transitional area between the jungle in the east, the highlands in the west, and the desert lowlands in the south. The arid Zacapa Region is home to the blue jade and through water-management; it is becoming an agricultural area. The is also the pacific coastline with black, volcanic sand beaches and Puerto San Jose is said to great for saltwater sport fishing.

Currency in Guatemala

The official currency is the Guatemalan Quetzal (GTQ), however US Dollars are widely accepted. It’s best to travel to Guatemala with many small denominations of US currency. Change your larger bank notes when you have the opportunity to do so.

Travellers Cheques are not widely accepted. You can obtain local currency using ATMs, but they are typically only located in larger cities and towns. Plan ahead so that you do not get stuck in a location where you cannot obtain currency.

It can be difficult to exchange currencies other than the US Dollar once in Guatemala. Tourists should exchange their currency for US Dollars before proceeding to Guatemala. It’s also a good idea to have some Quetzals when you enter Guatemala.

Important Note: If a storeowner claims not to have change, be persistent and be alert to avoid being scammed.

Crime and Health in Guatemala

Unfortunately, crime is high in parts of Guatemala City. If you are staying in the city, ask the staff at your hotel if an area is safe. Sadly, it sometimes might be necessary to bribe a police officer if one should hassle you. One should also note its dangerous to be out in certain areas at night - this includes travel on some roads.

Guatemala is a beautiful country with great hikes, trails, and Mayan ruins - it's a great place to experience, but has this downside. To help with safety, always travel in a group. Be careful for scams - trust your first instinct if something doesn't seem right. It's often worth a little bit of extra money for a tourist shuttle or luxury bus. Keep your passport and wallet in a safe place such as a front pocket. Have a travel insurance policy for the trip that provides 24 hour services - don't assume you won't need it.

Important Note: Do not take any photographs of children in Guatemala without permission. This can be viewed by some locals that you are a potential kidnapper. Some Guatemalans do not trust the police and become vigilantes. Don't get into a dispute with any residents.

For All International Travel: Have a photocopy of your passport in a safe place and a second copy back home with a friend or family member.

Drinking Water and Heath in Guatemala

Drink only bottled or purified water during your visit to Guatemala. If you have a drink with ice, only do so at establishments that use purified water for ice making. Use of mosquito repellant is important. Travel with medication for gastrointestinal problems and any over the counter items you may need if you get sick. Schedule a visit with a doctor – preferably a travel doctor - when planning your trip to ensure you have any necessary vaccinations and medications before you depart. Travel to some parts of Guatemala may require medication to prevent Malaria.

Getting Around Guatemala

Guatemala is still developing and getting around the country – depending on where you want to go – can be interesting. You can make your way around the country by bus or automobile. When boarding buses, pay close attention to what the fare is and what others are paying – do not let a “helper” scam you out of money. There are luxury busses on popular tourist routes – while more than traditional bus service, they’re still relatively inexpensive.

If you hire (rent) an automobile, make sure you are properly insured and use care driving. Enquire about road conditions before setting out as they vary greatly around the country. Tourist shuttles, while more expensive, may prove to be a good option. As with most cities, you also have the option of a taxi to get around – in Guatemala there are three-wheeled Tuk-Tuk’s. Be sure to negotiate the fare beforehand with a Tuk-Tuk.

Depending on your level of comfort – it might be a smart idea to use a tour operator or have a travel agent who specialises in Guatemala help arrange your domestic transport. Regardless of how you see Guatemala, it is certain to be a rare adventure!

Flights from Guatemala City will safely get you to Flores if you prefer not to use a bus. Check with a tour operator or a travel agency about booking the flights.

Getting To Guatemala

La Aurora International Airport (GUA) is Guatemala City’s International Airport and is the primary gateway to Guatemala for those travelling by air. The airport is 6 km south of the city centre. COPA Airlines of Panama and TACA Airlines of El Salvador provide a good air network connecting Guatemala with other nations in Latin America as well as North America. US carriers American Airlines, Continental, Delta Air Lines, United, and US Airways provide service to and from the United States. Iberia of Spain provides service from Madrid. With all of these major carriers, it’s possible to travel to and from Guatemala from many major cities in North America, South America, Europe, Asia, and even Australia with just one connection.

You can reach Guatemala by Bus from major cities in neighbouring counties and it is possible to enter by automobile via the Pan-American Highway. Whether arriving by air or over a border crossing, contact a Guatemalan Consulate to find out what the entry requirements for your nationality.