Guatemala Tourist Information

General Info I Climate I Practical Concerns I Communications I Money

Government: Republic. Gained independence from Spain in 1821.  Head of State: President Alfonso Antonio Portillo Cabrera since 2000.

Language: The official language is Spanish. English is widely spoken in tourist areas and major hotels and restaurants. Twenty-three indigenous languages are also spoken.

Religion: The constitution guarantees freedom of worship, but Catholicism is the most widespread religion with a 20 percent Protestant minority. Some indigenous communities hold services combining Catholicism with pre-Columbian rites.

Geography: Guatemala is located in Central America and shares borders to the north and west with Mexico, to the southeast with El Salvador and Honduras, to the northeast with Belize and the Caribbean sea and to the south with the Pacific ocean. The landscape is predominantly mountainous and heavily forested. A string of volcanoes rises above the southern highlands along the Pacific, three of which are still active. Within this volcanic area are basins of varying sizes which hold the majority of the country’s population. The region is drained by rivers flowing into both the Pacific and the Caribbean. One basin west of the capital has no river outlet and thus has formed Lake Atitlán, which is ringed by volcanoes. To the northwest, bordering on Belize and Mexico, lies the low undulating tableland of El Petén, 36,300 sq km (14,000 sq miles) of almost inaccessible wilderness covered with dense hardwood forest. This area covers approximately one third of the national territory, yet contains only 40,000 people.

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CLIMATE

Guatemala’s climate varies according to altitude. The coastal regions and the northeast are hot throughout the year with an average temperature of 20°C (68°F) sometimes rising to 37°C (99°F). Generally, nights are clear all year round. In higher climes, near the center of the country, the rainy season, running from May to September, is characterized by clear skies after abundant rainfall in the afternoons and evenings. Temperatures fall sharply at night.
Temperatures in Iztapa are generally 80 - 85 degrees F.

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PRACTICAL CONCERNS:

Time: Greenwich Mean Time - 6 hours.

Electricity: 110 volts AC, 60Hz. 

Weights/Measures: Metric. (1 Km = .6 Mi; 1 Kg = 2.2 Lb; 1 Ltr = 1 Qt)

Water: Although the water at most reputable hotels is safe, it is recommended that you drink only bottled water during your stay.

Food: Guatemalan food is similar to Mexican cuisine, but generally not as spicy. Some regional dishes include: Sweet or salty tamales; Jocon, a chicken dish with a cilantro and tomatillo (green tomato) sauce; Pepian, a beef stew with vegetables in a sauce of roasted sesame seed and guaque peppers; Subanik, chicken pork and beef with rice and guacamole (an avocado dip). For dessert: Arroz con Leche, rice cooked with sweetened milk and cinnamon; Torrejas, sweetened papaya; Chancheletas, breaded baked Guisquil and raisins. General Meal Times: Breakfast 6:00 am - 8:00 am; Lunch 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm; Dinner 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Tipping: Waiters expect a tip of around 10%, on top of the 10% IVA (value-added tax). Hotels charge a 10% tourist tax in addition to the 10% IVA. Most hotels and shops have fixed prices, but you'll be expected to bargain at markets - remember to keep your sense of humor and perspective.

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Working Hours: Government Offices: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm; Municipality/Private Offices: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm; Shops 10:00 am - 7:00 pm

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MONEY:

Currency: Quetzal (Q) = 100 centavos. Notes are in denominations of Q100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1. Coins are in denominations of Q1, and 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 centavos.

Currency exchange: The Quetzal is extremely difficult to obtain outside Guatemala or exchange after leaving Guatemala, and visitors are strongly advised to exchange local currency before departure. It may be difficult to negotiate notes which are torn. Unused local currency can be exchanged at the bank at the airport (opening hours: Mon-Fri 8:00 am - 8:00 pm) ATMs are common throughout the country. In the country banks are generally open  9:00 am to 6:00 p.m.

Credit & debit cards: Visa and American Express are accepted, while Diners Club and MasterCard have a more limited acceptance. Check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services that may be available.

Travelers checks: Accepted by most banks and good hotels, although visitors may experience occasional problems. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take travelers checks in US Dollars.

Currency restrictions: The import and export of local currency is prohibited. The import and export of foreign currency is unlimited.

Exchange rate indicators: The following figures are included as a guide to the movements of the Quetzal against Sterling and the US Dollar (official rates)

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Airlines: Guatemala’s national airline is Grupo TACA. American Airlines operates daily flights to Guatemala, via Miami or Dallas. Other airlines serving Guatemala include Aeroméxico, Continental Airlines, United Airlines, Iberia Airlines and Lufthansa.

Approximate flight times: From Guatemala to Los Angeles is 6 hours, to New York is 6 hours and to Miami, Houston or Dallas/Fort Worth is 2 hours.

International airport: Guatemala City (GUA) (La Aurora) is 4km (2.5 miles) south of the city. Airport facilities include car hire (Avis, Budget, Dollar and Hertz), duty-free shop, bar, buffet, post office, restaurant, bank, tourist information, telephones and money exchange. A bus to the city runs every 25 minutes (travel time – 35 minutes). Taxi services to Guatemala City are available (travel time – 20 minutes). Iztapa is an easy 1.5 hour drive from Guatemala City, taxi service to and from the Airport and Marina is included in our packages.

Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is highly recommended to protect you in case a family emergency, act of God or other unforeseen situation cause you to cancel your trip. Our recommendation is TravelSafe, (888) 885-7233, but your Travel Agent may have other suggestions for you.

Required Documentation:  Travel by United States Citizens into Guatemala requires an official valid U.S. Passport. For countries besides the United States, please contact your travel agent or government. Please note that documentation requirements are subject to change by the Guatemalan government, please double-check these requirements before you arrive.

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