GENERAL INFORMATIONS
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Guatemala: Visit Card
Population: about 13 million of people with a high birthrate index. 70% of population are indigenous. Language: Spanish is the official language. However there are more than 20 different languages spoken by the indigenous. Territory: about 110.000 km2 which means, three times Belgium. Currency: Quetzal. The exchange rate (April, 2005) is about 7.50 Quetzales per dollar. Dollar is accepted everywhere. Euros are only accepted in some banks. Almost all credit cards (mainly VISA) are well accepted with a commission of about 6% or 10%. Check travelers are accepted easily. Weather: Guatemala is called “THE ETERNAL SPRING COUNTRY”. You may find warm weather in the highlands, in the capital and in Antigua and at the same time hot weather in Tikal (Peten) and the two coasts, the Atlantic and the Pacific coasts. Dry season goes from November to April and the wet season (tropical rains a part of the day) from May to October. Time: 7 hours before Paris time in winter, eight hours in summer. Electric devices: 110 watts in the whole country. American type plugs. Many hotels have universal plugs. Useful for the electric razors or the hair dryer. Devices can work at 110 v. Cell phones (GSM): three main cell companies work with GSM. They have wide range signal in the capital and in the main tourist places. Weak signal in the far away places. We can also help you to rent a cell phone (GSM) at a very good price. Ask for it. Rum: Guatemala is a very lucky country for having the best rum of the world (warranted!): the Zacapa Centenario, 23 years of maturity and an unique aroma. Do not leave the country without testing it. |
Tikal
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Peten
Tapis floral, Antigua |
INFORMATION FOR THE TOURIST
Passport: a six month validity passport is enough. If you travel through the United States, people from the EU should get a digital passport. Always contact your embassy or diplomatic mission to get more information about requirements to come to Guatemala. Vaccinates: No vaccines are required but it is highly recommended to get hepatitis A, tetanus and poliomyelitis vaccines. You should get the hepatitis B, diphtheria and tuberculosis vaccines if you like trekking and extreme sports. The malaria stays endemic under 1500 meters. Medicines: Don’t forget a good insect repellent. Always take with you medicines for intestinal problems and for diarrhea. All the towns and cities visited in the tours have pharmacies very well assorted. No medical prescriptions required!! Insurance Taking a good travel insurance before traveling is of high convenience. Security May be you know something about security in Guatemala and most of the times news are not very good…Some web sites exaggerate security situation not considering that thousands of tourists visit Guatemala every year without any problem. Like in all the other countries of the third world, you should consider some basic precautions (may be you do the same in your country): do not wear jewelry, keep your money in a safe place, watch over your videos and cameras. Our personnel will advise you about some security rules that make Mayan Zone´s visitors had never had experiences of robbery or attacks. Tips Most of the coffees and restaurants do not include tips in their bills. A 10% tip is reasonable. Do not forget tips for drivers and doormen. |
