Guatemala

Guatemala is a small, lush, and mountainous country, 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 Atitlan, a beautiful deep lake ringed by volcanoes and Mayan villages, is a remarkable place combining astounding vistas 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.

Antigua’s cobbled streets, plazas, 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, as well as between 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, and they generally find the locals friendly, considerate, and proud of their country.

Key Facts

Language:

The official language is Spanish, but English is understood in hotels and tourist destinations. In addition, there are many indigenous languages spoken in Guatemala as well.

Passport/Visa:

It is strongly recommended that all foreign passengers to Guatemala hold return or onward tickets, and the necessary travel documentation for their next destination. Travellers should 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 when the visitor leaves Guatemala. It is highly recommended that travellers’ passport have at least six months’ validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Currency:

The official currency is the Guatemalan quetzal (GTQ), which is divided into 100 centavos. Cash exchange is easy, but visitors are advised to exchange money in hotels, at banks or at foreign offices rather than the informal booths on the street. It’s only possible to exchange US dollars in Guatemala.

There are ATMs in the towns and cities but they aren’t always reliable. Credit and debit cards have been cloned after use at ATMs, so visitors should check ATMs for evidence of tampering. Compromised machines may not be easy to spot, though. Credit cards are widely accepted.

Electricity:

Electrical current is 120 volts, 60Hz. A variety of plugs are in use including the flat two-pin (Type A).

Overview

Guatemala seamlessly blends together ancient, colonial, and modern eras, from the classical Spanish-Baroque architecture in Antigua, exemplified by such pieces as the famous fountain, Fuente de Pescado, to the legendary structural wonders of the Mayan temple complex Tikal.

Each step along Guatemala’s quaint cobbled streets and jungle trails leads further into the distant past. As with many of its Central American neighbours, Guatemala has held onto local customs and cultures while developing its urban hubs to meet modern tourist standards.

Travellers can party in Guatemala City’s business district during warm evenings, then spend a Sunday at the markets in Chichicastenango, a meeting place for traditional artisans and hub for local produce. Chichicastenango is bound to entice all travellers with the sensory delicacies of Guatemala’s verdant forests, farms, and plantations.

Adventurous travellers can hike up Volcan San Pedro, just behind the famous picturesque resort village of San Pedro La Laguna. Visitors should note that a local guide is considered essential to conquering the dormant volcano’s peak.

While the adrenaline junkies are relishing Guatemala’s many summits, other travellers can enjoy a spate of urban sightseeing. The country is also home to a wealth of ancient artefacts and numerous historical sites so history buffs will be in their element.

The country has a strong tourism industry and travellers looking for an in-depth and immersive experience into authentic Central American culture should lace up their boots and pack their bags, for they need look no further than Guatemala.

Climate in Guatemala

Guatemala’s climate is lovely year round and is generally hot throughout the county, making travel possible at any time. The rainy season is usually from May to November, with average temperatures of 72°F (22°C). Climate varies more due to altitude than season.

It’s easier to explore Guatemala’s mountains, rainforests and volcanoes in the dry season, which runs from November to April. There are some regional variations, with the highlands, including Guatemala City and Antigua, experiencing less rainfall than the coast, and slightly colder temperatures at night.

Health Notes when travelling to Guatemala

Travellers visiting Guatemala should take precautions against malaria, which occurs in the low-lying areas outside Guatemala City. They should also take insect-bite protection measures for dengue fever and Zika virus. A yellow fever certificate is required from travellers entering the country from infected areas; hepatitis A and B, and typhoid vaccinations are recommended, as is an MMR (Measles, mumps and rubella) update.

Visitors should stick to bottled water, or boil all water before drinking if bottled water is unavailable. Good travel insurance is necessary and visitors should use private clinics where possible. All medication should be accompanied with a signed and dated letter from a doctor explaining what the medication is and why it is needed.

Safety Notes when travelling to Guatemala

Visitors should take sensible precautions after dark in Guatemala City, and should note that pickpocketing and petty theft are common in tourist areas and market places. They should also avoid cheaper buses when travelling on tourist routes from Guatemala City to Antigua, and from Antigua to Panajachel, as robberies have been known to take place.

The rainy season between April and November usually brings about heavy rain and flooding, mudslides, and hurricanes. Guatemala has active volcanoes, so it’s important to keep track of any volcanic activity.

Customs in Guatemala

It is very common to greet most people, especially in the countryside. Clothing need not be too conservative. However, modesty is advised for female travellers in order to avoid unwanted attention.

Visitors should ask permission before taking photographs, particularly of children, as locals are suspicious of foreigners approaching kids for pictures due to incidences of kidnapping, particularly in remote areas where tourists have been attacked. A small tip might be required.

Military clothing is illegal, so travellers should avoid camouflage-patterned clothing. Public displays of affection between same sex couples should be avoided, particularly outside of Guatemala City.

Duty Free in Guatemala

Travellers to Guatemala over 18 do not have to pay duty on 80 cigarettes and two bottles of liquor or spirits.

Doing Business in Guatemala

Business etiquette in Guatemala is similar to the rest of Latin America. Due to the warm, humid climate, men often wear lightweight suits. Women usually wear a dress or a skirt with a blouse. Foreigners should always be punctual for meetings, as Guatemalan business people are very punctual.

Foreigners should use professional titles such as such as doctor, professor, ingeniero (engineer) or abogado (lawyer), or should otherwise address colleagues as assenor (Mr), senora (Mrs), and senorita (Miss), followed by their last names.

Speaking softly is considered polite. 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; business lunches or breakfasts are preferred over business dinners.

Communication in Guatemala

The international access code for Guatemala is +502. The outgoing code depends on what network is used to dial out on, which is followed by the relevant country code (e.g. +44 for the United Kingdom). WiFi connections are available in the cities and main tourist areas, and many hotels, hostels and language schools will offer reasonable internet rates. Travellers can purchase local SIM cards for unlocked phones.

Tipping in Guatemala

Generally a 10 percent 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 and tipping extra for excellent service is also customary. Taxi drivers are not usually tipped. Hotel staff and tour guides expect to be tipped for their services and can be more favourable in their service when receiving generous tips.

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. Travellers should 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 when the visitor leaves Guatemala. It is highly recommended that travellers’ passport have at least six months’ validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements for Americans:

US citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in Guatemala. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days.

Entry requirements for Canadians:

Canadian citizens must have a passport or replacing document that is valid for the period of intended stay in Guatemala. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days.

Entry requirements for UK nationals:

British citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in Guatemala. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days for British passport holders endorsed British Citizen. Those holding passports with other endorsements should confirm entry requirements before travel.

Entry requirements for Australians:

Australian citizens must have a passport valid for the period of intended stay in Guatemala. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days.

Entry requirements for Irish nationals:

Irish citizens must have a passport valid for the period of intended stay in Guatemala. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days.

Entry requirements for New Zealanders:

New Zealand citizens must have a passport valid for the period of intended stay in Guatemala. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days.

Entry requirements for South Africans:

South African citizens must have a passport valid for the period of intended stay in Guatemala. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days.

Tourist Offices

Home

Guatemala Embassies

In the United States:

Guatemalan Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 745 4953 or [email protected]

In Canada:

Guatemalan Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 233 7188 or www.canada.minex.gob.gt

In the United Kingdom:

Guatemalan Embassy, London, United Kingdom (responsible for Ireland): +44 207 2211 525, or [email protected]

In Australia:

Embassy of Guatemala, Canberra, Australia: +61 26189 1311

In South Africa:

Guatemalan Honorary Consulate, Cape Town, South Africa: +27 21 418 2020 (Johannesburg: +27 11 804 5080)

Foreign Embassies in Guatemala

American Embassy

United States Embassy, Guatemala City: +502 2326 4000.

Canadian Embassy

Canadian Embassy, Guatemala City: +502 2363 4348.

British Embassy

British Embassy, Guatemala City: +502 2380 7300.

Australian Embassy

Australian Embassy, Guatemala City, Guatemala: +502 2328 0300

Irish Embassy

Irish Consulate, Guatemala City, Guatemala: +502 535 35349

New Zealand Embassy

New Zealand Consulate, Mexico City (responsible for Guatemala): +52 55 5283 9460

South African Embassy

South African Consulate, Mexico City (responsible for Guatemala): + 521 55 1100 4970

The official currency is the Guatemalan quetzal (GTQ), which is divided into 100 centavos. Cash exchange is easy, but visitors are advised to exchange money in hotels, at banks or at foreign offices rather than the informal booths on the street. It’s only possible to exchange US dollars in Guatemala.

There are ATMs in the towns and cities but they aren’t always reliable. Credit and debit cards have been cloned after use at ATMs, so visitors should check ATMs for evidence of tampering. Compromised machines may not be easy to spot, though. Credit cards are widely accepted.

The official currency is the Guatemalan quetzal (GTQ), which is divided into 100 centavos. Cash exchange is easy, but visitors are advised to exchange money in hotels, at banks or at foreign offices rather than the informal booths on the street. It’s only possible to exchange US dollars in Guatemala.

There are ATMs in the towns and cities but they aren’t always reliable. Credit and debit cards have been cloned after use at ATMs, so visitors should check ATMs for evidence of tampering. Compromised machines may not be easy to spot, though. Credit cards are widely accepted.