Guatemala - Info & Facts

Suggested length of stay

For an overview of Guatemala you will need between a week and 11 days to take in the key highlights of Antigua, Lake Atitlan and the Peten (Tikal). Within 2 weeks plus, you will be able to continue across the border into Belize to finish the trip on a breathtaking, sun-drenched cay (part of the Great Mayan Reef). OR, head north into Chiapas in Mexico for a wonderful overland adventure which will take you on via Palenque to the Yucatan Peninsula.
Antigua 2-3 nights, Atitlan 2-3 nights, Chichicastenango 1 night, Tikal and the Peten 2+ nights

Modes of transport

Road
The key highlights in the mountains and Peten lowlands are all accessed by road, more often than not along winding bumping tracks that are affected by adverse weather conditions. Journeys are often slow and hampered by local traffic but allow you drink in the magnificent, rugged landscapes and age-old villages – you never know when you might stumble onto a local festival or celebration!

Air
Although a stunning overland route takes you from the highlands into the Peten via Coban and the mountains of the Verapaces, most visitors tend to fly from Guatemala City to Flores where there are quick, easy and in-expensive connections.

Rail
Although Guatemala has a history of narrow-gauge railways that link the capital to Puerto Barrios on the Caribbean coast, there are no trains currently in operation.

Bicycle
There is excellent mountain biking in the highlands in and around Antigua and Lake Atitlan. Each year, routes are being developed for both serious and non-serious riders and this is an excellent way to visit remote villages and archaeological sites.

Boat
Travel to Lake Atitlan, and you will enjoy boat trips out on the lake to visit the neighbouring Mayan communities. This is also true in the Peten lowlands, where a number of lodges (and breathtaking Mayan sites) are accessed by boat across Lakes Peten Itza and Petexbatun. Further afield, you might like to take a boat trip to Yaxchilan along the Usumacinta River, separating Guatemala from Mexico, or even a ferry from Puerto Barrios via Livingston to Punta Gorda in southern Belize.

Geography

Guatemala spans some 109,000 km² between Mexico and Belize to the north, Honduras and El Salvador to the south, and the Pacific and Caribbean Oceans. Rising out of the Pacific, rugged highland mountains dominate the south of the country which then drop through the lush limestone, canyons and cloud forest of Alta and Baja Verapaz into the steamy Peten. These lowlands encompass nearly a third of Guatemala’s land-mass and incorporate the magnificent Maya Biosphere Reserve, 21,602 km² of tropical forest, rivers and wetlands, home to an extraordinary diversity of flora, fauna, and vast, mysterious Mayan ruins.

Food

Guatemalan cuisine has a rich history which dates back to the ancient Mayans and makes good use of the staples such as corn, maize, chilies, pulses and cocoa beans (originally used as a form of currency). Throw in Spanish and later Caribbean and African influences and you have dishes that can even compete with the regional giant Mexico. Among the country’s favourites are Chicken Pepian, a spicy, fruit and vegetable styled stew, Kak’ik, a turkey broth packed with spices including coriander, achiote, and chile, and stuffed Chile Pepper Rellenos. Street food is also very popular offering up a wonderful array of snacks that include empanada pasties, tamales (stuffed corn-based dough steamed in a corn husk), tortillas, guacamole, spiced mango and roasted corn-on-the-cob dripping with cheese, lime or chili sauces. Finally, to top it all off, let us not forget that Guatemala produces some of the finest coffee and chocolate in the world!

Drinking water

It is not advisable to drink tap water in Guatemala. Bottled water is very cheap and widely available in all areas of the country.

Visas

Visas are currently not required for travel to Guatemala for Australian citizens.

Money

The local currency is the “quetzal” though US dollars are widely accepted in the majority of hotels and tourist shops and restaurants. ATM’s are common throughout the towns and credit cards are also widely accepted though often discounts will be offered for payments made in cash. However, once you leave the main hubs and head into the local villages and markets, it is important to have small denominations of local currency. Traveller’s Cheques are still accepted though commissions vary between one agency to another and are often more of a burden.

Tipping is common throughout Guatemala and as a guideline, you should allow US10 for a half day guided tour (US20 for the full day) while for the driver US5 (US8 full day). Of course, only pay for good service. For general transfers, there is no need to tip unless of course they have gone out of their way to help you (ie stopped at a local pharmacy en route).

Inoculations & health precautions

Please consult with your doctor at least 6 weeks before travel to Guatemala. For visits to the Peten lowlands, both antimalarials and a yellow fever jab are required.

The medical facilities and care standard in Guatemala is generally good in the key towns and cities. Foreign private medical clinics and hospitals throughout the country have facilities and services comparable to Australian standards. However, medical facilities and care at most public hospitals are questionable and medical evacuation to a major centre may be required for even relatively minor operations. Most hotels work with a private doctor who will visit you at your room. However, both doctors and hospitals will expect cash payment before providing medical services, including for emergency care.

It is vital to have good medical insurance before you travel.

There is no Australian embassy in Guatemala and all relevant issues are managed by the Mexico office. However, there are consular services.

Australian Embassy
Ruben Dario 55
Col. Bosque de Chapultepec
Mexico DF‎
Telephone + 52 1101 2200
Facsimile + 52 1101 2201
Website http://www.mexico.embassy.gov.au/

Australian Consulate, Guatemala
Avenida Las Americas 7-20
Zona 13 Real America local 24
Guatemala City, Guatemala
Phone: (502) 2334 6817
Email: consuladoaustralia.guate@gmail.com

Electricity

Guatemala electrical current is 110 volts at 60 cycles that works off plugs with 2 flat pins (as per the United States). In the Peten, many of the lodges run off generators and it is recommended you bring along a small torch.

Getting there

Guatemala is best accessed via the United States on a Qantas/American Airlines through-fare via Dallas.

Non-stop flight time Sydney – Dallas approximately 15 hours
Non-stop flight time Dallas – Guatemala City approximately 3 hours

Time difference

GMT – 6 hours

Tipping

Keep some local currency on departure for airport tax.