Destination Guide - Guatemala

CHOOSE YOUR ADVENTURE
1	Guatemala, Mundo Maya Multi-Sport Biking, Kayaking, Hiking and Zip-Lining (8 Days)

Guatemala is the Mayan heartland of Central America and often called the land of eternal spring because of the natural wonders it possesses. There are 33 volcanoes which are the highest and most active in Central America, huge volcanic lakes and winding tropical rivers, miles of pristine jungle and thousands of indigenous species of flora and fauna. The streets are alive with the Mayan Indians dressed in blazing colors and bustling markets. The architecture is colonial with columned courtyards and elegant stucco facades. Historically it has more Mayan ruins than Mexico, the most famous of these beingTikal - the largest of the Mayan cities. All of these ingredients make for a fascinating cultural playground for adventure travel.

Official Name: Republic of Guatemala
Population: 13 million
Capital City: Guatemala City, pop. 1.2 million
People: Mestizo and European (59%, mixed Amerindian and Spanish), Other (41%, Mayan, K’iche, Mam, Q’eqchi)
Languages: : Officially Spanish (60%), Amerindian languages (40%, there are 21 distinct Mayan languages)
Religion: Roman Catholic (60%) , Protestant (40%) , Indigenous Mayan beliefs
Currency: The Quetzal - divided into 100 centavos and the US dollar
Time: GMT minus 6 hours
Electricity: 115V to 125V, 60Hz (http://www.kropla.com)
Major Industries: Coffee, sugar, bananas, petroleum and cardamom.
Airport Departure Tax: $39 USD (subject to change)

IMPORTANT FACTS

Travel Documents

Citizens of Canada, the US and the UK require a valid passport to enter Guatemala. Passports must be valid for 6 months beyond the date of entry or entry may be refused. When staying in one place for a couple of days or longer, we recommend that you store your passport in the hotel safe. When venturing out to the most remote areas, your tour guide will discuss where to keep your passport. Finally, it is a good idea to take along a photocopy of your passport (remember to keep this copy and all other copies of important documents and papers separate from their originals) which can prove helpful should your passport be lost or stolen.

Climate

Weather conditions vary from season to season and region to region. The dry season is from October to early May and the rainy from late May until the end of September. Temperatures vary little during the year. The average high temperature is 77’F (25’C) and the low 55’F (12’c) in the highlands. The definitions of dry and rainy seasons can vary, as these occur over a land that stretches from sea-level coastlands both in the south and north to highlands and peaks as high as 3,500 m/11,500 feet above sea level. During the rainy season, it is typically sunny in the morning followed by heavy rains in the afternoon. The dry season is the most pleasant time, climatically, to be in Guatemala. Along with summer holidays, however, this is also the busiest time. Although the rain may restrict some activities during the wet season, it's still worthwhile planning your trip for this time of year, as it will be less busy with tourists.

Food

Guatemalan cuisine can't compete with that of Mexico, although standard Mexican fare such as tortillas and tacos can be found. Mostly you'll encounter tough grilled or fried meat, meat and more meat. Beans and rice are often the cheapest and best alternative, and the country has a surprising number of Chinese restaurants. The food is safe in the establishments that we dine; however a little common sense with regard to street food is advised. Some of the local must tries in Guatemala are borracho – cake soaked in rum and sesina – beef marinated in lemon and bitter orange.

Water

It is best to drink only treated or bottled water. As well, when brushing your teeth, do not use tap water. Unpasteurized milk should be avoided. Bottled water, soft drinks, fresh juices and beer are readily available throughout Guatemala and are the safest things to drink. Coffee is available everywhere - sometimes spectacularly good, but the best beans are typically exported. Beer is prevalent, in light and dark versions, and rum and Quetzalteca are the nation's favored rocket fuels.

Vaccinations

Check with your doctor, health center or The Centers for Disease Control, http://cdc.gov for recommendations on the inoculations required. Plan ahead for your inoculations, as some of them require 30 days to take affect. Some shots cause mild reactions (fatigue to mild fever and nausea) and may require more than one dose over a period of weeks.