General Travel Information
Guatemala is a multi-cultural, and multi-lingual country in the midst of great social, political and economic change. The wealth of the country lies in its land and history. The combined splendor of its high mountains, Caribbean coast to the east and dense jungle in the north are what make this fascinating country so unique.
VISA Requirements.
Citizens of the European Union, the USA, Canada, Japan, Switzerland, Norway, Israel, Australia, New Zealand, do not need a visa, only a valid Passport to enter Guatemala. When you arrive at Immigration you may be asked long you plan to stay, and offered thirty, sixty or ninety days.
Once you have arrived in Guatemala City Airport you will pass through the customs. Before you leave the airport there are banks and ATM's where you should change between US$ 50 and US$ 75 into Guatemalan Quetzals or withdraw the equivalent. You will need this money as soon as you are out of the airport for taxis and hotels. The exchange rate is roughly 7.5 Quetzales (GTQ) for 1 USD. For the latest exchange rate see one of the currency sites (e.g. www.oanda.com).
If requested, Ulew Tinimit will send a representative to pick you up at the airport and bring you to the hotel or the bus station. The hour at which you arrive in Guatemala City will dictate your choice, as might the hour at which you desire to arrive in Quetzaltenango. It is quite simple - if you arrive on the regular very early morning flight you can reach Quetzaltenango by mid afternoon. If you arrive in the afternoon we recommend to stay in Guatemala City overnight as traveling at night time might bear more risks.
To be met at the airport and then transferred directly to a bus station for the 4 hour trip to Quetzaltenango, presently you will be charged USD 5.
To be met at the airport, lodged overnight, and then transferred the following day to the bus station for the 4 hour trip to Quetzaltenango, you will presently be charged USD 17.
Health
There are not obligatory inoculations to visit Guatemala, but there are several that you should have anyway. Always check with a doctor or travel clinic.
Information and Maps
Information about Guatemala is relatively easy to come by, both inside and outside the country, In addition to the tourist organizations listed below, you can try specialist travel agents and the Internet where you´ll find several very useful sites.
Eating and Drinking
Guatemala's cuisine is varied and delicious. The vast majority of the tourists who visit us do not have any problem finding something to their liking as our country has a great variety of vegetables and fruits as well as regionally typical dishes. If someone has special dietary restriction, such as vegan vegetarian, it will not present a problem as there are many typical vegetarian foods and also local restaurants that specifically cater to vegetarians.
Crafts, markets and shops
Guatemalan craft traditions, locally known as artisan, are very much a part of modern Maya Culuture, stemming from practices that in most cases predate the arrival of the Spanish. Many of these traditions are highly localized, with different regions and even different villages specializing in particular crafts.
What to pack
When packing for your visit to Guatemala, remember that the climate is mild. For Guatemala City and the highlands, take what you would wear during the spring at home. A light sweater or jacket may be required during the evening. In the cooler dry season, especially from December to March, make it a heavy sweater or jacket. Since you´ll be spending time outdoors and highland temperatures vary from cool in the morning to hot at midday, it´s wise to dress in layers.
Additional Services
You can leave your luggage in the school, without cost, while you visit other parts of Guatemala. Give our phone/fax number to friends and relatives so you can receive calls and/or faxes.
And of course you may receive mail at our mailing address. But please do not send money or any envelope that looks like it might contain money to Guatemala by mail. Please take into account that normal mail can take up to two months.
Phone:
There is a combined phone/fax in the office. The State Telephone Company "Telgua", has an office near the school where you can make long distance calls. Some private companies offer this service at competitive rates. Ask at the school for up to date information when you arrive!
Internet:
Just minutes from the school on the Park Central there are a few Internet Cafes that offer some of the lowest rates in Guatemala and a fast connection.
Exchange Money
In Guatemala the most accepted foreign currency is still the American Dollar, so apart from the bank at the airport you will encounter difficulties or lower rates for other currencies. Throughout the country there are many Visa, plus, Cirrus and MasterCard ATMs. Please check with your bank at home if you can use your ATM or Credit card abroad and how much commission they charge for taking out money. Also always check that the ATM accepts your card before you proceed. American Dollar Traveler Checks are accepted in almost all banks, but you should ask around about commission rates to get the best deal. (Some banks exchange Traveler Checks at the same rate as notes).
