Where to go |  When to go and wear | Immigration |  Tips for travelers | Health |

Before you enter the Guatemalan country, we have some tips and health information to help you have a safe and wonderful time. For complete Health information in the country,  CLICK HERE. It recommends the necessary age-appropriate vaccines, for  and explains prevention techniques and prerequisites to stay healthy, enjoy your visit, and have peace of mind.

WHERE TO GO: Guatemala City, the capital of Guatemala is the main entry point for air travelers.  It is a modern city and the center of Guatemala´s commercial activity.  There are a few historical sites worth visiting and many first-class restaurants and hotels. Much more popular with tourists is the colonial city of Antigua, a 45 minute drive from the capital. West of the capital is Chichicastenango, located about two and a half hours from Guatemala City, and Lake Atitlán and Panajachél. On the west, towards the border of Mexico, are Quetzaltenango and Huehuetenango  In the northeastern region are Coban and the Biotopo del Quetzal a Nature Reserve, Lake Izabal, with a wildlife reserve called the Bocas del Polochíc, and the Biotopo Chocon Machas, another nature reserve.  Also close by are the ruins of Quiriguá. On the Caribbean side of the country is Livingston, with its Garífuna culture. On the north side of Guatemala is the Petén region, with Flores as its capital. Here you will find all the majestic archeological Mayan sites, such as Tikal, El Mirador, Uaxactún and El Ceibal. Guatemala offers magnificent scenery as well as a wealth of wonderful experiences.  Enjoy your trip! BIENVENIDOS A GUATEMALA CON CARIÑO

WHEN TO GO AND WHAT TO WEAR:  What to wear? What kinds of shoes? Can I bring a heavy jacket? It depends on where you are. On the highlands, where days are warm and nights are cold (about 60 degrees), you don't need a heavy jacket, but you do need a sweater or light jacket. The coast here is always hot, so you only need warm weather clothing.  The area that Antigua is in has a year-round temperature of approximately 72 degrees. The dry season is from November until the beginning of May. In the jungle (for instance, Izabal and Livingston), there is not much of a dry season. So, we suggest visiting some stores that can help you acquire some of the necessary clothing and travelers' aids.   

IMMIGRATION OFFICE: At 41 Street 17-36 Zone 8 Tel: 475-1302 For extensions on visas and permits so you can stay longer in the country.  The office is open Mon - Fri, 8am to 4pm. Since 1996, citizens from most countries no longer need visas to enter in Guatemala.  However, citizens from some countries are still limited to a 30-day stay. Americans do not need a visa or a tourist card. WARNING: DON'T FORGET YOUR INTERNATIONAL DEPARTURE TAX: 30 US dollars per person to leave the country.  If you have any problems - especially if your passport is lost or stolen - go to the U.S. Embassy in Guatemala City (if you are American) or go to your country's embassy. Click Here for  embassy addresses. 

TIPS FOR TRAVELERS:

~ Don't forget your passport!  Make sure it's still valid and that you have the emergency information filled out.  It's also a good idea to make two copies of the first page (with your photo and passport number).  Keep one copy in your luggage and leave another with a friend or family member.  This will help immensely if your passport is lost or stolen.

~ Leave a copy of your itinerary with a friend or family member for emergency purposes.  You can also make sure they have your e-mail address, as you'll have no trouble checking your e-mails from most of the larger tourist destinations (Antigua, Lake Atitlan, Guatemala City, etc...) in Guatemala.

~ Check with the State Department regarding Travel Warnings.

~ Stay with your luggage at the airport and keep a close eye on it.  As with any large airport, expensive camera cases and computer bags can disappear pretty quickly if left unattended.

~ If you're planning an extended stay in Guatemala, you can phone or register in person with the U.S. Embassy.  This will help if you do have a problem and the embassy needs to look for you.

~ Remember that every country has its own customs and laws.  Make an effort to learn what is expected of you. 

~ Watch where you walk at night.  If in doubt, ask locals. 

~ Don't dress like you have a lot of money.  Big diamonds and lots of gold are not a good idea.

~ Use caution in changing money with street venders.  The best and safest way is to change money at the bank.  

~ If you have any problems - especially if your passport is lost or stolen - go to the U.S. Embassy in Guatemala City (if you are American) or go to your country's embassy. Click Here for embassy addresses. 

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HEALTH TIPS:

~ Always wash your hands with soap and water before eating.  In fact, wash your hands any chance you get.

~ Don't drink tap water, even though the locals often do.  You can buy bottled water most anywhere in Guatemala.  If it's not available, make sure the water is boiled.  Avoid ice cubes unless you are positive they were made with purified water.

~ Eat only cooked foods or fruits and vegetables that you have peeled.  Don't eat dairy products unless they have been pasteurized.  Don't eat from street vendors.

~ Check health information (see above) before you go.  If you are going into a malaria area, start taking your pills before you go.  A doctor will need to prescribe them.

~ Take, and use, insect repellent if you'll be anywhere with mosquitos.  A mosquito net can also be useful if you'll be in an area with a mosquito problem.  Wear long sleeved shirts and long pants in the evening.

~ Don't go barefoot.  Keep your feet clean and dry to prevent fungal and parasitic infections.

~ Don't swim in fresh water.  Salt water is much safer in as far as bacteria and contamination problems.

~ Use latex condoms to reduce the risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.  Don't share needles.