See what the experts are saying about Guatemala. Get expert advice on how to get there what to see and more.
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Fast facts
American Express -- Clark Tours (tel. 502/2412-4700; www.clarktours.com.gt) is the official representative of American Express Travel Services in Guatemala. Their main offices are in Guatemala City at Clark Plaza, 7a Av. 14-76, Zona 9. They a... Continue reading »
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Visitor information
The Guatemalan Tourism Commission (INGUAT), 7a Av. 1-17, Zona 4, Guatemala City (www.visitguatemala.com), is the principal informational and promotional arm of the Guatemalan government. You can call them toll-free from the United States and... Continue reading »
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When to go
The tourist high season runs December through March, coinciding with the winter months in most northern countries. It also coincides with Guatemala's dry season. Throughout this season, and especially around the Christmas and Easter holidays,... Continue reading »
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Calendar of events
Most of the events listed here might better be considered a tradition, more than an event -- there's not, for instance, a Virgen de la Asunción PR Committee that readily dispenses information. In many cases, I've given a more detailed descrip... Continue reading »
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Getting there
By Plane It takes between 3 and 8 hours to fly to Guatemala from most U.S. cities. Most international flights land at La Aurora International Airport (tel. 502/2332-6086; airport code GUA). A few international and regional airlines fly dir... Continue reading »
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Escorted & package tours
Packages for the Independent Traveler Before you start your search for the lowest airfare, you may want to consider booking your flight as part of a travel package. Package tours are not the same thing as escorted tours. Package tours are... Continue reading »
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Health & insurance
Travel Insurance Check your existing insurance policies and credit card coverage before you buy travel insurance. You may already be covered for lost luggage, canceled tickets, or medical expenses. The cost of travel insurance varies wi... Continue reading »
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Entry requirements & customs
The websites listed provide downloadable passport applications, as well as the current fees for processing passport applications. For an up-to-date, country-by-country listing of passport requirements around the world, go to the "Foreign Entr... Continue reading »
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Getting around
Shuttle For most of the major destinations, tourist shuttles or a private car and driver are your best means for getting around. There are a couple of major tourist shuttle services in Guatemala, and almost every hotel tour desk and local... Continue reading »
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Money
The unit of currency in Guatemala is the quetzal. In October 2006, there were approximately 7.6 quetzales to the American dollar, but because the quetzal does fluctuate, you can expect this rate to change. In this book, we have used the rate... Continue reading »
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Regions in brief
Guatemala City -- Set on a high, broad plateau and surrounded by volcanic peaks, Guatemala City is the largest (really the only) metropolitan city in the country. With a population of more than three million, the city is a sprawling, congeste... Continue reading »
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Special-interest vacations
There are plenty of options for active, adventure, special-interest, or theme vacations to Guatemala. Popular themes and activities include bird-watching, Maya archaeology, cave explorations, and mountain biking. In many cases, you may want t... Continue reading »
Guatemala Travel Experiences
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Guatemala I: Livingston to Flores
Click ¨View more photos¨ under any of the thumbnails on this page to see all of my pictures from this post. There are lots more t... Continue reading »
