Tourist Information and Travel Tips
Passport/Visa
For U.S citizens and m ost Europeans, no tourist Visa is necessary, only a 3-month validity passport (beyond your intended stay)
During your international flight, you'll be given a tourist card and a customs form which you'll have to fill in and then hand over after your arrival. They are routine formalities. At your entry in the airport an Immigration official will stamp your passport and collect the tourist card. Then you will pick up your luggage and will hand over the custom form to the custom agent.
For travelers from other countries, the visa requisits are based on the principle of reciprocity and depend on the country of origin. For more information contact the nearest Guatemalan Embassy or Consulate.
Arrival at Guatemala City's Airport
At your arrival at Guatemala City's Airport “La Aurora” (GUA), you'll be welcomed by our friendly English speaking escort, who'll accompany you to your hotel in Guatemala City. The escort service is available on your arrival on Saturday, from 11:30 a.m. until 10:30 p.m. Please advise us of your flight details and arrival time.
Health Requisits
No vaccines are necessary because during your Spa-Med-Holiday you will enjoy a mild climate at 1.500m (4,920 ft) above sea level, where there are no disease ridden mosquitoes.
There are enough pharmacies around to buy any type of medicine you need, mostly without prescription. A full range of modern medical care is available both in the capital and in Antigua.
If you choose to participate to the TIKAL excursion at the end of your Spa-Med-Holiday, you should bring along insect repellent (with DEET) and sun block, as well as medicines for intestinal problems or diarrhea, in case you have a problem during your jungle weekend.
To prevent mosquito bites, you can also apply natural essences (citronella or geranium), eat a lot of garlic (minimum 2 weeks before) and/or drink Quinine tea, all natural and inexpensive remedies, for sale in Guatemala.
However, if you are prone to mosquito bites, and you decide to go to TIKAL, you may want to take pharmaceuticals like Malarone or Cloroquine tablets. Ask your Doctor about their side-effects.
Clothing
We suggest you bring comfortable shoes and clothing (cotton preferably) which you'll wear during the daytime in Antigua and Amatitlan. You will also need warmer clothes (sweater and fleece jacket, etc.) for early mornings and cooler evenings. Waterproof shoes, a rain jacket or mini-umbrella are useful during the rainy season.
Specific items to add in your suitcase:
- hat, sunglasses, camera, sun cream, swimwear, robe, flip-flops, copy of your medical records (useful during your medical orientation before the spa treatments), binoculars for bird-watiching.
Weather
Guatemala is known as “The Land of the Eternal Spring.” You will find a pleasant Spring-like climate both in the capital and Antigua, fluctuating during the day on average from approximately 15C. in the morning to 28C. at midday (from 59F. to 81F.)
Near Lake Amatitlan the temperature is warmer (between 20C early morning to 30C around midday, (from 68F to 86F). Again, early mornings and late afternoons are somewhat cooler.
In TIKAL and on both Coasts (Pacific and Atlantic) the weather is always hot.
From May to October is the rainy season: mornings are sunny and afternoons or evenings are punctuated with tropical rains, which can last from 1/2 hour to two hours. However, for the last several years, global climatic changes have affected Guatemala's normal weather pattern with less rain during part of the summer, and we've had occasional rain fall in the normally dry season.
For a reliable temperature converter, click www.oanda.com/convert
To look at on-line weather, www.weather.com which gives a Satellite view of North & Central America and www.intellicast.com, which gives a local weather forecast for Guatemala City and an infrared Satellite map for the Caribbean.
Time Zone = GMT minus 6 hours
Electrical Devices = 110Watts, 60Hz
110 Watts in the whole country and American type plugs. For visitors from Europe, bringing small electric appliances (hair dryer or electric razor) without built-in voltage adapter, it is useful to get a voltage converter.
Cell Phones & Internet
Although there is wide cell phone coverage in Guatemala (with the exception of TIKAL) we suggest for your own relaxation leave your cell phone at the hotel.
As to Internet, there are plenty of Internet cafes available in ANTIGUA at excellent rates ($ 0.33 for half-hour). In Guatemala City you can use the Hotel's Internet for short communications. Again for your own well being, we suggest to leave your computer behind. Rediscover the joys and simplicity of living without cellphone or Internet - what a life!
Currency: Quetzal
The currency exchange rate has been fairly stable over the last year. On average, the official exchange rate fixed by Guatemala's Central Bank is 7.55 Quetzales per U.S.$.
You can check with your local bank what kind of exchange rate is applied when using your credit cards: it might differ (but only slightly).
The U.S. Dollar is widely accepted everywhere, not so the Euro, which is only accepted in the main branches of major banks in the capital. For practical reasons, we suggest Europeans and other overseas travelers bring their credit cards and U.S Dollars (in cash or in American Express Traveler's cheques). Bring also several smaller notes ready for your arrival, when giving tips for baggage handlers or hotel maids.
Credit Cards
VISA & American Express are well accepted ( Mastercard and Diners Club less). Shops, restaurants or other services (e.g.: medical practices) charge a commission fee (imposed by Guatemalan banks) which varies from 5% to 10%.
In smaller shops, café's and on the handicraft's market, cash is better accepted.
Banks
All major Guatemalan banks are represented in Antigua, near or on the Main Square. They give VISA and MASTERCARD cash advances and change US $ (cash & traveler's cheques) into Quetzales. For those transactions you'll need to bring along your passport. No personal checks are accepted.
Opening hours: from 9.00 a.m. to 7.00pm; Banco del Quetzal opens at 8:30 a.m.
ATM
We advise NOT to use ATM's located on the streets, even in front of the Bank. It is better to get cash from ATM's discreetly, like inside the BANCO INDUSTRIAL or the ATM machine inside the Hotel & Monastery of Santo Domingo in Antigua.
Tipping
In hotels, bars, restaurants a 10% tip (propina) is recommended. They are not included in the price of meals. Do not forget tips for drivers and doormen. A $1.00 per person, per day for driver/assistant is suggested.
Shopping precious arts and crafts
Silver Jewelry, with jade and semi-precious stones, in traditional and contemporary designs, colorful handwoven or embroidered textiles, ceramic & leather goods, paintings, native fashion jewelry, decorative objects in hand carved wood or wrought iron, coffee, rum, natural oil essences and natural cosmetics, scented candles.
Airport Taxes:
For all international flights leaving Guatemala City Airport, a $33 tax is required. This exit tax is normally included in your travel ticket purchased in the U.S.; however double-check beforehand if this tax has been included in the price of your ticket.
A local airport security tax of $3 (Q20) is also required, both on domestic and international flights. This tax has to be paid in cash in U.S Dollars or the equivalent in Quetzales before leaving the Airport. No credit cards or traveler's checks are accepted in this case.
Insurance
When you book your flight, we advise you to get simultaneously a personal travel Insurance to protect yourself and your luggage. Trip cancellation insurance will cover your losses on non-refundable costs due to illness or other emergency. Click on the following options to see rates : www.insurancestoreonline.com, www.netquote.com, www.1worldinsurance.com
Disabilities/Wheelchair Access
Travelers needing individual assistance must be accompanied by an able person and must notify us at the time of booking. Spa-Med-Holiday does not guarantee wheelchair access in and around Antigua.
