SOME HISTORY

Guatemala is probably the only central american country where the Indigenous population is in majority. 65% of the population is descendant of the Maya, they speak 23 different languages and dialects, and we can witness through them that this very ancient culture is still alive. conquered in 1524 by Pedro de Alvarado, independent since 1821 this country is still creating its stability and unity. In 1996 the peace treaty was signed between the URNG and the government of Alvaro Arzu, after 30 years of civil war, in which Mayas and civilian were the main victims. The democracy is installed with dificulties but evolves favorably. Coffee used to be the main exportation product but since the crisis the country is turning itself towards tourism wich little by little is becoming the main activity.
Guatemala has a great potential with its colonial past, archaeology, Mayan traditions, culture, adventure, ecotourism, volcano climbing, handicraft .

This is what we will make you discover

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Guatemala has a bad reputation concerning security and the alarmist warnings in some websites maintain this fame.
Of course, like in every country in developing process some precautionary measures have to be taken such as not showing your jewellery, be carefull with your money, your camera, video, and in keeping your passport in a safe place, but there's no need to become paranoid. The statistic of delinquency are not more pessimist than in other countries.
The electricity voltage is 110V
The currency is the Quetzal ( named after the national bird) Today 1US$ = +/- Q8.00 = +/- 1euro
Visa and master card are accepted almost everywhere and sometimes subject to a 5% extra charge. Cash withdrowing machine are available in all tourisitic town. Travellers check in US$ are still the safest way to carry money. As far as foreign momey only US$ are known from the bankers. You won't be able to change other currency.
There are no required vaccine, but still take some precautions.
Equipe yourself with a flashlight, some of the places you might visit do not have elctricity after 10:00pm, some mosquitoes repelent.
Visa are not required for European and Swiss.
Internet cafes are everywhere to comunicate.
Watch for website too attractive and their terrific offers. Check references. If you have any doubt you can always contact the association of tour operator, (502) 3320099, who fights to keep the ethic.

CLIMATE

Like the slogan says that Guatemla is the country of eternal spring, and it's not far from the truth, the average annual temperature is 20°C in the area of Guatemala, Antigua, Lake Atitlan, Chichicastenago, Coban. The rainy season is from may 15th to october 15th with heavier rain in june and september.
From october to march, the nights, especially in the highlands, Quetzaltenango and Huehuetenango can be cool. On the Pacific coast and the Caribbean as well as in the Peten (Tikal Area) it's hot most of the time.

INSURANCE

The insurances in Guatemala are limited. Only is obligatory the civil liability with respect to the people transported by vehicle, it is limited to US $ 6000 by individual. We can offer to you, at a cost of USS 6 per day, and person, a complementary insurance which covers: - Responsibility, civil, assistance, repatriation within the limit US $ 50.000p/p

-Medical care and dental until US $ 10.000
-Medical transport urgently US $ 10.000
-Repatriation of body and accompaniment by a member of the US family $ 5.000 basic Transfer urgently US $ 5.000 Loss of US passport $ 1.200 -Loss of luggage and/or plane ticket USS 1.200 Expenses of cancellation of US flight $ 1.200 Interruption of voyage for death of a member of the US family $ 1.000 Advance for US guarantee $ 1.000 legal Assistance in the event of problem included Compensation in the event of death, total and permanent disability due accidental US $ 10.000

The maximum amount ensured by anybody is limited to US $ 50.000

MARKET DAYS

Lunes
Antigua, Chimaltenango, Salama, Almolonga

Martes
Solola, Panajachel, Santiago Atitlan, Zunil, Almolonga

Miercoles
Chimaltenango, San Nicolas, Todos Santos, San Francisco El Alto, Almolonga

Jueves
Antigua, Comalapa, Patzicia, Tecpan, Nahuala, Chichicastenango Nebaj, Tactic, San Marcos, Santa Cruz del Quiche San Francisco El Alto, Zunil, Almolonga

Viernes
Chimaltenango, Solola, San Lucas Toliman, Chajul, Salama Quetzaltenango, Panajachel, Santiago Atitlan, San Francisco El Alto. Zunil, Almolonga

Sabado
Antigua, Totonicapan, Chajul, Todos Santos, Almolonga

Domingo
Chichicastenango, Tecpan, Nahuala, Momostenango, Nebaj, Rabinal, Tactic, Panajachel, Santa Cruz del Quiche, Santiago Atitlan, Almolonga

Almolonga> Todos los dias por las mañanas
Zunil> Por las tardes