GENERAL INFORMATION.
Location and
Topography:
Guatemala lies in the
heart of
Central America, south
of Mexico. Three
tectonic plates
underlie the area. The
volcanic ash from
thirty-three
volcanoes has over
centuries created a
fertile soil for many
kinds of fruits and
vegetables, coffee, sugar
cane, and flowers
such as carnations and
roses. Eighty-five
percent of
Guatemala´s production
is for export.
The northern area,
situated on the same
tectonic plate as the
Yucatan and Belize,
consists of limestone
with a dense
cover of rain forest
inhabited by an
extensive variety of wild
animal and bird species.
Come discover the
amazing world of
Guatemala!
Animals:
Most pets need a certification of vaccination stamped at a Guatemalan Consulate.
Churches:
As in all of Central America, Catholic churches are plentiful anywhere in the country. Most other denominations are
represented. Check with your hotel front desk for more information.
Climate:
Weather conditions vary from season to season and region to region. The dry season is from October to early May
and the rainy from late May until the end of September. But in Petén extends to January or February. In Guat city
Temperatures are usually vey mild and vary little during the year.
Currency:
The local currency is the Quetzal, named for the national bird. The rates fluctuate from Q 7.50 to Q 8.00 for 1 US$.
Travel Checks and US dollars are well accepted. Credit Cards are accepted in the city, on the countryside unable
to use them in most of the places.
Customs requirements:
These requirements change often without notice so check ahead with your travel agent or a local Guatemala
consulate.
Departure tax:
Air passengers pay $30 or Q240, at the time of printing. Land and sea departures vary according to the area.
Electricity:
110 volt AC is found trough out most of the country. A few locations have 220 volts.
Government:
Guatemala is a democratically elected republic with elections every four years. The president cannot be elected to
consecutive terms.
Language:
The official language is Spanish, but English is spoken in the tourism sections of the country. More than 20
indigenous dialects are still spoken.
Population:
The population is approximately 11 million Guatemalans are a mix of indigenous, Ladinos and Garifunas. There is
also a population of U.S., Canadian, European residents.
Taxes:
Most goods and services are subject to a 10% value added tax (IVA). Hotels also have an additional 10% tax.
Time Zone:
Guatemala is in the Central Standard Time zone and does not observe daylight-savings time.
Tipping:
Generally, a 10% tip is appropriate. Some add the tip to the bill so check before tipping.
Airlines - International:
American
Aviateca
Continental
COPA
Delta
Iberia
KLM
Lacsa
Ladeco
Mayan Island Belize - Flores - Belize - San Pedro ambergis caye
Mexicana
Sam
TACA Guatemala city - Flores - Cancun - San Salvador
Tropic Air Belize - Flores - Belize - San Pedro Ambergis caye
United.