Guatemala Travel Facts

By BootsnAll   |   August 6th, 2004   |   Comments (0)
Traveler Article

The Basics

Country: Guatemala

Where is it?: Central America, bordering the North Pacific Ocean, between El Salvador and Mexico, and bordering the Gulf of Honduras (Caribbean Sea) between Honduras and Belize

Why do people go here?: Natural wonders and ruins are the main attractions here. Beautiful, untouched beauty blends with historic, crumbling ruins.

What are the main entry points?: Long bus rides or trains will get you there, but flying is a more common option

Currency used: Quetzal (GTQ), US dollar (USD), others allowed

Country Code: 502

Area codes for Major Cities: Guatemala City 2, Antigua 9

Religion: Roman Catholic, Protestant, indigenous Mayan beliefs

Population: 14 million

Ethnic Breakdown: Mestizo (mixed Amerindian-Spanish or assimilated Amerindian – in local Spanish called Ladino), approximately 55%, Amerindian or predominantly Amerindian, approximately 43%, whites and others 2%

Government: Presidential Republic

Languages: Spanish 60%, Amerindian languages 40% (23 officially recognized Amerindian languages, including Quiche, Cakchiquel, Kekchi, Mam, Garifuna, and Xinca)

Travel Information

Major Cities: Guatemala

Attractions: Mayan Ruins, Volcanoes, Nature

Accommodation: Guatemala Hostels, Guatemala Hotels

Tourism Office locations and links: Guatemala Chamber of Commerce 10a Calle 3-80, zona 1 Guatemala City, Guatemala +502-2-5478

Health Issues: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers over 1 year of age coming from countries with infected areas. Malaria risk exists throughout the year below 1500 m. Chloroquine is recommended.

Tips for Visiting

When to go: Wet season = cheaper prices. Dry season = lots of travelers and increased prices. November and May are the shoulder months.

Specific Events/Holidays: Independence Day, 15 September (1821)

Getting Around: Buses are cheap and plentiful, but boats are the only way to get to some areas of the country

Good to know: Guatemala City is more unsafe than other parts of the country

Cheapest airport to fly into: The cheapest airports to fly into Guatemala are the Guatemala City Airport and the Flores Airport.

Need more information?: Check out the Guatemala travel guide for more on what to see, where to stay, and how to get there.


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