HISTORY
Guatemala, is the heart of the Mayan world. Alive, magical, mystical and ancestral. Its history goes back to four thousand years, when the Mayan civilization emerged, whose legacy remains today with the traditions and culture of its people.
Guatemala is a country of extraordinary cultural and natural richness and with a privileged geographical location. The distances from place to place are short, allowing you to visit several regions in the same trip.
It is a unique country, of adventure, unforgettable, between its past and present, in addition to the diversity of activities that it offers to the visitor. Known as the country of the eternal spring, it enjoys a pleasant climate that allows to visit it at any time of the year. In addition, it offers several possibilities of access from any part of the world, with two international airports: the Aurora, located in the capital city; And Mundo Maya, located in the Department of Petén.
The colour of its handicraft markets and its regional costumes, the hospitality of its people, the beauty of its natural landscapes that frame volcanoes, lakes, rivers and mountains, make Guatemala etched in the heart of those who visit it. Its natural, cultural and historical patrimony can be discovered in every corner of the country.
Guatemala houses the largest number of archaeological sites in the Mayan culture, surrounded by an impressive flora and fauna, which makes them the true lungs of humanity. The magic and Mystery of the Mayan world subsist in millenary cities such as Tikal, Yaxhá, Aguateca, Mirador, Quiriguá and Q’uma ‘ Rkaj among others.
In addition, Guatemala offers advantages in some specific segments for visitors, such as its strategic location, facilities in its terrestrial and maritime terminals, making it an important destination for Pacific and Atlantic Cruises. Its fishing resources on the Pacific coast have given it recognition as one of the best places for sailfish fishing in the world. The variety of more than 720 species of birds, makes it a wonderful and important destination to observe. The country also has all the characteristics to promote business activities, as well as being an ideal destination for national and international conventions.
Guatemala with its richness and diversity offers many ways to enjoy your holidays or business trips, because you can find in one place different tourism segments, in its seven wonderful regions.
WEATHER AND TIME ZONE
Climate
It can be visited at any time of year, its average temperature is 22 celsius degrees.
It has two seasons: the rainy of May-October, and the dry one of November-April.
The average temperature in the regions of the Altiplano is 18.3 C º (64.9 F), in the coasts is 25.3 C º (77 F) and in Guatemala City is regularly 19 C º (66.2 F)
Schedule
GMT-6:00
CURRENCY AND EXCHANGE RATE
The official currency is the Quetzal (Q)/Q. 1.00 = 100 cents.
In Guatemala, credit card diversity is accepted, except for the Maestro card. Traveler’s checks can also be used.
At the La Aurora International Airport you will find a change house, you can visit www.globalexchange.com, to check the coins they accept.
MIGRATION INFORMATION
Migratory requirements
Central American citizens can enter Guatemala with their neighborhood identification card, a unique identity document or valid passport. People of European and American nationality do not need a visa. For other nationalities consult http://www.minex.gob.gt/
All ordinary immigration and customs procedures on the frontiers of Guatemala are free of charge. In special cases, in which a charge is applied, the respective authorities must provide the proof of the respective payment.
Impuestos
All prices have included the value added tax (VAT) of 12%, this tax may already be included in your airfare. Check with your agency.
FLIGHT AGENCIES
EMERGENCY SERVICES
Tourist assistance
1500
Tourist Services Complaints
2421-2800 Ext. 4146
Volunteer firefighters
122
Municipal firefighters
123
National Civil Police
120
Red Cross
2381-6565
Conred
1566
Public Ministry
1570
Directorate-General of Migration
1573 or 2411-2411
Consumer Care and Assistance Directorate (DIACO)
1544
Legal Assistance Service
1571
National Tourist Information delegations
Lobby, INGUAT Building
2290-2800
La Aurora International Airport
2421-2854
La Antigua Guatemala Regional Office
7832-0787
Panajachel Subregional office
2421-2951
Subregional office Quetzaltenango
2421-2954
Cobán: 4210-9992
Chiquimula: 7943-3388
Quiché: 5966-1162
Mundo Maya International Airport
7926 0533
Peten Regional Office
7867-5365, 2421-2936, 2421-2957