Trip Information for Travelers

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1. Entry to Guatemala

Your passport must be valid for 6 months beyond your return date. Bring a photocopy of your passport, if your passport is lost it will be much easier to replace with a photocopy.

Online Traveler Declaration Form

Although a visa is not required for travelers to Guatemala, all incoming travelers are required to complete an online traveler declaration form that is free of charge. We strongly recommend you complete this form prior to boarding your flight to avoid long delays upon arrival. This form can be completed up to 3 days before arrival.

You will find the form using this link 

Note: the button at the top right-hand corner of the page changes the language from Spanish to English.

When completing the form, you will need to provide the following:

For your Arrival or Departure Customs Location, select “La Aurora / Aduana Central de Aviacion.”

For your Foreseen Address, use Hotel Meson de Maria, 3a Calle Poniente #8, Antigua Guatemala 03001, Guatemala

Once completed, you will receive an email with your information and a QR code. This document should be printed and kept with your travel documents, or download this form to your smartphone, so it is accessible without an internet connection. You ‘may’ be asked to show your QR code as you pass through customs.

When you are preparing to leave Guatemala, you will need to go through the process again and submit a separate form for your departure.  If needed, we can assist you with this.

2. Arrival

Arrive in Guatemala City. After clearing immigration, collecting your bags, and passing through customs, exit the terminal, turn right, walk a few meters, and wait outside Café Baretto. Depending on your arrival time, you will be met by Cheryl, Jody, or a driver holding a sign with your name, or Multicolores.

If you need something to eat or drink, or need to use the restroom, you can do so at the café. The drive to the hotel can take anywhere from 90 minutes to 3 hours, depending on traffic, so it is a good idea to use the facilities before leaving. You will be transferred to your hotel in Antigua, the former capital of Guatemala and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

3. Insurance

You must be covered by medical insurance that is valid overseas. In addition, we strongly recommend that you obtain travel insurance that covers trip cancellation, lost or stolen baggage, travel delays, emergency evacuation, and other unexpected events.

4. Sanitation

Traveler’s diarrhea is the most common ailment on trips, usually treated with Pepto Bismol or Imodium AD. Many travelers avoid illness by following these simple guidelines:

  • Tap water is not drinkable. Always use bottled water, called “agua pura” or “pure water,” which is inexpensive and widely available. Bring a refillable water bottle to fill from the filtered water jugs/coolers in the hotel (or buy bottled water). Use agua pura for brushing your teeth as well.
  • Restaurants: Water is safe if you request “agua pura.”
  • Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to help prevent heat-related issues or altitude sickness.
  • Ice: Only consume ice made from agua pura.
  • Toilet paper: Do not flush due to older pipes and drainage issues. A small trash can is conveniently located in each bathroom for disposal.

5. Health and Safety

·       Mosquitoes & Dengue: In recent years, there have been some dengue cases in Guatemala. We encourage daily use of bug spray with DEET. Most of our trip is at an elevation of around 5,000 ft, which helps reduce mosquitoes.

·       Immunizations: Consult your primary healthcare provider regarding recommended vaccinations. An updated tetanus shot is always a good idea.

·       First Aid & Supplies: Bring basic items such as over-the-counter pain or cold medication, band-aids, anti-diarrhea medication, insect repellent, cream for bites, and sunscreen.

·       Travel Sickness & Altitude: Guatemala is mountainous, and many roads are winding. If you are prone to motion sickness, bring ginger, Dramamine, or wristbands with acupressure bumps (Sea-Bands are highly recommended). Recent travelers also recommend Bonine. Riding in the front seat can help. Coming from lower altitudes, you may feel tired the first few days as your body adjusts.

·       Prescription Medications: Bring enough of your medications for the full trip plus a few extra days. Keep them in their original pharmacy bottles with intact labels.

·       Street Animals: Dogs and cats often live on the streets in Guatemala. For your safety do not pet them.

6. Accessibility

While we always do our best to plan for your comfort, you should be aware that this trip requires the ability to climb in and out of vans and small boats, walk up and down a sometimes-steep incline, and navigate cobblestones and uneven surfaces, including many sidewalks. Please bring any items that help you move comfortably, such as braces, walking sticks, or other supports. Most importantly, let us know in advance if you have any mobility concerns so we can discuss whether this trip will be a good fit for you. If you have significant mobility limitations, this itinerary may be challenging.

7. Security

We have been hosting tours to Guatemala annually since 2012 without incident and work hard to ensure your safety.

  • We travel in private vans with trusted drivers and do not pick up strangers.
  • We do not drive at night. We visit places where we are known, monitor local conditions, and adjust travel plans when necessary.
  • We always have someone with us who speaks the local language.

While exploring:

  • Carry your passport, money, and bank cards in a money pouch worn under your clothing or leave valuables in the hotel safe.
  • Expensive or irreplaceable jewelry is best left at home.
  • Do not walk alone at night and generally avoid remote areas where you might be alone.

8. Weather

Guatemala is called the land of the Eternal Spring. May – October is the rainy season, November – April is the dry season. During the rainy season, the weather typically features sunny mornings, sometimes followed by afternoon showers or thunderstorms. During the dry season, it will be hot during the day, mid to high 70s, and cooler in the evening.

9. Hotel Information

During the tour we will stay in three very comfortable and conveniently located hotels in Antigua, and Panajachel. Please check online for in-room services.

24th, 25th and 26th October: Hotel Meson de Maria, Antigua.

27th, 28th, 29th and 30th October: Porta Hotel del Lago, Panajachel

31st October and 1st November: Hotel Aurora, Antigua

 

10. Travel

Our journey will take us across land and water:

  • On land, we will travel by private bus.
  • On Lake Atitlán, we will use private boats for visits around the lake.
  • In towns, one of the main modes of transport is “tuk-tuks” — small taxi-cars that cost 5–20 quetzals per person per trip in Antigua, Santiago Atitlán, and Panajachel. They are useful if you’re weighed down by shopping!

11. Meals

·       We will dine in good restaurants serving Guatemalan or international cuisine.

·       Breakfast is provided at all hotels.

·       All meals (except one dinner) and water/soft drinks are included in the tour price. Alcoholic beverages are not included.

·       Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are usually available.

·       Restaurant suggestions will be provided.

12. Staying in touch with the folks back home

All our hotels will have internet access. Smart phone users can download the apps FaceTime and WhatsApp for talking and messaging. To call Canada or the US from Guatemala, dial 001- then the area code and number. Before you travel, we will send emergency contact information for you to share with the folks back home.

13. Picture taking etiquette

In general: pictures are forbidden inside churches. If you want to take a picture of a person or small group, ask first. The answer will be yes, no, or yes if you pay me. If they want money, this is legitimate, so find out how much they want and decide if it is worth it to you (it should be somewhere between Q1 and Q5). If the answer is no, don’t do it. Refrain from taking pictures of children without asking permission of a connected adult first.

14. Electricity

Electrical outlets in Guatemala are compatible with North American plugs, so you will not need a voltage converter. However, three-prong plugs are uncommon, so you may want to bring a three-to-two prong adapter if needed. Wall outlets may also be limited in hotel rooms, so bringing a small extension cord or power strip can be helpful if you have multiple devices to charge.

15. Time Zone

For most of our trip Guatemala will be one hour behind Central Time Zone.

Note: Guatemala does not observe daylight saving time which starts November 1st.

16. Money

Banking & Currency Tips for Guatemala

  • Notify your bank before traveling so your debit and credit cards will work in Guatemala.
  • ATMs are available in Antigua and Panajachel. Using ATMs inside banks or stores is recommended for safety.
  • Daily withdrawal limits are often Q2,000, but your individual bank may set different limits.
  • Know your PIN before you leave. If you have never used an ATM, it’s helpful to practice at home to ensure your PIN works. If you plan to withdraw cash with a credit card, you may also need a PIN. Each trip, several travelers have issues with PINs, so preparation is key!
  • We will take you to an ATM upon arrival to get Guatemalan currency — no worries!

Currency Exchange:

  • We do not recommend bringing US dollars to exchange, as banks can be particular and lines are often long.
  • If you do bring dollars, make sure they are crisp and new.
  • You can also order Guatemalan quetzals through your bank before you travel.
  • Traveler’s checks can be inconvenient due to long queues.
  • Visa and Mastercard are generally accepted in stores in larger cities.

17. Tips

We will handle all the tips. However, you can tip the hotel room staff 5-10 Quetzals per night. Please ask if you have any questions along these lines.

18. Laundry

While hotels typically do not provide laundry services, we can gladly recommend and guide you to a nearby laundry service to make your stay more comfortable.

19. What to buy!

Crafts, locally known as artesanías, are very much part of Guatemalan culture. Throughout this tour there will be opportunities to shop for traditional, authentic crafts in stores, local markets, during demonstrations and directly from the artisans themselves. Guatemala's extensive range of handicrafts include:

- Textiles. From simple woven items to home décor to intricate weavings and blouses.

- Fabric 'corte’.

- Wood carvings and painted animal masks.

- Jewelry and jade pieces, beading.

- Paintings in a variety of styles.

- Ceramics and basketry.

- Embroidered pieces.

Jody and Mary Anne will be there to provide guidance on prices and bargaining; they will let you know if you are getting a good deal.  Shipping items purchased in Guatemala is usually not a good deal, bring an extra bag (expandable) or a suitcase within a suitcase to bring purchases home. You can buy an inexpensive duffle bag in Panajachel if necessary.

20. Some packing suggestions

Bring casual, comfortable clothing. Even though we will not be going on any hikes, good walking shoes or sturdy sandals are important, especially for walking on the cobbled stoned streets of Antigua.

●      day pack

●      pouch or money belt- something you can wear inside your clothing

●      one or two warm layers for cooler evenings - light jacket, polar fleece or sweater, scarf

●      lightweight raincoat/umbrella

●      sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen

●      bathing suit- there is a pool at Hotel Porta del Lago

●      long pants/ 3/4 length capri pants/ or a below the knee skirt (no shorts please)

●      short and long-sleeved shirts, t-shirts

●      sleepwear

●      toiletries, including a facecloth if you use it.

●      ear plugs if you are a light sleeper… barking street dogs at night, roosters early morning!

●      camera

●      flashlight or headlamp

●      re-usable water bottle

●      floors are cold, so slippers or flip flops can be useful