Social ConventionsGuatemala is the most populated of the Central American republics and is the only one which is predominantly Indian, although the Spanish have had a strong influence on the way of life. Full names should be used when addressing acquaintances, particularly in business. Dress is conservative and casual wear is suitable except in the smartest dining rooms and clubs.
Photography: Locals are often suspicious of foreigners taking photographs, particularly of young children. Before approaching children for photos, or even just to talk to them, you should check with
an an adult that this is acceptable. However, if you are in any doubt, refrain from doing so. You may be asked to pay a small amount of money to take photographs of both children and adults.
International Travel:Getting There by AirThe national airline is
TACA (website:
www.taca.com).
American Airlines operates daily flights to Guatemala, via Miami or Dallas. Other airlines serving Guatemala include
British Airways,
Continental Airlines,
Iberia (regular flights from London via Madrid) and
United Airlines.
Departure TaxUS$30. 24-hour transit passengers are exempt.
Main AirportsGuatemala City (GUA) (la Aurora) is 6km (4 miles) south of the city.
To/from the airport:
A bus runs to the city. Taxi services to Guatemala City are available (travel time – 20 minutes).
Facilities:
Car hire, duty free shop, bar, buffet, post office, restaurant, bank, tourist information, telephones and bureaux de change.
Flores (FRS) is located an hour from the UNESCO Tikal Archaelogical Park. Regular flights operate to Belize.
Getting There by WaterMain ports: Santo Thomás de Castilla,
Puerto Quetzal,
San José,
Puerto Barrios and
Champerico. There are also a number of marinas on the
Rio Dulce.There are several international passenger services from North America, the Far East and Europe to Santo Tomás de Castilla and Puerto Quetzal. Cruise companies which make a port of call in Guatemala include
Holland American Line. Cargo services run to the Pacific ports of San José and Champerico.
Getting There by RailFerrovias Guatemala (FVG) is a 497-mile (800km) railroad connecting Guatemala City with Mexico, El Salvador and ports on the Atlantic and Pacific coasts. Restoration of the railroad is currently underway after the devastation caused by Hurricane Mitch in 1999. Currently, 200 miles (322km) of the railroad is in operation.
Getting There by RoadThe Pan-American Highway runs through Guatemala from Mexico in the north and El Salvador in the south covering 511km (318 miles). Access is also possible from Belize. You should exercise particular care when traveling in the Belize/Guatemala border area because of the ongoing dispute between the two countries. Travelers are strongly advised to use only the officially recognized border crossings.
Bus: There are bus services from Mexico and El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama. Border crossings can be subject to considerable delays. The buses used by some companies are comfortable and air conditioned, but it is vital to book as far in advance as possible for every stage of the journey.
OverviewThe following goods may be imported into Guatemala by persons over 18 years of age without incurring customs duty:
80 cigarettes or 100g of tobacco;
1.
5l of alcoholic beverages;
two bottles of perfume.
Internal Travel:Getting Around By AirAir transport is by far the most efficient means of internal travel since there are over 380 airstrips.
Tikal Jets (website:
www.tikaljets.com) run daily flights from Guatemala City to El Petén.
Inter, a subsidiary of TACA, runs scheduled flights to several towns. Private charter flights are available. A travel tax of GTQ5 per person is applied to internal flights and payable at the check-in desks.
Getting Around by RoadTraffic drives on the right. There is an extensive road network but less than a third of the roads are all-weather. Many of the roads are made from volcanic ash, and therefore very muddy during the rains. There are, however, about 13,000km (8000 miles) of first- and second-class roads in the country with paved highways from Guatemala City to the principal towns in the interior and to both the Atlantic and Pacific ports. Seatbelts must be worn at all times but there are no laws regarding the use of child safety seats. Speed limits vary depending on the condition of the road but they are rarely enforced. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal and those caught may be jailed. Travelers should avoid driving to Panajachel via Patzun as the road is badly maintained and criminals take advantage of these conditions to hold up travelers. The road from the El Salvador border to Cuilapa and from the Belize border to El Cruce are major danger spots for bus-jacking and there are also similar incidents on the main Pan-American Highway near Solola.
Bus: The network of regular bus services between major towns is cheap but crowded and road accidents are common. Slightly more expensive air-conditioned services are available.
Transportes Litegua operates regular buses along the Caribbean Highway from Guatemala City, Rio Dulce and Morales to Puerto Barrios. The Guatemala City Council no longer permits inter-urban buses to enter the city center; passengers are dropped at various points on the outskirts.
Taxi: Flat rate for short or long runs within the city although prices tend to be high. Cars can also be hired by the hour. Vehicles may be summoned by phone or in the street. There are ranks at the main international hotels. Tipping is discretionary (5 to 10 per cent).
Car hire: International and local firms provide services in Guatemala City. Rates are low, but insurance is extra. It is possible to hire a car for up to 30 days with either an International Driving Permit or national license. It is also possible to hire motorcycles. Regulations may vary from company to company.
Documentation: A local license will be issued on production of the visitor’s own national driving license. Adequate car insurance is essential.
Getting Around Towns and CitiesGuatemala City and major towns have limited, but cheap and regular, bus services. New circulating taxi services have been introduced in the capital.
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