Guatemala

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Means of transport recommended in town

Recommendation

Once there, vehicle rental is a cheap and sure means of transport than public transport.  It is always advisable to go through the travel agent or the hotel to hire taxis as there are a lot of false taxis and a lot of attacks and kidnaps have taken place.  A lot of buses circulate in the towns and this is the cheapest means of transport though the buses are neither comfortable nor air conditioned.

Maps of urban networks

Maporama
UT Library on line
Mapblast

Transportation from Airport to City Centre:

Airport	Distance	Taxi	Bus	Train	Car rental
Guatemala City - La Aurora Intl (GUA)	5 km / 3 miles	USD 8 / 20 min	USD 0.30/30-40 min		Available

Means of transport recommended in the rest of the country

Recommendation

A number of buses go around the country, they are not always safe (there have been several accidents, especially in mountainous areas).  Flying followed by taxi remain the most secure means of travel. 
Car rental is still the most practical way to get around.

Rail companies

FEGUA: Guatemala railway company

Airlines

You can consult the list of airlines banned within the EU. Look also the rating of the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Traveling by yourself

Recommendation

The condition of the road network is average, even poor, but it is being improved on the two-way sections connecting the capital with the main cities of the country. Traffic conditions are difficult (numerous old private or public vehicles, badly maintained, plus a total disrespect of traffic rules). Driving at night should be avoided.  There are several car rental companies but whatever you do, always lock doors from the inside when driving.  At night, avoid driving in high risk neighborhoods.  With regard to taxis, never hail a cab from the road, always go through the travel agency or the hotel.  There are some false taxis which rob tourists or kidnap them for ransom.

Road maps

Guatemalan road map (Spanish only)

Different forms of tourism

Historical

The west of Guatemala is frequently visited because of its Mayan sites.This mountainous region has splendid landscapes and historical sites.  Guatemala has a very rich history which is shared between the pre-Colombian and colonial periods.  For those passionate about archeology, certain excursions allow them to explore the sites: Archeological sites.  For more information on the historical sites, click on this link.

Cultural

There are quite a few pre-Colombian art museums in Guatemala.  The tourism office also recommends the Coffee tour: a tourist circuit based on the country's riches: INGUAT.  For more information on the cultural sites (museums, photo galeries, scientific and technical centers...) see the Tourism Institute  website.  For information on all museums : ILAM (Spanish only).

Nature

The country has a number of parks and protected areas.  For the list of these and how to get to them refer to: Tourism Institute.

Religious

The Tourism institute recommends religious tourism which involves following the "eastern religious route".  See link: INGUAT.

Thermal

See the list of  thermal stations in Guatemala

Beach

It is possible to swim on the Caribbean side, famous for its clear sand and it crystal clear water; or on the pacific side where the sand is black due to volcanic activity.

Outdoor activities

Suggested sporting activities are: golf, surfing, rafting, sport fishing, mounteneering, kayaking, mountain trekking and caving.  See link: INGUAT

Shopping

Guatemala City is the best place to shop.  There are also handicraft markets: INGUAT

Tourism organizations

Guatemala Tourism Board

Health and safety

Health precautions

A vaccination certificate for yellow fever is required for all visitors who have been in a risk zone country for more than a year.  It is recommended to have had a certain number of vaccinations before going: Hepatitis A and B, diptheria, tetanus, polio and typhoid.
The country is in "group 1" with regard to malaria: a chloroquine based anti-malarial treatment is recommended.
Protect oneself against traveller's diarrhoea (Turista).
The high risk foods are cooked meals that are consumed cold; seafood, meat, uncooked or badly cooked fish and raw vegetable including fruits that are not peeled by oneself.  Water should be boiled or drunk from sealed bottles; tap water should not be drunk only purified or bottled water.
In rural areas, always check inside shoes before putting them on.
Vaccination against rabies is not compulsory but if bitten by a rodent or a hot-blooded animal, then immediately consult at the nearest hospital to get vaccinated.

For further information on sanitary conditions

Tourist website (French and Spanish only)
Website on health

Time difference and climate

Time and time difference

It is %T:%M %A in Guatemala (GMT-6)

Summer time period

No time adjustments due to Guatemala's geographical location (near the Equator).