GUATEMALA CITY, GUATEMALA

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 on 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 you 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 color 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 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 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.

 

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