The Mayan Adventure - Tours & Expeditions to Archaeological Sites in Guatemala

To make your travel preparations more exciting, we want to give you some basic information about

• General facts
• Maximum diversity
• Climate
• Food & drinks

• Health & medication
• Money
• Visa
• Safety

General facts

The Republic of Guatemala is situated in Central America and is a neighbor of Mexico, Belize, Honduras and El Salvador. The country has a size of 109,000 km² and 14.7 million inhabitants.

In the north of the country, in the heart of the tropical rain forest which covers almost the whole department of the Petén, you can find the picturesque island of Flores. This calm 2,000 inhabitant town is the perfect starting point for trips to the Mayan World. Here you can find all you need to get prepared for an adventure tour in the jungle: supermarkets, internet cafes, pharmacies, a doctor, shops for camera equipment, book exchanges and much more. And of course, this is the right place to relax after several days in the jungle. Get a relaxing massage and enjoy the best food in numerous restaurants.

Guatemala - Country of a maximum diversity

Guatemala offers plenty of opportunities for adventuresome people. There are colonial cities like Antigua and impressive volcanos.

The country has a species-rich flora and fauna: Mangroves at the pacific coast, huge Ceiba trees (the universe tree of the Mayans), howler and spider monkeys jumping from tree to tree in the rainforest of Petén, lots of brightly coloured butterflies, jaguars, toucans, scarlet macaws and don´t forget the quetzal, Guatemala´s national bird, which can be seen with some luck at the Biotope of the Quetzal. Nature- and culture-vultures get their money worth.

Guatemala also has beautiful beaches. Enjoy the Carribean atmosphere in Livingston on the Atlantic coast or the black sand in Monterrico on the Pacific coast.

In the wide rain forest you can feel the spirit of thousands of years of old Mayan ruins. Watch the sunrise in Tikal and see how the mystic fog curls up in the morning. Listen to the impressive howling of the monkeys while sitting at the highest temple in Yaxha and watching the sunset. As far as you can see there will be just endless jungle, the ruins and you...

Climate

There are only two seasons in Guatemala: summer and rainy season (which usually lasts from May to October). But rainy season does not mean that it rains all day. Normally there is a short heavy shower in the afternoon and then it is hot and sunny again.

In Petén we have a warm and humid climate with year-round average temperatures of 25-35°C.

Food & drinks

Guatemalans love corn-based tortillas, rice, refried beans, scrambled eggs and chicken. This will more or less make up your daily menu if you travel in the country side. In touristy places such as Flores you can find a big diversity of international food: pasta, beef, chicken, sea food, pizza and much more. Meals are usually not very spicy but you can always ask for hot sauce.

Tap water can be used to brush your teeth but should be boiled before using it for meals or drinking water. Bottled drinking water is a very common alternative. In restaurants with a good standard you can expect to get purified ice-cubes. There´s nothing wrong with asking the waiter before you decide to go without in the heat!

Health & medication

One of the most frequent questions we are asked is:
"Do I need anti-malaria pills?" And the answer is: No!

We´ve been exploring the Guatemalan jungle for years and have yet to encounter any tourist who have contracted malaria. Spare yourself the side effects, and save your money instead for some good bug spray in your own country or in Guatemala.

For a short holiday, standard vaccinations (hepatitis A+B, tetanus, measles, diphtheria) are advised. For a long stay please consult your family doctor.

Usually, the worst one can expect while visiting this beautiful country is an upset stomach and possibly a bout of diarea for a few days only, nothing to keep you from exploring Guatemala!

Money

The official currency of Guatemala is the Quetzal. In most touristic places US Dollars are also accepted. Euros can be exchanged but at quite a low exchange rate.

At the banks you can cash traveler cheques and you can withdraw money with credit cards as Visa and Mastercard. Be advised, Maestro cards rarely work in Guatemala.

Visa

European, U.S., Canadien and Asian citizens only need a passport which is valid for at least 6 months and automatically get a free tourist visa for 90 days when entering the country. This can be extended for another 90 days by leaving the country (for example to Belize) and coming back again.

Safety

Safety is a very important issue. Reading safety warnings on the website of your embassy you may be apprehensive about a visit to Guatemala. This is why we want to tell you what you really have to expect when travelling through Guatemala.

Of course, there is some reason why Guatemala has a bad reputation in regards to crime. Most incidents occur in the capital, Guatemala City. Flores and Antigua are touristic areas with a higher police presence and are quite safe. In addition, you can travel the rest of the country without fear.

There are some basic rules:
(the same that apply for larger cities in your own country)

• Do not show your valuables! Nobody needs to know that you have the latest i-pod or cell phone.
• Spread out your money! Do always have a dispensable amount of money which you can give away easily if somebody robs you.
• Beware of pickpockets especially in buses and crowded places!
• Do not go out at night alone and do not frequent quarters which people advise you against!