FAQs

Question

Guatemala--Background

Answer

Guatemala has 15 million people, half self-identify as indigenous, including the Maya, Garifuna, and Xinka. They are chronically underserved along nearly every development indicator. Poverty and chronic malnutrition rise to nearly 80 percent in largely indigenous areas; access to social services is half that of non-indigenous areas. 27 years after a 36-year-long civil war, Guatemala is still struggling with its after effects. The conflict pitted leftist leaning, mostly Mayan insurgents against the state, which - backed by the US - waged a vicious campaign to eliminate the guerrillas. More than 200,000 people were killed or disappeared, many whom were villagers trying to stay neutral and caught in the crossfire. The Peace Accords, brokered by the UN in 1996, brought choppy economic growth but inequity, crime, and civil instability remain. Authorities, some backed by transnationals and evangelical churches, undermine human rights safeguards in an effort to prevent accountability for high-level corruption. As Guatemala undertakes June elections at the municipal and national level, several right-wing and left-wing candidates have been barred and authorities have continually undermined institutional checks on power. Santa Cruz La Laguna Located on the northern shore of Lago de Atitlán in the Sololá department of Guatemala, it consists of the villages of Santa Cruz La Laguna and Tzununá as well as four smaller villages. The estimated population is 9,392 is predominately Kaq'chikel speaking Mayan.

Question

Guatemala: Read More

Answer

Lonely Planet Guide to Guatemala: https://www.scribd.com/book/414788554/Lonely-Planet-Guatemala Rough Guide to Guatemala: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yu-8XwgE_yAqXrscpptiL6I9oUZjKTM-/view?usp=drive_link Paradise Glossed: Tourism imaginaries, alienation, & the construction of landscape in Santa https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/blar.13295 Bitter Fruit: The American Coup in Guatemala The Blood of Guatemala: Race and Nation Mayan Folktales: Folklore from Lake Atitlán

Question

Health & Safety

Answer

We will have organized most of your transportation, but if exploring on your own, use registered taxis or transportation services like Uber. Be cautious with belongings: Money belt or a secure bag to carry valuables and avoid displaying conscious items or large amounts of cash even while hiking. Use our guides and hike in groups! Stay alert in public spaces: Markets, transportation hubs, can be targeted by pickpockets. Drink bottled or purified water Fresh fruits and vegetables: Enjoy the delicious local produce, but opt for fruits and vegetables that can be peeled or cooked to minimize the risk of contamination. Street food: While tempting, be cautious when trying street food. Choose stalls that have high customer turnover, as it indicates the food is prepared fresh and is less likely to cause issues. Be mindful of food handling: Wash your hands thoroughly before eating, and carry hand sanitizer for situations where clean water and soap are unavailable. The water temperature never drops below a temperature that is uncomfortable (70F). The high altitude of the lake makes the sun rays a lot more intense so wear sunscreen and a floppy hat to enjoy any extended amount of time on the water. One of the biggest hazards on the lake is the boat (lancha) traffic. If you are swimming or scrambling keep out of their way.

Question

Packing reminders

Answer

Nice outfits: Groom's Dinner & Wedding Light jacket (fleece) or sweater Swimsuit high viz color best Hiking shoes boots, broken-in, grippy soles Rain jacket Sun hat 110 voltage US, but bring three to two pronged adapter Water bottle Moleskin for hiking Kayaking gloves Headlamp Flashlight Walking poles Whistle USD to exchange

Question

Guatemalan Elections-- June 25th--Run offs August 20th- Please read update

Answer

Guatemala court intervenes in presidential race, raising concern https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/7/5/guatemala-court-intervenes-in-presidential-race-raising-concern Edmond Mulet, center right former diplomat has a chance, along with former first lady Sandra Torres, after three important Presidential candidates have been barred. They both share a pledge to crack down on gangs " El Salvador" style by mass incarcerations, there will be lots of accusations of fraud as well. A candidate must receive more the 50 percent of the vote in the first round to win. Otherwise, a runoff will take place on August 20. Every Guatemalan presidential election since 1995 has gone to a contested runoff, expect political buzz mixed with apathy and distrust for the process. Guatemalans will also vote for all 160 deputies in Congress and 340 mayors.

Question

What is the Xocomil? (Lake Conditions)

Answer

Lake Atitlán subject to high winds in the afternoon caused by warm Pacific winds from the south. Lake is mirror smooth and gorgeous at night and in the AM. The mornings provide the best conditions for swimming or paddling on the lake.

Question

Stocking-up ? Panajachel groceries

Answer

La Despensa Familiar for bulk items, Chalo’s Grocery 1/2 a block away (at the corner of Calle Principal and Calle Amate) specialty food items including organic.

Question

ATM - important

Answer

There is ONE ATM in Santa Cruz at Los Amigos Helpful information for your guests: Exchanging USD for Quetzales is not common. The Guatemalan government prefers transactions to be electronic via ATMs. Plan on getting any local currency at an ATM, and not all ATM's are equal. The yellow/blue 5B are everywhere, and give a poor exchange rate. Silver/blue BI machines are less common and give a better rate.

Question

Hiking safety--Banditos & Bow Wows

Answer

Hike in small groups or with our guides for a stress-free experience. On weekends both tourists, and hard-working thieves are out. Not all dogs are pets, shake a stick.

Question

Where to eat?

Answer

Top 10 Must Eat Meals Around Lake Atitlan – Atitlan Living http://atitlanliving.com/lake-atitlan-guatemala-blog/top-10-must-eat-meals-around-lake-atitlan/ Where to eat: the 50 best restaurants in Panajachel (wanderlog.com) https://wanderlog.com/list/geoCategory/205355/where-to-eat-best-restaurants-in-panajachel In Santa Cruz there is Cafe Sabor (a training program run by the NGO Amigos), Nimajay, run by our friends Mario y Maria (they can even make you a pizza), Isla Verde, Arc de Noe (Noah's ark), la Iguana, and many more small local establishments open for a coffee, a snack or a meal all along the lake shore or in the town of Santa Cruz.

Question

How to tour around the lake

Answer

Check out these resources should you want to adventure out while you are in Santa Cruz https://atitlanliving.com/lake-atitlan-travel-guide/transport-around-lake-atitlan/ https://www.indietraveller.co/lake-atitlan-travel-guide/ https://www.wanderherway.com/lake-atitlan-guatemala/

Question

Altitude sickness

Answer

While Altitude sickness is rare at the level we will be at in Santa Cruz, a mile above sea level, it can inflict the young or the older amongst us. Drink a lot of water, about twice as much as you normally do, pack in the carbs, and there is a slim chance that you might experience some rapid breathing or a tad bit of sleepiness. For those hiking up volcanoes, hitting the 8,000 to 10,000 feet, than you may experience it. The solution is to just take it slow, but Jonathan and Joanie are bringing Diamox, a low-dose tab that you can get a prescription from your PCP or personal doctor. It helps to take when you first arrive. The biggest contraindication is Sulfa, if you are allergic to Sulfa drugs don't take it.