FAQs

Question

Is Guatemala safe?

Answer

Any time you are traveling you are a target for theft of possible violence. When people see tourists, they see €€€ in their eyes. It is common, on the street, to be charged a higher price when you are European, etc., until you become wise of the culture and learn the norms and how to negotiate or have a local person with you. We travel to Guatemala frequently, in cities, in villages and the countryside and have always been met with hospitality. Be mindful of cash or jewelry, don't pull out a bunch of cash for the world to see. If withdrawing cash from an ATM always close the door and put away your money. It's not safe to travel with large sums of cash. Don't keep things in your back pockets (like phone or wallet) In crowded markets keep belongings close to you.

Question

ARE THERE ANY HEALTH CONCERNS IN GUATEMALA?

Answer

Some forms of Hepatitis and Dengue Fever are all higher risk there. The biggest risk is stomach bug. Rules of thumb: - Don't drink tap water and be mindful of silverware or glasses even at restaurants. Always ask if ice comes from potable water. - Brush your teeth with bottled water. Close your mouth when showering - Use bug repellant with at least 30% DEET.

Question

Should I buy a travel insurance?

Answer

Yes. We HIGHLY recommended it. Travellers who reside within the European Union or Switzerland receive basic international health insurance, so travel insurance is not mandatory under European Union Law. However, as this does not cover situations such as emergency rescues, private health care, or repatriation to their home country, travel insurance is highly recommended.

Question

How is the weather like in Antigua?

Answer

Guatemala is a tropical country and has 2 seasons: wet and dry. Temperatures vary primarily with elevations, not with seasons: On the coasts it's hot all year, while up in the mountains and highlands, it can be quite cool at night and in the early morning. The weather in July brightens up a bit in the highlands after a rainy June, with hot sunny days and the odd stormy afternoon, making it the perfect time to explore Antigua and relax on Lake Atitlán. To soak up the sun head to El Paredon beach where is hot all year round.

Question

What about the currency?

Answer

The currency in Guatemala is the quetzal. Not only is named after the national bird but also you get Q9 for €1, which means another mojito por favor ! To check the very latest exchange rates visit www.xe.com/ucc.

Question

Is there any cultural norms to be respectful of the people here?

Answer

If you wish to take people photo's, specially children always ask for permison first. Always greet people with a "buenaaaas". Being polite goes a long way in Guatemala.

Question

Which Tour Operators you recommend?

Answer

AG BRUCE https://www.bruceguatemala.com/ VIAVENTURE https://www.viaventure.com/ ANTIGUA TOURS https://antiguatours.net/ MAYA TRAILS https://www.mayatrails.com.gt/

Question

Vaccines?

Answer

Het laatste wat je wil is dat je vakantie wordt verziekt door een infectieziekte. Daarom is het van belang dat je tijdig begint tegen die ziekten laat inenten. De meest voorkomende infectieziekten zijn buiktyfus, dtp (difterie, teanus, polio), gele koorts, hepatitis A, B, mazelen, TBC (tuberculose), dengue (knokkelkoorts) bij malaria. Voor persoonlijk advies van een inenting kun je o.a. terecht bij GGD. De tarieven voor vaccinaties kunnen per GGD verschillen. Sommige vaccinaties beschermen je lichaam levenslang, andere om de zoveel jaar vernieuwd moeten worden. Hoewel je je tot vlak voor een reis kunt laten vaccineren, is het aan te raden om er op tijd bij te zijn. In een ideaal scenario neem je riet zeven maanden voor vertrek contact op met de GGD of een particuliere instelling