Guatemalan Tours

Operador Latino

About Guatemala

Guatemala is located in Central America, an isthmus that joins North and South America.

Borders:
Guatemala at North and West it borders on México; at Southeast it borders on El Salvador and Honduras; at Northeast it borders on Belize y Caribe Sea; at South on Pacific Ocean.

Area:
The country has an area of 108,889 km2. It has a great variety of geographic characteristics. Approximately 60% of its territory is mountainous.

Climate:
Guatemala it is located at the tropical zone and its weather is moderate, depends on the altitude. The highlands average temperature range from 16 to 20 degrees centigrade; on the coast of both oceans range from 25 to 30 degrees centigrade; on the East can reach 45 degrees centigrade by noon. On the mountains it can reach less than 0 degrees centigrade in the nights.

Clothing:
Guatemalan weather is moderate all year. It is recommended use light cloth during the day and use sweater or coat during the nights.

Rainfall:
Guatemala has two seasons: rainfall season (May to October) and dry season (November to April).

Population:
Guatemala has approximately 11 millions of habitants, 60% are part of the 22 ethnic groups whom are descendants of the Mayas. The remaining 40% it is form by Ladinos or mestizos (mixed European and indigenous ancestry) and non maya groups like Xincas and Garifunas.

Languages:
The official language is Spanish. Also there are 21 maya languages like Kúiché, Mam, Kaqúchiquel y Kúeqch. And the non maya languages like Garífuna and Xinca. English its spoke in the main tourist centers.

Currency:
The Official currency is the Quetzal. Coins are in denominations of one, five, ten, twenty five and fifty cents as well as One Quetzal, and the bills in, five, ten, twenty, fifty, and one hundred Quetzales. The American dollar it is accepted in many restaurants, hotels and locals. Credit cards are use in almost all tourist places. Travelers Cheques are accepted by almost all banks of the country.

Banking hours:
The banks generally open at 9:00 am to 5:00 p.m. Some banks open until to 8:00 p.m. Saturdays open 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. Cash points are open 24 hours.

Exchange rates:
The exchange rate may vary according to the currency market, but is very easy to consult it, in any Bank Branch or in the newspaper.
Exchange rate fluctuates from 7.65 to 8.00 quetzales for one dollar.

Comercial Schedule:
In Guatemala the stores are open from 09:00 am to 08:00 pm. In other parts of the country the commercial centers closed earlier.

Tipping:
A 10 to 15% tip is usually recommended. More often than not, tips are not included in the prices of meals or other services.

Taxes:
The sales tax (VAT) is 12% of the total amount of the purchase. The hotel room tourist tax is 10%.

Entrance:
All the visitants older than 18 years have to pay US$5.00 for the tourism card that support the entrance to the country. All the children under 12 years could be included in the card of their parents or tutors. If they travel alone they must paid their own card.

Departure:
All Guatemalans and foreigners, residents or not, have to pay US$30.00 if they leave the country by air; this covers the use of the installations and services of the international airports. If they leave the country by sea, they must have to pay US$10.00.

Religion:
The Guatemalan Constitution guarantees the freedom religion, but the population is predominantly catholic, follows by others groups of Christians and traditional Maya religion.

Government:
Guatemala is a Democratic Republic, form by three states: Executive, Legislative and Judiciary.

Hospitals:
Guatemala has several public and private hospitals and they have good equipment to attend all kind of emergencies for national and foreigners. The first class hotels have permanent medical services.

Voltage:
Generally the tourist will find American standard connections (110 volts) in all the country. In some places there are 220 volts.