Visa InformationA passport valid for at least six months after the intended date of departure from the country is required for all U.S. citizens traveling to Guatemala. Citizens of the following countries need only a tourist card to enter the country: Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Holland, Italy, Israel, Japan, Luxembourg, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom or The United States. Visas are required for Australia, New Zealand, British Commonwealth, and South American countries.
MoneyThe usual applies: Do not flash your valuables around; concealed money belts are the best way to carry money and your passport. In major cities, traveler's checks can be cashed easily; however, smaller towns may not have the capacity to exchange large amounts of traveler's checks. Obviously, there will be no place to cash traveler's checks along the trails or in Tikal.
TippingTrip leaders who you feel deserve to be rewarded for their knowledge and direction should receive a tip. $20 per person, per trip is a good gauge.
ClimateThe rainy season in the Peten runs approximately from June to January. It is a little cool during this period, especially at night. Rainfall usually occurs during the afternoons and nights. You may need a sweater or a jacket, especially during November and December. The dry season runs from February to May and is very hot and dry.
PhotosThe Scarlet Macaw Trail offers innumerable photo opportunities. 100 ASA film is recommended during the day when the light is strong. But for low-light situations, 400 ASA film is the preferred speed.
Medical ConsiderationsMalaria is common in rural Guatemala. Chloroquine is the drug most commonly used for malaria and is recommended for travelers to at risk areas in Guatemala. The weekly dosage is 500 mg. This drug should be taken one week before entering the malarious area, and weekly for 4 weeks after leaving the malarious area. Keep in mind that malaria tablets are simply a suppressant and not a preventative. Other precautions should be taken such as wearing repellent or thin, long-sleeved clothing and pants. And for any naturalists out there, garlic tablets are known to deter mosquitoes. (They don't emit any scent, so they won't deter your fellow humans!)
There is no particular vaccination required for entrance into Guatemala, but a boost of gamma globulin is recommended for partial protection against Hepatitis A. The shot also boosts your immune system so that you can more easily fight off any strange bodily predators. It is also a good idea to be up-to-date on the childhood vaccines including measles, mumps, rubella, polio, and tetanus.
Arranging a Trip Contact Juan Carlos Bonilla, the CEO of EcoMaya, to arrange a trip:
Address: Calle 30 de Junio, Cuidad Flores, Peten 17001, Guatemala, Central America
Phone: (502) 926-1363
E mail: ecomaya@guate.net
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