Guatemala FAQ for Visitors

Posted on July 18, 2009 - Filed Under Uncategorized | Leave a Comment

I get frequent questions from people who are coming down here to visit for a week or two and to save some time answering emails (though you are still welcome to write and say hi!), I’ve put together this FAQ for those of you interested in visiting Guatemala.

Health

Can I buy medicine over the counter?

Yup, the pharmacies here let you purchase anything you want just by walking in. If you prefer to self-diagnose, this is a haven for that. Also, most pharmacies can help you out if you describe your symptoms to them and will recommend a medicine that should help.

Is is safe to have ice in my drink?

It should be in Antigua, though I can’t speak for other places. I know that the restaurants and bars in Antigua purchase ice made from purified water.

Do I really need all the vaccinations that are recommended for Central America?

I would get the Hep A and B (and I did!) shots, simply because I think those are good to have anyway. However, you shouldn’t need any other vaccinations.

Is malaria rampant there?

No, it’s not. There is malaria in some areas, such as the coast and Peten, due to the altitude. Here in Antigua area, you don’t need to worry about it. Dengue, however, is a slight concern during the rainy season, so bring mosquito repellant.

Shopping

Will I be able to buy shampoo, razors, formula, etc. in Guatemala?

You will be able to find all the basics. However, they are NOT necessarily the same as where you live, so if you are particularly attached to your brand of soap, bring some with you.

Where is the best place to buy fruit and vegetables?

Don’t buy in the supermarket. Everything is super expensive there and you can get it dirt cheap in the market, you just have to bargain. Apples, for example, come in a bag of 5-7 apples for 10 quetzales. Strawberries range from 1-5 quetzales per pound when in season, depending on size. Cantelopes, when in season, are 3 for 10Q.

Safety

How safe is it to travel on a local bus?

It depends on where you are. From my village to Antigua, for example, it’s about 99% safe. Going to the capital is definitely riskier and riding the city buses these days is asking for trouble. You probably won’t be the target, but many bus drivers are being shot.

I’m coming alone and I’m female, should I worry?

Guatemala is like any other country in that you have to use common sense. Don’t dress scantily and go wandering down dark alleys at 3 am. Don’t flash your money around and keep jewelry to a minimum. As a foreign woman, you will get a lot of guys whistling, commenting or even grabbing your butt, but like I said, common sense should keep you out of trouble.

Travel Info

When is the rainy season and what should I expect?

The rainy season is supposed to be May to November. Lately, however, it hasn’t been quite as predictable and it could be up til July before the rain really starts. You can expect clear sunny mornings with clouds around noon. The rain usually starts around 3 pm and will often go all night.

Where should I visit while in Guatemala?

It totally depends on your timetable. Antigua is a great place to base your travels out of, it’s safe and has shuttles to just about everywhere in Guatemala, plus it is a tourist attraction in itself.

I would suggest the following schedules:

If you have one week:

1-3 days in Antigua (visit ruins, see the market, climb a volcano, visit the macademia nut farm)

1 day at Lanquin/Semuc Champey (caves and waterfalls)

1 market day at Chichicastenango (day trip from Antigua, get souvenirs cheap, market days are Thur. and Sun.)

1-2 days at Lake Atitlan/Panajachel (try one of the smaller villages across the lake, like San Pedro)

If you have two weeks, add in:

2-3 days at Tikal (it takes a while to get there and back, but is worth seeing!)

1-2 days exploring smaller villages around Antigua via chicken bus (San Antonio Aguas Calientes, San Juan del Obispo and San Felipe de Jesus are good places to go)

2 days at the beach (Monterrico is  a popular destination, Puerto San Jose has fewer tourists, both have black sand beaches)

More time on your hands?

1-3 days in Rio Dulce (take a boat trip up the river, visit the orphanage and check out the tropical shore)