A vacation is always more pleasant when you take some time to learn a little about the place you’re visiting, including its climate, currency, and hints for staying safe while traveling.
When to Visit Guatemala
Peak tourist season in Guatemala occurs at the same time folks up north are starting to get tired of the cold weather, namely December through March. That’s also dry season in Central America and the ideal time to visit. It’s best to avoid the rainy season as roads often become impassible. If you plan on visiting at Easter or Christmas, secure reservations ahead. The cities, in particular, are quite crowded at that time and accommodations are more expensive.
Visa Requirements for Visiting Guatemala
For citizens of the United States, Canada, Great Britain, all European Union nations, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand, only passports are needed to enter Guatemala. Visas are not necessary. Guests from these countries may stay for a maximum of 90 days. Stays may be extended but the process takes some time to complete and can be complicated.
Guatemala Currency
Guatemala’s unit of currency is the quetzal. You’ll find paper notes in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 quetzales and coins in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 25, and 50 centavos. There are also 1 quetzal coins. Most taxis and shuttles also accept U.S. dollars. ATM machines are abundant and often the best way to get local currency, though money can also be exchanged at a bank.
Climate in Guatemala
Like most tropical countries, Guatemala has both a rainy and a dry season. Temperatures vary greatly according to elevation, and some areas, such as the rainforest, are wet all the time while others are mostly dry. The coast is hot during the majority of the year while the highlands offer more comfortable temperatures.
Health and Safety for you Visit
If you’re heading to Guatemala on vacation, you won’t need any special immunizations, though some health professionals recommend Hepatitis A and B vaccines before departure.
It’s best to drink bottled water and soft drinks and to avoid drinks with ice. Most travel guides also recommend that you stay away from fruits that may have been washed in unclean water.
The most common ailments reported by Guatemalan travelers are traveler’s diarrhea and heat-related illnesses, caused by overexposure to the sun.
Safety can be an issue in Guatemala though there have been some improvements lately. Travelers should be especially diligent on city streets where pickpockets are common and when traveling in rural areas. Also, women should avoid traveling alone.