The land of colorful indigenous markets, people and sites that tell the story of Mayan culture.
Les Essentials
Guatemala in detail
Some information relevant to the country Guatemala.
Capital :
Guatemala City
Area :
108 890 km²
Population :
14 millions
Currency :
Quetzal | 8 GTQ = 1€
Language :
Spanish
Time difference :
-8h en été | -7h en hiver (Paris)
Best seasons :
November to February
Guatemala
Practical info
Find out more about your dream destination. You'll find all the practical information you need to make sure you don't get lost on your first trip.
Gastronomy
Traditional cuisine is a blend of cultures, with meals accompanied by the famous tortillas, a type of corn or wheat cake. The most common drinks are lager and fruit juice. Drink purified water.
Embassy
2 Rue Villebois-Mareuil, 75017 Paris Phone: +33 (0) 1 42 27 78 63
Crafts
Textiles are renowned for their sophistication. There's also jewelry, wood and leather goods.
Credit cards
VISA or MASTERCARD international credit cards are generally accepted in hotels and some stores. There are few ATMs. So it's best to exchange currency at Guatemala City airport and at VISA or MASTERCARD-affiliated banks.
Route selection
Climate
The climate is tropical, but much of the country is mountainous, so temperatures in the highlands are generally pleasant during the day, but it can be cool, especially in the morning and evening, and even cold at times. The lower regions are hot and humid: the coast and the Petén region.
Electricity
It is 110 V, with flat plugs. An adapter is required. Computers and cell phones generally have an internal transformer, so all you need is an adapter for the socket.
Public holidays
January 1: New Year's Day
April 6 to 9: Easter
May 1: Labour Day
July 3: Army Day
September 15: Independence Day
October 20: October Revolution Day
November 1: All Saints' Day
December 25: Christmas Day
Opening hours
There are 7 hours less than in France in winter and 8 hours less in summer. When it's 4:00 pm in France, it's 9:00 am in winter and 8:00 am in summer in Guatemala.
Internet
WIFI connections are often free in hotels.
Language
The official language is Spanish.
Money & Change
The national currency is the Quetzal. 1 euro is worth around 8 Quetzals. It is advisable to bring US dollar bills in small denominations or US dollar traveller's cheques, as Euros are practically not accepted. Money must be exchanged at official banks and exchange houses, and a passport is required for transactions.
Clothes
Sportswear for visiting the sites, with good shoes. Bring light clothing and warmer clothes to cover up in case of cold and/or chill on the heights. Bring a light raincoat.
Recommendations: hat, sunglasses, sun cream and mosquito repellent.
Taxis
Health
No vaccinations are required on entering the country. It is advisable to drink mineral water and watch what you swallow. It is advisable to be up to date with your Diphtheria Tetanus Poliomyelitis (DT Polio), Hepatitis A and B vaccinations. Protect yourself from mosquito bites. Consult your doctor in advance.
Security
Il faut respecter des règles basiques de sécurité, comme par exemple :
Eviter de se promener dans les rues et les quartiers isolés ou mal fréquentés
Procéder avec prudence aux opérations de retrait d’argent ou de change
Laisser bijoux et objets de valeur dans le coffre fort de l’hôtel ou en lieu sûr
N’emporter que les sommes d’argent ou les cartes de crédit strictement nécessaires
Demander conseils au guide accompagnateur au cas par cas
Ne pas sortir le soir
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