ONLINE JOURNALISM
INTERVIEWS
Ted Koppel
Guatemala resources
Last updated April 11, 2002
Getting there and around: American Airlines, United and Continental are among the airlines serving Guatemala. Guatemala now has a passport requirement instead of a tourist card. To get around the country on land, public transportation is challenging and time-consuming; a rental car is recommended but pricey at about $250 a week.
Political situation: For Guatemalans, freedom of speech and movement increased dramatically with the democratic election of a president in 1985. An ambitious peace accord between the government and rebels was signed on Sept. 19, 1996, and has been honored by both sides. Although Guatemala is no longer plagued by the instability of years past, visitors are advised not to flaunt their relative wealth and to take sensible precautions when traveling to remote areas.
Demographics: With 10 million people living in a land roughly the size of Ohio, Guatemala is Central America's most populous nation and third largest in area. It is the only country in the region largely Indian in culture.
Money: The monetary unit is the quetzal. Prices are generally one-half to one-third what one would pay in the U.S.
Season: High season for tourism is December to March, when the weather is warm and dry.
Food: Guatemala is not renowned for its cuisine. A typical meal consists of black beans, rice, tortillas and beef or chicken. Visitors are advised to avoid water that has not been boiled or bottled and to avoid fruit and vegetables that are not peeled or cooked.
Language: Most hotels and shops catering to tourists have a staff member who speaks English. Elsewhere, only Spanish and indigenous languages are heard. Guatemalans are renowned for their patience with those whose knowledge of Spanish is limited.
Lodging: Advance reservations are suggested during the peak season. The Inguat (national tourist commission) at the Guatemala City airport and in the larger cities can assist travelers with lists of hotels and rates.
In Tikal, the Jungle Lodge, Jaguar Inn and Tikal Inn offer spare but clean rooms and home-cooked meals. (Several small carriers make the hourlong flight from Guatemala City to nearby Santa Elena Airport daily at 7:15 a.m., returning at 4 p.m.; the fare is about $100.)
In Antigua, the Posasa Don Rodrigo ($40 a night) and the Hotel Aurora are top-flight colonial gems with lovely courtyard terraces.
In Panajachel one can find a comfortable room at a mid-range hotel such as the Regis for $17, while top-of-the-line accommodations at the lakeside Hotel Atitlan go for $52.
Chichicastenango is home to two of Guatemala's most elaborate hotels. The Mayan Inn, originally a colonial estate, has a homey feel, rooms filled with antiques, and a marimba player in traditional garb performing in the gardens ($53 a night). The newer Hotel Santo Tomas features a courtyard with white fountains and lush foliage ($49 a night).
Tourism books: Guatemala Guide by Paul Glassman (Passport Press) and Fodor's Guide to Central America (Fodor's Guides) contain detailed information on hotels, sightseeing, history, culture and more.
More information: Maps and brochures are available from the Guatemala Tourist Commission, 1-888-464-8281, or by e-mail at inguat@tradepoint.org.gt.
Online resources:
• Guatemala travel: an official site of the country's tourism bureau
• Guatemalaweb: Wide-ranging listings of everything from hotels to market days
• Lake Atitlan: Photos and text of the breathtaking lake
• Guatemala travel: A nice roundup by Britain's Guardian Unlimited
• Maya: The history, traditions and architecture of the Mayan people
• Stories: Mayan storytellers' tales handed down from generation to generation
• Istmania: A good portal for travelers to Central America (in Spanish)
This article:
Guatemala: An introduction
Tikal
Antigua
Panajachel/Lake Atitlan
Chichicastenango
Guatemala resources
Guatemala photo gallery
Travel articles
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