Guatemala

Itineraries While we intend to adhere to the route described in your contract, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion, it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations.
The contract is a general guide to the tour, region and proposed itinerary any mention of specific wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be encountered, as we can never guarantee what mother nature has to offer us.
Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.

Accommodation If a hotel is unexpectedly fully booked, we will always contact you before booking an alternative. We will always offer alternatives of the same level and value for money.
Kindly note that water is scarce in many parts of the world, so we always recommend taking short showers and reuse towels if possible.

Emergency Contact Should you need to contact Your Travel Nation during a situation of dire need. If you do not receive an immediate answer for any reason, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so we may return your call and assist you as soon as possible. We have an emergency line, which will connect you directly with our office.
+1 757 656 3391 

Luggage You will be on the move a lot, so our advice is to pack as lightly as possible. Your baggage should be restricted to one medium-sized rolling bag, duffle bag or backpack, maximum 15kg, plus a daypack. Luggage limits on airlines are strictly enforced and space on vehicles is limited.

Packing list
Documents:
• Flight info (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the immigration)
• Insurance info (With photocopies)
• Passport  (With photocopies)
• Required visas or vaccination certificates  (With photocopies)
• Copy of your contract

Essentials:
• Any medication you might need: This should include medication for possible common situations like headaches or diarrhoea;
• Sunblock, sunglasses, hat and lip balm.
• Your electronic devices and chargers.
For camera and lenses; we recommend bringing a wide lens (about 17-55mm) for those scenery pictures, and a GoPro for those action shots; Renting a camera is not possible. Please ensure your camera equipment is appropriate for different weather conditions;
• Clothes: Comfortable and casual clothing, with khaki, beige or green colours. You should pack T-shirts, shirts with long sleeves, jeans, a sweater and a jacket (for the cold mornings), swimwear (if the accommodation you selected has a pool or if you do a beach extension) and comfortable hiking shoes;
• Insect repellent;
• Refill water bottle;
• Adaptor for A and B type plugs. 

Laundry Hand washing of clothes can be done at most of the hotels where you will stay. We recommend you bring a non-polluting/biodegradable soap, as well as a roll of simple string to act as a drying line for your clothes. If you arrive in the late afternoon, or if there is poor weather, it may not be possible for your clothes to completely dry. Your hotels may also have a laundry service available at an additional fee.

Visa & Entry requirements Visa on arrival is available at international airports. British citizens do not need a visa to visit Guatemala for up to 90 days. Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of six months from the date of entry into Guatemala.

Insurance A travel insurance is highly recommended when traveling. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that we highly recommend good medical coverage and repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects.
We don’t issue any insurances; however, we recommend using www.worldnomads.com

Health We recommend you contact your family physician, or your local travel clinic for the most up-to-date health information at least three months before departure or in case of a last-minute tour, as soon as you confirm your travels. Travellers are also advised to carry a basic first-aid kit and hand sanitisers/antibacterial wipes on their travels. Medical facilities are basic throughout these countries. For your own safety, we strongly recommend that you advise your local guide of any medical condition that may affect you while travelling. Your local guide will be able to inform you of local health advisories (e.g. drinking water quality). Please ensure you have all the inoculations recommended by your doctor.

Allergies and dietary restrictions This is something we take very seriously. Upon booking with us, we will send you a form in which you will be able to indicate any dietary preference or restriction or any specific request you might have. We will then provide that information in advance to all the hotels.

Safety and Security Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. 
We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, bank cards, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage.
Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of your group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our local guides have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes.

Photography and drone laws Please refrain from taking photos of police stations, airports, bus stations, immigration or border crossings, army barracks and personnel, or any government building. It is against the law and will result in the minimum of your film and camera being confiscated. Drone use is allowed in Guatemala, but several drone laws need to be followed when flying in the country.

Electricity In Guatemala the power plugs and sockets are of type A and B. Type A: mainly used in North and Central America, China and Japan. This socket only works with plug A.Type B: like type A but with an extra prong for grounding. This socket also works with plug A. The standard voltage is 120 V and the standard frequency is 60 Hz.

Religion Roman Catholicism is the largest religion in Guatemala 

Climate Guatemala has a tropical climate, but the temperatures and rainfall can vary greatly within different regions. The country’s various weather patterns are mainly the result of altitude and mountains. The temperature and climate vary in Guatemala according to the altitude. The average annual temperature on the coast ranges from 25 degrees Celsius to 30 degrees Celsius (77° to 86° Fahrenheit ). When you get to higher places in the country the temperature is much lower with only 15 degrees Celsius (52° Fahrenheit). The rainy season starts in May and lasts until October inland. At the coast, it starts in May and lasts until December

Best time to visit There isn’t one best time to visit Guatemala — it has a pleasant climate that lends itself to year-round trips, with temperatures between 72F and 90F. The dry season runs from November to April, but even in the wet season (May to October) the rainfall only lasts for a couple of hours a day in the main visitor regions. The highlands are known for having beautiful warm days, but the nights are cooler. The lowlands around Tikal are usually hot all year round (79F-90F), with humidity increasing from May onward. the benefits of travelling out of season, too. In May, you’ll see the Victoria Falls at their most spectacular, when its tumbling torrent is spectacularly full but not producing too much spray. March, meanwhile, is a treat for birdwatchers.

Plastic bags Plastic bags are banned from entering Guatemala. However, plastics carrier items known as “Ziplock bags” that are specifically used to carry toiletries will be permitted as they are expected to remain in the permanent possession of visitors and are not expected to be disposed of in the country.  

Money and currency The Guatemalan currency is the quetzal (Q. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. We always recommend carrying enough cash if you would like to pay for something in a remote place and the credit card machine cannot connect to any network. Please keep in mind that credit- or debit cards can also be used. Please keep in mind that credit- or debit card payments may be subject to an extra charge, varying from 7% to -10%. Depending on the card and co-branded payment network.

Tipping Tipping in Guatemala is pretty common and to be expected in most places. Tipping a guide is always 10 per cent. A 10 per cent sales tax is usually included in the price of hotels, restaurants, and shops. The 12 per cent hotel tax is usually included in the rates of budget and mid-range hotels but is often added on as extra at luxury hotels 

Dress code There’s no special dress code for women to consider when visiting Guatemala, though you might want to avoid seriously short skirts or tight tops to avert potential hassle. Generally in indigenous areas, most local women wear a calf-length skirt, but it’s fine for foreigners to wear trousers or knee-length short pants. By the coast or around a hotel pool, sunbathing in a swimsuit is perfectly acceptable, though it’s best to keep your bikini top on. Guatemalan men very rarely wear shorts, except on the beach, but foreigners can do as they please without offence – except perhaps to a formal engagement.