Travel guide to Guatemala

Guatemala offers a mountainous landscape with several volcanoes rising in the southern highlands. A few of them are still active. Beautiful rivers, which flow into both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean snake between the mountains and the forests.

Guatemala can be visited year-round, but the most comfortable time to go is during the dry season, which lasts from December through to April.

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Quetzal (Q)

Internet cafés can be found in the cities and big towns in the country. Their number is not consistent and it is a good idea to ask where to find them, at the local tourist office.

To call for help in Guatemala, dial the following numbers Police: (120) Ambulance: (128) Fire brigade: (123)

It is normal to tip 10% in most places

When it is 12:00 in England (summertime), it is 05:00 in Guatemala When it is 12:00 in England (wintertime), it is 06:00 in Guatemala

The following weights and measures are used in Guatemala: Weight: kilos Length: metres

There are no general rules concerning photography but some locals are shy and it is a good idea to ask before taking pictures. The rules should be followed in holy places.

All drinking water, water for brushing teeth and water for ice cubes should be boiled before it is used.

The following power source is used in Guatemala: 110 volts AC, 60 Hz

There are not any specific rules of behaviour but there are many holy places and the rules in these places should be shown respect.

Banks are open from 9:00 to 14:00 (Monday - Friday) Shops are open from 9:00 to 12:30 and from 14:00 to 18:00 (Monday - Friday). Most shops are also open until noon on Saturdays. Office hours: 8:30 to 18:00 (Monday - Friday)

Guatemala offers a wide variety of restaurants. The cuisines of many different countries can be found in the country. Anything from Chinese to Mexican food is on offer and there are also many cafés with a continental selection. It is important to be aware that there is a big difference in the price but not so much in the quality of the food.

Conditions are not very good for the disabled in the country. Facilities for the disabled are very rare and it is a good idea to contact the places where you wish to go before departure.

New Year's Day: 1 January Labour Day: 1 May Army Day: 30 June Virgin Mary Day (only in Guatemala City): 15 August Independence Day: 15 September Revolution Day: Revolution Day: 20 October Halloween: 1 November Christmas Day: 25 December New Year's: 31 December (only the Afternoon)

Camping sites with basic facilities can be found in most of the country. A popular place to camp is near the active volcano Pacaya where glowing lava and ashes from the volcano can be seen.

There is a wide range of hotels all over Guatemala and it is possible to find anything, from luxury hotels to smaller and cheaper hotels.

More or less all large towns and cities have guesthouses that offer accommodation at a fair price.

There are national flights between the big cities in the country. There are differences in price and frequency.

Buses operate between all large towns and cities, mini-buses operate between the villages. The buses are cheap but mostly crowded.

There are no passenger trains in Guatemala.

Taxis operate in towns and cities. They are easy to hire in the street or to order in the hotels. It is customary to tip the driver.

It is easy to rent a car in Guatemala City where both international and national companies operate. A national driver's licence is sufficient.

There are official warnings concerning crime and serious attacks in Guatemala. Please check out the latest Foreign Office recommendations.