Guatemala is a small country, lush and mountainous, that is graced with beautiful scenery, a rich indigenous culture, colonial history and important archaeological ruins. The country lies at the heart of the Mayan culture in Central America with remarkable Mayan sites and magnificent ruins set deep within the jungle.

The Mayan villages of the highlands are spread amid the breathtaking scenery of smoking volcanoes and spectacular lakes, where ancient customs and traditions persist despite five centuries of European domination. Their culture is expressed through vibrant weekly markets, bright traditional clothing, fabulous handicrafts and festivals.

Guatemalan society is split between the traditional and the modern, each following their own path in a country sprinkled with remnants of a colonial past. Nowhere is the Spanish legacy more evident than in the charming city of Antigua with its cobbled streets, plazas and elegant fountains, and towering volcanoes as a backdrop.

Antigua is a colonial town founded in 1543. Built 1,500 m above sea-level, in an earthquake-prone region, it was largely destroyed by an earthquake in 1773 but its principal monuments are still preserved as ruins. In the space of under three centuries the city, which was built on a grid pattern inspired by the Italian Renaissance, acquired a number of superb monuments.

Antigua is a charming city in the high plains of Guatemala, about 45 minutes from the country's capital, Guatemala City. This town is often visited by famous artist, politicians and other prominent visitors. Also, provides high international standards of comfort and furnishings without losing any of the charm of the historical and romantic city.

Antigua is probably best known for three things: the beautiful Spanish-style architecture and cobblestone streets preserved by law to this day, the many ruined churches and monasteries, and the majestic volcanoes looming on all sides. Antigua is popular with tourists at all times of year and is full of great restaurants, hotels built in the same Spanish style with heavenly, flowered courtyards, and many Spanish-language schools.

The weather is agreeable year round, temperature variation is small compared to other parts of the world, and the rainy season imposes very few restrictions on the tours and activities you can do. Some remote rural areas are hard to reach during the rainy season, but also many events and festivities take place during the rainy season and some activities, like water rafting, are more attractive during the rainy season. Whenever you come, you will have a great time in Guatemala!

Location
The airport is 4 miles (6km) south of Guatemala City, 16 miles (25km) from Antigua.

Time
Local time is GMT -6.

Electricity
Electricity in Guatemala is U.S. standard 110V/220V 60 Hz,
using plugs and outlets all the same as the U.S


Language
The official language is Spanish, English is understood in tourist destinations.
Many indigenous languages are also spoken.

Health
There is a number of health risks associated with travel to Guatemala and travelers
are advised to take the latest medical advice at least three weeks prior to departure.
Visitors should be careful what they eat and stick to bottled water.

Tipping
Generally a 10% tip is recommended. It is customary to tip waiters if a service
charge hasn't been added to the bill. Taxi drivers are not usually tipped.
Hotel staff and tour guides expect to be tipped for their services.

Telephone
Country code: 502. Most public phone booths accept phone cards.
To dial from USA 011 + 502 + phone number.

Mobile Telephone
Roaming agreements exist, Coverage is increasing.
You can buy also a local mobile phone with no need of a contract

Internet
Internet cafes are available in tourist areas, today you can find wirless internet as well

Postal Service
The regular mail service is also extremely cheap but not very speedy;
airmail letters generally take around a week to the US, a couple of weeks or more to Europe.
Alternatively, UPS, DHL and Federal Express all operate in Guatemala

Car rental
Car rental companies include Avis, Budget, Hertz and National.

Food and Drink
Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilised. Bottled water is recommended. Milk may be unpasteurised and should be boiled. Powdered or tinned milk is advised. Avoid dairy products which are likely to have been made from unboiled milk. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.

Departure Tax
The exit tax is US$30.00 plus an airport security tax of US$3.00.
Safety: Recommendations for visitors:
You dial 122 for volunteer firefighters, 123 for municipal firefighters, and 110 for the Civil National Police.