Often asked: What clothes to bring to Guatemala?
- One or two pairs of nice pants (lightweight material that dries quickly is helpful)
- Two to four pairs of work pants or jeans.
- Four T-shirts or short-sleeve polo shirts.
- Two or three blouses or dress shirts.
- Two-week supply of underwear and socks.
- One pair of long underwear.
- One pair of wool socks.
What kind of clothing do they wear in Guatemala?
– (Click to expand) Women in Guatemala typically wear casual, but conservative clothing. Dresses or slacks paired with a blouse are an everyday ensemble. Some women dress in traditional attire, which consists of a full-length skirt paired with a cotton blouse and a shawl if the weather is cool.
What should women wear when traveling in Guatemala?
- Show respect for the people and their culture.
- Dress conservatively while traveling in Guatemala. ...
- Learn a few Spanish words before traveling. ...
- Wear insect repellent when visiting Guatemalan beaches, especially at dusk.
- Bring a rain jacket or umbrella if traveling May through October.
- Expect to pay to use the bathroom and bring your own toilet paper.
What is the traditional clothing in Guatemala?
What is the most popular food in Guatemala?
- Pepian. This traditional chicken stew comes from the central region of Guatemala and comes served with veggies and rice . …
- Rellenitos.
- Tostadas. This list could not be complete without the mighty tostada! …
- Arroz en leche. …
- Enchilada. …
- Champurradas.
- Gallo en Chicha. …
- Tapado.
How much do people make in Guatemala?
The minimum salary in Guatemala is currently of 2,831.77 Quetzales per month in export factories with bonuses included. The minimum salary is higher in other sectors, at 3075 Quetzales per month, just slightly below 400 USD. The currency in the Guatemala is the quetzal.
What is the dress code in Guatemala?
Modest Clothing Modest, feminine clothing is a must when visiting Guatemala. Skirts or dresses that fall below the knee are a common choice for business and pleasure. Khaki pants or dress slacks can also be worn in some areas, though shorts are typically discouraged and often identify a woman as a tourists.
What can I bring into Guatemala?
What You Can Bring into Guatemala -- Visitors to Guatemala may bring any and all reasonable goods and belongings for personal use during their stay. Cameras, computers, and electronic equipment, as well as fishing and diving gear for personal use, are permitted duty-free.
What should I avoid in Guatemala?
11 Things You Should Never Do in Guatemala, EverDon't take photos of locals without asking.Don't get scammed at the border.Don't skip Guatemala City.Don't assume ATMs will be around.Don't wear sandals to Tikal.Don't be scared of the police.Don't expect good coffee to be ever-present.Don't assume everyone speaks Spanish.More items...•
Can you wear jewelry in Guatemala?
Guatemala's minimum wage is about 80 Quetzales (roughly USD10) per day, therefore much of the population lives in poverty. Pickpocketing, theft and muggings can be a problem. Keep your valuables secure and don't flash them around. Dress casually and leave your treasured jewellery at home.
What do you need for 2021 Guatemala?
The following protocols remain in effect: All passengers 10 years of age and over arriving in Guatemala by air and land are required to obtain one of the following: A negative COVID-19 PCR or antigen test within 72 hours prior to check-in at the airport or arrival at the land border; or.
Do I need a Covid test to fly to Guatemala?
For all travelers aged 10 and over: Proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR or antigen test from a certified lab conducted no more than three (3) days prior to check in at the airport or arrival at the land border.
Is Guatemala safe for tourists 2021?
Guatemala - Level 3: Reconsider Travel. Reconsider travel to Guatemala due to crime. Some areas have increased risk.
Is Guatemala safe for female travelers?
Female travellers are treated no differently than male travellers, and the country is overall safe and fun for women to travel to. I haven't experienced any form of catcalling or situations that I felt unsafe in as a traveller, however other women have – especially those that have spent a long time in the country.
What is the safest city in Guatemala?
Safest Places in GuatemalaAntigua Guatemala. Antigua Guatemala is a classic colonial town with beautiful neighbourhoods to stay at, and a great place to kick back or wander around the cobblestone streets. ... Xela (Quetzaltenango) Quetzaltenango is commonly referred to as Xela (pronounced Shela). ... Lake Atitlán.
How much money should I take to Guatemala?
You should plan to spend around Q304 ($40) per day on your vacation in Guatemala, which is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors. Past travelers have spent, on average, Q87 ($11) on meals for one day and Q55 ($7.22) on local transportation.
What should I pack for Guatemala City?
General ClothingOne or two pairs of nice pants (lightweight material that dries quickly is helpful)Two to four pairs of work pants or jeans.Four T-shirts or short-sleeve polo shirts.Two or three blouses or dress shirts.Two-week supply of underwear and socks.One pair of long underwear.One pair of wool socks.More items...
What is the typical food in Guatemala?
List of typical foodsTapado, seafood soup with green plantain slices.Chiles rellenos, bell peppers stuffed with meat and vegetables, covered in whipped egg whites and fried.Gallo en perro, spicy stew ("perro" being slang for "hot/spicy")Gallo en chicha, hen/chicken stew.Garnachas.More items...
What do Guatemalan women wear?
Casual, conservative clothing is both proper and practical. Guatemalan women usually wear skirts and dress pants, and men wear long trousers. Think “business casual”, but comfortable. Capri pants, jeans and skirts are common. Shorts are worn, though it is recommended to be of modest length and limited to Panajachel and hotel pools. Children are fine with shorts. Comfortable FLAT shoes are a must. Antigua has cobblestone streets and other areas have uneven walking surfaces. Athletic shoes / sneakers are even better than shoes. Sandals can be worn, but are less practical.
How to call Guatemala from a hotel?
A computer and/or wifi is provided in most hotels and internet cafes are abundant throughout Guatemala. Many internet cafes now offer SKYPE. All Guatemala phone numbers have eight digits. To dial Guatemala from Canada or the USA, dial 011+ 502 + the eight digit number. To dial Canada or the USA from Guatemala, dial 001+ area code + seven digit number. Some U.S. or Canadian-based cell phones can be used internationally once activated for international calls. Contact your carrier to see if your cell phone can be used from Guatemala, the per-minute call rate, and what you need to do to activate it. You can purchase a cheap cell phone here for @ $20.- $25. which often includes @ 30 minutes calling time. With these phones, local and long distance (to the USA or Canada) calls all cost the same at @ $0.25 cents (US) per minute or less. Receiving local or long distance calls on these phones are free.
What time do Guatemalan banks open?
Guatemalan banks are usually open from 8:30 or 9:00am to 5:00 or 6:00 pm , Monday through Friday, and 9:00 am to 1:00 pm on Saturdays. Some banks in Antigua and Panajachel are open Sunday as well. Hours vary from bank to bank. There are ATM machines everywhere. Banks may charge a small fee to change your dollars. Go to the customer service desk with your passport to change dollars or travelers checks before exchanging at the teller window. Note some banks require 2 pieces of ID to take out a cash advance or use your debit card at the teller window if you do not want to use an ATM. Bring you driver’s license with you !
How many people live in La Ciudad Guatemala?
La Ciudad Guatemala (Guatemala City) is a metropolitan city of 12 million people. As such, it shares many of the same conveniences and problems of other cities this size. We do not spend time in Guatemala City except for your arrival and departure, but there are a few good places to visit for a ½ or full day.
How long do you have to stay in Guatemala to get a visa?
The Guatemalan government currently does not require Canadian or US citizens staying fewer than 90 days to obtain visas, but your passport will be stamped and your stay is not to exceed 90 days.
What is the denomination of a Quetzal?
The Quetzal ( Q) – named for Guatemala’s rare and beautiful national bird – is divided into 100 Centavos. There are coins and paper bills in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 “Quetzales”. Exchange rates vary, but usually about 7.5 “Q’s” to 1 U.S. dollar. *** NOTE that banks do not use the international exchange rate. For example if the international rate is 7.85, banks will probably exchange at 7.65 +/- . Each bank has a slightly different rate. Always good to break a larger bill when possible as many vendors and small places can not make much change.
Is Guatemala a return visit?
You have decided to travel to Guatemala ! For some families, this is the first time and for others it is a return visit. Traveling to a different country – any country – can be stressful as you are traveling “outside your comfort zone”. Depending on your added activities (if any), you may be feeling more anxious, excited, nervous, unsure, scared, happy, etc. Add that to the stress of organizing your life to leave home, packing, and worrying about your pets !
Luggage
In Central America, the land of chicken buses and muddy roads, bringing a backpack instead of a suitcase is a no-brainer. However, I literally unpacked and re-packed between two different backpacks several times, trying to decide which to bring.
Clothing
Choosing which clothes to take was the hardest part of packing for me. I expect to encounter temperatures varying between 40 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit so I’ve included quite an assortment of items. A combination of layering techniques and weekly laundry should help me prepare for all scenarios and have enough to wear for several weeks.
Shoes
Cutting down my shoe list to small number was hard. I’d love a pair of sneakers for running and a pair of slip-on walking shoes for everyday wear. Unfortunately, it just wasn’t going to happen.
Personal Care
By my best guess, I have enough of everything in this item to last for the full trip, despite the fact that things like soap and toothpaste could easily be obtained within the country.
Electronics
My biggest debate in the electronic category was whether to opt for a laptop or iPad; bringing both was never a consideration even though I use them for different things. Although the tablet wins instant points for being more compact and having a longer battery life, I chose the computer for easier blogging and photo editing.
Miscellaneous
This catch-all category could easily grow out of hand if you let it, but I tried to keep things to a bare minimum. My Girl Scout background had me wanting to prepare for all scenarios, but that’s simply not a practical option.
The Final Product
Amazingly, the end result is almost the same as my packing list for vacation normally.
What do people wear in Guatemala?
It is a city where you’ll see people on the street wearing all ranges of clothing from men in power suits, to women in dresses and heels, to people wearing jeans and T-shirts. Like any major city in the world, there are upscale areas with hotels, restaurants, and bars. Pack some comfortable yet elegant basic clothes for going out in the evening.
How to dress in Guatemala?
Indigenous Mayans are modest dressers. Wear pants or a long skirt if you’re visiting a religious attraction, like a church or ceremonial site, and make sure you take off your hat when entering.
How many seasons does Guatemala have?
Guatemala has two seasons rainy and dry seasons. The rainy season inland is from May to October with a break for approximately four to seven weeks in July and August that is called a canícula. Along the coasts, the rainy season extends to December. During the rainy season it is often sunny in the mornings with late afternoon showers. These showers can be quite heavy. The dry season stretches from November through April with sparse to no precipitation, and days are typically sunny throughout.
What to bring to Xela?
Homes and public buildings in Xela are made of cement blocks and are not heated. When packing your bags you will want to pack warm clothes and bring clothing that will allow you to dress in layers. Bring a warm jacket, sweatshirt, long pants, long sleeved shirt, and a hat for the evenings. Sturdy walking shoes or boots are a must . During the rainy season bring rain gear.
What to wear to Xela?
During the day Xela has comfortable temperatures. Light pants and short sleeve shirts are perfect. As previously mentioned, the key is to dress in layers as the mornings and evenings are quite cool.
What are some Spanish words to learn before traveling?
Learn a few Spanish words before traveling. Por favor (please), Gracias (thank you), Buenos días (Good morning), Hola (Hi), ¿Cómo está? (How are you), Mucho gusto (Nice to meet you), No hablo español (I don’t speak Spanish).
What is the dress code for Antigua?
Antigua has many bars and restaurants and the dress is generally casual. Large majorities of the people in Antigua are passing through, so jeans and a shirt are suitable for men and jeans and a blouse or a casual dress are suitable for women. The streets are cobblestone and uneven so wear comfortable shoes. High heels aren’t very practical in most places in Guatemala.
What to wear in Guatemala?
Essentials include light-colored pants and shirts ( leave your shorts at home ), swimwear, sarong, and a light raincoat or windbreaker. light wool is a good choice to wear against your skin ...
What to wear to visit Tikal?
If your trip includes the ruins at Tikal be sure to wear lightweight walking shoes, it makes exploring a lot easier. If you plan to trek around the country then our advice would be to take a raincoat whatever time of year you travel.
What to wear for 10 hour protection?
Wear plenty of sunscreen (we love the Riemann P20 range for 10 hour protection) too, a good sunhat and sunglasses, and don't forget your insect/mosquito repellent.
What is Madda Fella's casual wear?
If you're looking for versatile and stylish casual wear, try the Madda Fella range of shirts, shorts and polos.
What is the best way to pack a suitcase?
A bag or soft-sided rucksack is a more practical option than hard cases when traveling around the country, and using packing cubes can help to keep your belongings tidy whilst compressing the volume too.
What do you need to use electrical gadgets?
To use electrical gadgets you may need a travel adapter plug, and also a step up voltage converter if your devices are not designed for the local voltage (120V).
What is the climate like in the highlands?
The climate varies according to the altitude; the highlands have warm days and cool nights and dressing in layers will help you cope with the temperature changes.
What to bring to Guatemala for stomach bug?
Stomach bugs are quite rampant in Guatemala. It’s a good idea to bring some oregano and grapefruit seed extract, both of which work as natural antibacterials and, if used daily, can help prevent infections. Recycling initiatives and environmental awareness in general are still developing. Many take-away cups and containers end up in makeshift garbage dumps, so it’s a great idea to bring a reusable water bottle and/or a portable coffee mug. As far as devices go, the electrical current is 60 Hz and plugs are two flat prongs, the same as in the U.S. and Canada, so you won't need a converter.
What to pack for Tikal?
Visitors who plan to spend time in these regions should pack light, quick-drying clothes, mosquito repellent, sunhats and a high quality sunscreen.
Is Guatemala warm or cold?
Most people assume Guatemala is warm, and generally speaking, it is, but the weather varies greatly depending on where you are. Coined the “Land of Eternal Spring,” it’s true that the central highlands of the country boast spring-like weather all year round, but most people do not realize that the higher altitudes have significantly cooler weather, and both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts are consistently hot and humid. Knowing what to expect can make your packing process a lot easier.
What to wear to Candelaria Caves?
Swimsuit – due to the conservative nature of the country, I would recommend a one-piece swimsuit for women and maybe a pair of boardshorts and/or rash vest. This would be an ideal combo for places like Candelaria Caves. Don’t pack a string bikini.
What insect repellent is safe to use in Guatemala?
Pack an insect repellent that contains recommended amounts of DEET, picaridin or other approved product e.g. RID Tropical Strength or OFF Deep Woods. Consult a doctor or travel clinic about your specific itinerary and whether you need vaccinations or preventative medications.
What voltage is used in Guatemala?
Electricity in Guatemala is delivered at 110 volts, 60Hz with two-pin power outlets (same as the US). Depending on where you are travelling from and what kind of appliances you are bringing, you may need an international adapter and or converter. Generally, modern phones, tablets and laptops are made for both 110V and 220-240V, but it pays to check this detail.
What are the seasons in Guatemala?
Guatemala has three climate zones – tropical, temperate and cool , and two distinct seasons—wet (May -October) and dry (November – April). Depending on the specific places you are travelling to, and time of year you will need to adjust your pack accordingly. Check the temperature and rainfall averages for major cities/regions here.
What to wear for long walks?
Shorts – wear long shorts that will be conservative, cool, and are comfortable for extended walking.
When is rain jacket season?
Rain jacket or poncho during the wet season (May-October).
Is Guatemala a conservative country?
Culturally, Guatemala is a conservative country . Most locals cover their chest, shoulders and down to below their knees – men too! Try to reflect this in your own dress and you are less likely to offend your hosts or attract unwanted attention. Pay special attention to covering up when visiting churches or rural villages.
What to Pack
Staying Healthy While Here
- Turista. Montezuma’s Revenge. Food poisoning. Whatever name you give it, diarrhea is the last thing you want on this special trip. Guatemalan cuisine is delicious and interesting; take a little care, and you can enjoy some unique dining experiences during your trip. Your stomach may not used to the spices and condiments used in Guatemala. In general, experts suggest eating foods …
More (!)Important Info
- Money:
TheQuetzal(Q) – named for Guatemala’s rare and beautiful national bird – is divided into 100 Centavos. There are coins and paper bills in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 “Quetzales”. Exchange rates vary, but usually about 7.5 “Q’s”to 1 U.S. dollar. ***NOTE that banks … - Phone calls, internet and SKYPE:
International phone calls from hotel room phones tend to be very expensive as most hotels add a service charge. It is recommended to use the internet for international communication. A computer and/or wifi is provided in most hotels and internet cafes are abundant throughout Gua…
The Trip Itself
- Your flight:
Most flights into Guatemala City connect through the Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, Atlanta, or Miami, so the last leg of your journey will likely be less than three hours long. While descending into Guatemala City you may feel some turbulence due to the mountains. Guatemala City is a lar… - Arrival into La Aurora Airport, Guatemala City:
When you land, you will taxi to one of several gates. Upon deplaning, you’ll walk down along hallway toward immigration and customs. You will pass a bank if you want to exchange any money BUT they give a very poor exchange rate. First, you’ll enter an immigration line, so have yo…
Cultural Differences
- You will be confronted with many differences while visiting Guatemala Most North Americans find these very frustrating. Below are some helpful hints. * Please say thank you (“gracias”) for almost everything; otherwise you’ll be impolite. * Timing? There is not such a thing as timing in Guatemala (or Latin America in general). We even have our own time, the “hora chapina”, which …
Etiquette
- Why and what is “etiquette”?
Your trip to Guatemala is an opportunity to learn about another culture, including the fact that there are wonderful people everywhere who share our same hopes, fears and dreams. This is what unites us as human beings, after all! Take the opportunity not only to learn as much about … - Please Do!..
1. • Remember that you are a visitor and guest in their country, and behave accordingly. Show respect for the people and the culture. And no, not everyone knows or speaks English !!! 2. • Learn about Guatemala before you travel. 3. • Listen to the advice of your guide or hosts. 4. • Show an i…
Tipping
- A 10% gratuity is expected at restaurants. Many restaurants include the “propina” but check your bill and see if it was added or not. Feel free to leave more if you have exceptional service. A s...
- A tip of @ Q10. or $1. per bag for an airport or hotel porter is appropriate – same rate per person for hotel cleaning staff. Be gracious and show that you appreciated the efforts of the …
- A 10% gratuity is expected at restaurants. Many restaurants include the “propina” but check your bill and see if it was added or not. Feel free to leave more if you have exceptional service. A s...
- A tip of @ Q10. or $1. per bag for an airport or hotel porter is appropriate – same rate per person for hotel cleaning staff. Be gracious and show that you appreciated the efforts of the cleaning...
- Taxi drivers and tuk-tuk drivers have their tip included in the cost of their service.
- When using public restrooms, you may be in the care of a bathroom attendant, so be sure to have Q1.ready to compensate them for their service.
Personal Safety Issues and International Travel
- Guatemala is a country with significant poverty issues which is seen in many developing countries. As such, simple pick pocketing is common. I make every attempt possible to keep you safe during your time here by creating an appropriate itinerary and avoiding areas and activities which I feel may be questionable or dangerous. Here are some general guidelines: (note, some s…