Common Questions
1. How are the washroom facilities?
- While not the most important question, for those of us from North America, its important. (You'd be amazed at how many people don't travel for this reason). And so we take it quite seriously in our travels and overnights. The homes, coffee plantation & hotels in which we will be staying have excellent facilities. In short, we'll take great care of you.
2. Banking etc... How can we best deal with the local currencies?
- Well, first of all the Guatemalan currency is the "Quetzal" (pronounced "Kate-sall") and hereby referred to as "Q". It is trading at approximately 7.5 Q. to the Canadian dollar.
- Don't worry about bringing currency with you when you come. Upon your arrival we will be visiting ATM machines in order to ensure you have a little cash on hand.
- There are ATMs in our primary travel areas which will disburse whatever cash you need. We find these to be the easiest means of retrieving money. Traveler's cheques are also an option but involve standing in line in banks... during banking hours.
- There are restaurants and shops that accept Visa. However without a little local currency in your pockets, you will miss out on some of the delights to be found at street level.
- Some of us like to carry a small amount of American cash with us but it is not necessary.
3. What are my additional costs?
- You will need to take responsibility for your health insurance and airline ticket. We can direct you to good people for this or you can talk to your travel agent.
- A few meals will be open to your own choice of restaurants. Many hidden restaurants with excellent fares wait to be discovered.
- There is a $4.00 airport improvement tax at the Guatemalan airport and $25 exit fee (which is likely already
covered in your ticket).
- Any bad deals made in the markets are totally your own…
4. Is the food safe?!
- The food in the homes & hotels in which we will be staying is great. Fruits, vegetables & salads are carefully prepared. They are used to serving international travelers and do so in generally good humor.
5. Is the water safe?
- Yes. It's really not an issue any longer. Bottled water is available everywhere. Our Homes use bottled water and we will have water & snacks at all the volunteer sites.
- Ice in restaurants and hotels is made with pure water. (stay away from street vendors selling iced drinks. )
6. Clothing... what should we bring?
- Pack light and casual! Casual wear is suggested daytime traveling. Dress code for most evenings is smart casual. Work groups will need to bring clothing appropriate to the task.
- Approximate daytime temperature in the Highlands: 80 F (27 C), night temp: 60 F (16 C). Footwear – comfort is the key here. Bring along a good pair of walking shoes/runners. Don’t go out and buy a special pair, take the best of what you already have for walking and light hiking.
- Swimwear, towel and clothing appropriate for a couple of days in a hotel pool setting.
- Comfortable dress outfit for the occasional special outing.
- Light sweater or light jacket. Mornings and evenings can be cool in the Highlands.
7. Is it safe in the areas of our destinations?
- Every place in the world, including Canada has travel precautions.
We will stay on top of any advisories that are issued so that all necessary safety precautions are taken while traveling.
- Having said that, the areas in which we will be staying (volunteering) and traveling are staffed with special policing so as to minimize hazards to travelers. So, yes it's safe. Really.
- We always partner, work and travel with local guides who take all precautions with people in their care.
8. What vaccinations are required to enter Guatemala?
- No vaccinations are required to enter Guatemala.
- Legally, we cannot give medical advice, so please consult your doctor before deciding whether or not to receive a vaccination. You may also check the Center for Disease Control website at www.cdc.gov/travel for Guatemala travel advisories and disease updates. Please note that many Central American pharmacies sell the 500 mg. We do not endorse any products, but many in the tour industry take the Avon Expedition repellent into the tropical areas.
- Note: We travel in Guatemala during the dry season, a wonderful time to travel. Insects are at almost nonexistent and the temperatures in the Highlands especially are wonderful.
9. How will we be traveling ?
- We use proven tourism travel professionals. All of our vehicles will be driven by competent and responsible contractors. No chicken busses... although you may want to try them out just for the experience.
10. How much luggage can we take?
- Our encouragement would be to travel lightly.
- The airlines are changing their policies. Please check carefully with your chosen airline for clarity on this before you get to the airport.
11. What's the weather like?
Temperature (hi/lo) and Rainfall (inches) |
|
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
Guatemala City |
temp |
76/63 |
76/63 |
74/61 |
70/58 |
67/55 |
65/52 |
63/51 |
62/52 |
64/53 |
66/55 |
69/58 |
72/60 |
rainfall |
0.15 |
0.1 |
0.3 |
0.9 |
4.9 |
9.8 |
7.5 |
7.0 |
9.7 |
5.2 |
0.9 |
0.2 |
|
11. Are you sure about the washrooms?
|
