By Clay Larroy
A vacation can soothe the soul and leave
you renewed, refreshed, and invigorated. Whether you are just now starting to
plan your next vacation, or are merely looking for travel
ideas and suggestions, read all the articles about travel. So take away some of
the stress of making travel plans, and get started thinking about the fun and
relaxing times you will soon be having on your next trip! When you are ready to
plan an exciting vacation contact me!
Overview
The heart of ancient Mayan culture lives on in Guatemala, with a Spanish
influence that blends ancient, colonial and modern eras together seamlessly.
From the classical Spanish-Baroque architecture in Antigua, exemplified bysuch pieces as the famous fountain, Fuente de Pescado, to the legendary
structural wonders of the Mayan temple complex Tikal, each step along
Guatemala's quaint cobbled streets and jungle trails leads further into the
distant past.
As with many of its Central American neighbors, Guatemala has held onto
local customs and cultures while developing its urban hubs to meet modern
tourist standards. Party in Guatemala City's business district duringwarm evenings, then travel to the markets in Chichicastenango on a
Sunday, a meeting place for traditional artisans and hub for local produce that
is bound to entice all travelers with the sensory delicacies of Guatemala's verdant
forests, farms and plantations.
Adventurous travelers can hike up Volcan San Pedro, just behind the famous
picturesque resort village of San Pedro La Laguna but should note that a local
guide is considered essential to conquering the dormant volcano's peak. While
the adrenaline junkies are relishing Guatemala's many peaks, other travelers
can enjoy a spate of urban sightseeing. The country is also home to a wealth of
ancient artefacts and numerous historical sites so history buffs will be in
their element. The country has a strong tourism industry and travelers looking
for an in-depth and immersive experience into authentic Central American
culture should lace up their boots and pack their bags, for they need look no
further than Guatemala.
Climate in Guatemala
Guatemala's climate is lovely year-round and is generally hot throughout
the county, making travel possible at any time. The rainy season is generally
from May to November, with average temperatures of 72°F (22°C). Climate varies more due to altitude than season; however, it is easier to see
the country in the dry season, which runs from November to April and is an
ideal time to explore the mountains, rainforests and volcanoes in the country.
There are some regional variations, with the highlands, including Guatemala
City and Antigua, experiencing less rainfall than the coast, and slightly
colder temperatures at night.
Health Notes when travelling to Guatemala
There are 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. Malaria is prevalent in the low-lying areas outside Guatemala City. Dengue fever is endemic and the Zika virus can be
contracted, so strict insect-bite protection measures must be taken. A yellow
fever certificate is required from travelers entering the country from infected areas. Hepatitis A and B, and typhoid vaccinations are recommended, as
well as an MMR (Measles, mumps and rubella) update. Visitors should be careful
what they eat and stick to bottled water, or boil all water before drinking if bottled
water is unavailable. Guatemalan hospitals are unlikely to give medical
treatment unless the patient has medical insurance or can pay up front. Good
travel insurance is therefore essential. State-funded hospitals are best avoided
and travelers should only use private clinics where possible. All medication
should be accompanied with a signed and dated letter from a doctor explaining
what the medication is and why it is needed.
Safety Notes when travelling to Guatemala
The rate of violent crime in Guatemala is exceptionally high. There has
also been a relatively high rate of violent attacks on tourists, especially in
remote places and in the capital, Guatemala City, specifically after dark.
Visitors need to be particularly vigilant in the central Zone 1 of Guatemala City
where most of the cheap hotels and bus terminals are, and in all parts of the
city at night. Tourists arriving at Guatemala City airport and travelling to
hotels in the business districts have been targeted, so visitors should be
extremely alert when leaving the airport. Protest may arise without warning and
should be avoided if possible. Pick-pocketing and petty theft are common in
tourist areas and market places.
Many robberies take place on the cheaper buses when travelling on the
tourist routes from Guatemala City to Antigua, and from Antigua to Panajachel,
keep all belongings close at hand. There has been reported incidents of
attacks, including the sexual assault of female passengers on buses during the
day on main routes. Hold-ups by armed gangs occur frequently on city and long
distance public buses. Visitors are advised to avoid them if possible. Armed
robberies on minor roads around Lake Atitlan have taken place and visitors are advised
to use the boat services between towns on the lakeshore. There have also been
armed attacks on tourists at Tikal and on the approach road from Flores to
Tikal.
REFERENCE
SITES:
http://www.travelresearchonline.com/
No comments:
Post a Comment