GUATEMALA, "LAND OF ETERNAL SPRING"

By Clay Larroy

 

Traveling can be an important part of your life, whether for business or for pleasure. Take time each day to alleviate stress while traveling or vacationing and you will thank yourself for it when you get back home. With all the chaos, jet-lag, partying and other excitement of travel comes a whole lot of stress on your mind and body. By the time most vacations are over, another one is needed to recover so taking a few minutes each day to rejuvenate will make it easier for you to resume your normal life when it's all over. When you want to plan a vacation contact me!

 

Overview of Guatemala City

 

The most populous city in Guatemala and Central America, Guatemala City is a bustling metropolis of three million people. However, it still has the feeling of a small town, with the city loosely divided into approximately 20 'zonas'.Ornate buildings dating back hundreds of years give the city a period feel, with many antique churches and government buildings like the Palacio Nacional worth seeing from the inside and out. This gives Guatemala City an attractive urban aesthetic to compensate for its lack of natural beauty.

Guatemala City is the most modern city in the country, playing a role as the administrative, economic, and cultural capital of Guatemala, with a variety of restaurants, shops, art galleries, theatres, museums, hotels and other attractions to keep visitors entertained.

The hotels and nightlife in Zona Viva and Cuatro Grados Norte are particularly popular with visitors. Despite its vibrant arts scene and attractive façade, many travelers avoid Guatemala City due to the high crime rate, opting to head for Antigua or Monterrico instead. However, travelling to Guatemala City is relatively easy because most lines of transport connect here, so a convenient city break in Guatemala City can add a lot to a holiday in Guatemala, and the government is taking continuous measures to make the city safer and more attractive for tourists.

 

Getting around in Guatemala City, Guatemala

The main gateway to the country is La Aurora International Airport, which is located on the edge of the city center. Public transit in Guatemala City is problematic and may be frustrating for visitors. A Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), the Transmetro, serves the city. Operating hours are between 4.30am and 10pm during the week, and 4.30am and 9pm over the weekend. Visitors arriving in Guatemala City by bus from other cities will be dropped off at one of the BRT stations on the periphery of the city.

These intercity buses have either first or second-class options, with the latter being renowned for being extremely uncomfortable and overcrowded. Both the local and inter-city buses tend to be the popular stomping ground for armed robbers and muggers; visitors are advised to always be aware of their surroundings and to avoid the use of the bus system at after dark. Taxis are available and can easily be hailed at inter-city bus terminals. In other parts of the city it is best to phone ahead and book one in advance. Taxi Amarillo (yellow) cabs are metered and trustworthy.

 REFERENCE SITES:

http://www.travelresearchonline.com/

Travel to experience life and create spectacular memories!