GUATEMALA, "LAND OF ETERNAL SPRING"

By Clay Larroy

Regardless of whether you are traveling to a nearby location for the weekend or taking a week-long destination vacation, you are always going to benefit from some tips and ideas on how to make the whole process, more fun and less stressful. 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 Antigua Guatemala

 

Antigua is reminiscent of an old colonial city in Latin America, the Spanish-Baroque buildings set in a valley between three volcanoes. Hazard is the price of beauty in Antigua, the town having experienced multiple earthquakes, frequent floods and a number of devastating fires over the centuries. It was the country's capital until 1776 when, after sustaining severe damage in a series of earthquakes, the capital moved to the present day Guatemala City, 25 miles (40km) away. During the height of its popularity as a colonial outpost, it was the headquarters of Central America's most important administrators, as well as a religious center in the region, with over 30 resident monastic orders.

 

Today it is a fascinating journey into the past down the quaint traffic-free cobbled streets, past multi-colored buildings and mansions, magnificent churches, monasteries and convents. Plazas, inner courtyards and fountains are all well-preserved remnants of the Spanish legacy in the Americas. The town is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a popular destination for visitors. Buildings of interest include the Iglesia de San Francisco, La Merced and the Las Capuchinas ruins. Antigua becomes extremely busy during the Easter celebrations of Semana Santa (Holy Week), when people from all over the region flock to see the colorful street processions.

The rest of the time, it has a relaxed and convivial atmosphere with a strong indigenous culture, prevalent in the Sunday market. It is also a popular place to learn Spanish at one of the many language schools, and most students are able to stay with a local family as part of the learning experience. For the more adventurous, the three volcano peaks offer superb hiking opportunities and views, and many tour operators in town offer trips to the surrounding countryside, as well as excursions to Volcán Pacaya, one of only two active volcanoes in the region. Villages nearby, like San Antonio Aguascalientes, offer visitors a closer look at indigenous life and are centers for beautiful hand-woven textiles.

 

Attractions in Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala

Las Capuchinas

The ruins of the biggest and most remarkable of Antigua's convents, Las Capuchinas, are the best preserved and most beautiful in the city. The convent was founded in 1736 by Spanish nuns and is now a museum dedicated to religious life in colonial times. The nuns who lived here followed a strict daily routine that focused around fasting and praying. Their tiny cells can be found in the walls of the round tower, which has good views from the top. There are also fountains, gardens and several lovely courtyards within the compound.

REFERENCE SITES:

http://www.travelresearchonline.com/

 

Travel to experience life and create amazing memories!

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!

GUATEMALA, "LAND OF ETERNAL SPRING"

By Clay Larroy

Leisure travel is a wonderful experience that everyone should have in their lifetime. Even business travel can be made enjoyable. There are some aspects of travel that can detract from your enjoyment.  When planning to fly for a trip, don't forget any frequent flier miles you might have racked up. It does you no good to hang onto those once you've already gone on your big vacation. Even if you don't have enough miles to cover the whole trip, many airlines will allow you to discount your rate using your miles. When you want to plan a vacation contact me!

 

 Overview of the Attractions in Guatemala

 

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 by such 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 during warm 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.

 

REFERENCE SITES:

http://www.travelresearchonline.com/

 

Travel to experience life!

GUATEMALA, "LAND OF ETERNAL SPRING"

By Clay Larroy

 

It doesn't matter if you take a trip across the state line or the border, being far from home can be exciting and also a bit stressful. When considering traveling, it is important to think of the best mode of travel. Traveling by car can offer many more sights and opportunities for side trips. Traveling by train can offer a chance to relax and get some work done if they wanted. Planes can cover ground fast but don't allow much movement and one cannot get off the plane in flight. Each mode of travel has its own advantages and disadvantages to be considered. When you want to plan a vacation contact me!

 

Customs in Guatemala

It is very common to greet most people, especially in the countryside. Clothing need not be too conservative, however, modesty is advised for female travelers in order to avoid unwanted attention. Ask permission before taking photographs, particularly of children, as local people are suspicious of foreigners approaching children for pictures due to incidences of child kidnapping, particularly in remote areas where tourists have been attacked. A small tip might be required. Military clothing is illegal, so avoid camouflage-patterned clothing. Public displays of affection between same sex couples should be avoided, particularly outside of Guatemala City.

Duty Free in Guatemala

Travelers to Guatemala over 18 do not have to pay duty on 500g of tobacco in any form and five liters of liquor or spirits.

Doing Business in Guatemala

Business etiquette in Guatemala is similar to the rest of Latin America. Due to the warm, humid climate men often wear lightweight suits and women should wear a dress or a skirt with a blouse. Always be punctual for meetings, as Guatemalan business people are very punctual. Use professional titles such as such as 'Doctor', 'Professor', 'Ingeniero' (engineer) or 'Abogado' (lawyer), otherwise address colleagues as Señor (Mr), Señora (Mrs) and Señorita (Miss), followed by their last names. Speaking softly is considered polite. Business cards may be exchanged although there is no ritual around it. Business hours are generally 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, with an hour taken over lunch and business lunches or breakfasts are preferred over business dinners.

Communication in Guatemala

The international access code for Guatemala is +502. The outgoing code depends on what network is used to dial out on, which is followed by the relevant country code (e.g. +44 for the United Kingdom). City codes are not required. There are generally surcharges on calls made from hotels and it is cheaper to use calling cards. Rates are generally less expensive after 7pm. Internet cafés and wifi connections are available in the cities and main tourist areas and many hotels, hostels and language schools will offer reasonable internet rates. Public phones require a call card and it may work out cheaper to use a call card for all calls, both local and, especially,
international calls.

 

Tipping in Guatemala

Generally, a 10 percent tip is recommended for good service in Guatemala. It is customary to tip waiters if a service charge hasn't been added to the bill and tipping extra for excellent service is also customary. Taxi drivers are not usually tipped. Hotel staff and tour guides expect to be tipped for their services and can be more favorable in their service when receiving generous tips.

Passport/Visa Note

It is strongly recommended that all foreign passengers to Guatemala hold return or onward tickets, and the necessary travel documentation for their next destination. Note that the period of stay for visa-exempt nationals is 90 days; however, 90-day extensions can be organized through the Immigration Office. For nationals requiring a visa, the consulate issuing the visa will advise visitors about the amount of deposit to be paid at the port of entry in Guatemala, which will be refunded when the visitor leaves Guatemala. 

NOTE: It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

REFERENCE SITES:

http://www.travelresearchonline.com/

 

Live Well, Laugh Often and Travel Much!