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Safety
The biggest safety issue in Guatemala is with theft and muggings. Tourists should avoid travelling down quiet streets at night and stick to well populated areas. The most common way in which tourists have been robbed is by taxi drivers. This is best avoided by using marked taxicabs or by only utilising taxi services recommended by travel guides or hotels.
The biggest safety issue in Guatemala is with theft and muggings. Tourists should avoid travelling down quiet streets at night and stick to well populated areas. The most common way in which tourists have been robbed is by taxi drivers. This is best avoided by using marked taxicabs or by only utilising taxi services recommended by travel guides or hotels.
When to go
The best time to visit Guatemala is from mid-October to mid-February. During this time the climate is most temperate and there is also an array of festivals taking place. Guatemala has a harsh rainy season due to its subtropical climate, which is best avoided especially if visitors are planning on travelling around the country extensively. Rural areas in the country are sometimes completely flooded and unreachable during the monsoon season, between mid-May to mid-October. Mid-March to mid-April is notorious for its high temperatures and that can make outdoor activities difficult during these months.
The best time to visit Guatemala is from mid-October to mid-February. During this time the climate is most temperate and there is also an array of festivals taking place. Guatemala has a harsh rainy season due to its subtropical climate, which is best avoided especially if visitors are planning on travelling around the country extensively. Rural areas in the country are sometimes completely flooded and unreachable during the monsoon season, between mid-May to mid-October. Mid-March to mid-April is notorious for its high temperatures and that can make outdoor activities difficult during these months.
Language
The official government language in Guatemala is Spanish. The local Mayan ethnic minorities, however, have still retained their dominant languages and up to 21 distinct dialects have been documented in the country. There are pockets in Guatemala where local residents do not speak Spanish, but instead speak only the local Mayan dialect. English is spoken more widely in the larger cities, but some more rural cities will have little to no English speakers.
The official government language in Guatemala is Spanish. The local Mayan ethnic minorities, however, have still retained their dominant languages and up to 21 distinct dialects have been documented in the country. There are pockets in Guatemala where local residents do not speak Spanish, but instead speak only the local Mayan dialect. English is spoken more widely in the larger cities, but some more rural cities will have little to no English speakers.
Emergency
Hospitals are available in major cities, but the level of care varies by region. Most of the more prominent hospitals with the best facilities are located in the capital of Guatemala City. However, if travelling in rural areas the closest hospital could be hours away.
Emergency services: 120
Traffic and accidents: 7832 0763
Coastguard: 123
Recommended hospitals:
Guatemala City - Hospital General San Juan de Dios +502 2253-0443/47
Antigua - Holberton Hospital +502 2684-6202/51
Hospitals are available in major cities, but the level of care varies by region. Most of the more prominent hospitals with the best facilities are located in the capital of Guatemala City. However, if travelling in rural areas the closest hospital could be hours away.
Emergency services: 120
Traffic and accidents: 7832 0763
Coastguard: 123
Recommended hospitals:
Guatemala City - Hospital General San Juan de Dios +502 2253-0443/47
Antigua - Holberton Hospital +502 2684-6202/51
For the most part, businesses thrive on a local level, and residents are more inclined to frequent locally known
retailers than large, corporate shops of which there are still not many. Seldom are prices fixed in these local
shops, although larger franchises hav become popular since 2002
Typical business hours:
- Government departments: 08:00 to 18:00, Monday to Friday.
- Retail: 08:00 to 18:00, Monday to Saturday.
- Banking: 09:00 to 15:00, Monday to Friday.