Recommendations when visiting Guatemala

In order to provide better service to foreign visitors and ensure that their stay in Guatemala is as comfortable and pleasant as possible, the Guatemala Tourism Board – INGUAT – through the Tourist Assistance Department, has issued the following recommendations for tourists.

General recommendations

1

Visit the page of the Guatemalan Migration Institute to verify the entry requirements to the country that apply according to your nationality at igm.gob.gt.

2

Try to schedule your visits to tourist destinations and quote transportation services, packages and visits to tourist parks before embarking on the trip, to avoid confusion or deception. If in doubt, check prices with INGUAT’S Tourist Assistance Department. In Guatemala it is safe to use credit cards. Do not carry all your money and documents in the same place.

3

Carry photocopies of all travel documents, save digital copies on your mobile device and keep the originals in a safe place.

4

Find out about recommended areas to visit in towns and cities.

5

If you plan to walk through the streets, try not to carry valuable objects on display (fine watches, cameras, jewelry, cell phones, etc.).

6

Only use authorized taxis that are fully identified. Most charge the fare set by the taximeter and in cases of longer journeys (for example, from Guatemala City to Antigua Guatemala), the fare can be negotiated in advance.

7

Keep an eye on your luggage or valuables, especially when in crowded places.

8

Try to travel during the day to the interior of the country and travel on main roads.

9

Do not accept help from any stranger at ATMs.

10

Only use the banking system for currency exchange.

11

If you rent a vehicle, it is very important to familiarize yourself with local traffic laws and regulations, as well as inspect the vehicle before embarking on your land trip.

12

Avoid stopping on highways to transport strangers. If you think someone needs help, report it to one of the emergency numbers listed below.

13

If you visit a volcano, ecological, natural or archaeological park try to use tourist guide services authorized by INGUAT. Tourist parks have already established trails to guarantee a more pleasant and safe experience; Use them and try not to stray from the already established trails and comply with their internal regulations, if applicable.

14

Try to travel in a group when visiting the beaches, archaeological parks and nature reserves.

15

Find out about recommended hotels and tour operators to provide tourism services.

16

Please inform the hotel about the places you will visit during your stay.

17

Always request your receipt or invoice when contracting any tourist service, in order to support any subsequent claim.

18

Have on hand the contact telephone numbers of your embassy or consulate, your medical or life insurance in your country, as well as the assistance telephone numbers in Guatemala detailed below.

Assistance Numbers

Tourist Assistance

1500 / +502 2290-2810

Tourist Security Division

+502 5551-5547

FISTUR - Public Prosecutor

+502 3756-7330

Guatemalan Migration Institute

+502 2411-2411

Nacional Civil Police

110

Volunteer Firemen

122

Municipal Firefighters

123

Red Cross

125

Specific recommendations

  • Si toma algún medicamento prescrito por su médico, traiga consigo dotación para el doble de tiempo que permanecerá en el país.
  • Infórmese vía Internet o por libros del clima de la zona que va a visitar, a fin de traer consigo vestimenta adecuada.
  • Se recomienda contratar un seguro de viaje que incluya asistencia médica específica, entre otros aspectos.
  • – If you take any medication prescribed by your doctor, bring with you enough for double the time you will remain in the country.
  • -Research the climate of the area you are going to visit, in order to bring appropriate clothing.
  • -It is recommended to purchase travel insurance that includes specific medical assistance, among other aspects.
  • -At international airports in all countries, security measures have been increased. Familiarize yourself with them to avoid mishaps and avoid transporting items that could be confiscated.
  • -Items such as laptop computers, tablets and cell phones will be subject to additional inspection. Have these devices available for review.
  • -Only allow authorized porters to assist you with your luggage.
  • -If you come in an organized group, verify that the person who assists you at the airport is the contact for the travel agency.
  • -If you need transportation, within the airport you can hire taxi services without leaving the airport. Check that they are labeled: “Airport Taxi”.
  • -If you have any concerns or need help, ask for assistance from the tourist information representative located at the passenger exit inside La Aurora International Airport or call +502 2290-2810 for Tourist Assistance.
  • -Carry a tourist map to better plan and recognize your route.
  • -Request help only from agents of the National Civil Police –PNC-, duly identified and uniformed.
  • -Never drive a vehicle under the influence of liquor and/or drugs and respect local regulations and traffic signs.
  • -Always request tourist information before moving to another destination at the INGUAT tourist information offices, hotels, travel agencies and bus terminals.

  • -When traveling through rural areas, in some cases it may be necessary to use a four-wheel drive vehicle. Find out these details before you embark on your trip.

  • -Service stations are found in practically all the cities and towns indicated on the maps. Before going into remote places, make sure you have enough fuel.
  • -If you are traveling in an organized group, verify that the person who assists you at the bus terminal is the contact for the travel agency.
  • -In urban areas, use public parking lots or those located in shopping centers, which are usually free. Try not to park on the street or leave valuable items inside the vehicle that could be visible to pedestrians.
  • -In the event of an accident or collision, wait for the traffic officer or the representative of the insurance company from the company where you rented the vehicle to arrive; Do not move the car from the place. If you need assistance in your language, call the Tourist Assistance number +502 2290-2810 or 1500.
  • -Locate the Immigration office to carry out your immigration procedure, and remember, this procedure is personal, so do not accept help from strangers.
  • -Verify that your passport is stamped by an immigration agent with the correct date of entry.
  • -Tourists who enter the country with the CA-4 document, (Central America, except Costa Rica and Panama), must complete their immigration procedure and request proof. This certificate may be requested by the country’s authorities during your visit. If you require support, contact Tourist Assistance at +502 2290-2810 or 1500.
  • -Minors must carry their passport and birth certificate. If not accompanied by both parents, the person responsible must have a letter authenticated by a notary that allows the minor to leave the country.
  • -If you travel by vehicle, verify that you have your documentation in order and visit the SAT office at the border to complete your entry procedure into the country
  • -If the vehicle is not your property or the ownership title is not in your name, you must have a letter of power authenticated by a notary.
  • -INGUAT does not require tourism transporters from other countries to have any type of permit to circulate within the country. Before making any payments, please contact the Tourist Assistance number +502 2290-2810 or 1500.
  • -When entering and leaving the room, remember to always lock the door.
  • -It is recommended not to bring strangers into your room.

  • -Never provide information about your route and travel plans to strangers.

  • -When staying, ask to see the rates authorized by INGUAT to avoid excessive charges, regardless of the date of the year.
  • -The climate is warm on the Guatemalan coasts, where the temperature ranges between 24 and 38 degrees Celsius; It is recommended to wear cool, light clothing, a cap or hat and a swimsuit, if applicable.
  • -Bring mosquito repellent, as well as sunscreen.
  • -During the rainy season (June to October), remember to bring waterproof clothing and an umbrella.

  • -If you travel by boat or other vessel, avoid using overloaded vessels, require the use of life-saving equipment and registration with the nearest port captain’s office, so that the institution in charge of safeguarding national waters monitors your trip.

  •  viaje.
  • -Prepare your trip in advance, as well as an itinerary of the places you will visit. Locate on a map the closest community that has a telephone and service station.
  • -Find out about the place and the people you will meet in the community; avoid creating barriers.
  • -Value nature; Remember to leave the landscape intact and not affect the natural balance of each place. Carry bags to store garbage and return it to a deposit.
  • If you want to camp, do so away from bodies of water. Pay attention to the recommendations and alerts issued by authorities (for example, on volcanoes).
  • -Carry cash in small denomination bills; You will hardly find places that accept credit cards.
  • -Remember to bring water, comfortable shoes and socks for walking, a hat, sheets, a flashlight with batteries, sunscreen, and repellent against mosquitoes.
  • -Guatemala has 37 volcanoes in its territory, of which 4 are currently active. Find out from official sources or under the advice of the Tourist Assistance Department about the activity of the volcano you plan to visit, before undertaking the ascent.
  • -If you are going to ascend a volcano, altitude sickness, also known as mountain sickness, can affect unacclimatized people at altitudes greater than 3,000 meters. The severity of the condition depends on the altitude to be reached, the speed at which one ascends and the physical activity carried out at that height.
  • -When visiting volcanoes, private reserves, caves or rivers, always hire a guide and check in advance what type of terrain you will encounter, so you know how to prepare and what precautions to take.
  • -Tourist parks have already established trails to guarantee a more pleasant and safe experience; Use them and try not to stray from the already established trails and comply with their internal regulations, if applicable.

Important

Establish contact with the Tourist Assistance Department call center that operates 24 hours a day at +(502) 2290-2810 prior to your visit to coordinate in advance any aspect of security or assistance during your stay in the country.

United in prevention

An Alliance between:

Scroll to Top