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Bridges student photographing in a small Indian village

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT GUATEMALA

Santiago Atitlan:
Santiago Atitlan is located on lake Atitlan in the Guatemalan highlands surrounded by three volcanos (Atitlan, Toliman and San Pedro). Santiago Atitlán is the capital of the Tzutujil Maya Nation and enjoys its status as the largest indigenous town in Central America and enjoys a mild, semi tropical climate.

Entry & Exit Requirements:
-According to the US department of state website (http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1129.html), a valid U.S. passport is required for all U.S. citizens, regardless of age, to enter Guatemala and to depart Guatemala for return to the U.S. 
An exit tax must be paid when departing Guatemala by air.  The exit tax (currently $30) is generally included in an airline ticket price, but may be charged separately.  There is an additional airport security fee (20 Quetzales, approximately $2.50) that all travelers must pay at the airport. 
Minors under 18 traveling with a valid U.S. passport need no special permission from their parents to enter or leave Guatemala.  U.S. citizens do not need a visa for a stay of 90 days or less (that period can be extended for an additional 180 days upon application to Guatemalan immigration). 

Weather: The average temperature is 20 degrees Celsius. The coastal areas reach temperatures of 37 degrees Celsius while freezing temperatures often prevail in
the highest mountains. Nights are usually fairly cool all year round. The high
central plateau enjoys dear skies after heavy rains that fall in the afternoons or evenings during the rainy season (from May to October).

What to wear:

  • Comfortable shirts and pants (both long and short)
  • Warm clothes
  • Comfortable walking shoes/ hiking boots
  • Jackets/ windbreaker
  • Raincoat or umbrella

Official language: Languages: Spanish (official) More than 23 indigenous languages, includingQuiché, Cakchiquel, Mam and Kekchí, are spoken by various indigenous
communities. English is spoken in almost all tourist areas, in the majority of hotels
and some restaurants.
Religion: Roman Catholic, Pentecostal, Maya-Catholic fusion
Population: 13,100,000

Immunization:
We at Bridges do not give out medical advice, and advise you to speak directly with your doctor if you have any questions about immunizations. 

Electricity:
Electric Plug Details Electricity: 115V-125V 60HzHz or 110V. They use both the Japanese-style plug with two parallel flat blades and the American style plug with two parallel flat blades above a circular grounding pin.

Telephone dialing code:
502

Currency:

  • Quetzal (Q)
  • The exchange rate as of 1/24/08:
  • Most international credit cards are accepted
  • Bring small change

Time:
GMT/UTC -6

The Guatemalan Embassy in the US
Guatemalan Embassy at 2220 R Street NW, Washington, DC  20008; telephone (202) 745-4952, extension 102; fax (202) 745-1908; e-mail at info@guatemala-embassy.org or contact the nearest Guatemalan consulate (Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, or San Francisco).

The US Embassy in Guatemala
The U.S. Embassy is located in Guatemala City at Avenida La Reforma 7-01, Zone 10; telephone (502) 2-326-4000 during Embassy business hours (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.), or (502) 2-331-2354 for emergencies during non-business hours; fax (502) 2-332-4353; Internet web site - http://guatemala.usembassy.gov.