Things to Do in Guatemala For Your Holiday

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Things to Do in Guatemala For Your Holiday
Travel tips for your trip to Guatemala Hotel Maps Famous Places in Guatemala helps you to make your trip to Guatemala in the holiday a Splendid One



Central America is teaming with a lot of natural resources and attractions, which is why it is often visited by tourists from around the world. Guatemala, a country in this region, has a lot of these said natural attractions - enough reason for you to consider it as one of your destinations when you travel to Central America. A lot of land and water activities can be done in this beautiful country, and some of the best ones are the following:

Sailboat Tours - One of the most famous tourist attractions in Guatemala is the Las Sirenas, a 46-foot Polynesian catamaran. Tours that can go for days are often done on this remarkable sailboat. Popular itineraries include boat trips along the Rio Dulce, which passes through steep cliffs, mangroves and lagoons. And if you just want to unwind, there are also some relaxation opportunities on this famous sailboat which has a salon, hammocks, and delicious gourmet meals. A lot of tourists take cheap Central America flights just to have the Las Sirenas sailboat tour experience.
Bird Watching - Birdwatchers may deem Guatemala as paradise, due to the 700+ bird species that can be seen here. Most of these species of birds can be observed in popular bird watching destinations including highlands, cloud forests, sites along the Pacific Coast, and tropical rainforests among others. Central America travel deals may help you arrange for a bird watching itinerary on any famous spot in Guatemala.
Mountaineering - Trekking on and around Guatemala's volcanoes is becoming a famous feat among tourists. This is probably due to the fact that Guatemala has various volcanoes - some of which are challenging to climb, while some are perfect for amateurs. One of the most challenging volcanoes to climb in Guatemala is the Tolimán, which has a 3158-meter twin peak summit. There are also some places here which are famous for caving.
Water sports - A lot of water sport opportunities await you in this beautiful country. Windsurfing on Rio Dulce or Lake Izabal is a great way to feel those exhilarating vibes. Diving on Lake Atitlan and whitewater rafting on Guatemala's rapid rivers are also becoming popular activities among those who travel to Central America. Nevertheless, whatever water sport you'd want to try will absolutely make you feel that adrenaline rush through your veins.
Eco-Cultural Tours - Historical and cultural tours can be taken on Guatemala, a country which has a quite interesting history. Here, you can visit the ruins of Mayan civilizations, as well as experience the culture of modern Mayas by visiting Mayan villages. Learning about one of the world's greatest civilizations certainly won't be boring if you experience it first-hand. Latin America travel packages offer tours like this to make your experience truly unforgettable.

You can do almost anything that tickles your fancy in Guatemala. Ranging from adventure-like activities to cultural tours, you will surely find something worthwhile to do in Guatemala during your Latin America travel. Whatever you choose to do, a trip to Guatemala will certainly leave a permanent mark on your memory.

Sports in Guatemala . Boxing ,Caribbean Games ,Soccer

http://travel-t-o-guatemala.blogspot.com/2011/10/sports-in-guatemala-boxing-caribbean.html
Sports in Guatemala . Boxing ,Caribbean Games ,Soccer
Travel tips for your trip to Guatemala Hotel Maps Famous Places in Guatemala helps you to make your trip to Guatemala in the holiday a Splendid One




Did you know- Like Miguel Angel Asturias (1967 Nobel Prize for Literature) and Rigoberta Menchú (1992 Nobel Prize in Peace), Mateo Flores is one of the national heroes of Guatemala, a Spanish-speaking nation. On April 19, 1952, Mr Floresmade international headlines when he, a worker, won the Boston Marathon (with a time of 2hrs, 31 min., and 53 sec.), ahead of his compatriot Luis Velasquez and Victor Dyrgall of New York. Six years ago, Mr Flores, whose real name was Doroteo Guamuch Flores, earned a gold medal in the men's 10,000m at the 1946 Central American and Caribbean Games in the Colombian city of Barranquilla. Later on, by 1954, he won a gold medal in the men's 5, 000m in the Caribbean Games in Mexico City. The following year, Flores was selected for the national team that went to the Pan American Games in the United Mexican States, where he finished first in the men's marathon, sparking off celebrations in the Guatemalan capital. He was born on February 11, 1920, in Cotió, Mixco, Guatemala. Because of his example, discipline, dedication and contribution to the sports history of Guatemala, Mateo Flores is an idol in Central America.

Boxing

Did you know- Guatemala City hosted the Caribbean Boxing Tournament in 1975.

Caribbean Games

Did you know- At the 2002 Central American and Caribbean Games in San Salvador (ES), Guatemala won 86 medals (22 gold, 22 silver, 42 bronze) and finished sixth in unofficial team standings, trailing Mexico (351), Venezuela (277), Colombia (179), Dominican Republic (132), and Puerto Rico (134). Thirty-two years ago, the Olympic team finished 11th in the medal count, with six medals (2 silver and four bronze).

Gymnastics

Did you know- By the late 1980s, the country's athlete Maria Inés Flores-Wurmser became one of Latin America's most respected gymnasts. At the 1988 Seoul Games, Miss Flores-Wurmser came in 61st place in the women's vault, among 90 athletes of the world.

Soccer

Did you know- The national squad finished second in the CONCACAF Olympic Qualification Tournamentand won the right to compete in the Games of the 21st Olympiad in the Canadian city of Montreal in July 1976. Seven years later, by 1983, the team from Guatemala won the silver medal in men's soccer --outpacing Brazil, Chile and Mexico-- at the Pan American Games in Caracas, Venezuela.

Weightlifting

Did you know- By 1974, in the Pan American Weightlifting Tournament in Mexico City, Guatemala won four medals ( one silver and three bronze) and took sixth place in unofficial team standings.

Alejandro Guevara Onofre: Freelance writer. Alejandro is author of a host of articles/essays about over 220 countries and dependencies (and American States as well), from ecology, history, tourism and national heroes to Olympic sports, foreign relations, and wildlife. In addition, he has published some books on women's rights, among them "History of the Women in America" and "Famous Americans."

Money Exchange for Guatemala -Services - Money

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Money Exchange for Guatemala -Services - Money
Travel tips for your trip to Guatemala Hotel Maps Famous Places in Guatemala helps you to make your trip to Guatemala in the holiday a Splendid One




Currency information:

Quetzal (GTQ; symbol Q) = 100 centavos. Notes are in denominations of Q100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1, and 50 centavos. Coins are in denominations of Q1, and 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 centavos. The US Dollar also became an official currency in 2001.
Credit cards:

American Express and Visa are accepted, whilst Diners Club and MasterCard have a more limited acceptance. ATMs are common throughout the country.
ATM:

ATMs are common throughout the country.
Travellers cheques:

Accepted by most banks and good hotels, although visitors may experience occasional problems. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in US Dollars.
Banking hours:

Opening times vary, but generally Mon-Fri 0900-1900; Sat 0900-1300.
Currency restriction:

The import and export of local currency is prohibited. The import and export of foreign currency is unlimited.
Currency exchange:

The Quetzal is extremely difficult to obtain outside Guatemala or exchange after leaving Guatemala, and visitors are strongly advised to exchange local currency before departure. It may be difficult to negotiate notes which are torn. Unused local currency can be exchanged at the bank at the airport.

Health and Medical Information for Guatemala

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Health and Medical Information for Guatemala
Travel tips for your trip to Guatemala Hotel Maps Famous Places in Guatemala helps you to make your trip to Guatemala in the holiday a Splendid One




There are both public and private medical facilities in Guatemala City, but state-run hospitals tend to be under-funded and can be unhygienic. Private clinics should be used where possible. Comprehensive travel and medical insurance is strongly advised. Travellers should carry evidence of their insurance at all times, as doctors may be reluctant to treat them otherwise.
Food and drink:

Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilised. Bottled water is recommended. Milk may be unpasteurised and should be boiled. Powdered or tinned milk is advised. Avoid dairy products which are likely to have been made from unboiled milk. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.
Other risks:

Vaccinations are sometimes advised for tuberculosis and hepatitis B. Dengue fever is endemic in Guatemala. Affected areas include Escuintla, the Pacific coast towns, Zacapa and Petén. Rabies occurs; if you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay.

Short History Of Guatemala and Culture

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Short History Of Guatemala and Culture
Travel tips for your trip to Guatemala Hotel Maps Famous Places in Guatemala helps you to make your trip to Guatemala in the holiday a Splendid One


The Mayans were dominant through much of Central America from the fifth until the eighth century when their civilisation declined and a variety of other ethnic groups moved into the region. Europeans arrived in the 15th century, and Guatemala was Guatemala was conquered by Pedro de Alvarado in the 16th century. Pressure on their empire during the early 19th century forced the Spanish to concede independence to their American colonies, principally Mexico, into which Guatemala was briefly incorporated in 1822. Subsequent plans to fuse the countries of the Central American isthmus were equally short lived. Guatemala enjoyed comparative stability, punctuated by brief periods of upheaval, under a series of dictators who were content to keep the country under a quasi-feudal regime underpinned by a small clique of land-owning families.

The government of Colonel Arbenz Guzman attempted various land reforms in the early 1950s, but was overthrown by a US-backed invasion led by military opponents of Arbenz. The country then slid into a state of almost perpetual civil war between a series of right-wing military governments and various leftist guerrilla movements: a major figure during this period was the former general Efrain Rios Montt, a self-styled evangelist who as army chief of staff and (briefly) president during the 1970s and 80s presided over a vicious counter-insurgency campaign whose savagery was exceptional even by the standards of the era and the region.

Although Guatemala has completed a successful transition from military to civilian government, the military retains considerable political power. This transition began in May 1985, when Guatemala's new constitution was put into effect. The centre-right Partido Democracia Cristiana Guatemalteca (PDCG) formed the majority party in the new National Congress, staying in control until 1995 when they came up against serious challenges from the Plan por el Adelantamiento Nacional (National Advance Party, PAN), which is dominated by business interests, and the Frente Republicano - Guatemalteco (FRG), which enjoys close relations with the army and a coterie of established landowners. A period of political musical chairs ended at the start of 1995 with a FRG/PDCG coalition in control of the legislature. The 1995 election was notable for the participation, for the first time, of some left-wing parties allied to the anti-government guerrillas.

The most recent polls in December 2003 brought victory for the FRG for a second consecutive term. The FRG and PAN now dominate Guatemalan politics. Only now has the Government been prepared to admit that its predecessors, especially the Rios Montt regime, were responsible for massive human rights abuses: this is still a central and highly sensitive issue in Guatemalan domestic politics. An exhaustive UN-sponsored investigation concluded in 1999 that the army was responsible for 90 per cent of the estimated 200,000 killings. The complicity and active assistance of successive American governments in the counter-insurgency campaign was also highlighted, and drew an unprecedented apology from US president Bill Clinton. Under the terms of the deal (see above) which ended the civil war, the culprits will go unpunished.

In July 2002, the Pope visited Guatemala. This was a major event in this deeply Catholic country. John Paul canonised the country's first saint, the 17th-century missionary Pedro de San Jose de Betancur.

Abroad, the main issue facing the country remains the dispute with neighbouring Belize, over which Guatemala has territorial claims; 1993 saw the signing of a non-aggression pact by the two governments, and as a concession, Belize granted the Guatemalans access to its maritime facilities. The following year, however, the Guatemalan government reasserted its territorial claim at the UN; in 2000, it did so again, claiming half of Belize's current territory. Despite international mediation efforts, relations between the two remained tense. Then, in September 2002, the Organisation of American States (the main pan-regional political alliance) brokered a draft settlement of the dispute which may form the basis for a permanent accord.

Guatemala Accommodation. Hotel Guide. Details

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Guatemala Accommodation. Hotel Guide. Details
Travel tips for your trip to Guatemala Hotel Maps Famous Places in Guatemala helps you to make your trip to Guatemala in the holiday a Splendid One

1 Black Cat Hostal 6 Av Norte 1A 7832 1229 www.blackcatantigua.com Party central for young backpackers, this place has a handy location just a block from the parque and a street-facing bar that is packed from lunch till late. There's no kitchen and the dorms have eight beds, but there's a comfy TV/DVD room, breakfasts are generous and staff helpful. Price: hostel $7Price: hotel $13-20

2 Author Pick El Hostal 1 Av Sur 8 7832 0442 elhostal.antigua@gmail.com Antigua's most comfortable hostel, this well-run, spotless place offers colonial ambience on the cheap, with a delightful central courtyard for relaxed daytime chilling. Dorms (with six beds and lockers) and private rooms are very spacious; the bathrooms (male and female) have steaming hot showers and there are laundry facilities. Breakfasts here are legendary – à la carte from a full menu. Price: hostel $8–10Price: hotel $21-30

3 International Mochilero Guest House 1 C Poniente 33 7832 0520 www.internacionalmochilero.com Inexpensive if basic singles, doubles (some with bathroom) and a dorm; those at the rear have better natural light. There's a lovely garden and a kitchen for guests. Price: hostel $7.50Price: hotel $8-12

4 Jungle Party Hostal 6 Av Norte 20 7832 0463 www.junglepartyhostal.com Sociable, popular hostel with capacity for 30 guests that attracts a young backpacking crowd. Offers three- and five-bed dorms, all with solid-wood bunk beds and private lockers, though bathroom facilities could be improved. There's also a chill-out area with hammocks, and a bar/café with an inexpensive menu. Breakfast is included. Price: $13-20

5 Posada Doña Angelina 4 C Poniente 33 7832 5173 Old-school travellers' place where many of the 42 small rooms are a bit gloomy, but there's usually space available. Has a secure store room where you can leave your baggage. Price: $8-12

6 Author Pick Posada Juma Ocag Av Alameda Santa Lucía Norte 13 7832 3109 An excellent choice at the upper end of the budget category, this is a very well-run little hotel owned by a hospitable family. Eight spotless, comfortable, if smallish, rooms are decorated with local fabrics; all have good beds, a wardrobe or clothes rack, private bathroom, and reading lights. There's a small upper patio for relaxing, free drinking water, and a laundry room. Book well ahead. Price: $13-20

7 Yellow House 1 C Poniente 24 7832 6646 This popular hostel offers inexpensive dorms, clean bathrooms, a rooftop garden terrace and a guests' kitchen. There's free internet access and a large, healthy breakfast is included.Price: $13-20

8 Albergue Andinista 6 Av Norte 34 7832 3343 drrios@intel.net.gt Secure, good-value apartments, most with kitchens, set around a peaceful garden bursting with flowers, with discounts for stays of a week or more. Daniel Rios, the English-speaking owner, is a good host and also provides luggage storage. Price: $31-40

9 Author Pick Alcazár del Toboso Callejón del Hermano Pedro 12 7832 3600 www.hotelalcazardetoboso.com An outstanding place to stay, in spacious grounds, for those who don't mind being a 10min walk from the parque. The gorgeous, large and artistically-decorated rooms, some with little balconies, are light and airy with solid-wood furniture, and are set on two levels around two grassy courtyards. Very tranquil and there's ample parking and wi-fi. Price: $31-40

10 Author Pick Casa Cristina Callejón Campo Seco 3A 7832 0623 www.casa-cristina.com This spotless small hotel is superb value for money, with ten very clean and attractive rooms, all with private hot-water bathrooms and bedside reading lights, and some with fridges. There's a rooftop sun terrace, free coffee, drinking water, wi-fi and internet. It's set on a quiet street a 10min walk north of the plaza. Price: $21-30

11 La Casa de Santa Lucía 2 Av Alameda Santa Lucía Norte 21 7832 6189 Popular, good-value hotel with secure and spacious, if a little plain, rooms, all with decent beds and private hot-water baths. Has a roof terrace and parking, but don't expect too much in the way of service. There are two other nearly identical branches: No. 1, Alameda Santa Lucía Sur 9 ( 7832 3302), and No. 3, at 6 Av Norte 43A ( 7831 1386). Price: $21-30

12 Hostal El Montañes 6 C Poniente & 5 Av Sur 7832 8804 www.hostalelmontanesantigua.com A charming B&B with spotless rooms (most with private bathroom) run by friendly locals. There's a lovely sitting room, with a high vaulted ceiling, piano and TV/DVD player. They'll cook up whatever you like for breakfast, and there's internet access in the lobby. Price: $41-60

13 Hotel Aurora 4 C Oriente 16 7832 0217 www.hotelauroraantigua.com Antigua's original hotel occupies a fine colonial building with seventeen spacious rooms grouped around a lovely grassy courtyard and fountain. It's a little old-fashioned, but comfortable and well located. Breakfast included. Price: $61-80

14 Hotel Los Pasos 9 C Oriente 19 7832 5252 www.hotellospasos.com Offering real colonial character, this small hotel has very good-value rooms, tastefully presented with exposed stone walls and Maya textiles, all with private bathroom and cable TV. The gardens and communal areas are equally attractive, and there's a lovely beamed dining-room complete with niches and a stately fireplace. Breakfast included. Price: $41-60

15 Author Pick Hotel Posada San Pedro 7 Av Norte 29 7832 0718 www.posadasanpedro.net Offering exceptional value for money, this classy hotel occupies a stunning colonial residence, with immaculate, spacious rooms, all with hand-carved wooden furniture and private bathrooms (with tubs). Accommodation is grouped around two garden patios, with plenty of little sitting areas as well as a guests' kitchen, and it's located on a quiet street. The hotel's second branch, at 3 Av Sur 15 ( 7832 3594), is not quite as attractive and has smaller rooms, but is still good value. Price: $41-60

16 Hotel Santa Clara 2 Av Sur 20 7832 0342 Tranquil location and spacious, clean rooms – most with two double beds and all with private bath (some have tubs) – set around a pleasant little courtyard. Parking available. Price: $21-30

17 Posada La Merced 7 Av Norte 43A 7832 3197 www.merced-landivar.com Well-run and welcoming Kiwi-owned hotel with 23 cheerful rooms (those at the rear look onto a garden patio), all with reading lights, safes, spotless private bathrooms, and bright bedcovers made from local textiles. Children's playroom, well-equipped kitchen, good travel information and wi-fi. Price: Hotel $41-60Price: selfcat $100 and above

18 Posada San Sebastián 3 Av Norte 4 7832 2621 snsebast@hotmail.com Charming, conveniently located establishment with nine rooms, each decorated with antiques and artwork. There's also a gorgeous little bar, a roof terrace, complimentary breakfast and a chatterbox parrot called Lorenzo. Price: $41-60

19 La Tatuana 7 Av Sur 3 7832 1223 latatuana@hotmail.com Small hotel with five bright rooms, all with private bath and decent-quality beds, though they vary quite a bit: some are spacious and attractive, others could use a little more TLC. Enjoys a quiet location and has a roof terrace. Price: $31-40

20 Casa Azul 4 Av Norte 5 7832 0961 www.casazul.guate.com An elegant hotel just off the plaza, with huge stylish rooms – those on the upper level enjoy great city views, while some on the lower floor lack natural light – in a grand converted mansion. Sauna, hot tub and a delightful pool; breakfast is included. Price: $81

21 Casa Encantada 9 C Poniente 1 7832 7903 www.casaencantada-antigua.com Boutique-style hotel with ten immaculate rooms, most with a four-poster bed, and all with delightful bathrooms. There's a small pool, a rooftop bar and full breakfast is included. Price: $100

22 Casa Santo Domingo 3 C Oriente 28 7832 0140 www.casasantodomingo.com.gt . A dramatic and impressive place to stay, this converted colonial-era convent has real atmosphere with corridors bedecked in ecclesiastical art and the grounds (with two pools and a museum) are huge. Despite the evocative surrounds there's a slightly impersonal feel to the place; service can be distracted and the rooms, though spacious, are due for an upgrade. Price: $100

23 Author Pick Cissus 6 C Poniente 41 7832 0643 www.cissushotel.com Taking the hip hotel concept to new heights, this stunning new place has real style, with lovely sitting areas and a palm-filled garden. All the accommodation, mixing contemporary and colonial styles, is wonderful, but suite #2, which has a private roof terrace with views on three sides, really stands out. Price: US$172

24 The Cloister 5 Av Norte 23 7832 0712 www.thecloister.com A stylish, luxurious B&B with seven beautifully furnished suite-sized rooms around an exquisite tropical garden. Well-stocked private library and reading room, wi-fi and a handy location (almost under Antigua's famous arch).Price: US$120

25 Hotel Quinta de las Flores C del Hermano Pedro 6 832 3721 www.quintadelasflores.com This hotel's spectacular garden – with swimming pool and children's play area – is its real trump card, a wonderful oasis bursting with rare plants, shrubs and trees. The rooms and casitas (each sleeping five, with two bedrooms and kitchen) are all attractively decorated, and there's also a restaurant. It's a 10min walk south of town. Price: $61

26 Author Pick Mesón Panza Verde 5 Av Sur 19 7832 2925 www.panzaverde.com Defining the boutique-chic hotel sector in Antigua, this gorgeous place has commodious doubles and suites spread throughout two colonial-style buildings. The hotel is also home to one of Antigua's premier restaurantsand an art gallery, while other perks include a lap pool and a healthy complimentary breakfast. Price: $81