Traveling in Guatemala

Transportation

The best way to travel around Antigua is on foot. The landscape is relatively flat, so walking is no problem. You can always take a taxi or a “tuc tuc” (three wheeled taxi) to get around. Antigua is not a large city, so finding your way around should not be too difficult. You are, however, in a foreign country, so please read our section on safety!

Festivals

The most famous festival in Antigua occurs during Holy Week (Easter Week), and there is much to see and do. The streets are covered with sawdust in intricate patterns and various colors. They stay that way until the parade at Easter, which, of course goes over the “painting” in sawdust. This is an extremely popular festival for both tourists and Guatamalans alike. For this, you need to book a room well in advance, unless, of course, you are already staying there. Naturally, the other known festival is New Year’s Eve.

Cuisine

You’re not in Kansas anymore, Toto. Be prepared to dine on Latin American cuisine. This means tacos, quesadillas, chicken in various dishes, and tamales. In other words, the food is what you would expect in any Latin American country- There are some well-known and well recommended restaurants that you should try, however. The Rainbow Café has an all day breakfast, as well as books in English and a travel agency. Fernando’s Kaffe is a place for the best coffee in town.

Money

$ 1.00 USD equals 7.78900 GTO

Phones

For Antigua, Skype is your best bet to call home. There are numerous cafés and other spots where you have Internet access. These are inexpensive, so you will not be broke spending money on contacting family and love ones.

Safety

Although Antigua is safer now with the “Tourist Police” on hand, it is a great idea to read these safety tips when you travel.

Keep your valuables in the hotel safe. Do not carry large sums of money. When you DO carry money, it is a good thing to keep it in a closed container that is fastened around your waist.
“If you have it, flaunt it” is NOT a good idea in any Latin American country. Do NOT wear expensive jewelry either in daylight or dark.
Do NOT allow strangers to help you with your ATM card.
Do NOT let someone help you if they “accidentally spill something on you. You will get cleaned and robbed at the same time.

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