When you’re contemplating a visit to Guatemala, there are some things it is advisable to know first. On this weblog publish, we’ll give you journey recommendation for a secure and pleasurable expertise. From security tricks to what to do and see whenever you’re there, learn on to get essentially the most out of your journey!
Getting round
When planning your journey to Guatemala, make sure to contemplate the next suggestions:
- Reap the benefits of the nation’s in depth highway community.
- Test site visitors circumstances earlier than departing and plan your route accordingly.
- Concentrate on parking laws in numerous areas.
- Keep secure whereas on the roads and use warning when crossing pedestrian paths or streets.
- When you’re on the lookout for issues to do whereas in Guatemala, make sure to try a few of the following points of interest:
- Timber lined with enchanting suspension bridges in Antigua
- One among Central America’s most spectacular pyramid complexes at Tikal Nationwide Park (on a regular basis entrance price)
- Spectacular mountain views from atop El Mirador at Parque Nacional Volcan San Miguel (every day admission required)
Combining Guatemala with different locations
In case you are on the lookout for an journey and wish to mix Guatemala with different locations, contemplate visiting the Valle de la Luna Nationwide Park. This park is situated within the north of the nation and affords guests a shocking view of volcanoes in addition to scorching springs. Alternatively, when you simply wish to chill out and benefit from the pure great thing about Guatemala, contemplate visiting Quintana Roo or Copan Ruinas.
Food and drinks
In the case of food and drinks in Guatemala, don’t be shocked if you end up sipping on a neighborhood brew or guzzling down a refreshing tamarind soda. Despite the nation’s financial challenges, Guatemalans proceed to get pleasure from their conventional meals and drinks.
Guatemala has an extended and wealthy historical past with food and drinks. The Mayan individuals had been recognized for his or her corn beer, whereas the Spanish launched numerous sorts of wines, liqueurs and distilled spirits. Immediately, there are nonetheless many domestically made alcoholic drinks accessible, in addition to smooth drinks like tamarind juice and chicha.
Along with alcoholic drinks, Guatemalans get pleasure from recent fruit juices and milk shakes blended with ice cream. You may also discover road distributors promoting roasted nuts or chapulines (grasshoppers) grilled on a stick. Many eating places provide typical Guatemalan dishes corresponding to seared beef in achiote sauce or rooster with white rice. There are additionally lots ofoptions for vegetarians and vegans in Guatemala Metropolis and different main cities.
When you’re on the lookout for one thing candy, strive a few of the many ice cream outlets that dot the main cities. Different in style treats embody pasteles (doughnuts full of flavored cream), pan de queso (cheese bread) and tortas (croissants).
Tipping
When touring to Guatemala, make sure to tip your taxi drivers and waiters. A customary tipping quantity is 10%.
Social etiquette
When touring to Guatemala, it is very important pay attention to native customs and social etiquette.
Listed below are just a few suggestions to assist make your journey extra pleasurable:
- When arriving at an occasion or assembly, all the time gown conservatively. Most Guatemalans observe correct gown codes and won’t respect it when you present up in shorts, a sundress, or another inappropriate apparel.
- It’s customary to shake palms when assembly somebody. Don’t be afraid to increase your hand totally and look the individual within the eye when shaking palms. Ensure that your grip is powerful and don’t let go till the individual does.
- Be respectful of elders and others who could have increased positions in society. Don’t converse overly loudly or out of flip; look ahead to another person to begin talking earlier than responding. And keep away from making any sudden actions – these might be interpreted as threatening or disrespectful.
- When consuming with others, all the time use cutlery and eat with chopsticks solely – don’t use your fingers! Spooning meals into your mouth is taken into account impolite in most cultures.
- When touring in rural areas, it’s customary to provide one thing (normally cash) to the bus driver on departure as an “additional” tip for secure transport throughout the journey. This practice just isn’t essentially adopted in bigger cities, however ought to nonetheless be acknowledged if given the chance.
