• Although bank cards are often the easiest way to go, there are times where they will not work for you even if your bank at home tells you it will! Do not rely on your card as your only source of money. Always have a few back-ups with you.
• In Guatemala you will NEVER be able to use US$ notes which are torn or marked even slightly. If your notes are at all damaged you may use them in Belize, but NOT in Guatemala or Mexico.
• Travellers cheques can be very time-consuming to cash in Guatemala and many personal details are required. If you choose to take them, make sure they are in US$ and ‘American Express’ cheques (they are by far the most widely accepted).
• If you do decide to queue in a bank, always check that what you want to do is going to be possible before lining up. Different banks have different rules. For example some banks do not exchange travellers cheques. They may also have a limit to the amount of US$ you can exchange. Always try to exchange as much as you can at one time and try to ask cashiers for small notes “billetes pequeñas” as you will find it very difficult to break large notes throughout Latin America.
• Always make sure you put your cash inside your money belt before you leave the premises. Pickpockets tend to loiter near banks and change houses.

Working Out Your Budget
Our pre-departure information and tour dossiers include a general list of all the things you should take into consideration when budgeting and an estimate of what you should allow per day for spending money. Below are some specific notes relevant to our tours in Guatemala.

Border Taxes
There is no fee to enter Guatemala, but you are usually charged about Q10 or US$1 to exit the country by land.

Entrance Fees
The entrance fees for most museums in Antigua are between US$3 and US$5.
Some of the old monasteries and convents have been made into museums and are well worth visiting. Most churches are free to enter (unless they have been made into a museum). Please note that flash photography is strictly forbidden, and opening hours vary greatly.

There is often a religious festival going on in Guatemala (hence the constant explosion of fireworks!) so you may be lucky enough to experience some free entertainment on the streets. Your tour leader will give you more information on this.

Optional Excursions
For a detailed list of optional excursions and activities visit tucantravel.com and download our optional excursions guide.

Local Transport
Taxis are cheap in Guatemala and we recommend using them at night. Most taxis do not have meters, so you will have to agree on a price before getting in the cab.

Approx fares (all prices are per taxi) from our hotel in Antigua to:

International Airport US$25 (45km drive)
Terminal de Buses (Bus terminal) US$1.50
Macadamia Nut farm and other outer villages one-way US$4-7

The ‘chicken buses’ (locally called camonetas) are in fact old second-hand American school buses which have been painted in all sorts of bright colours and covered with religious decorations! They are extremely cheap for getting around and they go everywhere! They’re safe to use as long as you use common sense - beware of thieves and pickpockets. These buses become very crowded, sometimes 6 people to one seat and it’s not uncommon to hear a few chicks clucking away on market day! Bear in mind that the drivers often drive like lunatics and sometimes don’t come to a complete stop when letting you on or off! These buses are privately run, so time is money. The more stops they make, the more money they make! A boy will come along to collect your money - usually a few quetzales - after you sit down (if you get a seat!).  In most of the places we visit in Guatemala, walking is the best and cheapest way to see the sights.

Jungle Wildlife
If your tour includes a visit to a jungle region you should be prepared to encounter an array of wildlife – including many insects and spiders etc. Most creepy crawlies are completely harmless and will cause you no problems at all – in fact this is all part of the jungle experience. If you find something it your room it certainly doesn't mean that the room is unclean – rather that you are in the jungle and it is completely normal. If you are uncomfortable with creepy crawlies it is a good idea to bring plenty of insect repellent spray and coils to place in your room and of course don't leave any food lying around.

Geography & Weather
There is a rainy season throughout Central America which starts around May/June and gradually works its way through until September and even sometimes October. Don't be put off by the term rainy season, as this generally only means sporadic downpours a couple of times a day. Of course there are times when this is not the case but it is fairly rare for continual rain to persist. The only place where rain is almost guaranteed is Rio Dulce, located in the middle of the rainforest. Here the rainy season sometimes continues till Feb! The temperatures in Guatemala are similar to other northern hemisphere countries, where it's warmer in summer (July/August) and cooler in winter (December/January). In the Guatemalan Highlands temperatures at night time are quite cool (Antigua, Lake Atitlan and especially Quetzaltenango). For example Dec/Jan nights in the highlands can drop to freezing! Generally, the hottest time in Guatemala will be the months of April to May (before the rain comes!).

Check the weather chart on our website or visit www.worldclimate.com to get an idea of what the weather will be like on your trip.

Security
Crime in Latin America is not as bad as its reputation as long as you are sensible and alert. Like anywhere in the world, you can be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Care should be taken, especially whilst walking around the larger cities. Try to keep away from dark quiet areas if on your own, particularly late at night and try to always take a taxi.
We suggest that whenever possible you leave all of your important documents in the safe (“caja fuertes”). However you should always carry some form of ID or a photocopy of your passport.

It is advisable not to wear expensive looking watches or jewellery. Keep your camera concealed when not in use. Remember that most thieves don't use violence but rely mostly on diversionary tactics which can take place at anytime of the day or night. Do not be paranoid, but just be aware that it could happen at anytime. Always be vigilant and the chances are nothing will ever happen to you. The safety of our passengers is our tour leaders’ number one concern and they will provide all necessary local information during the pre-departure meeting.

Guatemalan Enchiladas - Different to the Mexican enchiladas, these ones are more like western taco shells topped with chichen/pork, salad and cream. Very tasty. You can buy 3 for about US$2

Bistec or Pollo Asado - Beef steak or grilled chicken. These are common meals, usually served with tortillas, rice, spring onion, white cheese, and salad. Prices average from US$3-5. Note that steak in Guatemala tastes good, but can be very tough!

Platanos Asados - (roasted bananas) These are topped either with sugar or cream (or both) for less than US$1 a serving. Keep in mind that the bananas aren't bananas proper...they are a type of plantain, very sweet tasting and are also often served with savoury meals.

If you have any allergies to foods, please come prepared with a list to give to your tour leader who can then translate it into Spanish for you to show every waiter who takes your order. If you are vegetarian you must always specify ‘no carne, puerco, pollo, pescado’ etc etc.

In general we do not recommend you buy food off the street, however your tour leader will give advice, e.g. certain streets in Antigua where the local ladies  prepare everything well. If you are unsure just try to use common sense and avoid any food that has been sitting around for a long time (and a word of advice – avoid the bright yellow hot chips sold on every road-side!).

Drinks
Mexican fruit is really fresh, and really cheap. Go to one of the many juice stands and ask for a “liquado de fruta” (fruit smoothie) or “jugo de naranja y zanahoria” (orange & carrot). Papaya, melon, watermelon, mango, and pineapple are very popular, but you can also get fun things like celery, beetroot, & chaya (a spinach-like leaf). Liquados can be made with either water or milk. Always specify if you don’t want sugar (“sin azucar”). Latin Americans have a very sweet tooth and will usually automatically add the sugar!

Coke and Pepsi are everywhere. You will also find all sorts of orange, grape, lemon, and lime soft drinks (“Gaseosas”). “Agua Mineral” is sparkling water.

Generally speaking it’s best not to expect good coffee/tea in this part of the world. Be warned that Americano (weak black coffee) is the most common, followed by “café con leche” (more like milk with a bit of coffee), and cappuccino (sometimes good). If you ask for tea (“té negro”) you will get teabags. Always ask for “leche fria a parte” (cold milk on the side) as the alternative is likely to be a hot cup of milk with a tea bag inside!

If you only learn one word in Spanish it’s bound to be “Cerveza” – beer! There are countless lagers, and a few dark beers. A beer will cost you anywhere between US$1.50 and $3. The most common are ‘Gallo’ and ‘Tona’, with the more premium ones being ‘Modelo’ and ‘Dorada’.

White rum (ron) are definitely the most commonly drunk spirit in Guatemala. Guatemala is not known for its wine and it is best to order Chilean wine.

Tipping
A10% service charge is added on to the restaurant bill throughout most of Guatemala. If it is not added on, it is still expected (especially in the more expensive restaurants). There should be no other charge on top of this. You are not expected to tip taxi drivers unless they go out of their way for you although you should tip anyone who helps with your luggage, approx 50-80cents (Q5). Tipping guides at the end of tours/excursions is always appreciated and your tour leader will advise you on this.

Shopping
For tips on bargaining and shopping etiquette please see the pre-departure booklet. Wooden/stone carvings, leather, textiles, hammocks, blankets, wall hangings, gold, silver, jade, typical costumes and ceramic potteries are attractive, cheap and plentiful.

The Highland area of Guatemala has by far the best bargains and most variety, due to the strong indigenous influence in this area (Antigua, Lake Atitlan and Chichicastenango). Bargaining is expected whilst shopping in the markets of Guatemala. In shops it is considered rude to bargain, but you can ask for a ‘discount’ (‘descuento’ in Spanish).

Bear in mind that it can be very expensive and not always reliable to send packages home so try to buy only what you can carry home!

National Holidays
Jan 1,- Año Nuevo (New Year's Day)
Holy Week - Semana Santa- the holy week that ends the 40-day Lent period. Includes Good Friday and Easter Sunday. Antigua’s celebrations are world renowned!
May 1 - Primero de Mayo - national holiday
June 30 - Army Day
Sept 15 - Independence Day
Oct 20 - Revoluntion of 1944
Nov 1 -  All Saints Day 
Dec 25  - Navidad (Christmas Day)

Please note: Christmas Eve and New Years Eve are also public holidays in Guatemala.