"The Land of Trees"

Guatemala is endowed with simply staggering natural, historical and cultural interest. Through the giant Maya temples and rainforest cities have been long abandoned, ancient traditions remain very much alive throughout the Guatemalan highlands. Uniquely in Central America, at least half the country`s population is Native American, and this rural indigenous culture is far stronger than anywhere else in the region.

The country is mountainous with small desert and sand dune patches, hilly valleys, except for the south coastal area and the vast northern lowlands of Petén department. Two mountain chains enter Guatemala from west to east, dividing the country into three major regions: the highlands, where the mountains are located; the Pacific coast, south of the mountains; and the Petén region, north of the mountains. All major cities are located in the highlands and Pacific coast regions; by comparison, Petén is sparsely populated. These three regions vary in climate, elevation, and landscape, providing dramatic contrasts between hot, humid tropical lowlands and colder, drier highland peaks. Volcano Tajumulco, at 4,220 m, is the highest point in the Central American states.

The rivers are short and shallow in the Pacific drainage basin, larger and deeper in the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico drainage basins, which include the Polochic and Dulce Rivers, which drain into Lake Izabal, the Motagua River, the Sarstún that forms the boundary with Belize, and the Usumacinta River, which forms the boundary between Petén and Chiapas, Mexico.

Climate Range & Altitude

Guatemala is known as, “The land of eternal spring”. Temperatures are mild and vary little during the year. Average Temps are high of 77F and Low of 55F. October to May is the dry season. Rainy season is May to October but this doesn’t affect all areas and more often means sunny mornings with rain beginning around 4pm.

May/June is the worst time for heat and mosquitos in the Petén Rainforest area and Nov to Jan is the best time as it is cooler and less mosquitos.

Passport/Visa
A valid passport is required for stay of up to three months for most nationalities. Please check to make sure your passport is current and make a photocopy that you can carry with you at all times. Currently travelers from Britain and the States do not need a visa. Please check before traveling as conditions can change unexpectedly or visit the following link http://www.minex.gob.gt/Visor_Pagina.aspx?PaginaID=21

Communications
Internet, fax, cable TV & radio are accessible in all major tourist areas. International dialing code is +00 502.

Language
Spanish is the official language although there are 23 local indigenous languages still spoken. English is widely spoken in the main tourist areas.

Departure Tax

Air passengers pay a $30 departure tax upon leaving Guatemala (If this is not already included in their international air fare) plus a $3 airport security tax. For Internal flights clients must pay a $3 fee.

Electricity
110 Volt AC is found throughout most of the country.

DESTINATIONS:

ü La Antigua Guatemala

ü Lake Atitlan

ü Chichicastenango Market Day (Thursday & Sunday)

ü Semuc Champey

ü Peten, Tikal

ü Quetzaltenango

ü Los Cuchumatanes Highlands of Guatemala

ü Ixil Triangle (Nebaj, Guatemala)

ü Rio Dulce, Guatemala   
LEARN MORE ABOUT BAK'TUN 13
http://www.visitguatemala.com/2012/

FOR MORE DETAILS WRITE US AT:  Calle Real #22 S.P Las Huertas La Antigua Guatemala

E-MAIL: Testimonialtoursguatemala@gmail.com
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Phone: (502)41797601  
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