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Guatemala with a local agency !

Guatemala : When to go ?

Summer between November and April is the best season to travel, despite the heat it can do from March. On the other hand, the entire end of the rainy season (early November) and the following two months are ideal: We take advantage of the lush greenery during winter under a bright sun. Finally, the rainy season (mid-May to October) is not necessarily unpleasant since tropical rain takes place at a fixed time. Nevertheless, in the Pacific Lowlands, Petén and the Caribbean, wetness is sometimes difficult to withstand and aggressive mosquitoes.

Guatemala : Go with a local agency

The lost Maya CitiesGuatemala is inseparable from its Mayan heritage, both in its history and geography, yesterday as well as today. It is in the geographic area comprising part of Mexico, Guatemala and Honduras and that archaeologists call Mesoamerica that this brilliant civilization was born and was able to develop important scientific knowledge in astronomy and mathematics, impose its power and disappear without knowing why. The most famous of these cities is the fabulous Tikal, the north of the country, but Guatemala has many others. Thanks to a custom-made circuit set up by a local agency, you will discover the most beautiful of these sites!Ethnic and cultural richnessThe Maya legacy cannot be reduced to the past history of the country. The immense archaeological wealth perpetuated by the ancient Maya must not overshadow the current cultural richness of a descendant population of the Maya, with over twenty different ethnic groups. The most numerous are Quiché, Q '', Mam and Chontal, but there are still the Tzutuhils, Uspanteko, Ch'orti, etc. Each ethnicity speaks a particular syllabus and has its own way of life. By organizing your trip with a local agency, you are sure to multiply contacts with many of the premises of Maya.A land of colorWe will quickly realize the importance Indians attach to traditional clothes. The costumes they have in the highlands in particular are strong identity elements. Guatemala is a true colour festival, which is completely exploding on market days!

Guatemala is one of the cheapest countries in Latin America. The cost of living there is about 2 times less than in France for the necessities'basiques basic ?'. The average salary of a Guatemalan does not exceed the 2 200 ? Q per month (approximately 250 ? €).
Outside the popular markets and restaurants (comedores), the products and services destined for Western tourists are more expensive and correspond to the prices "Cheap ? marché" in France. The rental of vehicles and the " ? packs ?" proposed by tourist agencies are, in general, the most expensive products. The country remains broadly accessible to small budgets. 
Travellers who have the habit of "? sack ?" will have no problem in taking advantage of their stay, provided that they accept moderate comfort, and adapt to the country's few times.
The following is a small list of the cost of the most common goods and services in Guatemala ?:Fuel: around 24 Q per gallon (3,5 l) in January 2015 (diesel 22 Q).Mineral Water Bottle 1,5 l: between 5 ? Q and 10 ? Q (larger gallons cost the same price).Beer (33 cl): between 15 and 20 ? Q.Meal in a comedor (single dish with tortillas and fresh drinks, sometimes soup): between 15 and 35 ? Q.A cooked corn spur (elote), purchased on the street: 4 ? Q.Chicken bus ticket for one hour journey: about 10 ? Q, but variable according to regions (cheaper in the highlands).Double Room without bathroom in a small hotel: between 100 and 150 ? Q for 2 people.Stamp for Europe or North America: 8 ? Q.Internet Connection: between 5 and 15 Q/h.A pound of tomatoes to the market: 3 to 5 ? Q.A 3-day hike in Petén, contracted by an agency, including: $ 200 ? per person, base 3 people.FormalitésFor a stay of less than three months, European Union nationals do not need visas and pay no entry fee.However, the majority of flights to Guatemala from Europe passing Through the United States must be equipped with a new biometric passport (or a valid optical reading passport and issued before 26 October 2005). In addition to this, you will need to complete the ESTA form on the Internet site and pay the administrative fees, which is $ 14 USD.Beware of entry conditions for pets. Find out more about how they can accompany you.