FAQs

Question

What will the weather be like?

Answer

In November the average temperature is in the 70s (F), low humidity and chances of light rain. The temperature does not change too much from day to night. November is the famous month of the winds, so it does become a little more windy at this time.

Question

What clothes should I bring?

Answer

Guatemala is called "the land of eternal spring" and that it is. Everyday is 'spring-like' weather with little change in temperatures between the night and day. However, sunscreen, hats and sunglasses are recommended. Antigua lives its name with cobblestone streets and stone paths so it is not recommended to wear shoes that can be easily damaged in the rocks or stilettos that can get stuck in the grass. However there is no need to dress like you are on a safari either; comfortable light clothing with options to layer and flat shoes or sneakers are best. Antigua is very safe, however still best to leave all valuable (real) jewelry at home. Small backpacks or "cross-body" bags are perfect when shopping, eating and drinking coffee.

Question

No hablo 'spanish' ~ What should I do?

Answer

Don't worry. Every worker and business owner in Antigua speaks, at least, basic english. However, google translate is a free application that can be downloaded to your cell phone and is an excellent alternative to our 7th grade Spanish class. Antigua, Guatemala hosts guests at an international level from Asia to Europe to the Americas. It is a tourist city that hosts hundreds of international visitors yearly.

Question

Will I be able to use my phone?

Answer

Depending on your service plan, you might be able to request an international plan. However, if that is not possible, the major places in which you will visit will have public wifi available (the airport, hotel, restaurants, even some outdoor parks).

Question

Can I drink the water?

Answer

Of course you should not drink the water in any public area out of the faucet, but bottled water is safe. The majority of Guatemalans drink bottled water in their homes, so it will not be difficult to find nor necessary to pack bottle water. Antigua is a very tourist friendly/stomach friendly city. However it is recommended to not eat food from the street vendors. I do recommend to try the fruit, but only if it is still in its original peel. Fruit that has already been peeled, cut and put in bags means that it, at some point, was washed in public water. So do try the fruit, but in its "original packaging".

Question

Is it safe to travel to Guatemala?

Answer

There are areas that are safe, like Antigua, and there are areas that are not. If you plan to travel in Guatemala it is recommended to visit tourist areas which are guarded and protected. It is not recommended to venture to unknown cities in the capital (45 minutes away from Antigua). There are many more safe cities as opposed to the unsafe cities; however it is best to be sure and travel only to the known or more famous places.

Question

How much money should I bring?

Answer

The Guatemalan currency is called "the Quetzel"; named after its adorable national bird, has an exchange rate of about about 7.8Q per 1 USD. Because it is a tourist city, Antigua is more expensive than other places in Guatemala and bases its prices more on the USA standard, but it is not outrageous. I would compare the costs to a suburb (dining, shopping, etc) as opposed to an expensive major city like Downtown Chicago or LA City.

Question

What are good websites to view for ideas?

Answer

"Viaja con Nosotros" = https://www.instagram.com/viajaconnosotrosgt/?hl=en (https://www.facebook.com/ViajaconNosotrosGT/) - they are a cute, young couple who travel all over the country taking great photos and sharing reviews of restaurants, hotels and attractions ~ their coverage of Antigua, Guatemala will be a great start to investigate because they see more than just what average tourists might see Another great idea is just to google "what to do in antigua, guatemala" and you will see several trustworthy links including testimonies from American tourists.

Question

What is the culture like?

Answer

Contrary to popular belief, Guatemala is nothing like Mexico or Spain. The only thing they share is the Spanish language; and even inside that, they use different words than what we learned in 7th grade Spanish class. Guatemalan food is not spicy (they don't like spicy things, rather they put sugar in and on everything), they do not eat burritos, tacos or wear the large sombreros. They are of the Mayan decent; a very peaceful, calm and gentle people. Their culture is extremely kind often ending their sentences with the phrase "to serve you". They like to spend time together; going everywhere in large groups as a family, and while they don't smile too much, don't worry, believe it or not they are just shy. You will see a lot of women wearing traditional clothes but to them, its their daily clothing; its not necessarily religious or of special occasion. Because everyone is so kind, it can appear rude or a little brass to say "no"; even if spoken softly. If a foreigner says it, they understand, but you will never hear a Guatemalan simply say "no". Instead, they will explain a longer story as to why they can't do something or why something is not available. But also, because they don't say "no" be careful what you ask or request because more likely than not they will comply to avoid the seemingly "awkward" situation of saying "no".

Question

What are some "Guatemalan" phrases that I can say?

Answer

Instead of "Hola" say "Buenas": example --> when you enter into any room, it is polite to greet everyone by saying "Buenas". Up until 11:59am you can say "Buenas días", up until 6:59pm you can say "Buenas tardes" and 7:00pm and on "Buenas noches" as a greeting for every situation. If you're looking for "el baño" you might not find it as they use the word "sanitario" too. If you really like something or something is 'good' you can say "!Que chilero!" = which means "that's good/great/how cool is that" If something is surprising in a positive or negative way you can say "Ala gran" = which means like "oh my gosh" If something is surprising like shocking you can say "!Puchika!" = which also means like "oh my gosh" but more for things that are expensive, long distances, too much traffic, etc If you are totally shocked and surprised you can combine the two = "!Ala gran puchika!"; if you say this, guaranteed who ever you are talking to will be more surprised and have a good laugh to hear an American speaking "Chapin" (Chapin = Guatemalans, their culture, their words)