Guatemala

geography

The surface of Guatemala is characterized by four major topographical features. Southern Guatemala is dominated by a string of 27 volcanoes extending for about 180 miles (300 km) between Mexico and El Salvador. Between the volcanoes and the Pacific Ocean lies a fertile plain ranging 25–30 miles (40–50 km) in width. The Petén region, a large, low-lying, rectangular area, juts northward to occupy a portion of the Yucatán Peninsula, a limestone platform shared with Mexico and Belize. Sandwiched between the volcanic landscape and the Petén are the high mountain ranges and valleys. These arc gently eastward from Mexico for a distance of 210 miles (340 km), extending into northern Honduras.

biodiversity

In the Petén, a dense rainforest is interspersed with patches of savanna grasslands. The sierras are forested with oak and pine. In the volcanic highlands, stands of pine, fir, and oak have been largely destroyed except on the highest slopes. On the Pacific coastal plain, the landscape largely has been cleared of its tropical forest and savanna. 

climate

Guatemala has a warm, tropical climate, although it is more temperate in the highlands.

Culture

The Mayan ruins found within the park’s boundaries have been abandoned for more than 1,000 years. Once believed lost forever, this incredible complex was once known as Yax Mutal. Many buildings make up these Guatemala Mayan ruins. The oldest ones date back to the fourth century BCE.Historians believe that the ancient site of these Mayan ruins was occupied far earlier than that, though. The place now known as Tikal Guatemala was a vital part of the Mayan empire as early as 1,000 BCE. Evidence shows that agricultural activity was happening here over 3,000 years ago, and some ceramic remnants have been dated to 700 BCE.

best time for birding

End of September to mid May.

recommended bird guides/apps

Books:

Peterson Field Guide to the Birds of Northern Central America by Jesse Fagan & Oliver Komar (also available as eBook / pdf)

Apps:

Merlin by Cornell Lab of Ornithology (download Guatemala package)

eBird by Cornell Lab of Ornithology 

Money

The unit of currency in Guatemala is called the quetzal. Go to www.xe.com/currencycon–verter/ to view the currently applicable exchange rate. We recommend that you bring some US dollars with you in cash, and then exchange these for local currency at an of–ficial bureau de change. Also bring a credit card and make sure to memorise your PIN code. NEVER write your PIN code down! There are cashpoint machines (ATMs) almost everywhere. You can also use most common credit cards at hotels and in many shops and restaurants. Once again, however, the farther out into the country you travel, the harder it may be to use your credit card.rate is about:

1 USD = 7.74GTQ

1 EUR = 8.97 GTQ

1 GBP = 10.49GTQ

 

Tipping

Tipping is never compulsory on any of our tours, but many visitors do choose to tip guides, drivers, and other ground staff, especially if they feel they have worked hard and done a good job, and we get many questions about what would be an appropriate amount, so we have tried to figure out some guidelines. Again, this is entirely up to your discretion, and we mention this merely for your information and in answer to questions we regularly receive from our clients.

Restaurants: 2-3USD/meal

Hotels: 5USD/room/day

Luggage porters: 1USD/bag

Local guide: 5-10USD/p/day

Drivers: 5USD/p/day

Tour guide/leader: 15-20USD/p/day

 

Health & hygiene

Consult your doctor timely about vaccinations and medication. Inform us of any healthissues or dietary requirements, so we can take the best possible care of you.