Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get there?
Flying into La Aurora Guatemala City airport (GUA) is the most common way to arrive in Guatemala. Be sure to send us your flight details, we are happy to pick you up from the airport and then transfer to Antigua, Guatemala (~1 hour drive) where we are based. Other arrival options include coming by land via Mexico, Belize, Honduras or El Salvador or flights to smaller regional airports.
Is it easy to get there?
Yes, all the major international airlines have flights to Guatemala with many direct flights from major USA and some European hubs.
What is the best time of year?
The high season in Guatemala is the North American winter, typically mid-October through the end of April. This coincides with the dry season here in Guatemala where blue skies and clear starry nights are almost guaranteed. That being said, the rest of the year sees a bit more rain and brings out the lush forests and flowers along the trails and can also be great times of the year to be in Guatemala. Summer months are popular as well for this reason.
Is it safe?
We have spent years developing adventure tours in all regions of Guatemala. Because of our commitment to support the local economies where we develop and operate our tours we feel confident taking our guests out into the Guatemalan backcountry. Your safety is our priority and we always keep that in mind when choosing destinations, accommodations, and activities. Antigua is a very safe town and with your typical traveler’s common sense you will feel very comfortable.
Do I need a visa?
Most visitors to Guatemala do not need a visa ahead of time, rather you will receive a 90-day tourist visa upon arrival at immigration control. Please be sure to check your personal requirements before traveling to be sure.
What's the weather like in Guatemala?
Guatemala has two main seasons throughout the year that are fairly predictable. Mid-October to late April is the dry season where you can expect blue skies and clear starry nights. Late April through the beginning of October is the rainy season where you can expect afternoon showers and evening rain. Temperatures will vary greatly depending on the various regions of Guatemala but are comfortable year round. In Antigua, the temperature typically varies from the low 50’s°F to low 80’s°F.
What if I need lodging outside of your tour?
We are a full-service tour operator and can provide all sorts of logistics from lodging, transfers and other excursions. Our staff is happy to help you with these logistics, just drop us a line.
What’s the deal with food and drinking water?
Antigua has a great array of restaurants serving both local and international cuisines, we are happy to show you the best spots. During camping nights you will have a cooked meal prepared from fresh local ingredients. Our picnic lunches during tours are freshly prepared by your local guide and all dietary restrictions can be accommodated as long as we know ahead of time.
It is not recommended to drink untreated water from the tap. If you are on a hiking or bike holiday, filtered water is available to fill up your individual bottles. We do not encourage the purchase of single-use plastic bottles.
It is not recommended to drink untreated water from the tap. If you are on a hiking or bike holiday, filtered water is available to fill up your individual bottles. We do not encourage the purchase of single-use plastic bottles.
What is the local currency and how do I get cash?
The local currency is the Quetzal (named after the national bird). It is not necessary to obtain local currency ahead of your visit as you will have an opportunity to change money when you arrive or withdraw from a local ATM. US dollars are accepted as payment in most restaurants and shops in Antigua but not necessarily outside town.
It is possible to use credit and debit cards with most businesses or to withdraw money from ATMs in Antigua and other larger towns. This is usually at the best available exchange rate but you may be charged by your local bank or card company.
It is possible to use credit and debit cards with most businesses or to withdraw money from ATMs in Antigua and other larger towns. This is usually at the best available exchange rate but you may be charged by your local bank or card company.
Guidance on tipping
Tips are the accepted way of saying ‘thank you’ to your local guides and porters. For our part, we say that tips are not a duty or a prerequisite but are a bonus and entirely dependent on the service that was given.
In restaurants and bars, the standard 10% tip “propina” is typically already included in the bill.
In restaurants and bars, the standard 10% tip “propina” is typically already included in the bill.
Should I bring my own bike?
We know you are most comfortable on your own setup, however flying with a bike can be expensive. Our mountain bike tours include one of our recent model Kona hardtails or full suspension bikes depending on availability. For most one to two day tours, our clients use our local fleet. If you are coming for a longer multi-day tour, a lot of our clients do prefer to bring their own bike.