Vicki Lishman
Travelling extensively with her parents, completing a geography degree and taking a couple of years out simply served to convince Vicki that there was a lot... Read More
Group Tours in Guatemala
Guatemala Travel Guide
Antigua
Located in Guatemala’s central highlands and filled with some beautifully preserved Spanish Mudéjar influenced Baroque architecture, Antigua is one of the country’s most visually stunning cities. Dominated by the imposing presence of three volcanoes, including the still active Volcán de Fuego (the Volcano of Fire), the city was once the capital of the Spanish colony of Guatemala, which encompassed almost all of Central America and southern Mexico. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city today is noted for its elaborate street processions during Lent, Easter and Holy Week (Semana Santa), when it hosts some of the most remarkable religious celebrations in the Americas. Purple robed men and women adorned in black parade through the streets with effigies of Christ and the Virgin Mary, the cobbled streets along their path lying blanketed under carpets of dyed sawdust and flowers. Coupled with the surrounding landscape and the fading colonial elegance of its Spanish heritage, the city presents a truly mesmerising setting.
Coban
Surrounded by orchid-laden hills and jungle, Coban is a medium-sized city in the heart of Guatemala’s coffee-growing area and capital of the Alta Verapaz region. It is mainly used by travellers as a springboard to the surrounding sights, including the limestone caves of Grutas de Lanquín and the pools and cascades of Semuc Champey.
Lake Atitlan
The deepest lake in Central America, Lake Atitlan occupies an ancient volcanic caldera in the heart of the Guatemalan Highlands. Considered by many to be one of the most beautiful in the Americas, estimates put its maximum depth at something like 340 m, the deep escarpments and volcanic peaks encircling it adding to its immense mystery and appeal. The rich volcanic soil that surrounds the lake is littered with farms and communities that still cling to the traditions of the area’s rich Mayan heritage. Amongst the Tz’utujil and Kaqchikel you can still find a thriving cultural mix of ancient Mayan and Spanish Catholic influences, where traditional Maya dress is still very much in evidence and religious worship is a fascinating blend of ancient deities, Catholic saints and even Conquistador legends. The lake’s name translates from the Mayan as ‘the place where the rainbow gets its colours’, a fitting description for a setting that is amongst the most breathtaking in the region.
Guatemala City
Originally built around fascinating ancient Mayan ruins, some of which can still be seen today, Guatemala city is now a vibrant, modern capital city with a population of over 2 million. Alongside the many museums, galleries, cathedrals and other cultural sites, the historical centre and Agua volcano on the horizon are constant reminders of the city’s past and somewhat unique location: Guatamala city sits where three tectonic plates meet. Oozing Latin charm and traditional architecture, yet offering the entertainment of any world capital, Guatemala city is an ideal starting point when exploring the country.
Tikal
These spectacular ruins set in the dense forest, with many complexes yet to be discovered are, many would argue, the most impressive Mayan ruins. Not only will you be able to appreciate the Mayan architecture, but also the many species of wildlife prevalent in the area- particularly spider monkeys, toucans and parrots.
Guatemala Travel Information
Visa Information
UK Passport holders do not require a visa to visit Guatemala.
Your passport must be valid for at least six months after the end of your trip. Please ensure the passport details we hold for you are correct.
Please note it is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct visa documentation when starting your trip. Country entry regulations can alter daily and it is always best to check with the relevant embassies for any changes.
If you are travelling on a non UK passport please contact your relevant consulate/embassy for the latest visa information.
Insurance:
Insurance that provides cover for emergency repatriation in case of a medical emergency is compulsory for all tours.
You should be aware that many standard insurance policies may not cover you adequately for all aspects of a Wild Frontiers trip and so we strongly recommend that you purchase a suitably designed insurance policy.
One such policy is the "Wild Frontiers" policy underwritten by Ace European Group Limited (ACE " firm reference 202803), which is available to EU residents (which excludes Norway & Switzerland) through our website or via the insurance company direct on 0845 345 3456. Under this policy there are two different levels of cover available.
Standard policy: a comprehensive travel insurance policy that provides cover for all Wild Frontiers activities, including trekking up to 6,000m. This policy does not provide cover for travel to areas where the FCO is advising against all or all but essential travel.
Elite policy: provides the same comprehensive level of cover as the standard policy. In addition the Elite policy also provides cover for travel to areas where the FCO is advising against all or all but essential travel. The policy will not provide cover for any claims arising from or relating to the reasons why the FCO is advising against travel.
If purchasing the Elite policy you also have the option to extend the cover provided by the policy to include cover for claims arising from a terrorist act in an area where the FCO is advising against travel. You can add this cover to your policy when purchasing online or over the telephone.
These policies are only available to those travelling on a Wild Frontiers holiday.
For more information and to purchase your policy online please visit the Insurance section of our website.
The cover is underwritten by Ace European Group Limited (ACE), and is arranged by Travel & General Insurance Service Limited. Both companies are authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA). Wild Frontiers Limited is an Introducer Appointed Representative of Travel & General Insurance Company plc, details of which can be found at the FSA's website www.fsa.gov.uk.
To contact them please visit their website at www.travel-general.com or call 0845 408 0583.
Health and Vaccinations:
There are no mandatory immunisations for travellers to Guatemala though you should be up-to-date with Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio and Hepatitis A. Malaria is present in some parts of Guatemala so we recommend you seek advice from your local GP or travel centre as to the correct immunisations and preventative treatments.
We also recommend:
• A dental check-up prior to travelling.
• You inform us of any pre-existing medical conditions or medication.
To be on the safe side you can also check on www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk
Tour Leaders
Marc Leaderman
Narrowly escaping the "lawyer, doctor or accountant" stereotype career that is the fate of many London sons, Marc taught English in Romania & Japan... Read More
