Everyone ever been to Guatemala? I am headed there to do some charity dental work ... in March ... any tips?

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Lizzy

Ive been to Tikal, crossed the border through Belize for the day. We took a guide to the ruins. Unfortunatley we had a minor car accident on the Belize side with a Guatmalan border patorl man. He passed us on our RIGHT while we were turning into a parking spot on our right, of course it was our fault (according to him) we had 3 choices, and two of them included jail time (because it was Easter holiday weekend). He also offered the fact that he would take direct cash payment and call it even. He let us pass to Guatamala for the day, and upon our return to Belize he was waiting for us and our cash. We had no choice. I tell you this because the government is not honest. It cost us about $450 US which is huge to him. The damage was perhaps half that in the states. Anyway, we felt safe but had the guide with us except when we entered the temples he went off with his buddies and we hiked around by ourselves. We were told that we must be back at the border at 5:00 by our friends in Belize who had been robbed on the desolate highway. I felt relativley safe but a little nervous about the men on the side of the road with guns who were (as we found out) hunting for their meal. We did hear many stories about tourist being robbed, so do not wear jewlery and do not carry fancy cameras or flashy items. It is a very poor country but very, very beautiful. I am going back next April. Also, if you get a chance to go to Tikal on Easter Sunday it is an absoulte must see! The Guatamalan people have a huge ceromony in the center of the holy land. It was breathtaking. I have never experienced anything like that before. You will have a wonderful time especially if you are doing dental work for charity. You are awesome and the payment from their smiles will be much more rewarding than a paycheck. Good Luck!

ed feller

It really depends where in Guatemala you are headed in order to give you tips on what to bring, how cautious to be, how much bug spray you'll need, etc.

If you're going to be in the highlands, be prepared for some cold nights and stray dogs. In the lowlands, take malaria meds and be prepared for the heat. April and May tend to be the drier, hotter months down there before June kicks up the rain again. Who knows what you'll get in March.

Dana

I went to Guatemuala a last summer. Its beautiful there, but, as stupid as this may seem, bring as much bug spray as you can. I only had a bit and I got eaten alive! So stack up, its a rainforest. Have fun!

Casual Traveler

Use common sense and try not to travel too much after dark. I've been to Guateamala twice and never had any problems. Like someone else said, bring bug spray (malaria and dengue fever are very common down there). Sunscreen and Bug Spray is pretty expensive down there, so bring your own. Also, bring Pepto Bismol tablets just in case you get sick. While you are down there, make sure you get to take in the natural beauty by visiting Semuc Champey, Tikal, Lake Atitlan, and Antigua.

jorgeyankee

Be carefull.
DonÂ´t wear jewlery.
Use gloves
If you want to contact a real good dentist here that works with children (but not charity, he charges) call Dr. Farnez at 53185738.

guido1900us

March is the beginning of the rainy season, so bring a rain coat. Don't miss Lake Atitlan.

For info about charity work in Guatemala, check out http://www.mayanfamilies.org ,and http://pasoporpasorillia.blogspot.com , and
http://www.casa-guatemala.org/index.html.

For information about Lake Atitlan check out http://www.atitlan.net

ab63n22

Yes, stay with people you know and can trust and be careful when you travel. Also a tip: Visiting Tikal up in the north is nice as well as Lake Panajachel. Another tip: If you happen to have some extra time and you want to study Spanish, you can visit Antigua and have cheap classed from your personal teacher.

Sarah

I haven't been there, but I am dying to go there one day!! Have fun!!

Ilovejeovany

all i know is that you better know spanish because some people dont even know english up there but some does

adorablesuperspy

No tips. Poor country. Now that you bragged about your 'good works', you just got your reward from God.

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