Frequently Asked Questions:
Seasons:
The rainy season goes from May to October and the dry season from November to May. During the dry season, temperatures can reach 42 degrees Celsius. It is thus advisable to bring fresh cotton clothes.
When to do tours?
Archaeological tours (Tikal, Yaxhá, Ceibal, Aguateca and Dos Pilas) are available year round. Tours of the forest as the Zotz-Tikal and El Mirador are available year round. However, during the rainy season it is somehow a challenge to do these tours due to the huge amount of mosquitos and mud in the area. Please note that the tour of Nakum is available only during the dry season.
What to bring for the tours of the forest?
In the description of each tour of the forest you will find specific information about what to bring.
What about camping equipment?
For the tours of the forest you will stay in an open shelter with the roof made out of palm tree leaves. For some tours there are eco-lodges available.
What about meals?
For the tours of the forest the communitarian guide will prepare hot meals for you. Lunch options include vegetable soup, salads, tuna sandwiches, pasta, black beans, rice, etc. For breakfast you can have cereal, milk, fruit and granola, bread, eggs, black beans, etcetera.
What about transportation?
We use air-conditioned microbuses of recent models. Although Land Rover Defender are also available for places where we need a 4x4 vehicle. Air conditioned Toyota Coasters are available for groups of 20 people.
Who will be our guide?
For the tours of the forest you will have an experienced communitarian guide. These guides do not speak English but they are very knowledgeable about the area. For archaeological tours and bird watching tours you will have a guide specialized in these areas and authorized by INGUAT.
What about currency?
You can pay either with Quetzales (Guatemalan currency), with US Dollars or US traveler checks. You can also have Euros exchanged for Quetzales at Banco G&T. However, you cannot have Canadian or Euros traveler checks exchanged.
