Many people, especially when visiting forums, ask: what to take to Guatemala? How to dress? Should I take this or that piece of equipment? What would the weather be like? Is there a possibility of hail in GC? Is it cold at night or hot during the day? And which parts of the year are the worst? Many questions, every day...
How dangerous is to spend some time in Guatemalan nature; forests, hills, lakes? Are there any dangers in houses? Here is just a part of advices and facts, most deadly animal of Guatemala (and I think most deadly world animal) is not mentioned – mosquito. That is for another article on natural dangers…
Guatemala is located at the junction of the North American and Cocos tectonic plates. The subduction zone lies off the west, Pacific coast of Guatemala. The Sierra Madre stretches from the Mexican border south to Guatemala. The mountain chain contains steep volcanic cones, including Tajumulco Volcano (4,220 m), the highest point in Central America.
Do not think that I encourage smoking in any way; I am just trying to give some advice equally to smokers and non-smokers about how to behave and what to expect here, in Guatemala. A long time ago I consulted statistics - only 7 % of the population of Guate were smokers. That number showed me clearly that smoking is not a big deal here and that there will be a little understanding of my bad habit.
Guatemala was primarily known for its civil wars in the 90′s but today the Central American country can be discovered without any danger. In the last years, the infrastructure and especially the road system have essentially improved. Guatemala’ s government invested huge funds in road construction. Many routes got adequate traffic signs and driving at night has become safer due to reflectors on most streets.
In order to give you insight into the measurement system, in fact, I want to help you to find your way in shops, but also to inform you about some basic things that can be very useful in business.
Many people are puzzled when they have to find or use some Guatemalan address. So, here is some advice on how to understand this system, which is very practical once you get the idea.