TRAVEL TIPS

TRAVEL TIPS

Preliminary needs:

 Passport:         Scan a copy and send it to Paul at tpmack@rogers.com

Health card:    Scan a copy and send it to Paul at tpmack@rogers.com

We will have all the copies with the emergency kit in case of injuries.

 See your local travel clinic re. Shots and meds

2) Packing:

Less is better. Split luggage to include a day’s essentials in carry-on.

Baggage loss and delay is getting common. (No complaining allowed).

Suggested inclusions:

-          Two pairs work pants, two long sleeve work shirts

-          one pair khaki or casual slacks, or skirt, dress tops, shirts for dinner, R&R and travel

-          basic first aid kit, tweezers, travel wipes, hand sanitizer

-          A couple of pairs work gloves, one pair casual/hiking shoes, one pair work shoes or boots (open shoes not allowed on site),

-          wide brimmed hat: Tilley-type, (sunstrokes and dehydration  do occur)

-          sunglasses or safety glasses; bathing suit, sunscreen, bug repellant

-          special foods or medications; travel alarm, tiny flashlight; rain poncho,

-          Spray on sun block is much easier to use on the build site

-          A water bottle that you can refill on the build site

-          Electrolytes replacements..they are available in “jellybean” form, they work great on those days when the tummy is just not right!!!

-          Some snacks of choice (snack or protein bars)

4) Not recommended:

Gifts or toys for locals, on one-to-one basis

On the job sites, Shorts (officially they say no shorts, we have had no trouble with the cargo type shorts) tank tops, halter tops, high heels expensive jewelry, expensive cameras, or video cameras

5) Donations:

 Gifts, tools, books, or toys…may be made through the local affiliate on a group, not individual, basis. It is customary to leave excess clothing behind upon departure.  

6) Research:

http://travel.gc.ca/destinations/guatemala

GUATEMALA - Exercise a high degree of caution

There is no nationwide advisory in effect for Guatemala. However, you should exercise a high degree of caution due to the violence, roadblocks, strikes and demonstrations that occur periodically throughout the country.

Emergency services

Dial 110 or 120 for police, 122 or 123 for the fire department and ambulance services. It may be difficult to obtain police assistance. Police forces lack resources and are often corrupt. National police officers do not speak English. PROATUR officers are able to provide assistance in English.

7) The weather:

Natural Disasters & Climate

Forest Fires

Forest fires often occur from November to June. Even though they can happen anywhere, they usually affect the department of Peten. In the event of a major fire, you should follow the instructions of local emergency services, particularly with regard to evacuation procedures. Monitor local media for updated information.

Hurricane and rainy seasons

The hurricane season extends from June to the end of November. The National Hurricane Centerprovides additional information on weather conditions. Stay informed of regional weather forecasts, and follow the advice and instructions of local authorities.

The rainy season extends from mid-May to mid-November. Flash floods and mudslides are common occurrences, causing temporary road closures. You should keep informed of regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly.

Seismic activity

Guatemala is located in an active seismic zone. Familiarize yourself with earthquake security measures in hotels and public and private buildings, and follow the advice of local authorities in the event of an earthquake.

Volcanoes

The Fuego, Pacaya and Santiaguito volcanoes present consistently moderate activity which is considered to be within normal parameters. Monitor levels of volcanic activity through the local media and amend travel arrangements accordingly. Hiking on volcanoes should be done only with a reputable tour company that tracks volcanic activity. Follow the advice of local authorities in the event of an explosion or eruption.

8) Money: US dollars!!

VISA, Mastercard, and Bank Card. In most places, one of these three works in ATMs , for cash withdrawals. American Dollars are also recommended.  American Express and Traveller’s Cheques are not popular.

9) Waters and Diet:

Bottled water is provided, free, continuously. Katadyn water treatment bottles are handy, if you bring them.  If it isn’t cooked or peeled, don’t eat it.

Smile, and expect the unexpected!!!

Coban

The following information was located on Wikitravel.

Coban 

is a city in the Alta Verapaz department of the Central Highlands region of Guatemala.

Get in

The most common way to get to Coban from Guatemala City is using the Monja Blanca bus service from the capital, approximately four hours. There are also competitors, as well as more expensive shuttles. A ticket to Coban on the Monja Blanca costs about 55 Quetzales per person (according to January 2012).

The real magic is all the villages the spread all over. On the the way, all the mountains are covered with beautiful Mayan villages. If you are looking for adventure, just ask some locals from Coban about the villages. In Spanish pueblos like Tactic, Tomtem, Yoho, you will discover a new world.

From the Western Highlands, regular microbuses run from Quiche to Sacapulas to Uspantin to Coban (you will probably have to change buses in each town). The road between Uspantin and Coban is only paved about half way, and has some rough stretches. Travel time (in 2010), including time spent waiting for buses, is about 6 hours from Quiche to Coban and 2.5 hours from Uspantan to Coban.

Get around

Coban is a relatively walkable city in terms of size (sidewalk conditions are horrible, however, and you should always assume that cars will take the right of way). For local destinations around Coban, there are buses that leave in front of Plaza Magdalena. You can take a taxi almost anywhere around town for Q20 for something like 5 Kilometers. Always get in the taxis that are marked with a Taxi number on the door, the unmarked ones are not licensed to work as a taxi. Another option is to take a bus (collectivo) that start from coban and finish at the nearest villages like Tactic, San cristobal and etc.

See

By walking on the street from the Parque Center to the terminal Market you will fell the Spirit of the Mayan, Workers from the nearest village that surrounding Coban come to the city in the morning to work and leave afternoon. The people all over, their smile on the morning and Saying hallo at afternoon are the view.

the Main Cathedral at the town Center. Semuc Champey about two hours from Coban - There are private tours you can hire to get there that contains also visiting the Caves in lanquin. On 1 Avenida there are several tours guide.

You don't have to book tours or walk around with your nose buried in your LP guidebook to figure all this out. I f you want to go to Champey, hop on a colectivo across from Plaza Magdalena (a big yellow shopping mall - everyone knows it, just ask) and go to Lanquin; get off there, hit up the dudes at El Zapote immediately to your right when you get off for a free ride down to Las Marias hostel, and pay 15Q for a mattress and 15Q for a tour. Simple as that.

Do

Every Sunday there is a small crafts market in the center of town. Be sure to offer a lower price or ask what the sellers best price is. Same goes for the market behind the cathedral. Take a tour around and buy some of the local clothing. A Huipil, or women's woven and sometimes embroidered shirt can go for as much as 500 Quetzales / $50 USD or more depending on the quality and detail of the work, so don't be surprised if it seems like a high price for a non-tailored shirt. More simple styles can be found for about 100 Quetzales.