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Air
Travel
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Guatemala's international carrier Aviateca, part of
the regional TACA group of airlines, does not currently fly to the U.S.
However, other TACA airlines (El Salvador's TACA and Costa Rica's
LACSA) do provide service between Guatemala and the U.S..
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Airport
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 La Aurora
International Airport
Transportation to City Center
The airport lies 4 miles (7 km) south of downtown, on the boundary
between Zona 9 and Zona 13. Make sure that taxis are clearly labeled as
such, and that a registration number exists on the left and right
doors. Taxis do not have meters, and the fare must be negotiated--firmly--in
advance. Taxis to Zonas 9 or 10 should run about US$6, while those to
Zonas 1 and 4 should cost about US$8 to US$10. Taxis wait outside the
terminals, and the travel time is quick, only about 10 minutes. Drivers
will expect a tip, around Q5 per person. Beware of rogue taxis, which
operate as a cover for robberies.
Public buses #5, 6, 20, and 83 all pass the airport and go to downtown.
Bus fare runs about US$0.14. Local buses operate at about 20-minute
intervals from 6a.m. to 8p.m., infrequently from 8p.m. to 10p.m., and
will take about 30 minutes. Make sure the bus goes to the correct zone
and that you have a good map.
Car Rental
Renting a car for travel within Guatemala City is not
advisable, as traffic is quite difficult in the city and rental plates
make you an easy target both for thieves and for traffic cops seeking
bribes. Parking on the street is not safe, and most traffic lights are
turned off at 8p.m. At unmarked intersections, traffic on the Avenidas
(avenues) has right-of-way over traffic on the Calles (streets).
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Ahorrent
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[502] 362-8922
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Avis
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[502] 331-0017
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Budget
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[502] 331-0273
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Dollar
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[502] 331-7185
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Hertz
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[502] 331-1711
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National Interrent
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[502] 331-8365
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Tabarini Renta Autos
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[502] 331-4755
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Airport Amenities
The airport is officially open from 4a.m. to 9p.m., and you
can't camp out overnight. The nearby, clean, and inexpensive Aeropuerto
Guest House (tel: [502] 332-3086) can put you up if you're in need.
Banco del Quetzal (open Monday to Friday 7a.m. to 8p.m., Saturday and
Sunday 8a.m. to 8p.m.), located just beyond customs, offers a good
exchange rate and takes most European currencies as well as U.S.
dollars. Beware of self-styled "porters" who will try to
carry your bags whether you ask them to or not. If they have your
luggage, the going "tip" is Q1 per bag. A tourist office
(tel: [502] 331-4256; hours: daily 6a.m. to 9p.m.) faces you as you
leave immigration, and a Telgua desk on the second floor, for making
phone calls, should be open 24 hours a day. Expect no facilities to
store luggage. The airport shops tend to overcharge, and the best
restaurants reside in the departures area, near Gate 8.
The departure tax is US$5 for domestic flights, and US$15 for
international flights.
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Airline
Numbers
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Note: The country code
is [502] when dialing from outside the country.
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AeroMexico
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361-7171
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Mexico
toll-free
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800-021-1400
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Aerolíneas Argentinas
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331-1567
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Aeronica (Nicaragua)
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334-7722
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Aerovías Racsa
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361-5703
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Air Canada
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335-3341
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Air France
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331-9524, 334-0043
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American Airlines
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334-7379
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Avianca/SAM
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334-6797
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Aviateca
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336-4181, 334-7722
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British Airways
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334-5981/4
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Continental Airlines
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331-2051, 335-3338
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Mexico
toll-free
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800-537-9222
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COPA (Panama)
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331-8790
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Delta
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337-0642
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Iberia
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334-3816/7
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Japan Airlines
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331-8597, 331-8531
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Jungle Flying
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360-4917
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KLM
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337-0222/4
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LACSA (Costa Rica)
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331-8222, 334-7722
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LAN Chile
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331-2070, 331-2077
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Lufthansa
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337-0113/16, 337-0333
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Mexicana
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333-6001, 333-6011
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U.S.
toll-free
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800-531-7921
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SAHSA (Honduras)
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331-6660
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TACA Group
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334-7722
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Tapsa
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332-6034
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Tikaljets
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361-0042
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United Airlines
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332-2295
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Taxi
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 Do not hail
taxis on the street in Guatemala City. Use dispatched taxis or taxis
from major hotels instead. A flat rate applies for short-
or long-distance travel within cities. The option of hiring a driver by
the hour also exists. Always bring written directions and maps, as
drivers may not be familiar with city streets.
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Auto
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Auto Rental
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Due to the poor condition of Guatemalan roads as well as numerous
security issues, it is not advised that visitors rent cars. Hired cars
with drivers are suggested.
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Auto Rental Numbers
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Note: Maniacal drivers characterize much of
Guatemala's roadways. Also take care not to drive after sundown, as the
streets become even more hazardous with a high incidence of
carjackings.
Avis
Airport
Tel: [502] 331-0017
Fax: [502] 332-4596
Hours: Sunday to Saturday 6a.m. to 9p.m.
Actur, S.A. - GUI
6ta. Calle #7-64, Zona 9
Tel: [502] 339-3249
Monday to Friday 8a.m. to 6p.m.; Saturday 8a.m. to noon
Budget
Avenida La Reforma, Zona 9
Tel: [502] 334-8352, 8353, 334-3865, 334-2571, 332-5691
Fax: [502] 331-2807
Airport
Tel: [502] 331-0273
Fax: [502] 331-2807
Dollar
Avenida La Reforma 6-14, Zona 9
Tel: [502] 334-1538, 334-1541, 334-8285, 8257
Airport
Tel: [502] 331-7185
At the Hotel Ritz
Tel: [502] 238-1929, 232-3446
Guatemala Rentautos
19 Calle 16-91, Zona 12
Tel: [502] 473-1330
Hertz
Reservations
Tel: [502] (2) 33-2242
Fax: [502] (2) 31-7924
International reservations
Tel: [502] (2) 332-4025
Fax: [502] (2) 319-220
7a avenida 14-76, Zona 9
Tel: [502] 334-2540, 2541, 332-2242, 334-7421
Airport
Tel: [502] 331-1711
Limosinas de Guatemala
7a. calle 15-75, Zona 16
Colonia La Montaña
Tel: [502] 332-6677
Fax: [502] 332-6678
National
14 calle 1-42, Zona 10
Tel: [502] 368-3057, 368-0175, 337-1767
Airport
Tel: [502] 331-8365, 331-8218
Thrifty Car Rental
Ave. La Reforma y 11 Calle Esquina, Zona 9
Tel: [502] 332-1130, 332-1220, 331-6131
Airport
Tel: [502] 332-1230
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Train
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There is very limited passenger train travel in Guatemala. A regular
line runs to Mexico and an infrequent line serves the Guatemala
City--Puerto Barrios route. The station is located at 10 Avenida in
Zone 1 of Guatemala City.
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Subway
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There is no metro system in Guatemala.
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Bus
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 Regular
city buses prove inexpensive but crowded. They are not known for their
efficiency and, worse, encounter frequent accidents due to human error
or equipment failure. Also, pickpockets and robbers frequently rob
foreigners on the public buses. Another set of more expensive buses (preferecial)
offer more comfortable conditions, but not necessarily more security.
After 10:30p.m., jitneys service urban customers until buses resume at
4a.m. None of these forms of public transport is recommended for
business travelers.
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Water
Travel
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 Guatemala has no extensive
river passenger boat system. Both the Caribbean and Pacific coastal
ports provide international cruise line harbors as well as very limited
coastal ferry-type service. Only the cruise line services provide
sufficient security for business travel.
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Travel
Assistance
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Travel Assistance
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 Guatemala
Tourist Commission
7a Ave. 1-17, Zona 4, Centro Civico
Tel: [502] (2) 331-1333, 1347
Fax: [502] (2) 331-8893
Web: http://www.travel-guatemala.org.gt/
Email: inguat@guate.net
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