Maps

Recently introduced, Mapas de Guatemala (www.mapasdeguatemala.com) makes an excellent series of beautifully illustrated full-color maps of Guatemala’s main tourist regions, which also include helpful information on local businesses. The free maps are available at INGUAT as well as tourist gift shops and restaurants throughout the country. If you need a good map before leaving for Guatemala, ITMB Publishing (530 W. Broadway, Vancouver, BC, Canada, 604/879-3621, www.itmb.com) publishes an excellent International Travel Map of Guatemala ($10.95), which is weatherproof and can be found at well-known bookstores in the United States.

Tourist Information

The Guatemala Tourist Commission (INGUAT) provides tourist information from its offices in major tourist areas and the country’s two international airports. It is also in charge of promoting Guatemala internationally and you may see ads for Guatemala in travel magazines from time to time. Unfortunately, it’s not the catchiest advertising, and chances are you missed it.

INGUAT does a fairly good job with its mandate and has been instrumental in the organization of community-based tourism providers. It also participates in international tourism fairs promoting Guatemala, provides logistical support for travel journalists covering the country for international publications, keeps tabs on hotel pricing standards, and is credited with wooing airlines to begin service to Guatemala.

INGUAT’s central office is in Guatemala City’s Zona 4 at 7a Avenida 1-17 and its website is www.visitguatemala.com.

© Al Argueta from Moon Guatemala, 3rd Edition. Photos © Al Argueta www.alargueta.com