Before going on any trip, it's important to know a few things about where you are going. And while we always emphasize the idea that "expectations are the enemy", in this particular case it is good to have a general understanding of what to expect regarding climate, dress, food, and entering the country.
Climate
The climate in Guatemala City is spring-like most of the year due to the altitude being more than 5,000 ft above sea level. Your body will take a few weeks to acclimate to this change if you are not from a mountainous area. Your body will tire more quickly and physical activity will cause you to breathe more heavily. Try to be patient with yourself.
Climate
The climate in Guatemala City is spring-like most of the year due to the altitude being more than 5,000 ft above sea level. Your body will take a few weeks to acclimate to this change if you are not from a mountainous area. Your body will tire more quickly and physical activity will cause you to breathe more heavily. Try to be patient with yourself.
There are two seasons - rainy and dry. The dry season is from mid-October until early May. Sometime in May the rains begin to return. From June until early October daily heavy rains are expected in the afternoons. The warmest times from February until August (65 to 80ʼs). The coolest months are November through early January (50 to 75 degrees). Due to no heat in homes, the mornings and evenings can be a little chilly in the cooler times of the year.
Dress
Dress in Guatemala is a bit more conservative than some other locations in the world. While you will see people wearing them, please choose other shirts than tanks, spaghetti straps and muscle shirts to use during your time there. Pants and skirts below the knee are worn in most locations no matter the heat. (The hot coastal plains will vary from the locations you will usually be in.) Men and women alike do not use shorts other than for sporting events or at the beach. Mission team members will not be wearing shorts on work days. So, please come prepared with pants for the work days of your trip. Ladies, long capriʼs (calf length) are fine. Please bring pants or long skirts to wear when not playing sports. You will need athletic shoes or work shoes for most occasions that are work oriented. Sandals are fine for other times, but please expect to wear shoes that are good stable walking gear most of the time.
Food
In general, Guatemalans eat a breakfast early in the morning, a big lunch somewhere between 1 and 2pm, and a lighter dinner about 7 pm at night. There are a variety of breakfasts, but one common one is an atoll. It is a thick, hot cereal drink made from any of a few grains. Lunch, generally consists of rice and tortillas with a main stewed vegetable dish with meat (if available), and many times a salad. A typical dinner is scrambled eggs, fried ripe plantains, beans, and tortillas or bread. Soups are popular, as well.
As a mission team member, you will likely get foods that you may be more familiar with, rather than 100% Guatemalan food. You may also want to bring a few of your favorite snacks along. (Please notify me of any food allergies at least a week or two prior to your departure.)
For your safety, please do not drink any water that is not purified (bottled) during your trip. Brush your teeth with bottled water, as well. It is not fun to spend hours in the bathroom because of not being careful in this simple way. If you are going to eat fresh fruits, a good rule is to peel it yourself before eating. Do not buy pre-cut fruit on the street. All fresh fruits and veggies are to be washed in a disinfectant (bleach water mixture) and rinsed before eating. Salads (including lettuce and tomato on sandwiches) usually are best to avoid at restaurants - unless we are at a chain type restaurant like McDonald's or Subway.
Enjoy the variety of foods that are available and different from what you usually eat. It is a great experience to try these different foods, however, please do it with the above guidelines in mind.
Entering Guatemala
You will need your passport handy when entering Guatemala. Keep all other important documents, cash, cell phones, etc. tucked away. You won't need them at this point in the journey. Go through the passport check point area. You are a tourist. You are likely only bringing items that will be deemed for ʻpersonal useʼ on your entry papers. Then go to baggage claim to gather your belongings. You will then pass through customs. It is usually pretty smooth. You will probably not need help with bags at the airport. It is best just to say, "No Gracias" to the men offering help. Our missionaries will be outside the airport waiting for you.
Enjoy the trip!
Dress
Dress in Guatemala is a bit more conservative than some other locations in the world. While you will see people wearing them, please choose other shirts than tanks, spaghetti straps and muscle shirts to use during your time there. Pants and skirts below the knee are worn in most locations no matter the heat. (The hot coastal plains will vary from the locations you will usually be in.) Men and women alike do not use shorts other than for sporting events or at the beach. Mission team members will not be wearing shorts on work days. So, please come prepared with pants for the work days of your trip. Ladies, long capriʼs (calf length) are fine. Please bring pants or long skirts to wear when not playing sports. You will need athletic shoes or work shoes for most occasions that are work oriented. Sandals are fine for other times, but please expect to wear shoes that are good stable walking gear most of the time.
Food
In general, Guatemalans eat a breakfast early in the morning, a big lunch somewhere between 1 and 2pm, and a lighter dinner about 7 pm at night. There are a variety of breakfasts, but one common one is an atoll. It is a thick, hot cereal drink made from any of a few grains. Lunch, generally consists of rice and tortillas with a main stewed vegetable dish with meat (if available), and many times a salad. A typical dinner is scrambled eggs, fried ripe plantains, beans, and tortillas or bread. Soups are popular, as well.
As a mission team member, you will likely get foods that you may be more familiar with, rather than 100% Guatemalan food. You may also want to bring a few of your favorite snacks along. (Please notify me of any food allergies at least a week or two prior to your departure.)
For your safety, please do not drink any water that is not purified (bottled) during your trip. Brush your teeth with bottled water, as well. It is not fun to spend hours in the bathroom because of not being careful in this simple way. If you are going to eat fresh fruits, a good rule is to peel it yourself before eating. Do not buy pre-cut fruit on the street. All fresh fruits and veggies are to be washed in a disinfectant (bleach water mixture) and rinsed before eating. Salads (including lettuce and tomato on sandwiches) usually are best to avoid at restaurants - unless we are at a chain type restaurant like McDonald's or Subway.
Enjoy the variety of foods that are available and different from what you usually eat. It is a great experience to try these different foods, however, please do it with the above guidelines in mind.
Entering Guatemala
You will need your passport handy when entering Guatemala. Keep all other important documents, cash, cell phones, etc. tucked away. You won't need them at this point in the journey. Go through the passport check point area. You are a tourist. You are likely only bringing items that will be deemed for ʻpersonal useʼ on your entry papers. Then go to baggage claim to gather your belongings. You will then pass through customs. It is usually pretty smooth. You will probably not need help with bags at the airport. It is best just to say, "No Gracias" to the men offering help. Our missionaries will be outside the airport waiting for you.
Enjoy the trip!
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