Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Intelimapas'
Mapa Turístico Guatemala,
Inguat's
Mapa Vial Turístico
and International
Travel Maps'
Guatemala
all contain useful maps of Guatemala City. Sophos (
Click here
)
is one of the most reliable places to get maps. The
Instituto Geográfico Nacional
(IGN;
2248-8100;
www.ign.gob.gt
; Av Las Américas 5-76, Zona 13; 9am-5pm Mon-Fri)
sells 1:50,000 and
1:250,000 topographical sheets of all parts of Guatemala, costing Q140 each.
Information
DANGERS & ANNOYANCES
Street crime, including armed robbery, has increased in recent years. Use normal urban
caution (behaving as you would in, say, Manhattan or Rome): don't walk down the street
with your wallet bulging out of your back pocket, and avoid walking alone downtown late
at night. Work out your route before you start so that you're not standing on corners look-
ing lost or peering at a map. It's safe to walk downtown in the early evening, as long as
you stick to streets with plenty of lighting and people. Stay alert and leave your valuables
in your hotel. Don't flaunt anything of value, and be aware that women and children swell
the ranks of thieves here. The incidence of robbery increases around the 15th and the end
of each month, when workers get paid.
Pretty much anywhere in Zona 1 off the 6a Av pedestrian strip is troublesome at night -
a taxi is a worthwhile investment after a night on the town.
The more affluent sections of the city - Zonas 9, 10 and 14, for example - are safer but
crimes against tourists and street crime in general is on the rise in these areas, too. The
Zona Viva, in Zona 10, has police patrols at night. But even here, going in pairs is better
than going alone. Never try to resist if you are confronted by a robber.
MEDICAL SERVICES
Guatemala City has many private hospitals and clinics. Public hospitals and clinics
provide free consultations but can be busy; to reduce waiting time, get there before 7am.
Hospital Centro Médico
( 2361-1650, 2361-1649; 6a Av 3-47, Zona 10)
Recommended. This private
hospital has some English-speaking doctors.
2256-1486; 1a Av 10-50, Zona 1)
One of the city's best public
Hospital General San Juan de Dios
(
hospitals.
MONEY
Card skimming is rife in Guatemala City - try to use ATMs that are under some sort of
watch at all times, such as those inside stores or shopping malls.
