Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
paraging remarks about gay guests behind their backs, but I've also run into uncommon
acceptance of homosexuality.
As in many international cities, there's a growing gay-rights movement in Guatemala
City, and there are a number of gay bars and nightclubs, mostly in Zona 1. As with most
venues, things are constantly changing, so log on to
www.gayguatemala.com
for the latest.
Guatemala'sstatusasapoor,developingnationtranslatesintoavarietyofhealthandsafety
risks for the foreign traveler. Many of these are directly related to poor hygiene. When
it comes to safety and law enforcement, the
Policía Nacional Civíl
(created by the 1996
peaceaccords)hasnotliveduptoitsexpectationsasanefficient,incorruptible,andprofes-
sional police force. On a positive note, the
Tourism Police
have demonstrated proficiency
inhelpingtravelersaswellasmakingareassomewhatsaferwithpatrolsandgroupescorts.
Private initiatives, as they almost always do in Guatemala, have stepped in to fill the gaps,
also providing some measure of protection for foreign visitors.
Travelers might want to consider buying traveler's insurance before heading to Guatem-
ala. Several different types of insurance with varying degrees of coverage are available in
the United States, Canada, and Europe. A relatively new Guatemalan initiative offering
assistance to foreign travelers is
Asistur
(
www.asisturcard.com
)
, which provides services
via the purchase of its Asistur Card. You can buy policies for one day, 15 days, 30 days,
or one year costing just $1 per day. Included in the coverage is round-the-clock telephone
assistance for issues including legal and medical situations. Security escorts, roadside as-
sistance, helicopter evacuation fromremote areas such as volcanic summits orjungles, and
special assistance in case of robbery, including provision of hotel room and meals, are also
provided to those insured by Asistur. Other coverage options (extra cost) include life in-
surance, coverage of medical expenses, and theft insurance. The card is available at the
INGUAT kiosks at the Guatemala City and Flores/Tikal Airports. Asistur can be reached
from anywhere in Guatemala by dialing 1500 or 1-801-ASIST (1-8012-7478). As this is
a new venture, you could probably call if you find yourself in a bind, even if you haven't
boughtcoverage.AnAsisturagentmightbenearby.Crimesagainsttouristsareagreatcon-
cern to Guatemalans in general and their gracious hospitality dictates their desire to help
out a traveler in need. That being said, for $1 a day, the coverage and peace of mind are
certainly worth it.
