Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
tendtobefoundindriedpalmleaves,whichmakesmosquitonettingamustforthetraveler
sleeping under thatched-roof structures that are not insulated by wire mesh.
The disease usually starts off as a swollen bite accompanied by fever, which eventually
subsides. Chagas' disease may eventually cause heart damage leading to sudden death and
there is no cure for this disease. Only about 2 percent of those bitten ever develop Chagas'
disease.
Sand Fleas and Sand Flies
Among the more annoying
bichos
(bugs) are sand fleas, which are virtually imperceptible
but can leave a trail of welts on feet and ankles. The best way to avoid bites is by washing
offafterwalkingonsandyareas.Annoyingandalsoextremelypainfularethebitesofsand
flies known as
tábanos
inhabiting coastal areas, mostly on the Caribbean Coast. They look
like a cross between a bee and housefly. You may not feel them on you until it's too late,
astheyhaveaknackforlandinggentlyontheirvictims. Tábanoinfestations areworstdur-
ing the dry months, when breezes off the ocean are greatly reduced. If traveling to remote
beaches, go prepared with pants, long sleeves, bandana, hat, and bug spray. It may seem
silly going to the beach with pants and long sleeves, but it sure beats the very unpleasant
experience of being bitten and pursued by these persistent critters (I speak from experien-
ce).
Snakes
Lowland Guatemala is home to some of the world's deadliest snakes, including the ag-
gressive fer-de-lance, a pit viper also known as
barba amarilla
for the yellow coloring un-
der its mouth. It's easily distinguishable by its diamond-shaped head and intricate diamond
patterns on its skin. It is fairly common in Petén, Izabal, and the Verapaces. Bites are usu-
ally fatal unless the victim receives medical attention within a few hours. Other poisonous
snakesincluderattlesnakes,thered,black,andyellow-bandedcoralsnake,andtheeye-lash
viper, which you should be particularly wary of, as it tends to blend in to vegetation, espe-
cially palm trees.
Wear high boots and long pants for hiking in the jungle. Always watch where you step
andbeparticularlycarefulofwoodpilesandrocks.Snakestendtohangoutnearjunglewa-
tering holes and gaps created by fallen trees. For extended trips into the jungle, it's a good
idea to go with a guide. Let guides lead the way, as their eyes are keenly attuned to the
presence of snakes and they are usually armed with a machete.
