ESSENTIALS - Guatemala - page 710

Guatemalahasahandfuloflocalchannels,thoughcableTVwithchannelsbeamedinfrom
the United States is also widely available. The country also has its own cable network,
Guatevisión, with a morning show and some entertaining programs covering recreational
options throughout the country.
MAPS AND TOURIST INFORMATION
Maps
Recently introduced, Mapas de Guatemala ( www.mapasdeguatemala.com ) makes an ex-
cellent 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 book-
stores in the United States.
Tourist Information
The Guatemala Tourist Commission (INGUAT) provides tourist information from its of-
fices 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.
INGUATdoesafairlygoodjobwithitsmandateandhasbeeninstrumentalintheorgan-
ization of community-based tourism providers. It also participates in international tourism
fairs promoting Guatemala, provides logistical support for travel journalists covering the
countryforinternationalpublications,keepstabsonhotelpricingstandards,andiscredited
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 web-
site is www.visitguatemala.com .
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
Time
Guatemala is six hours behind GMT and in the same time zone as U.S. Central Standard
Time. Hours of daylight do not vary greatly between seasons, but daylight saving time is
sometimes observed, depending on the whims of individual governments. It was observed
in the summer of 2006 but not in 2007. Check locally for the latest.