Health
You don't need to be an athlete to enjoy the natural beauty in our tours; they are not extreme. At most of the destinations you will not even have to walk uphill, they are primarily flat. The exception to this is in the cloud forests, where we hike uphill for a few kilometers. As requested however, we can arrange long hikes for those interested in exploring more remote and isolated areas or easier hikes for those who prefer a more relaxed pace.
Since the heat of the tropics may be a little tiring at times, you will always have access to pure drinking water or soft drinks, which you can bring along in your backpack or buy in small community stores along the way. In areas where there are no small shops around, we will bring drinks along so that everyone stays hydrated. Regardless of the terrain, our tours are tailored to your interests and your pace. We will go at a speed that is comfortable for you and which provides for the ideal birding conditions!
The best protection against diseases that are transmitted through insect bites is to prevent their bites in the first place! The use of insect repellent, long pants and long sleeved shirts in areas were mosquitos are abundant (especially in the rainforest during rainy season) will help tremendously. Other important warnings and advice for health precautions can be found at the website of the Center for Disease Control.
Safety
You may wish to consider purchasing travel insurance for your trip, which generally covers theft, loss, medical problems, and cancellations. More information regarding travel insurance is available through your local travel agent (see also our selected online resources).
Please note that hotel and transportation reservations often require down payments. In the case of cancellations, these deposits cannot always be refunded. For more details about reservations, and cancellation policies please read our and conditions.
Travelers in Guatemala should not carry large amounts of cash with them. The most secure and easiest way to pay bills in cities in Guatemala is through the use of major credit cards (VISA or MASTER CARD). ATMs are also available in several of the cities we travel through. In more remote areas you will only need small amounts of cash for spending money.
