What will it cost to come to Guatemala?

 These are average costs to help you with planning a short term mission trip.

Air Transportation:  Airline rates vary widely so, that cost is up to you. Usually you can purchase tickets at a discount with a team through a travel agent or check for specials online. Your destination will be San Pedro Sula, Honduras (airport code SAP). This is 3 hours closer to Rio Dulce than Guatemala City, the roads are better and the drive is along the Caribbean. It is a safe and modern international airport. The customs and immigration officers are friendly and helpful.

Note about bringing medical supplies.  Fortunately the customs officials usually do not even inspect Americans or luggage coming into Guatemala.  If you are coming on a medical mission’s trip, the only requirement is the meds cannot be expired.  If you do get checked, be totally honest and let them know you are coming here to do short-term medical missions work in the remote villages.  They will probably thank you for helping their country.

Transportation, Food and Lodging:  is $75.00 per day per person.

This fee covers:

• Pick up and return to Guatemala City airport and all ground transportation.

• All water and boat transportation and fuel charges.

• Three full meals a day of breakfast lunch, and dinner

• Food on the road at restaurants, when we travel.

• All entrance fees to museums, parks and Mayan Ruins

The only money you will need is for snacks, souvenirs, and exit fees.

The only other expenses would be if you would like to go out to a nice restaurant on the last night. If you bring cash we can exchange your money for the same rate as the banks, which is usually 7.50 Quetzals to $1.00 US dollar. We highly recommend that you DO NOT bring travelers checks. Not all stores or even banks accept them. IF you do cash them in at a bank, it is a very long and drawn out procedure. Some teams have spent 2 hours in the bank just exchanging their traveler’s checks into cash!

Visa is much more accepted here than Master Card. However most places that accept Credit Cards add a 7% service charge to the sale.

We ask that each team submit the expense money at least one month in advance of your arrival, so we can purchase the food and supplies and reserve hotel rooms. Simply e-mail me for the instructions on depositing the expense money.

Short-term Medical Insurance Coverage. If you are interested in getting a short-term medical insurance policy while traveling and working in Guatemala, we have been given very good reports about a Company based out of Charleston South Carolina called Adams & Associates International. Their rates are very low and coverage is very good. If you are interested you can contact them at: 1 (803) 758-1400 or e-mail them at aai.aaintl.com or you can check out their web site at: www.aaintl.com

What should we bring to be prepared?

• Skin protection: You will need a high rated sun block lotion because the sun is very intense here especially on the river. You will also want to bring a good mosquito repellant. There are mosquitoes here but not as much as you would think. But to be safe, bring repellant.
  

• Clothing:  You will want to wear light weight breathable summer type clothing. Medical Scrubs are perfect for working all day in the hot villages doing medical care. It also identifies you as a medical team member to the village. The Mayan customs here are very conservative, so we ask that women wear either a long dress or long pants when working in the Mayan villages. This is so we do not offend their culture. Men also need to wear long pants when working in the villages. When we are on free time or swimming in the lake modest bathing suits are fine. Also in Guatemala City normal casual wear is fine.
  

• Water: The water in our village is good but we still filter it with a ceramic filter system. Please bring your own personal water bottle that you can fill through out the day. There will be clean cold water for your bottles every day. It is important to drink lots of water when here because you may possibly sweat. (smile)
  You may want to consider taking acidophilus tablets ( the good bacteria in yogurt) 1-2 weeks prior to traveling, to prevent upset stomach problems. Also you may want to consider taking an herbal supplement such as Echinacea-Golden Seal which boost your immune system.
  

• You may want to bring a personal flashlight and of course bring any special medications you may need. You may also want to bring your own personal waterless hand cleaner to keep with you.
  

• You will need a passport to enter Guatemala, Central America and there is a $30.00 (in US dollars) exit fee at the airport when departing the country. Some airlines like Delta include this fee in the price of your ticket. Others do not and it has to be paid at the ticket counter when you leave. There is also a $3.00 Security Fee upon departure.

 This page was last updated 07/19/08

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