Stuff you need backpacking around Guatemala

Spanish is the official language of Guatemala, and the most commonly spoken. Over twenty indigenous languages are still spoken throughout, but many of the Maya people have at least a working knowledge of basic Spanish as well. For the Garifuna people in Livingston, Garifuna and English are the main languages (but Spanish is spoken as well). The most familiar form of Spanish spoken among good friends is the "tú/vos" form, but varies between regions. It is considered rude and very informal if used with someone that you do not know. As a tourist, it is safer to stick with the "usted" form. However, don't be surprised if some homestay families and some language teachers jump right into using the "tu/vos" form. If they do, you may respond in kind.

Typical food:

• Kaq Ik
• Pepián
• tortillas
• frijoles negros - stewed black beans
• caldos - beef broths
• eggs
• rice

The type of food really depends on how much you want to spend and what type of place you want to spend it at. You can get almost any type of food at the main tourist locations (Antigua, Guatemala City, etc.). In the aldeas (small towns) your choices will obviously be limited to what has been listed above.

Guatemalans usually dress down when they go out. See Staying Healthy section below. All Coca-Cola and Pepsi type products are available plus many products from local soft drink manufacturers. Guatemala has four primary beer varieties; Gallo (which is the most popular with Guatemalans), Victoria, Brahva, and Moza (The only dark beer). Guatemala produces a number of rums, including the superb Ron Zacapa Centenario (Aged 23 years).

The national currency is Quetzal(es). The rate of change is approximately 7.6 Quetzales for 1 US Dollar (January 2007). It is not common to use dollars in tourist areas. You will most likely have difficulties in changing other currencies than US Dollars, but euros are becoming increasingly more common. It is common to bargain for most purchases in the open air market. Though you may be able to bargain in other places, be aware you are no more likely to bargain in a Guatemalan Radio Shack than an American one.

Things to buy in Guatemala

• Ron Zacapa Centenario, Guatemalas prize-winning rum
• Fabrics and traditional textiles - Traditional mayan blouses are known as huipiles (whi-peel) and skirts cortes. Be aware that these are almost always entirely handmade and prices for a high-end huipil may be as high as Q1000.
• Jade - large jade factory in Antigua, very expensive though
• Coffee - touted as one of the best-tasting varieties in the world
• Cardamom - the largest exporter in the world, Coban in Alta Verapaz is the capital of this trade.