Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the nearest airport?

The closest airport is the International Airport La Aurora in Guatemala City, located 3 hours from Tecpán and 5 hours from San Juan La Laguna.

How do I get there get there?

Shuttle: You can take a shuttle from Guatemala City or Antigua to Tecpán and San Juan La Laguna. The estimated cost is $ 10.00 (cost differs per company). During Covid19, the cost might be double the normal rate. To get to San Juan La Laguna, you can take the shuttle to Panajachel and then to San Juan La Laguna.

Uber: Guatemala has Uber, so you can use this service from Guatemala City or Antigua Guatemala (but you will not find Ubers in the local villages so an alternative plan will have to be made for your return to the city).

Public Transport: You can also take the chicken bus.

To get to San Juan La Laguna, take any bus that is heading to San Pedro La Laguna. We can arrange that the host meets you at the San Juan La Laguna bus stop or alternatively you can take a Tuk Tuk to the homestay (tell them to take you to the home of Josias and Esmeralda Quic from Casa Maya Homestay).

To get to Tecpán, take any bus that is heading to Quetzaltenango (Xela), Huehuetenango or Quiché. We can arrange that the host meets you at the Tecpán bus stop or alternatively you can take a Tuk Tuk to the homestay.

Where is the nearest big city?

Guatemala has two big cities: Guatemala City and Quetzaltenango. Smaller urban areas also offer some basic services

For Casa Maya Tecpán, the nearest town is Tecpán, which is located 10 minutes from the homestay. You can take a tuk tuk or the community bus to get to the town.

For Casa Maya San Juan La Laguna, the nearest town is San Juan which offers basic services. Other towns nearby are San Pedro La Laguna, Panajachel, and Sololá.

What is the best time to visit?

The best time to visit is between November and April. The coolest months are December and January.

Between May and October expect rain at least a couple of hours a day.

Do I need a converter/adapter for electricity?

Guatemala uses 110 volt, 60 cycle electricity, same as the US. Plugs are typically the 2 pronged flat type so US travelers will not typically need a converter or adapter. Outlets rarely have 3 holes so if your device has a third prong, bring an adapter.

Are meals included in my homestay?

Meals are not included in the price of the homestay. We do however offer traditional Guatemalan meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner at a very reasonable price.

What type of food is typically served?

Grilled beef, chicken, rice, beans, tortillas, tropical fruit, and fresh vegetables are some of the standard foods that travelers can expect in Guatemala. If you have restrictions, please ask for an alternative option. Our host can prepare vegetarian food. The San Juan La Laguna host/cook has a specialization in vegan, lactose, or gluten-free dishes. If you are allergic to some seed or anything, please inform us in advance.

Is the water safe to drink?

The tap water is generally not safe to drink in Guatemala. The homestay will offer you a safe drinking water option, which is usually an ecofilter device that you can use to refill your water bottle.

What is the local currency?

The local currency is the Quetzal. Check out a currency converter for the latest exchange rates. Many restaurants, markets, and other service providers will also accept small denominations of US dollars. They will generally give you change in local currency.

Should I bring cash? Are ATMs available? Can I use credit cards?

Most travelers bring a small amount of US cash with them and withdraw from ATMs as they go. ATMs are readily available in the larger towns and cities. Travelers can withdraw US dollars or local currency at fair exchange rates. Credit cards are accepted only in the larger restaurants and stores. Although it is helpful to bring a credit card along for emergencies, don't count on using it for most purchases.

What is the process to enter Guatemala with Covid19?

For information about travel in Guatemala during COVID, please visit official webpages: 

Do I need travel insurance?

We highly recommend traveling with insurance to protect yourself and your booking in case any situation beyond yours or our control arises.

What can I expect to experience while staying at a Casa Maya homestay?

We would love to share our culture and home with you . The houses have a strong concept and commitment to generate the least possible impact, so we invite you to take walks, use bicycles, public bus accompanied by a member of the family or community.

You can observe or participate in the preparation of your food. We will invite you to observe or learn about organic agriculture, weaving with a backstrap loom, climbing mountains to appreciate sunrises, we will also recommend the best services that exist in the community.

We will invite you to observe the different systems we have at home, such as planting systems, caring for animals, growing coffee, corn production (milpa system), composting, and more.

We will invite you to attend social and environmental movements that family members lead in their community, we will always put your safety first, of course.

What about languages?

All the hosts speak Spanish as their second language, within the families they will be speaking in their mother tongue. Guatemala has 22 Mayan languages. Casa Maya is present in the Kakchiquel and Tz'utujil entities.

The families have wifi and will use an online translator to interact if necessary.

Is there wifi in the Homestays?

Currently, each host family has a Wi-Fi connection. You will be given the password once you get to the house. Speed is basic, but you can check emails etc. You will not be able to stream video as this requires more bandwidth.

More information about Guatemala

https://www.visitguatemala.com/?lang=en