GETTING HERE

ARRIVAL — Our first destination is Palenque, which is in the state of Chiapas, Mexico and the closest airport is Villahermosa Airport (VSA) in Villahermosa, Mexico (about two hours away by road).

The primary airlines that operate flights to Villahermosa Airport include Aeromexico (Cities in Mexico with direct Aeromexico service include Loreto, Hermosillo, Mexico City, Monterrey, Guadalajara, Cancun, Leon (Bajio Airport) and others), Aviacsa ( Mexico City based airline with convenient schedules to popular cities throughout Mexico. Presently - Spring 2008 - Las Vegas is the only U.S. gateway.), Continental (Continental's routes into Mexico originate in its Houston, TX and Newark, NJ hubs and they offer service to 28 cities in Mexico), and Mexicana (Mexicana's gateways in the US include Baltimore, Los Angeles, San Jose, San Francisco, Oakland, Chicago, San Antonio, New York (JFK), Miami, Sacramento, Las Vegas, Portland and Denver. Canadian gateways include Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver. Latin American gateways include Bogota, Buenos Aires, Caracas, Guatemala, San Jose Costa Rica, Panama City Guayaquil and Havana. Some routes are operated under code-share agreements with other airlines.). Check with your travel agent, or check online with kayak.com, expedia.com, travelocity.com, etc. for the most convenient flights from your home.

DEPARTURE — Our journey ends in Guatemala and your return departure will be from Guatemala City La Aurora International Airport (GUA). The airport is about 16 miles (25km) from Antigua.

VISAS AND PASSPORTS

Visa: USA citizens need to have a passport, but no visa requirements for up to three month visits. Same visa requirement will apply for the visitors coming from UK, Canada, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. For more information on Mexico and Guatemala visa requirements, please contact the appropriate embassy in your country.

Passport: You must have a valid passport. It is a good idea to take a photocopy of your passport with you in case the original one gets lost.

WEATHER

Mexico — Palenque has jungle weather: extremely hot and humid.

Guatemala — Guatemala's climate is lovely year round and makes travel possible at any time. The rainy season is generally from May to November. Climate variations are due to altitude, but it is generally hot throughout the country. The north has a hot, tropical climate with maximum rainfall between May and September. The coastal regions and north east are hot, with a dry (November to April) and rainy season, with temperatures averaging 68°F (20°C). The highlands, including Guatemala City and Antigua, have a pleasant climate with less rainfall than the coast, and cold temperatures at night.

DRESS

Mexico — Ideal Clothing & Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes with a non-slip sole are essential here - some of the buildings are steep and high. Strong climbing shoes if you plan to ascend the pyramids for the great views they offer. Dress for hot, humid weather. Palenque is in the middle of the jungle so dress using clothes made from light, natural fibers (e.g. cotton); sun screen is an essential accessory; insect repellent is a good idea; a hat and plenty of drinking water.

CURRENCY

Mexico — Mexican currency is the New Peso (MXN) divided into 100 centavos. Credit cards are widely accepted, particularly Visa, MasterCard and American Express. Travellers cheques are generally accepted, but cannot be cashed on Sundays. ATMs are available in most cities and towns and are the most convenient way to get money, but for safety reasons they should only be used during business hours. Although most businesses will accept foreign currency it is best to use pesos. Foreign currency can be exchanged at one of many casas de cambio (exchange houses), which have longer hours and offer a quicker service than the banks.

Guatemala — The official currency is the Quetzal (GTQ) divided into 100 centavos. In 2001 the US Dollar became the second official currency alongside the Quetzal and both are accepted. Travellers cheques and major credit cards are accepted, though some more than others. It is recommended to take travellers cheques in US dollars. Cash exchange is easier, but more risky. Visitors are not advised to exchange money at the informal booths on the street. There are ATMs in the towns and cities, which accept American Express and Visa. MasterCard and Diners Club have a more limited acceptance.

ELECTRICITY

Mexico — Electrical current is 60-cycle, 120-volt system.

Guatemala — Electrical current is 110 volts, 60Hz. A variety of plugs are in use including the flat two-pin, flat three-pin and the UK-style three-pin.

LANGUAGE

Mexico — the official language is Spanish, although still spoken are some 66 indigenous languages, which come from pre-Hispanic cultures.

Guatemala — The official language is Spanish but English is understood in hotels and tourist destinations. Many indigenous languages are also spoken.

TIME

Mexico (Chiapas, the region where we will be) and Guatemala are both on Central Standard Time, or GMT -6.