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What should I wear:
Because of its altitude the mornings and evenings can get extremely chilly but it can get hot during the day. It is advisable to bring a warm sweater and jacket along with suitable footwear for the cobblestone streets. The rainy season stretches from approximately May to October during which afternoon or evening showers are common. During these months you will need a raincoat or an umbrella and some good shoes. From November to January the evening temperatures can drop to freezing points. February to April sees some nice sunny spells in Xela with pleasant temperatures. A sweater will be needed in the evenings.
Exchanging Money:
In Guatemala the most accepted foreign currency is still the American Dollar, so apart from the bank at the airport you will encounter difficulties or lower rates for other currencies. Throughout the country there are many Visa, plus, Cirrus and MasterCard ATMs. Please check with your bank at home if you can use your ATM or Credit card abroad and how much commission they charge for taking out money. Also always check that the ATM accepts your card before you proceed. American Dollar Traveler Checks are accepted in almost all banks, but you should ask around about commission rates to get the best deal. (Some banks exchange Traveler Checks at the same rate as notes).
For transit to Quetzaltenango we recommend the Alamo Bus Lines. It's a direct bus line, and it will take you about four hours to get to Xela. A ticket costs about Q25. Alamo has buses leaving at 8:00, 10:15, 15:00, & 18:15 from their station at 21a Calle 1-14, Zona 1 (Tel. 2232 0219). (that's 21st Street near 1st Avenue, Zone 1). The other direct bus line is Galgos (7a Avenida 19-44, Zona 1, Tel. 2253 4868). Galgos has buses leaving every few hours. Taxi's can take you directly from the airport to either station for about Q60. When you arrive here in Quetzaltenango the easiest thing to do is to take a taxi directly to the school for about Q30.
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