{"id":118,"date":"2019-06-28T17:57:58","date_gmt":"2019-06-28T17:57:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.santacruzlakeatitlan.com\/?page_id=118"},"modified":"2022-11-03T20:45:45","modified_gmt":"2022-11-03T20:45:45","slug":"general-information","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.santacruzlakeatitlan.com\/en\/general-information\/","title":{"rendered":"General Information"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id='av_section_1' class='avia-section main_color avia-section-no-padding avia-no-border-styling avia-full-stretch avia-bg-style-scroll  avia-builder-el-0  el_before_av_layout_row  avia-builder-el-first    av-minimum-height av-minimum-height-100  container_wrap sidebar_left' style='background-repeat: no-repeat; background-image: url(https:\/\/www.santacruzlakeatitlan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/General-Information.jpg);background-attachment: scroll; background-position: bottom center;  '  data-section-bg-repeat='stretch' data-av_minimum_height_pc='100'><div class='container' ><main  role=\"main\" itemprop=\"mainContentOfPage\"  class='template-page content  av-content-small units'><div class='post-entry post-entry-type-page post-entry-118'><div class='entry-content-wrapper clearfix'>\n<div style='padding-bottom:10px; color:#ffffff;font-size:7vw;' class='av-special-heading av-special-heading-h1 custom-color-heading blockquote classic-quote  avia-builder-el-1  avia-builder-el-no-sibling   av-inherit-size '><h1 class='av-special-heading-tag '  itemprop=\"headline\"  >General Information<\/h1><div class='special-heading-border'><div class='special-heading-inner-border' style='border-color:#ffffff'><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/main><!-- close content main element --><\/div><\/div><div id='av-layout-grid-1' class='av-layout-grid-container entry-content-wrapper main_color av-flex-cells     avia-builder-el-2  el_after_av_section  avia-builder-el-last  submenu-not-first container_wrap sidebar_left' style=' '  >\n<div class=\"flex_cell no_margin av_one_full  avia-builder-el-3  avia-builder-el-no-sibling    \" style='vertical-align:top; padding:50px 15% 50px 15% ; '><div class='flex_cell_inner' ><p><div class=\"flex_column av_one_half  flex_column_div av-zero-column-padding first  avia-builder-el-4  el_before_av_one_half  avia-builder-el-first   \" style='border-radius:0px; '><article class=\"iconbox iconbox_left_content    avia-builder-el-5  avia-builder-el-no-sibling   \"  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div class=\"iconbox_icon heading-color \" aria-hidden='true' data-av_icon='f' data-av_iconfont='general-information-icons'  ><\/div><div class=\"iconbox_content\"><header class=\"entry-content-header\"><h3 class='iconbox_content_title  '  itemprop=\"headline\"  >Language<\/h3><\/header><div class='iconbox_content_container  '  itemprop=\"text\"  ><p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">The official language of Guatemala is Spanish but twenty-one Mayan languages are spoken, especially in rural areas. In Santa Cruz, the local dialect is Kaq&#8217;chikel. It is distinct from Spanish and is most local&#8217;s first language. Most locals do not speak English and will appreciate if you try to speak Spanish; learning a few key phrases and some basic Spanish will help you immensely in your travels.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class=\"entry-footer\"><\/footer><\/article><\/div><div class=\"flex_column av_one_half  flex_column_div av-zero-column-padding   avia-builder-el-6  el_after_av_one_half  el_before_av_one_half   \" style='border-radius:0px; '><article class=\"iconbox iconbox_left_content    avia-builder-el-7  avia-builder-el-no-sibling   \"  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div class=\"iconbox_icon heading-color \" aria-hidden='true' data-av_icon='a' data-av_iconfont='general-information-icons'  ><\/div><div class=\"iconbox_content\"><header class=\"entry-content-header\"><h3 class='iconbox_content_title  '  itemprop=\"headline\"  >Safety<\/h3><\/header><div class='iconbox_content_container  '  itemprop=\"text\"  ><p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">In general, Santa Cruz La Laguna is considered a very safe municipality on Lake Atitl\u00e1n. As with any foreign country, safety conditions can change and it is best to exercise common sense and respect all local laws. Ask with your hotel\/accommodation if you have any questions or for further safety advice.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class=\"entry-footer\"><\/footer><\/article><\/div><div class=\"flex_column av_one_half  flex_column_div first  avia-builder-el-8  el_after_av_one_half  el_before_av_one_half  column-top-margin\" ><article class=\"iconbox iconbox_left_content    avia-builder-el-9  avia-builder-el-no-sibling   \"  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div class=\"iconbox_icon heading-color \" aria-hidden='true' data-av_icon='e' data-av_iconfont='general-information-icons'  ><\/div><div class=\"iconbox_content\"><header class=\"entry-content-header\"><h3 class='iconbox_content_title  '  itemprop=\"headline\"  >Visa\/Passport<\/h3><\/header><div class='iconbox_content_container  '  itemprop=\"text\"  ><p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Valid passports are required, except for citizens of Central American countries. Visitors from countries outside of Central America are generally given a visa when entering Guatemala (for a maximum of 90 days) but check with your embassy before travelling.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">As with any and all traveling outside of your home country, exercise common sense and respect all local laws. If you have any urgent questions or emergencies please contact your embassy.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class=\"entry-footer\"><\/footer><\/article><\/div><div class=\"flex_column av_one_half  flex_column_div av-zero-column-padding   avia-builder-el-10  el_after_av_one_half  el_before_av_one_half  column-top-margin\" style='border-radius:0px; '><article class=\"iconbox iconbox_left_content    avia-builder-el-11  avia-builder-el-no-sibling   \"  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div class=\"iconbox_icon heading-color \" aria-hidden='true' data-av_icon='j' data-av_iconfont='general-information-icons'  ><\/div><div class=\"iconbox_content\"><header class=\"entry-content-header\"><h3 class='iconbox_content_title  '  itemprop=\"headline\"  >Weather<\/h3><\/header><div class='iconbox_content_container  '  itemprop=\"text\"  ><p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">The climate in the Central and Western Highlands is generally mild. It can get cool at night even in the summers, especially at higher altitudes. The months of March and April are very hot especially in the low lying areas such as the Pacific coastal plain. Generally, the rainy season is May through October and the dry season runs from November to April, but this can change from year to year. It\u2019s recommended not to trust meteorology apps and such as they are generally incorrect. Ask at your hotel\/accommodation if you want local weather tips.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class=\"entry-footer\"><\/footer><\/article><\/div><div class=\"flex_column av_one_half  flex_column_div first  avia-builder-el-12  el_after_av_one_half  el_before_av_one_half  column-top-margin\" ><article class=\"iconbox iconbox_left_content    avia-builder-el-13  avia-builder-el-no-sibling   \"  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div class=\"iconbox_icon heading-color \" aria-hidden='true' data-av_icon='i' data-av_iconfont='general-information-icons'  ><\/div><div class=\"iconbox_content\"><header class=\"entry-content-header\"><h3 class='iconbox_content_title  '  itemprop=\"headline\"  >Money<\/h3><\/header><div class='iconbox_content_container  '  itemprop=\"text\"  ><p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">The local currency is the Quetzal (plural: Quetzales), and the Quetzal is also the national bird. This is symbolized internationally by GTQ (and just Q locally) being placed before the amount.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">US dollars are highly regarded and can be exchanged in some banks and currency exchange stores. If you are paying in US dollars rather than Quetzales, however, you are likely paying a higher price. ATMs (cajero in spanish) can be found in the major towns but do not expect to find them in every tourist spot. Currently, there is only one ATM in the municipality of Santa Cruz in the nonprofit &#8220;CECAP&#8221; (See-Cap) Building in Santa Cruz village. It is fairly easy to find yourself in a town without an ATM or a place to change money.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Credit cards are accepted at many locations, but it is recommended to check with hotels\/restaurants ahead of time to avoid issues.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class=\"entry-footer\"><\/footer><\/article><\/div><div class=\"flex_column av_one_half  flex_column_div av-zero-column-padding   avia-builder-el-14  el_after_av_one_half  avia-builder-el-last  column-top-margin\" style='border-radius:0px; '><article class=\"iconbox iconbox_left_content    avia-builder-el-15  avia-builder-el-no-sibling   \"  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div class=\"iconbox_icon heading-color \" aria-hidden='true' data-av_icon='b' data-av_iconfont='general-information-icons'  ><\/div><div class=\"iconbox_content\"><header class=\"entry-content-header\"><h3 class='iconbox_content_title  '  itemprop=\"headline\"  >Boat Information<\/h3><\/header><div class='iconbox_content_container  '  itemprop=\"text\"  ><p>Regular public <em>lanchas<\/em> (small boats), provide transport from village to village around and across the lake. Some lanchas have a regular schedule, some will go as soon as they accumulate enough passengers, and others are for private hire. There is no official schedule, but in general, public lanchas leave Panajachel for San Pedro via Santa Cruz &amp; San Marcos (as well as other smaller docks) every 20-30 minutes.<\/p>\n<p>Santa Cruz \u2013 San Pedro: roughly every 20\/30 minutes 6:30am \u2013 7:30pm<\/p>\n<p>Santa Cruz \u2013 Panajachel: roughly every 20\/30 minutes 6:30am \u2013 5:30pm<\/p>\n<p>The last boat from San Pedro to this side of the lake leaves around 5pm. Keep this in mind when visiting San Pedro, San Juan, San Marcos, Tzununa and Jaibalito.<br \/>\nThe last scheduled boat from Panajachel leaves around 7pm. It is best to be early and avoid having to take a more expensive private boat.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class=\"entry-footer\"><\/footer><\/article><\/div><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-118","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.santacruzlakeatitlan.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/118","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.santacruzlakeatitlan.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.santacruzlakeatitlan.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.santacruzlakeatitlan.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.santacruzlakeatitlan.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=118"}],"version-history":[{"count":40,"href":"https:\/\/www.santacruzlakeatitlan.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/118\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1588,"href":"https:\/\/www.santacruzlakeatitlan.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/118\/revisions\/1588"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.santacruzlakeatitlan.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=118"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}