Route of the Maya
Plus optional extensions in
El Salvador: Colonial Suchitoto &
the Flower Route and
Nicaragua's Colonial Cities & Volcanic
Landscapes
2015
Overseas Adventure Travel
Route of the Maya
Handbook Table of Contents
1. TRAVEL DOCUMENTS & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS .................................................................. 3
YOUR PASSPORT ....................................................................................................................................... 3
NO VISA REQUIRED .................................................................................................................................. 4
OVERSEAS TAXES AND ENTRY FEES ........................................................................................................ 4
EMERGENCY PHOTOCOPIES ...................................................................................................................... 5
AIRPORT TRANSFERS ................................................................................................................................ 5
2. HEALTH ................................................................................................................................................ 6
IS THIS ADVENTURE RIGHT FOR YOU? .................................................................................................... 6
STEPS TO TAKE BEFORE YOUR TRIP ........................................................................................................ 7
STAYING HEALTHY ON YOUR TRIP .......................................................................................................... 9
3. MONEY MATTERS ............................................................................................................................ 10
HOW TO CARRY YOUR MONEY .............................................................................................................. 10
Cash.................................................................................................................................................... 10
ATMs .................................................................................................................................................. 10
Credit Cards ....................................................................................................................................... 11
CURRENCY .............................................................................................................................................. 12
TIPPING ................................................................................................................................................... 13
SHOPPING IN CENTRAL AMERICA ........................................................................................................... 13
4. CLIMATE: A WORD ABOUT THE WEATHER ........................................................................... 15
5. PACKING JUST WHAT YOU NEED .............................................................................................. 18
YOUR LOCKS & LUGGAGE ..................................................................................................................... 18
LUGGAGE LIMITATIONS ................................................................................................................ 19
CLOTHING SUGGESTIONS ....................................................................................................................... 20
TRAVELER’S CHECKLISTS ...................................................................................................................... 20
A WORD ABOUT ELECTRICITY ............................................................................................................... 23
6. LEARN ABOUT YOUR DESTINATIONS ...................................................................................... 24
BELIZE AT A GLANCE ............................................................................................................................. 24
EL SALVADOR AT A GLANCE .................................................................................................................. 25
GUATEMALA AT A GLACE ...................................................................................................................... 28
HONDURAS AT A GLANCE....................................................................................................................... 29
NICARAGUA AT A GLANCE ..................................................................................................................... 30
CULTURE & POINTS TO KNOW ............................................................................................................... 32
SAFETY & SECURITY .............................................................................................................................. 32
COMMUNICATIONS ................................................................................................................................. 33
7. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES ............................................................................................................ 34
SUGGESTED READINGS ........................................................................................................................... 34
SUGGESTED MOVIES ............................................................................................................................... 37
USEFUL WEBSITES .................................................................................................................................. 38
Travel Documents
1. Travel Documents & Entry Requirements
Your Passport
Please take a moment to confirm that your passport meets all of these requirements:
• It should be valid for at least 6 months after your scheduled return to the U.S.
• It should have the recommended number of blank pages (see below for details).
• The blank pages must be labeled “Visas” at the top. Pages labeled “Amendments and
Endorsements” are not acceptable.
Recommended number of blank pages
Know that this recommendation is based on a “worst case” scenario. When you are on this adventure,
you might use fewer pages, depending on the whims of the Immigration official on duty that day. Since
the consequence of having too few pages can be severe—you could be denied entry into a country—we at
OAT feel that in this case, safe is better than sorry, and we strongly recommend that you follow these
guidelines.
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Main trip only: For the main trip only, you will require 5 blank passport pages.
Pre-trip extension to El Salvador: Does not require any additional pages beyond the 5 needed
for the main trip.
Post-trip extension to Nicaragua: You will need 1 more page, for a total of 6.
Both the pre- and post-trip extensions: You will need 6 pages.
If you need to renew your passport or get extra pages
Contact the National Passport Information Center (NPIC) at 1-877-487-2778, or visit their website at
www.travel.state.gov for information on obtaining a new passport, renewing your existing passport, or
for additional pages. You may also contact our recommended visa and passport service company, PVS
International, at 1-800-556-9990 for help with your passport.
TIP: When updating your passport, it is worthwhile to check the prices on all the different services that
might apply to you. For example, it might be less expensive to get a new passport than to have pages
added, depending on the number of pages you need.
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Travel Documents
No Visa Required
The following information applies to U.S. citizens only. All visas and fees are subject to change.
•
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El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala, and Belize—no visas needed: A visa is not required for
entry into any of these countries. However, U.S. citizens will be charged small entry/exit fees
ranging from about $3-$10 for most of these countries. Please see the following “Overseas Taxes
and Fees” section for details.
Nicaragua (post-trip extension)—no visa needed: A visa is not required for entry into
Nicaragua, however a tourist card for $10 must be purchased on arrival. Please see the following
“Overseas Taxes and Fees” section for details. Please make sure you get a stamp in your passport
upon entering.
Embassy contact information
If you are staying longer in any of these countries, you should check with their embassy for the applicable
regulations:
Belize: (202) 332-9636
El Salvador: (202) 265-9671
Guatemala: (212) 686-3837 (for the consulate general in New York)
Honduras: (202) 966-7702.
Nicaragua: (202) 939-6570
Traveling without a U.S. passport?
If you are not a U.S. citizen, or if your passport is from any country other than the U.S., it is your
responsibility to check with your local consulate, embassy, or a visa services company about possible visa
requirements. For your convenience, we recommend the services of PVS International, a national visa
service located in Washington D.C.; they can be reached at 1-800-556-9990 or www.pvsinternational.org.
Overseas Taxes and Entry Fees
During this trip, you will be required to pay several airport taxes and entry fees (sometimes called bordercrossing fees). These fees cannot be included in your airline ticket price because you are required to pay
them in person onsite. They include:
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•
•
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A $10 tourist card tax when you enter El Salvador
An entry fee of $3 when you enter Honduras
An entry fee of $2 when you enter Belize
A $10 tourist card tax when you enter Nicaragua (Nicaragua post-trip extension only)
The amount and the enforcement of these fees are entirely at the discretion of the local
governments; they are subject to change at any moment without prior notice. These taxes and fees
must be paid in cash (U.S. dollars). Traveler’s checks will not be accepted
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Travel Documents
Emergency Photocopies
The smartest and easiest security precaution you can take is to carry photocopies of key documents: the
photo page of your passport plus any applicable visas, your air itinerary, and credit card numbers. Add
emergency phone numbers like your credit card company and the number for your travel protection plan.
Store copies separate from the originals. This can save you time, money, and bother if your documents are
lost during your trip.
If you don’t feel like taking paper copies, consider going digital. Scan everything and email it to yourself.
That way as long as you have access to email, you can access the info you need. Another option is to give
copies to a trusted friend or relative at home as a backup that they can email or fax to you if you need it.
Airport Transfers
Please note: If you plan on booking your own international flights or arranging with our air department to
arrive/depart on an earlier/later date than standard for your program, airport transfers will NOT be
included in your program price. Transfers must be purchased separately, as an optional add-on, and are
subject to availability. To learn more, or purchase airport transfers, please call our Traveler Support team
at 1-800-221-0814.
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Get Ready to Go
2. Health
Is This Adventure Right For You?
We’ve worked closely with our local Trip Leaders and regional associates to identify the aspects of this
adventure that you should be aware of, from physical requirements to cultural factors. Please carefully
review the information below prior to departing on this adventure. We reserve the right for our Trip
Leaders to modify participation, or in some circumstances send travelers home, if their condition would
adversely affect the health, safety, or enjoyment of themselves or of other travelers.
Pacing
•
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7 locations in 16 days with two 1-night stays and some early mornings
Some long transfers, including three 5-hour drives with regular stops, and 1 internal flight
Physical requirements
• Not appropriate for travelers using wheelchairs, walkers, or other mobility aids
• You must be able to walk 3 miles unassisted and participate in 6-9 hours of physical activities
each day
Altitude
• Some of the cities we overnight in are at altitudes greater than 5,000 feet above sea level, and
we have 1 day with altitudes above 8,000 feet.
Climate
• Daytime temperatures range from 50-85°F
• The low plains of northern Guatemala are hotter, with tropical temperatures and regular
rainfall, most of which occur May-October
Terrain
• Travel on some rugged paths and trails, city streets, unpaved roads, and uneven ruins
Transportation
• Travel by 18-passenger air-conditioned minibus (no toilet on board), and 18-passenger boat
• 1-5 hour drives, 1-2 hour boat ride, and 1 hour internal flight
Accommodations & Facilities
• Hotel rooms are smaller than U.S. and offer simple amenities
• Water temperature and pressure may vary
• Bed sizes may vary
• All accommodations feature private baths
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Get Ready to Go
Steps to Take Before Your Trip
Before you leave on your adventure, there are at least four health-related things you should do. We’ll
outline some of these steps in more detail in the following pages, but for now, here’s the short list:
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Step 1: Check with the CDC for their recommendations for the countries you’ll be visiting. You can
contact them online at wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel or by phone at 1-800-232-4636.
Step 2: Have a medical checkup with your doctor.
Step 3: Pick up any necessary medications, both prescription and over-the-counter.
Step 4: Have a dental and/or eye checkup. (Recommended, but less important than steps 1-3.)
Medical Checkup
After checking the CDC’s recommendations, we strongly recommend that you have a medical
checkup with your doctor at least six weeks before your trip. (We suggest you check with the CDC
first so that you can have an informed conversation with your doctor about vaccines and such.)
Topics to discuss during your checkup are:
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•
•
The CDC recommendations. The CDC makes suggestions based on the destination, but that
doesn’t mean the suggestions are right for you. Your doctor will be able to advise you on what
is best considering your unique medical history.
Advice on what medicines (if any) to bring. For our suggestions of what types of
medications to ask your doctor about, see the section titled “Medications” that follows.
Remember to get a copy of any prescriptions—written as a generic drug name—so you can
replace your medications if they are lost during the trip.
Your fitness for this adventure. This is a must if you have any medical conditions or
physical limitations. Use the “Is This Adventure Right For You?” section on previous pages
as a guideline. Make certain to review any medical condition you have, particularly cardiac or
respiratory disease or diabetes, and discuss the details of the trip itinerary as it pertains to your
health. Remember, your trip may take you into remote areas, with no nearby medical facilities.
Please notify us in writing about any medical condition that may require special attention. If your
report is normal, you don’t need to send it to us. If you send us a medical report, we don’t use it to
determine if you should take this trip, or if you are likely to enjoy it. Those decisions are up to you
and your doctor.
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Get Ready to Go
Medications
Prescription medication suggestions
Of course, you’ll need to bring an ample supply of any prescription medications you happen to be taking.
You’ll also want to talk to your doctor about any medications suggested by the CDC. In addition, we
suggest you ask about prescriptions for:
•
•
•
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An antibiotic medication for gastrointestinal illness
A pain medication. You might need this in the unlikely event of an injury in a location where
medical attention would be delayed.
Optional: Altitude sickness medication. A few of the places we visit during our adventure are at
altitudes greater than 5,000 feet above sea level. According to our Trip Leaders, the altitude has not
been an issue for the majority of past travelers. However, if you are sensitive to altitude or have
never been to high altitudes before, it may be worthwhile for you to speak with your doctor.
At time of writing, the CDC did recommend discussing anti-malaria medication with your doctor
for this itinerary.
TIP: At time of writing, the CDC reported that the risk of malaria was low in Belize, El Salvador,
Guatemala, and Nicaragua but was moderate in Honduras. For this reason, the CDC suggested that
travelers on our main trip discuss an anti-malarial medication with their doctor. Anti-malarial
medication can have strong side effects, so be certain to ask your doctor first.
Over-the-counter medication suggestions
When traveling, keep in mind that not every country has approved every medication. Most major brands
are OK, but some medications we take for granted are not allowed in other countries. Fortunately, the
U.S. State Department offers advice on restricted medications online at
http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/go/customs.html. (Look under the “Criminal
Penalties” and “Special Circumstances” sections of each country you’ll be visiting. If you don’t see
anything mentioned, then major U.S. brands should be fine.)
TIP: At time of writing, the State Department did not have any special warnings about American overthe-counter medications for Belize, El Salvador, Nicaragua or Honduras. But they did have the following
warning for Guatemala: Pseudoephedrine is banned in Guatemala since it can be used in the
manufacture of methamphetamines. (Note: Pseudoephedrine is common decongestant in the U.S.; it is in
brand name medications like Sudafed.)
Traveling with medications
To avoid loss and to have them handy, pack medications in your carry-on bag. For quicker security
screening at the airport—and a better experience if you get stopped by customs while overseas—keep
medicines in their original, labeled containers. To be prepared for any unforeseen loss of your
medications, you should also bring copies of the prescriptions, written using the generic drug name rather
than a brand name.
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Get Ready to Go
Staying Healthy on Your Trip
Safe Water
Tap water in this region is not safe to drink. We recommend you use only bottled water for drinking and
brushing your teeth throughout this trip, and avoid drinks with ice. Bottled water is not included in your
program price, but is readily available for purchase through Central America. Carry a bottle in your
daypack at all times. Bottled drinks and juices, and hot drinks that have been boiled, are safe to drink.
Carry a handkerchief to dry the tops of bottled drinks before and after opening. Central America does not
have facilities for recycling plastic.
Safe Food
We've carefully chosen the restaurants for your group meals. Your Trip Leader can suggest restaurants for
meals you take on your own. During this trip, we recommend you avoid uncooked foods, such as green
salads and raw vegetables, as they may have been washed with unpurified water. When dining on your
own, you might want to avoid meats sold from vendors on the street, as they may not have proper
refrigeration. Be cautious with non-pasteurized milk products. Fruit you peel yourself is usually safe—
avoid lettuce and other unpeeled produce.
Our Trip Leaders will do what they can to accommodate dietary requests, but please keep in mind that not
every request can be fulfilled on every occasion. There may be times when options that are common in
the U.S.—lactose free, gluten free, vegetarian, vegan, etc—are simply not available.
Electricity Supply
A constant electricity supply cannot be guaranteed during overnight stays. Travelers dependent on
electricity supply for health reasons (as in the case of those with sleep apnea) may want to consider a
different OAT adventure.
Avoid Insect Bites
According to the U.S. State Department, some of the countries we visit on this itinerary (Belize,
Honduras, and Nicaragua) have experienced a rise in dengue fever over the past five years. Dengue is
spread by mosquitoes, so the best preventative measure against this disease is to avoid or minimize
mosquito bites. Simple actions are all it takes: cover exposed skin, wear insect repellent, and make use of
window screens or mosquito netting when provided. Mosquitoes tend to come out after rainfall, so they
will be worse just after the local rainy season (see the Climate chapter).
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Money Matters
3. Money Matters
How to Carry Your Money
Generally speaking, you’ll want to bring a mixture of different payment methods—some cash to
exchange and a couple of cards—so that you’ll be prepared for any situation. In this chapter, we offer
some tips on each type of payment method.
One note: Traveler’s checks are not recommended. They can be difficult to exchange and are rarely
accepted in shops and restaurants.
Cash
We recommend that you bring some cash with you on this adventure. Cash has a few advantages
over other forms of payment. It is more widely accepted than any other form of payment, and sometimes
commands a better exchange rate. Cash is also a better choice for rural or undeveloped areas where ATMs
and credit card machines are scarce.
So we know that bringing cash is a good idea—does that mean U.S. dollars or local currency?
There is no need to obtain local currency before your trip. In fact, your U.S. bank may not carry it.
You can change money when you arrive at the airport, or at banks, most hotels, and money exchange
offices. In some countries you do not even need to exchange money at all—you can use U.S. dollars. For
more information on what type of currency can be used on this trip, see the “Currency” section. Torn,
dirty, or taped U.S. bills may not be accepted for exchange or payment.
ATMs
When traveling, typically PLUS, Cirrus, and other international ATM networks are available throughout
large cities and small towns. In Nicaragua, there is limited access to ATMs. Your Trip Leader will advise
you on ATM locations during the trip so that you can be prepared. We also suggest carrying a reserve in
U.S. cash to cover those times when an ATM is not readily at hand. (U.S. dollars are widely accepted as
payment in Nicaragua.)
Using a local ATM on an international network will allow you to withdraw money from your U.S.
account in local currency; your bank at home will calculate the conversion rate and charge you in U.S.
dollars. However, many banks charge a fee ranging from $1 to $5 for every time you use a foreign ATM.
Others will charge you a percentage of what you withdraw. We recommend that you check with your
bank before you depart. You’ll also want to notify your bank that you’ll be out of the country—that way
when they see foreign ATM withdrawals, they won’t put a fraud alert on your account. Lastly, don’t
forget to memorize the actual digits of your card’s PIN number (many keypads at foreign ATMs do not
include letters on their keys—they only display numbers.)
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Money Matters
Credit Cards
Even if you do not plan on using it, having a credit or debit card as a “backup” is helpful in an emergency.
Though major American credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express) and debit cards with a credit
card logo are accepted abroad, not every shop will take every card. So it is best to ask if your type of card
is accepted before deciding on your purchase, and having a couple different cards can be useful. The
Discover card is now accepted in some countries outside the U.S. However, it is not widely adopted, and
other cards will work at a much larger range of stores, restaurants, etc. In Nicaragua (post-trip extension),
credit cards are accepted mainly in urban and tourist areas at hotels, certain restaurants and shops.
It is very important that you keep track of your credit cards at all times. We will travel to four countries in
a short amount of time and there will be little chance that we can recover items left behind.
Even if you do not plan on using them, we suggest you bring one or two credit or debit cards as a
“backup” or for optional tours. We also suggest that you bring more than one brand of card (Visa,
MasterCard, American Express) if possible, because not every shop will take every card. For example,
although the Discover card is now accepted in some countries outside the U.S., it is not widely adopted,
so other brands will work at a much larger range of stores, restaurants, etc.
TIP: Many credit card companies have fraud alert departments that will freeze your card if they see
suspicious charges—such as charges from another country. To avoid an accidental security block, it is a
good idea to notify your credit card company you will be using your cards abroad. You can do this by
calling their customer service number a week or two before your departure.
You should also double-check what phone number you could call if you have a problem with a card while
you are abroad. Don’t assume you can use the 1-800 number printed on the back of your card—most 1800 numbers don’t work outside of the U.S.!
And speaking of credit cards, please keep in mind that optional tours with OAT can only be purchased
with a credit or debit card (if it has a credit card logo and allows you to sign for purchases). Because our
headquarters are in Boston, charges may appear to be from Boston or might be labeled as "OPT Boston"
(depending on your credit card company).
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Money Matters
Currency
For current exchange rates, please refer to our website www.oattravel.com, your bank, or the financial
section of your newspaper.
In Belize
The official currency in Belize is the Belizean dollar, which is divided into 100 cents.
• Bills are in denominations of 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100
• Coins are in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 25, and 50 cents; and 1 dollar
U.S. dollars are commonly accepted for payment in Belize, but are not automatically accepted
everywhere. For example, in situations that require change—like public transportation—Belizean dollars
may be better.
In El Salvador
United States currency is legal tender in El Salvador—you will not need to exchange money. Since costs
here are low, previous travelers have suggested that a mix of smaller denominations ($20 and under) is
more useful than large denomination bills. Also, please know that bills in good condition are preferred—
bills that are worn, torn, or even folded might be rejected.
In Guatemala
The official currency in Guatemala is the quetzal, which is divided into 100 centavos.
• Bills are in denominations of 1, 5 10, 20, 50, and 100 quetzales
• Coins are in denominations of 1, 5 10, 25, and 50 centavos; and 1 quetzal
U.S. dollars are accepted for payment at many businesses in Guatemala, but not all. Small denomination
bills in good condition—clean with no tears, no writing, etc—are preferred.
In Honduras
The official currency in Honduras is the lempira, which is divided into 100 centavos.
• Bills are in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, and 500
• Coins are in denominations of 5, 10, 20, and 50
U.S. dollars are not commonly accepted for payment in Honduras; the local currency is preferred.
In Nicaragua
The official currency in Nicaragua is the córdoba, which is divided into 100 centavos.
• Bills are in denominations of 1, 5 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500 córdobas.
• Coins are in denominations of 1, 5 10, 25, and 50 centavos; 1 córdoba and 5 córdobas
U.S. dollars are accepted for payment at many businesses in Nicaragua, but not all. Small denomination
bills in good condition—clean with no tears, no writing, etc—are preferred.
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Money Matters
Tipping
Of course, whether you tip, and how much, is always at your own discretion. For those of you who have
asked for tipping suggestions, we offer these guidelines. Listed below are our recommendations for the
tips that are not included in your tour price. All tips are quoted in U.S. dollars; tips can be converted and
paid in local currency or in U.S. dollars. Do not use personal or traveler's check for tips.
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•
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OAT Trip Leader: It is customary to express a personal "thank you" to your OAT Trip Leader at
the end of your trip, especially if he or she has provided you with individual service. As a
guideline, many travelers give $7-$10 per person per day.
Housekeeping staff at hotels: $1-2 per room, per night
Waiters: Your Trip Leader will tip waiters for included meals. If you are dining on your own,
bear in mind that it is common for restaurants in this region to add a service charge (usually of
about 10%). If so, there is no need to tip.
Taxi drivers: If you are taking a taxi by yourself, keep in mind that tipping is not a common
practice, but many people simply let the driver keep the change by rounding up the fare to the next
whole number.
Your tour price includes gratuities on the main trip and optional extensions for all local guides,
drivers, and luggage porters that may assist you during the scheduled activities on your adventure.
Shopping in Central America
It is Overseas Adventure Travel's goal to identify and provide you with shopping opportunities that
highlight unique, locally-produced products with good value from reliable vendors. For this reason there
may be scheduled visits to local shops during your adventure. There is no requirement to make a purchase
during these stops, and any purchase made is a direct transaction with the shop in question, subject to the
vendor’s terms of purchase. Overseas Adventure Travel cannot be responsible for purchases you
make on your trip or for the shipment of your purchases.
Crafts & Souvenirs
Central America offers a variety of fine craft items at good prices. The region is known for its textiles,
handicrafts, wood carvings, jewelry, jade, leather goods, ceramics and basketry. If you’re in search of
locally made products at a good price, browse the markets. You’ll find a good mix of traditional and
modern crafts at the Central Market and Craft Market in Guatemala City.
Bargaining
Bargaining is common when purchasing handicrafts in open-air markets in Guatemala and several other
Central American countries. If this is your first experience at bargaining, don’t worry—you’ll quickly
find your own style. Your opening offer should be well under the asking price. The only rule is that, if
you make an offer, you should be prepared to buy at that price. And remember, whatever price you pay is
okay, as long as the item is worth that price to you. At stores run by artisans’ cooperatives, and in the
more formal setting of indoor shops, bargaining is not customary.
Antiquities
Think carefully before purchasing “antiquities.” Counterfeits are common, and customs inspectors may
confiscate genuinely old articles—which may be illegal to buy or possess.
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Money Matters
U.S. Customs Regulations and Shipping Charges
For all things related to U.S. Customs, the ultimate authority is the U.S. Bureau of Customs & Border
Protection. Their website, www.cbp.gov has the answers to the most frequently asked questions. Or you
can call them at 1-877-227-5511.
The top three points to know are:
• At time of writing, your personal duty-free allowance is $800 for items brought with you. Items
totaling more than $800 are subject to duty fees.
• Items shipped home are always subject to duty when received in the U.S. Even when the
shop has offered to include shipping and duties in the price, this typically means shipping to the
nearest customs facility and payment of the export duties—not door-to-door shipping or payment
of the import duties. All additional duties or shipping charges would be your responsibility.
Unless an item is small enough to send by parcel service (like FedEx), chances are you will need
arrange shipping or pick-up once the item is in the U.S. and will need to pay customs duties.
• It is illegal to import products made from endangered animal species. U.S. Customs & Border
Protection will seize these items, as well as most furs, coral, tortoise shell, reptile skins, feathers,
plants, and items made from animal skins.
If You Have a Problem with a Purchase
The best way to address a problem with a purchase is to not have one in the first place! So don’t forget to
examine merchandise before paying for it, check contracts or agreements before signing, and review your
receipt before leaving the shop. For major purchases, don’t hesitate to ask in advance about the return
policy—local practice may vary from U.S. standards, so don’t assume that you have a certain number of
days after the purchase to speak up.
But what if you do discover an issue with an item later on? In that case, your best recourse is to contact
the vendor directly. For this reason we recommend that you keep a copy of all your receipts, invoices, or
contracts, along with the shop’s contact information. Expect that any resolution will take longer than it
would in the U.S. due to delays in communication, the complexities of international shipping/customs
duties, and even cultural differences in how business is conducted.
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Climate: A Word about the Weather
4. Climate: A Word about the Weather
Climate by Location
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Main trip: Most of this trip is spent in Guatemala, a country about the size of the state of
Tennessee (Copán is in Honduras, but very close to the Guatemalan border). This area is
characterized by three main climate zones—the cool highlands towards the west and south, the
tropical zones along the Caribbean and Pacific coasts, and the tropical jungle area (known as
the Petén) in the northern lowlands. The highlands, where we spend most of the trip, are
represented by Guatemala City’s temperatures, and are very pleasant. The low plains of the
northern section—around Tikal and Flores—are hotter, with tropical temperatures and regular
rainfall all year round. The most rainfall in the low plains occurs between May and October.
•
Placencia, Belize (optional extension): The Belize coast enjoys the sun and heat of the
tropics, but is cooled by the trade winds off the Caribbean Sea. Temperatures range from 75 95 degrees in the day, year round. The rainy season is May to February, with most of that
falling in late afternoon and evening. The water temperature is almost always around 82
degrees.
•
El Salvador (optional extension): El Salvador’s climate is generally tropical, with warm or
hot days and cooler nights. There isn’t much seasonal variation in the temperature but
temperatures do vary by location and altitude. On the Pacific coast, the average temperature is
higher than in the interior or in the mountains. The main difference between the seasons is
rainfall. The rainy season tends to be from May through October. The rest of the year tends to
be dry, but hazy.
•
Nicaragua (optional extension): Like most Central American countries there is a dry season
and a rainy season in Nicaragua. The dry season runs from January to June, and with no rain,
plants tend to dry out. June and July are characterized by heavy rainfall, blooming vegetation
and sometimes difficult travel on roads. August and September feature one quick downpour per
day. Nicaragua is a warm and tropical climate year-round with the exception of the central
highlands, which experience cooler temperatures.
Climate Charts
The following charts reflect the average climate as opposed to weather conditions. This means they serve
only as general indicators of what can reasonably be expected. As your departure approaches you may
wish to monitor current weather conditions online. Here is the official data from the weather observation
stations closest to our destinations:
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Climate: A Word about the Weather
Average Daily High/Low Temperatures (°F), Humidity, & Monthly Rainfall
MONTH
SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador
(main trip and extension)
Temp.
(high-low)
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
MONTH
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
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83-65
85-66
86-67
87-70
84-70
82-70
83-69
83-69
81-69
82-68
82-67
82-66
% Relative
Humidity
(am-pm)
85-45
84-44
85-51
86-54
93-68
95-70
95-63
96-67
96-74
94-68
89-58
87-51
Monthly
Rainfall
(inches)
0.4
0.0
0.4
1.2
5.3
12.4
11.1
13.2
12.9
8.5
1.4
0.2
GUATEMALA CITY
Temp.
High-Low
% Relative
Humidity
(high-low)
72-55
75-56
77-58
78-60
78-62
75-62
74-61
74-61
73-61
73-61
72-58
72-57
90-49
90-45
90-46
90-48
92-58
93-69
93-64
93-65
94-73
92-65
91-59
91-54
SAN PEDRO SULA, Honduras
(for Copan)
Temp.
% Relative Monthly
High-Low
Humidity
Rainfall
(high-low)
(inches)
83-69
96-69
2.8
85-70
95-64
2.1
89-72
93-59
1.4
91-74
91-57
1.3
93-76
90-58
2.7
92-76
92-61
6.3
90-75
94-64
4.8
91-75
94-64
4.3
91-75
94-64
6.4
87-74
95-68
6.4
85-72
96-69
5.3
83-70
96-72
4.5
ANTIGUA, Guatemala
Days
with
Rain
(avg)
4
3
4
5
14
23
20
20
23
15
7
5
04/02/15
Temp.
High-Low
% Relative
Humidity
(high-low)
71-53
73-54
76-56
77-58
78-61
75-60
74-60
74-61
74-60
72-59
73-57
71-55
-------------
Monthly
Rainfall
(inches)
0.1
0.1
0.2
0.5
1.8
2.8
3.4
2.2
4.1
1.9
0.4
0.1
*data not available
Page 16
Climate: A Word about the Weather
MONTH
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
BELIZE CITY
Temp.
High-Low
% Relative
Humidity
(am-pm)
Monthly
Rainfall
(inches)
80-70
80-71
83-74
85-76
87-79
87-79
86-79
86-78
86-77
84-75
82-73
80-71
95-72
95-71
93-68
91-68
91-69
92-76
92-75
94-74
96-75
96-76
96-74
96-74
4.5
2.6
1.9
1.7
4.0
8.6
8.1
7.0
9.5
10.0
7.0
6.7
MANAGUA, Nicaragua
(optional extension)
Temp.
%Relative
Days
High-Low
Humidity
with
(avg)
Rain
(avg)
88-70
88-48
4
90-71
85-43
2
92-73
85-42
2
93-75
82-41
2
92-76
88-52
10
88-75
93-67
16
87-74
92-66
15
88-74
93-66
16
87-74
95-67
18
87-73
95-67
15
88-72
94-60
8
87-71
90-54
5
Online Forecast
Monthly temperature averages for the countries you will be visiting, plus a current 10-day forecast, are
available online through the My Account feature of our website www.oattravel.com/MyAccount.
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Packing Just What You Need
5. Packing Just What You Need
Your Locks & Luggage
Luggage Suggestions
Checked luggage
One duffle bag or suitcase. Due to space limitations on our motor coaches, you are allowed one piece of
checked luggage per person. Look for one with heavy nylon fabric, wrap-around handles, built-in wheels,
and a heavy-duty lockable zipper. Please do not bring a rigid (plastic shell) suitcase.
TIP: Consider bringing a second, empty, lockable bag folded into your main suitcase, with a luggage tag
and small lock. Use this to carry souvenirs home. Also, when traveling with a companion we recommend
“cross-packing,” i.e., pack 2 outfits of your clothing in your companion’s luggage and vice-versa, in case
one bag is delayed.
Carry-on bag
You are allowed one carry-on bag per person. We suggest a tote or small backpack that can be used as
both a carry-on bag for your flight and to carry your daily necessities—water bottle, camera, etc—during
driving excursions and walking trips. Consider a backpack or waistpack that keeps both hands free and
distributes the pack’s weight onto your back or hips.
Locks
To reduce the risk of damage to your luggage, either do not lock your bags when checking in for flights
that originate in the U.S. or use TSA-approved locks. (These are locks that TSA screeners can open and
relock with a special tool, avoiding damage to your luggage or lock if a physical inspection is required.
Look for the words “TSA” or “TSA-approved” on the lock’s packaging.)
Outside of the U.S., we strongly recommend that you lock your luggage as a preventative measure against
theft.
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Packing Just What You Need
LUGGAGE LIMITATIONS
Main trip
only
Pre- and
post-trip
extensions
Number of
Pieces
One
checked bag
and one
carry-on per
person
Same
Type of Luggage
Weight Restrictions
Special Size Restrictions?
Duffle bag or softsided suitcase.
Please do not
bring a hard-sided
(clamshell)
suitcase.
Same
Varies by
international airline.
The current industry
standard is 50lbs for
checked luggage and
15lbs for carry-ons.
Same
Standard airline size:
checked luggage should
not exceed 62 linear inches
(length+ width + depth)
and carry-on should not
exceed 45 linear inches
Same
Remarks and Suggestions
The “Dirty Harry” luggage rule: The limits in the chart above are based on the airlines’ published
restrictions. The enforcement of luggage limits is a matter of airline corporate policy. It may not be
consistent in all situations and may include random spot checks, especially for carry-on luggage. Airline
penalties and fines, however, will probably be immediate when and if enforcement occurs. Before you
choose to go above the airline’s published restrictions, you should first ask: Do I feel lucky? (And if the
answer is yes, then you should accept that you might be charged a fee by the airlines.)
Remember, these limits can change. If the airline(s) notifies us of any changes, we will include an update
in your Final Documents booklet. You should also confirm both luggage restrictions and luggage fees
directly with your U.S./international airline a week or so before your departure. Doing so will keep
you up-to-date on any last-minute changes, new security measures, or new fees. Most airlines are now
charging fees for checked luggage, even on some international flights. These fees are not included in
your trip price; they are payable directly to the airlines. For your convenience, we maintain a list of the
toll-free numbers for the most common airlines on our website under the FAQ section.
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Packing Just What You Need
Clothing Suggestions
Functional Tips
Temperatures are comfortably warm year-round. Most of your clothing should be lightweight, loose
fitting, and made of cotton. You’ll want good, light rain gear. Especially from May to October, it can rain
almost every afternoon, so you’ll want rain gear you are comfortable in, and dry footwear, such as light
hiking boots with a built-in Gore-tex liner. If you like to hand-wash your clothes, look for fabrics that will
dry out overnight. You can buy clothing designed especially for travel, with features like wrinkle-resistant
fabric or built-in sun protection.
•
Footwear: You’ll be on your feet and walking a lot, sometimes over rough and slippery
surfaces, so choose your footwear carefully. The soles of your shoes should offer good traction.
You can find especially supportive shoes designed for walking. Light hiking boots might be
useful on some days, but are not a must.
•
Walking sticks: Many past travelers have recommended bringing a folding walking stick, sold
in most camping stores. An alternative is a folding ski pole. This is very useful when exploring
ruins and trails that have no handrails.
Style Hints
Dress on our trip is functional and casual. Formal clothing is not necessary.
Traveler’s Checklists
Did you know that the top two comments travelers have about packing are “I wish I had brought less” and
“I wish I had thought to double-check the weather”? In an effort to help you bring less, we offer these
lists, which have been compiled from suggestions by Trip Leaders and former travelers. The lists are only
jumping-off points—they offer recommendations based on experience, but not requirements. You might
also want to refer to the climate charts in this handbook or online weather forecasts before you pack. And
finally, remember the Golden Rule of Packing Light—whatever you think you need at first—take half the
clothes and twice the money.
Recommended Clothing Checklist
Shirts: A mixture of short and long-sleeved shirts in a breathable fabric, like cotton or cotton-blend.
Polo shirts are more versatile than T-shirts. A couple long-sleeved shirts for layering are
recommended for nights in the mountains.
Trousers and/or jeans: Comfortable and loose fitting is best. Avoid tight fits.
Walking shorts: Cut long for modesty
Light cotton or wool sweater as motor coach air conditioning can be cold
Shoes and socks: A pair of sturdy walking shoes (or similar supportive sports shoes that offer good
traction) is recommended. A pair of sport sandals with secure ankle strap (such as Tevas or Merrell)
may be useful. For socks, consider bringing a couple heavy pairs for hiking and a couple pairs that
can get wet.
Light rain jacket/windbreaker with hood or poncho. Although it rains more during rainy season, it can
rain any time of year.
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Packing Just What You Need
Wide-brim sun hat or visor for sun protection
Underwear and sleepwear
Optional: Swimsuit
Seasonal Clothing Checklist
From May through November, please add:
Rain pants: A pair of pants in a quick-drying material that can get wet or a pair of waterproof pants.
Due to the tropical weather, it may rain any time of the year, but a pair of “rain pants” is especially
useful in the rainy season.
Poncho or raincoat with a hood: More useful than an umbrella on nature trails. Keep in mind that it
will be warm, so look for something that adds water protection without adding bulk or warmth.
Other Essential Items
Daily essentials: toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, hairbrush or comb, shaving items, deodorant, etc. Our
hotels will provide the basics like soap and shampoo, but if you are sensitive to fragrances or new
products, you may wish to bring your preferred brands. Most hotels do not provide a washcloth, so
you may wish to pack one.
Spare eyeglasses/contact lenses
Sunglasses
Sunscreen, SPF 15 or stronger
Insect repellent with DEET (30%-35% strength)
Light folding umbrella (for walking in town during a rainstorm).
Narrow-mouth water bottle, such as Nalgene.
Travel alarm clock, or watch with alarm
Moisturizer and sun-blocking lip balm
Pocket-size tissues
Moist towelettes (not individual packets) and/or anti-bacterial "water-free" hand cleanser
Flashlight, extra batteries/bulb
Folding walking staff, sold in most camping stores, preferably rubber-tipped
Electrical transformer & plug adapters: see "A Word about Electricity" for details
Camera gear with extra batteries or battery charger
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Packing Just What You Need
Medicines
At time of writing the U.S. State Department had the following warning for Guatemala: Pseudoephedrine
is banned in Guatemala since it can be used in the manufacture of methamphetamines. (Note:
Pseudoephedrine is common decongestant in the U.S.; it is in brand name medications like Sudafed.)
Your own prescription medicines
Travel first aid kit: Band-Aids, headache and pain relief, laxatives and anti-diarrhea tablets,
something for upset stomach. Maybe a cold remedy, moleskin foot pads, antibiotic cream, or allergy
medication.
An antibiotic medication for gastrointestinal illness
Optional: A strong prescription pain medication for rare emergency purposes
Optional: Altitude sickness medication
Optional: Anti-malarial medication—discuss with your doctor first
Optional Gear
(These are items that other travelers have suggested might be useful—not requirements. The extra spaces
at the end are for you to add whatever you don’t want to forget.)
Lightweight binoculars (essential if birding)
Hanging toiletry bag (with hook to hang on doorknob and pockets to organize items)
Basic sewing kit
Hand-wash laundry soap such as Woolite and plastic hang-up clothespins. Some hotels will offer
laundry service at moderate prices.
Hair dryer (useful for drying damp clothing as well as hair)
Favorite snacks
Travel journal/note pad and pens
Home address book
Photos or post cards from home, small gift for home-hosted visit
Phrase book
Pocket-size calculator for exchange rates
Inflatable seat cushion for bumpy roads
Packets of decaffeinated coffee/sweetener
Reading materials
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
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Packing Just What You Need
A Word about Electricity
When traveling overseas, there are a few differences to keep in mind about electricity. First, the voltage is
usually different. Second, the plugs might not be the same shape. Lastly, the availability of power can
vary.
Voltage
Electricity in most of Central America is the same as in the U.S., 110-120 volts.
Plugs
The shape of plugs will vary from country to country, and sometimes even within a country depending on
when that building was built. Different plug shapes are named by letters of the alphabet—Type A, Type
B, and so on. By far the most common plug type in Central America is Type A, which is the same as a
standard U.S. plug. (Occasionally, you might find European-style sockets, like Types C, G, and I as well.
But these are not common.) Because electric plugs in this region are American-style, you will not need an
adaptor.
Even though you won’t need plug adapters on this trip, it may be a good idea to invest in an all-in-one,
universal adapter/converter combo. Versatile and lightweight, this item will ensure that you are prepared
for your current trip as well as future adventures. You can usually find them at your local electronics
goods or hardware stores. Sometimes you can buy them at large retailers too, like Target or Walmart.
Availability
A constant electricity supply cannot be guaranteed during overnight stays. In some places, the
electricity may be supplied by a generator, and lighting may not be as bright as you are used to. Travelers
dependent on electricity supply (as in the case of those with sleep apnea) should consider a different
adventure or ensure their apparatus has back-up battery power.
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While You Are on Your Trip
6. Learn about Your Destinations
We encourage you to start learning about La Ruta Maya (the Route of the Maya) before your trip. The
ancient and contemporary cultures of these areas are rich and complex. Even a small amount of
background reading can help you make sense of the kaleidoscope of facts and impressions that will come
your way. Having some knowledge in advance can complement and enrich what you can learn from your
expert Trip Leader.
Belize at a Glance
Facts & Figures
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Area: 8,867 square miles
Capital: Belmopan
Languages: English is the official language of Belize, with Spanish commonly spoken; Creole,
Mayan dialects, Garifuna, and German are also spoken.
Location: Belize is in Central America, bordered by the Caribbean Sea, Guatemala, and
Mexico.
Geography: The Belize landscape is divided into the mountainous region to the south and the
coastal plains to the north.
Population: 340,844 (2014 estimate)
Religion: Roman Catholic 39.9 %, Pentacostal 8.3%, Seventh Day Adventist 5.3%, Anglican
4.5%, Mennonite 3.7%, Baptist 3.5%, Methodist 2.8%, Nazarene 2.8%, Jehovah’s Witnesses
1.6%, other 13%, none 15.2%
Time Zone: Belize is on Central Standard Time, one hour behind of U.S. EST. When it is 6am
in Washington D.C., it is 7am in Belize City.
Historical Overview
Mayan History
The roots of Belize culture began with the development of the Mayan civilization on the Yucatan
Peninsula—including the lands today known as Mexico, Guatemala, western Honduras, and Belize—
more than 3,000 years ago. Prior to this, small groups hunted and farmed the area, domesticating crops
including corn and beans. The Mayan culture thrived, however, creating a vibrant civilization skilled in
agriculture, arts, science, and architecture.
The city of Lamanai (now in Belize) was occupied for more than 3,000 years and had one of the longest
occupation spans of the Mayan world. It is set in tropical rainforest and offers spectacular views of the
surrounding jungle from its temples. Lamanai is Mayan for “submerged crocodile” (the true Mayan word
is Lama´an´ain, but the shortened version is often preferred). Archaeologists have mapped over 700
structures in Lamanai; only five are partly excavated.
At its peak around AD 250, the Mayan city-states equaled or surpassed its European counterparts. The
area of Belize was the location of many of these achievements, and was home to an estimated 400,000
people at that time. In the tenth century, the culture broke down due to a number of complex internal
issues.
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While You Are on Your Trip
Spanish Conquest, British Territory
When the Europeans arrived in Belize in the 16th century, they encountered several Mayan groups that
still remained. When the Spanish began the conquest of the Yucatan in 1527, the Mayans offered
resistance, but eventually succumbed—in part because they were weakened by disease. After a period of
conflict between European powers—particularly Spain and Britain—over ownership of trade in the area,
the British drove off the Spanish. In 1852, the area was declared a British colony known as British
Honduras.
The Modern Era
Despite threats from the Mayans and economic stress in the early 1900s, British rule continued. Cruel
treatment of workers in mahogany camps, however, led to a series of demonstrations that are credited
with starting a political movement in Belize that lead to the labor reforms of 1941 and 1943. When the
governor devalued the dollar in 1949, several independent groups were united against the colonial rulers,
beginning the Belize independence movement.
It wasn’t until 1961 that the British were willing to grant independence. However, a long-standing
Guatemalan claim on the land delayed this from happening until the 1970s. Between 1975 and 1981, the
Belizean government took their issue before the international community. In November of 1980, the UN
passed a resolution demanding independence to Belize. It came a year later with the passing of the Belize
Act of 1981.
El Salvador at a Glance
Facts & Figures
• Area: 8,124 square miles
• Capital: San Salvador
• Languages: Spanish is the official language; Nahua is also spoken.
• Ethnicity: Mestizo 86.3%, White 12.7%, Amerindian 1%
• Location: El Salvador is located in Central America, bordered by Guatemala, Honduras, and
the Pacific Ocean.
• Geography: El Salvador features two mountain ranges on either side of a central plateau. The
mountains and plateau take up most of the country (about 85%); the remaining land is a coastal
area known as the Pacific Lowlands.
• Population: 6,125,512 (2014 estimate)
• Religions: Roman Catholic 57.1%, Protestant 21.2%, Jehovah’s Witnesses 1.9%, Mormon
0.7%, other 2.3%, none 16.8%
• Time Zone: El Salvador is on Central Standard Time, one hour behind U.S. EST. When it is
6am in Washington D.C., it is 5am in San Salvador.
Historical Overview
Early History
The earliest inhabitants of El Salvador were most likely scattered tribes who lived in caves roughly
10,000 years ago. However, Olmec-style artifacts that date from about 2,000 BC have been found at many
sites in El Salvador, suggesting either a thriving trade with the Mexico-based tribe, or possibly a far-flung
outpost of Olmec civilization. In either case, by the time the Spanish arrived in the 1520s, the local
inhabitants were the Pipils, a group that traces their roots to the Aztecs. One of the most interesting
features of Pipil society is that although descendant from the Aztecs, they were also strongly influenced
by the Mayans, and even adopted some Mayan myths.
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While You Are on Your Trip
The Pipil were a major founding force for El Salvador, overseeing the land for hundreds of years and
building their capital, Antiguo Cuscatlan, on a site just outside present-day San Salvador. They also
traded with (and competed with) their Mayan neighbors; in time the city became a major trading hub.
As with many societies in the region, the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century changed everything.
Led by Pedro de Alvarado, the Spanish began an attack on the Pipil lands in 1524, and although the Pipil
initially withheld their advances, after a year-long struggle Cuscatlan fell to the Spanish. Interestingly,
some historians have attributed the Spanish victory to their shrewd manipulation of the neighboring
Mayan tribes against the Pipil—although a small force themselves, the Spanish seem to have been backed
by thousands of Maya warriors.
While the military conquest meant that El Salvador was now part of Spain’s vast empire, in reality Spain
was very far away. And with the ever-changing political divisions within the empire, El Salvador’s
government reported (at different times) to regional authorities in Mexico, Guatemala, or Panama. In the
absence of a direct governmental presence, local families began to rise to prominence within El Salvador
by controlling the colony’s agriculture. Known as the “fourteen families”, many of these were
descendants of the Spanish colonists who set up a plantation system for growing cash crops in high
demand, such as indigo. Large parcels of land were owned by the elite, but worked by impoverished—or
enslaved—indigenous people and Africans.
Independence
By the 1800s, revolutions against other European powers began to inspire the local population to break
off from Spain’s colonial rule. Hoping for better trade and more say in their government, the merchant
class—along with several indigenous groups who were seeking better treatment—joined together in a
revolt against the Spanish on November 5, 1811. (The signal that touched off the revolt was a peal of
bells from La Merced Church in San Salvador, rung by Father Jose Matias Delgado, who is considered
one of the founders of modern El Salvador.)
The 1811 revolt was unsuccessful. But only ten years later, on September 15, 1821, five provinces—El
Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica—succeeded in breaking off from Spain.
After a short-lived union with Mexico, and they joined together to form the Federal Republic of Central
America. El Salvador’s Father Delgado was asked to write the federation’s constitution, but despite his
hard work, the federation didn’t last. It soon became apparent that it could not survive the many rivalries
between the former provinces, or the strain between the elite and the indigenous people.
Many Salvadorans remained as impoverished and disenfranchised as they had been under the Spaniards.
Their discontent with the lack of reforms led to a several small rebellions. The most famous of these
uprisings was in 1833, when Anastasio Aquino led a rebellion that took the city of San Vicente, but it
later fizzled out once he was captured. In 1838, the federation dissolved (but it is not forgotten—
Independence Day is still celebrated on September 15).
Modern Era
For the next 80 years, El Salvador’s history would be dominated by a single crop—coffee. With the
release of artificial dyes, the indigo plantations that were such a mainstay of the economy became
obsolete. Coffee became the new cash crop, and one by one the wealthy converted their lands into coffee
plantations. The coffee crop became so important that laws were passed to protect and convert vacant
land, but sadly many of these laws were used to displace small landowners in favor of the rich and
powerful. By 1920 it was estimated that roughly 95% of El Salvador’s economy was based on coffee, but
that only 2% of the population controlled the profits from the crop.
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While You Are on Your Trip
In the end, it was the stock-market crash of 1929, and the severe drop in coffee prices, that pushed El
Salvador into a new phase. In 1932, an uprising of peasants and displaced coffee workers was met with a
brutal response by the government. Roughly 30,000 people were killed La Matanza (“the Massacre” or
“the Slaughter”), many for simply being suspected of having taken part in the uprising. As a result, the
country was placed under military control and a series of dictatorships began.
From the 1930s through the 1970s, El Salvador was controlled by military dictators and authoritarian
governments. Between the loss of their few political gains and the destabilized economy, many
Salvadorans were drawn to left-wing political groups that promised reform. In 1972, the popular mayor of
San Salvador, Jose Napoleon Duarte, ran for president on a platform of reform. According to the ruling
National Conciliation Party (NCP), Duarte did not win. According to Duarte’s own Christian Democratic
Party (PDC), his victory was being held up by election fraud.
The election controversy sparked off a wave of protests and coup attempts that ultimately led to the
October 1979 coup by a joint group of military and civilians. This group, which was known as the
Revolutionary Junta of El Salvador, promised reforms, but when the reforms were not delivered, many
left-wing groups began advocating armed revolution instead of political action. They banded together to
form a coalition known as the Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front (FMLN).
Throughout the 1970s, the Catholic Church had largely sided with the reform groups. In particular, the
outspoken Archbishop Oscar A. Romero had used his position to denounce social injustice and the use of
torture by the government. On March 24, 1980 he was assassinated while saying Mass at a hospital in San
Salvador; for many this was the turning point that changed unrest to a civil war. From 1980-1992, the
Salvadoran Civil War was fought between the FMLN and the government troops. During this time, the
government used the power of “death squads”—groups of soldiers authorized to execute citizens, even
civilians—to frighten and control the population. More than 75,000 people are thought to have died in the
conflict.
In January of 1992, the opposing sides reached an agreement and a cease-fire was declared. The FMLN
was declared a legitimate opposition party and received promises of certain reforms, such as land
distribution. Both sides were granted amnesty for human rights abuses that occurred during the war.
Perhaps to everyone’s surprise, the agreement has worked better than expected. Land distrubtion was
carried out in the 1990s, and the FMLN has become a left-wing party that participates in elections. (In
2009, FMLN candidate Maurico Funes won the election for president.) However, the amnesty granted for
acts committed during the civil war continues to be highly controversial.
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Guatemala at a Glace
Facts & Figures
• Area: 42,042 sq miles
• Capital: Guatemala City
• Languages: Spanish is the official language of Guatemala; 23 Amerindian languages
(including Quiche, Cakchiquel, Kekchi, Mam, Garifuna, and Xinca) are also spoken.
• Ethnicity: Mestizo, European, K’iche, Kaqchikel, Mam, Q’eqchi, and indigenous.
• Location: Guatemala is bordered by El Salvador, Honduras, Mexico, Belize, the Pacific
Ocean, and the Gulf of Honduras.
• Geography: Located in Central America between the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of
Hounduras, Guatemala is mountainous in the interior with plains along the coast.
• Population: 14,647,083 (2014 estimate)
• Religions: Roman Catholic, Protestant, indigenous Mayan beliefs
• Time Zone: Guatemala is on Central Standard Time, one hour behind U.S. EST. When it is
6am in Washington D.C., it is 5am in Guatemala City.
Historical Overview
Today, the lands once occupied by the ancient Mayan civilization fall within the boundaries of
Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador, Honduras, and Mexico. Guatemala, a country of over 14 million that
officially recognizes several Mayan-derived Indian languages—along with Spanish—has many direct
descendants of the ancient Mayans among its people.
The ancient Mayan culture is believed to have taken shape between 1500 BC and AD 100 in the Pacific
highlands of Guatemala and El Salvador. Beginning around AD 250, Mayan civilization entered what is
now called its Classic Period, when the great city-states whose ruins define La Ruta Maya began to be
built. This period lasted until about AD 900, after which many Mayan cities were abandoned. Some cities,
however, particularly on Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula, survived centuries longer, in a post-Classical
period that extended as late as the 16th century.
At the beginning of the Classical Period, Tikal (now in Guatemala) was already well established. Early in
the third century AD, a king named Yax Moch Xoc ruled Tikal and began a dynasty that lasted for the
next 400 years. Yax Moch Xoc and his successors expanded their city-state by conquering surrounding
kingdoms until Tikal had a population estimated at 100,000 by the middle of the sixth century. Then Tikal
itself was conquered by Caracol (now in Belize), which ruled the area for over a century. A ruler named
Moon Double Comb brought renewed greatness to Tikal early in the eighth century, building most of the
great temples that still stand around the Great Plaza today. Tikal declined around AD 900, at the end of
the Classic Period, with its population slowly dispersing and its buildings becoming overgrown by
luxuriant tropical vegetation.
When the Europeans arrived in the 16th century, they encountered several remaining Mayan groups.
Spanish soldiers under Pedro de Alvarado completed the conquest of Guatemala in 1548 after pitting
several of these indigenous groups against each other. Once it began, Spanish rule continued here until
1821. At this point, Guatemala briefly became part of Mexico before joining a short-lived federation
known as The United Provinces of Central America.
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The early years of the 20th century were marked by dictatorships and foreign influence. After the
dictatorship of General Jorge Ubico was overthrown in 1944, Guatemala experienced its “ten years of
spring,” an extended period of reform, progress, and personal freedom.
In 1960, the U.S. supported government, the paramilitary, and the Cuba-backed left-wing insurgents
began a brutal Guatemalan Civil War sparked by a number of social and economic factors. The low point
of the 36-year internal conflict was the violent presidency of Rios Mont. During his rule thousands of
unarmed civilians were killed.
In 1986, the election of President Vinicio Cerezo brought reform and a period of relative peace. In 1994,
the Commission for Historical Clarification sought to end 36 years of violence and corruption; a peace
accord was signed in 1996. Since the end of the civil war, a series of successful reforms and democratic
elections has inspired hope for the country’s recovery.
Honduras at a Glance
Facts & Figures
• Area: 43,278 square miles
• Capital: Tegucigalpa
• Languages: Spanish is the official language; Amerindian languages are also spoken.
• Ethnicity: Mestizo 90%, Amerindian 7%, black 2%, white 1%
• Location: Honduras is bordered by Guatemala, Nicaragua, and the Pacific Ocean
• Geography: Located in Central America, Honduras is mountainous in the interior with plains
along the coast.
• Population: 8,598,561
• Religions: Roman Catholic 97%, Protestant 3%
• Time Zone: Honduras is on Central Standard Time, one hour behind U.S. EST. When it is 6am
in Washington D.C., it is 5am in Tegucigalpa.
Historical Overview
Today, the lands once occupied by the ancient Mayan civilization fall within the boundaries of
Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador, Honduras, and Mexico. The ancient Mayan culture is believed to have
taken shape between 1500 BC and AD 100 in the Pacific highlands of Guatemala and El Salvador.
Beginning around AD 250, Mayan civilization entered what is now called its Classic Period, when the
great city-states whose ruins define La Ruta Maya began to be built. The Classic period lasted until about
AD 900, after which many Mayan cities were abandoned. Some cities survived centuries longer, however.
When the Europeans arrived in the 16th century, they encountered several remaining Mayan groups.
In 1502, Christopher Columbus landed near what is now Trujillo and named the land Honduras, or
"depths," after the deep waters found off the coast. In 1524, Spanish forces under instructions from
Hernán Cortés established a colony there. Cortés arrived a year later and ordered the establishment of
Nuestra Señora de la Navidad and Trujillo.
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The years that followed were marked by unrest, with the conquerors, the established government,
colonists, and the local population all feuding. In 1536, Pedro de Alvarado conquered Honduras,
defeating an indigenous uprising led by Lempira, chief of the Lencas. The defeat of Lempira and a
quieting of Spanish infighting led to an increase of economic activity, including gold and silver mining,
which brought hardship to the native Hondurans and African slavery to the area. After Honduras declared
independence from Spain in 1821, it joined a short-lived federation of Central American countries.
Although the federation fell apart and Honduras became an independent republic, it continued its push for
Central American unity.
The early years of the 20th century were marked by conflicts with Guatemala and Nicaragua, the growth
of the thriving banana industry, and a rise in U.S. influence after uprisings and coups had become more
frequent. The connection between the banana industry and the interference of outside other countries led
to the coining of the term "Banana Republic."
The Great Depression would eventually strike a blow to the banana companies, as well as workers
throughout the country. Stability came from Tiburcio Carías Andino, who was elected in 1932. Although
he earned a reputation as a strongman known to limit personal freedoms, the new president brought relief
to Honduras. He ruled for the next 16 years in an era of relative peace. Following his term, reform
continued to arrive in Honduras despite ongoing violence and the occasional coup.
A mix of reform and unrest continued to define modern Honduran history for years to come. In the 1980s,
President Robert Suazo launched social and economic projects with backing from the U.S., which
supported guerillas fighting neighboring Nicaragua. Rafael Leonardo Callejas took office in 1990 with
promises of economic reform. One of his greatest achievements in office was gaining more civilian
control of the military and local police forces. Today, Honduras continues to enjoy a period of peace—
both internally and with its neighboring countries.
Nicaragua at a Glance
Facts & Figures
• Area: 50,336 sq miles
• Capital: Managua
• Languages: Spanish is the official language of Nicaragua; English, Miskito, and other
indigenous languages are also spoken.
• Ethnicity: Mestizo 69%, white 17%, black 9%, Amerindian 5%
• Location: Guatemala is bordered by Costa Rica, Honduras, the Pacific Ocean, and the
Caribbean Sea.
• Geography: Located in Central America between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea,
Nicaragua is mountainous in the interior with plains along the coast.
• Population: 5,848,641 (2014 estimate)
• Religions: Roman Catholic 58.5%, Protestant 23.2%, Jehovah’s Witnesses 0.9%, other 1.6%,
none 15.7%
• Time Zone: Nicaragua is on Mountain Standard Time, two hours behind U.S. EST. When it is
6am in Washington D.C., it is 4am in Managua.
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Historical Overview
Early History
Many of Nicaragua’s precolonial inhabitants consisted of tribes that migrated north from Colombia. They
are believed to be part of the Chibcha tribe and lived in Nicaragua’s Caribbean lowlands.
Nicaragua was initially discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1502 when he arrived in Honduras during
his fourth voyage. Hernandez de Cordoba established the first Spanish settlements of Nicaragua,
including the cities of Granada and León in 1524. The clash between Spanish forces and the indigenous
population destroyed the Indian civilization that had existed in Nicaragua.
Nicaraguan society remained relatively unchanged for nearly 300 years until the country gained
independence from Spain in 1821, and became an independent republic in 1838. Since obtaining
independence the 19th century, the Nicaraguan political climate has been characterized by consistent
unrest and frequent revolt starting with American William Walker seizing control in 1856. Many of these
conflicts pitted Nicaragua’s Liberal elite of León and Conservative elite of Granada against each other.
At the turn of the 20th century, opposing plans over a trans-isthmian canal and concessions made to
American investors caused further dissension among the two factions. U.S. troops occupied the nation for
more than 20 years to protect American lives and property.
Corruption, Earthquake, and Rebirth of Nicaragua
After the departure of U.S. troops in 1933, National Guard Commander Anastasio Somoza Garcia seized
power of the country and started a reign of corruption with his two sons that lasted until 1979. After a
devastating earthquake hit Managua in 1972 killing 10,000 people and leaving 500,000 homeless, the
Somoza government prevented aid from being delivered to victims. This caused baseball Hall of Famer
Roberto Clemente to accompany the 4th flight of supplies, so it would not be diverted. The plane crashed
off the coast of Puerto Rico.
The end of the Somoza Dynasty led to the rise of the Sandinista Liberation Front, a socialist political
party that remains one of Nicaragua’s two primary parties. The Sandinistas faced opposition from the
militant Contras in the 1980’s, a group supported by the U.S. government. Today the Constitutional
Liberal Party (PLC) is the opposition for the Sandinista Liberation Front. Sandinista Daniel Ortega is
Nicaragua’s President and the Nicaraguan constitution guarantees free speech, peaceful assembly,
religion, foreign travel, and repatriation.
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Culture & Points to Know
Knowing Spanish will be helpful as you travel in Nicaragua, Guatemala and Central America, but as good
travelers know, non-verbal communication often works nearly as well, so don’t hesitate to engage the
locals. In this region, modest dress shows a respect for the local traditions and offers the potential to better
interact with people in villages and towns. Bargaining for handicrafts in open-air markets is common;
however, when in artisan cooperatives and indoor shops bargaining is not acceptable.
Dietary Requests
Our Trip Leaders will do what they can to accommodate dietary requests, but please keep in mind that not
every request can be fulfilled on every occasion. There may be times when options that are common in
the U.S.—lactose free, gluten free, vegetarian, vegan, etc—are simply not available.
Language Barrier
You can have some great “conversations” with local people who do not speak English, even if you don’t
speak a word of the local language. Indeed, this non-verbal communication can be a highly rewarding part
of travel. To break the ice, bring along some family photographs, or a few postcards of your hometown. If
you want to meet kids, bring a puppet or other interactive toy. Your Trip Leader can help get the ball
rolling.
Your attire is a key part of your non-verbal presentation. Your clothing should show a respect for local
tradition. This means you should dress in a relatively modest style, to better relate to older and more
traditional people, especially in villages. Avoid revealing or tight-fitting outfits.
Taking Photographs
The etiquette of photographing most people is about the same as it would be on the streets of your
hometown. You need permission to take a close-up, but not for a crowd scene. Be especially polite if you
want to photograph an older woman. If you want to shoot a great portrait, show interest in your subject,
try to have a bit of social interaction first. Then use sign language to inquire if a picture is OK. Your Trip
Leader can help.
Safety & Security
Common Sense Precautions
As you travel, exercise the same caution and awareness that you would in a large American city. Don’t
be overly nervous or suspicious, but keep your eyes open. If you are venturing out after dark, go with one
or two other people. Carry a one-day supply of cash in your pocket. Carry most of your money, and your
passport, in a travel pouch or money belt under your shirt. Replenish your pocket supply when you are in
a safe and quiet place, or in our vehicle.
Do not leave valuable items unattended in your room. Almost all of our hotels offer use of a hotel safe at
the front desk or an electronic in-room safe (for which you can set a personal PIN number). Please utilize
them.
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Pickpockets
Pickpockets may create a sudden distraction. In any sort of puzzling street situation, try to keep one hand
on your money belt. If an encounter with a local turns out to be long and complicated and involves money
or your valuables, be very careful. Con artists sometimes target travelers.
Communications
To ensure you are available during your trip to friends and relatives at home, you will receive two copies
of your hotel list, including phone numbers, with your Final Documents. One copy is for you to bring,
and one to leave behind with friends or relatives in case they need to contact you during the trip.
How to Dial
When calling overseas from the U.S., dial 011 for international exchange, then the country code
(indicated by a plus sign: +), and then the number. The country codes on this trip are: +501 for Belize,
+503 for El Salvador, +502 for Guatemala, +503 for Nicaragua, and +504 for Honduras. Phone numbers
abroad may not have the same number of digits as U.S. numbers; even numbers within a country can vary
depending on the city and if the phone is a land line or cell phone.
Cell Phones
If you want to use your cell phone on the trip, check with your phone provider to see if your phone and
service will work outside of the U.S. It may turn out to be cheaper to rent an international phone or buy a
SIM card onsite. If you want to use a local SIM, just make certain your phone can accept one.
Calling Cards and 1-800 Numbers
When calling the U.S. from a foreign country, a prepaid calling card can be useful because it circumvents
unexpected charges from the hotel. Calling cards purchased locally are typically the best (less expensive,
more likely to work with the local phones, etc.).
One reminder: Do not call U.S. 1-800 numbers outside the continental United States. This can result in
costly long distance fees, since 1-800 numbers do not work outside the country.
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Additional Resources
7. Additional Resources
Suggested Readings
We’ve listed a few of our favorite books about the region you'll be traveling. Most of these are available
in large bookshops (especially those that specialize in travel or international books), by mail order, and
from the Internet.
General:
A Brief History of Central America by Lynn V. Foster (History) A good overview of the economic and
cultural history of the region. An earlier book by the same name but written by Hector Perez-Brignoll is
also good, but isn’t as up-to-date as this edition.
Nature of the Rainforest, Costa Rica and Beyond by Adrian Forsyth (Natural History) Although based
in Costa Rica, biologist Forsyth used his experience to explain the basic ecology and conversation of any
rainforest. Over 100 wonderful photographs complement the text.
The Monkey’s Bridge: Mysteries of Evolution in Central America by David Rains (Natural History) An
absorbing account of the history, exploration, and evolutionary role of the Central American land bridge
by an award-winning nature writer.
Travelers’ Tales Central America by Larry Habegger and Natanya Pearlman (Travel Account)
A collection of eyewitness reports by journalists, travelers and writers, including Joan Didion, P.J.
O’Rourke, and Paul Theroux.
Tropical Nature: Life and Death in the Rain Forests of Central and South America by Adrian Forsyth,
Ken Miyata (Natural History) An engaging overview of the ecology of a tropical rain forest as written by
two biologists. First published in the 1980s, but subsequently updated and re-issued.
Route of the Maya:
A Forest of Kings: The Untold Story of the Ancient Maya by Linda Schele and David Freidel (History).
Uses the written history of Maya hieroglyphs to tell the dynastic history of selected Maya sites.
Antigua and My Life Before by Marcela Serrano, translated by Margaret Sayers Peden (Literature) Set in
Santiago, Chile, and the Guatemalan city of Antigua, this is the story of two women—one a famous
singer, the other an architect—and a tragic shooting that sparks off memories of their friendship.
Breaking the Maya Code by Michael D. Coe (Anthropology). The scientific detective story of how
Mayan inscriptions were deciphered to reveal the fascinating history of this ancient civilization, told with
eloquence by a retired professor of anthropology at Yale University.
Incidents of Travel in Central America, Chiapas, and Yucatan by John Lloyd Stephens (Vintage Travel
Narrative). Modern, abridged edition of Stephens’ 1841 book that brought sites including Copán to the
world’s attention. It was a bestseller in its time, and Stephens' writing, along with his companion
Catherwood's drawings, evokes what it was like to see the ruins of Copán, Quirigua, Palenque, and
Uxmal on muleback over 150 years ago.
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Additional Resources
Maya Art and Architecture by Mary Ellen Miller (Art) Organized thematically, this book by Yale art
historian Mary Ellen Miller surveys the art and architecture throughout Mayadom. She makes use of the
latest discoveries at Tikal, Copan, Palenque and other Maya sites to present the range of art from
architecture, to sculpture, ceramics and murals. This book may not be easy to find in stock at your local
store, but can be found online.
Popol Vuh: The Definitive Edition of the Mayan Book of the Dawn of Life and the Glories of Gods and
Kings translated by Dennis Tedlock (Anthropology). One of several translations of the “Bible” of the
Mayas, presenting the Mayan vision of the cosmos and creation and other stories.
The Maya by Michael D. Coe (Archeology) An introduction to the extraordinarily sophisticated Mayan
civilization that flourished in the jungles of Mexico and Central America 1,500 years ago. Presents many
details about specific sites.
The Mosquito Coast by Paul Theroux (Literature) A taught psychological tale of a man who abandons
civilization for the wilds of Honduras.
Time Among the Maya: Travels in Belize, Guatemala and Mexico by Ronald Wright (Culture). Eight
million people in Guatemala, Belize, and southern Mexico speak Mayan languages and maintain their
resilient culture. Traveling through Central America's jungles and mountains, Wright explores ancient
roots of the Maya, their recent troubles, and survival prospects.
Guatemala:
Antigua and My Life Before by Marcela Serrano, translated by Margaret Sayers Peden (Literature) Set in
Santiago, Chile, and the Guatemalan city of Antigua, this is the story of two women—one a famous
singer, the other an architect—and a tragic shooting that sparks off memories of their friendship.
I, Rigoberta Menchu: An Indian Woman in Guatemala by Rigoberta Menchu (Biography/Memoir).
Winner of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1992, this Guatemalan woman speaks eloquently of her struggles
against the military for a decent way of life. A compelling testimony to the power of a strong-minded,
ordinary person and her love for her land.
Belize:
The Last Flight of the Scarlet Macaw, One Woman's Fight to Save the World's Most Beautiful Bird by
Bruce Barcott (Literature) The dramatic tale of one woman's quest to stop a dam that would inundate the
forest home of jaguars, tapirs—and the last of Belize's scarlet macaws.
Nicaragua:
The Comandante’s Gift by Frank Gallo, is an action-adventure novel based on the Contra-Sandinista
War. The book incorporates the culture and history of the area as two heroines help a downed CIA pilot
escape.
The New Nicaragua: Lessons in Development, Democracy, and Nation Building for the U.S by Steven
E. Hendrix (Political Affairs) Written by an award winning author and U.S. Agency for International
Development employee, this book tells the story of how political corruption still exists, but the efforts to
maintain a pro-democratic and civil society have succeeded.
Nicaragua in Focus: A Guide to the People, Politics, and Culture by Nick Caistor and Hazel Plunkett
Guide talks about how despite the fact that Nicaragua has endured revolutions and natural disasters such
as earthquakes and hurricanes, there is still endless natural beauty, rich culture, and a vibrant civil society
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Additional Resources
Guidebooks:
Your Trip Leader will be happy to provide recommendations and suggestions during the trip, so a
guidebook is not a necessity. But a good one can be invaluable as a one-stop reference, so for those
travelers who have asked for suggestions, we offer these guidelines. Since different guidebook series each
have their own target audience and structure, it is well worth your time to browse your local library or
bookstore to find the one(s) you like best. To get you started, here is some general information on the
most popular series:
Culture Smart! – Focuses on local customs and etiquette instead of sights, dining, etc.
DK Eyewitness – Innovative visuals make these books easy to use and a nice souvenir once the trip is
over. The focus is primarily on the sights and activities.
Fodor’s – A classic guidebook with strong information on activities, shopping, and dining. Good mix of
upscale recommendations and budget suggestions.
Frommer’s – A comprehensive guide series that is known for its restaurant recommendations.
Insight – Offers more information on history and culture than usual, nice visuals, good maps.
Lonely Planet – Practical guides geared towards a more adventurous traveler on a budget.
National Geographic – From the same company that publishes the magazine. Excellent photographs,
good information on history, nature, and culture.
Rough Guides –For the independent traveler on a budget. Particularly known for their maps.
Maps:
A few hotels will provide maps free of charge at the reception desk or in your room. These maps are
usually sufficient for our travelers, but if you plan on any independent exploration, you may wish to
consider purchasing a map before your departure. This can be especially useful in a country that doesn’t
use the Roman alphabet as the hotel maps may only be printed in the local language.
Some recommended map series include: Rand McNally international maps (especially the StreetWise
series), Insight’s FlexiMaps, and Rough Guide’s destination maps. We suggest that you visit your local
bookstore or library to get a better sense of which type of map is best for your needs before making a
purchase.
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Additional Resources
Suggested Movies
Here are few of our favorite movies that are about, or set in, or from the region you’ll be traveling. Most
are available at movie rental stores and websites—or even your public library. Sometimes films produced
outside of the US may be harder to find, but they are usually available online.
Central America:
El Norte starring Zaide Silvia Gutiérrez, and David Villalpando (1984, color) Partially funded by the
Public Broadcasting System (PBS) and nominated for an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay in 1985.
Escaping certain persecution in Guatemala, a brother and sister travel through Mexico and on to Los
Angeles in search of a better life.
Love in the Time of Cholera starring Javier Bardem and Benjamin Bratt (2008, color) A story about love,
patience, and (of course) cholera. Based on the novel of the same name.
NOVA: A Man, a Plan, a Canal – Panama produced by PBS (2004, color) An interesting and
informative documentary on the sheer engineering feat that is the canal. Hosted by David McCullough,
the author of A Path Between the Seas.
Romancing the Stone starring Kathleen Turner and Michael Douglas (1984, color) Part adventure, part
romantic comedy—a novelist and an adventurer team up to on a treasure hunt in Colombia.
Salvador starring James Woods, James Belushi, and Michael Murphy (1986, color) An American
journalist covering the Salvadorian civil war becomes entangled with both sides.
Spirits of the Jaguar produced by the BBC (2006, color) Four-part series that offers an easy and clear
introduction to the history and peoples of Central America. Includes programs on the Maya and the
Aztecs.
The Mosquito Coast starring Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren (1986, color) Filmed on location in Belize,
Coast follows an ex-pat American family looking for an ideal life in Central America. But the ideal
proves elusive due to the increasingly stubborn and strange behavior of their father.
The Tailor of Panama starring Pierce Brosnan, Geoffrey Rush, and Jamie Lee Curtis (2001, color) The
film adaptation of the classic John Le Carre spy thriller. Bosnan plays a spy, but a very different one from
his famous 007 role.
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Additional Resources
Useful Websites
Tourist information
http://elsalvador.travel/eng El Salvador
http://www.honduras.com Honduras
http://www.visitguatemala.com Guatemala
http://www.travelbelize.org Belize
http://www.visitnicaragua.us Nicaragua
Overseas Adventure Travel Store
http://www.oatshop.com
International health information: CDC (Centers for Disease Control)
http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/
Electric current and plug types
http://www.kropla.com/electric2.htm
Foreign exchange rates
http://www.oanda.com/converter/classic
ATM locators
http://www.mastercard.com/atm for Cirrus ATMs
http://www.visa.com/atmlocator for PLUS ATMs
World weather
http://www.intellicast.com
http://www.weather.com
http://www.wunderground.com
Foreign languages for travelers: basic terms in more than 80 languages
http://www.travlang.com/languages
Travel tips: packing light, choosing luggage, etc.
http://www.travelite.org
Net café guide: 100s of locations around the globe
http://www.cybercafes.com
U.S. Customs & Border Protection: traveler information
http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel
Transportation Security Administration (TSA): agency that screens luggage in U.S.
http://www.tsa.gov
National Passport Information Center (NPIC): for passport information
http://www.travel.state.gov
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