Travel clinic Guatemala
Travel health and vaccine advice for Guatemala
Guatemala Welcome to Guatemala, country of the Maya! The great ancient civilization inhabited this Central American country a very long time ago and left inestimable archaeological treasures, such as the ruins of Tikal. But the Maya never actually disappeared… Their language, traditions and colorful costumes are still living in Guatemala today, through their direct descendants. Most of the country is genuine and untouched, culturally and naturally speaking. Dense jungles hosting an incredibly diverse wildlife… Perfectly cone shaped volcanoes surrounding lakes among the most beautiful on Earth… Mighty rivers and rumbling waterfalls… The call of the wild is impossible to resist in Guatemala! 

HEALTH INFORMATION

Risk of Zika in this Country. Learn More >>

We make every effort to ensure that the information posted on our website is up to date and accurate according to the latest public health recommendations; however, it is impossible for us to make changes on a daily basis.

For the most current travel health recommendations, please call our clinic as make an appointment with one of our travel health professionals.

GUATEMALA – RECOMMENDED VACCINES

The Yellow Fever Vaccine A proof of vaccination against yellow fever may be required upon entry in to this country.
Some travellers may not be eligible to receive this vaccine. Please enquire with your health care professional regarding your specific details.
It is important to note that the vaccine should be administered at least 10 days prior to your departure.
For further information, please consult with the World Health Organization (WHO) website:
https://www.who.int/ith/ith-country-list.pdf
Hepatitis A Recommended for all travelers.
Tetanus – Diphteria – Pertussis Vaccine Tetanus: In exceptional circumstances (eg, stay in a region where access to health care is limited), for a person aged 18 years or older, 1 dose of DT may be given if 5 years or more has elapsed since the last dose.
Otherwise, one booster dose at the age of 50*.
Pertussis (Whooping Cough):  1 dose is recommended for pregnant women, for every pregnancy, regardless of immunization history and the interval since the last dose (betwen week 26 and 32).
*Only applicable for Quebec.
Measles – Rubella – Mumps Two doses recommended for all travelers born after 1970, if not previously given.
Flu – Influenza Seasonal influenza occurs worldwide. The flu season usually runs from November to April in the northern hemisphere, between April and October in the southern hemisphere and year round in the tropics. Influenza (flu) is caused by a virus spread from person to person through coughing and sneezing or by touching infected surfaces. Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine yearly. Vaccine is recommended 14 days prior to departure.
Routine vaccines (dCaT, Polio, Meningococcal, Shingles, Pneumococcal, Hepatitis B, HPV, MMR & Varicella) Recommended for all travelers
Causes, Symptoms & Treatment – Typhoid fever Recommended for most travelers, especially those who are staying with friends or relatives; visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where exposure might occur through food or water; or prone to “adventurous eating”
Hepatitis B Consider for most travelers; recommended for those who might be exposed to blood or other body fluids, have sexual contact with the local population, or be exposed through medical treatment (e.g., for an accident).
Transmission, Symptoms and Prevention – Rabies For travelers at high risk of animal bites or being involved in activities with bats, dogs and other mammals. Clients who plan to visit remote areas may consider receiving this vaccine. Important to note the pre-exposure rabies vaccine is administered in 2 doses with one week interval between doses. Post-exposure vaccination is always recommended, even for those previously vaccinated.
Chagas Disease Presence. All travelers should protect themselves against triatomine bugs.
Turista – Traveler’s Diarrhea (ETEC) Talk to your health care professional about the risks and precautionary measures to take, as well as the Dukoral® vaccine. Important to note that the Dukoral vaccine is an oral vaccine given in 2 doses, recommended at least 2 weeks prior to departure.
Malaria Malaria is present in this country. The risk may be region specific. Prophylaxis measures to be discussed with the health care professional.
Dengue Fever, Chikungunya and/or Zika There are many illnesses that are transmitted via mosquito bites and unfortunately we do not have vaccines to protect us against most of them. It is important to inquire with your healthcare professional regarding the specific risks and the different illnesses presently in circulation.

RECOMMENDED MEDICATIONS

Antimalarials Recommended Malarone, Doxycycline,Chloroquine or Mefloquine
Antibiotics Traveler’s Diarrhea Ciprofloxacin, Azithromycin or Suprax.
Acetazolamide/Dexaméthasone Recommended to prevent Acute mountain sickness (AMS).

MEDICAL CARE

Guatemala has an excellent level of health care, especially in private medical establishments. You will easily find highly qualified general practitioners and specialists in the country, particularly in the capital, Guatemala City. These medical professionals have usually been trained in foreign countries. However, some public medical facilities don’t have adequate equipment and the care they provide is not always of good quality. If you need medical assistance in Guatemala, you are advised to go to the Centro Medico, the Herrera Llerandi Hospital or the Hospital Ciudad Vieja, all located in the capital city.


Most of the pharmaceutical establishments in the country are well stocked and sell good quality medicines. But it is always safer to bring your own medical supplies.

SECURITY ABROAD

Guatemala has one of the highest violent crime rates in Latin America, one of the world’s highest homicide rates and a very low arrest and detention rate. Most incidents of violent crime are drug- and gang-related. They occur throughout the country, including in tourist destinations. Rifles and handguns are …

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SAN JOSÉ WEATHER

CANADIAN EMBASSY

Emergency services

Emergency services exist but may be subject to certain limitations. In case of emergency, dial:

  • police: 110 / 120
  • medical assistance: 122 / 123
  • firefighters: 122 / 123
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