FAQ
What travel documents do I need when visiting Guatemala?
Which airlines service Guatemala City?
What do I expect when I arrive and depart at the airport (GUA) in Guatemala City?
How do we get to and from the lodge?
What is the address and contact info for the lodge in Guatemala?
What is the address and contact info for the US office?
How safe is it in Guatemala?
Is the water safe to drink?
What types of tours or day trips from the lodge are available in Guatemala?
How many rooms does the lodge have?
Do you provide laundry service?
What is your cancellation policy?
Are all my food and drinks included in the package price?
What forms of payment does Buena Vista Sportfishing Lodge accept?
Do you provide ground transportation from the airport to the lodge?
How should we plan on tipping the crew and staff in Guatemala?
Where is Buena Vista Island, Iztapa Guatemala?
We are located 60 miles south of Guatemala City just west of the port city of San Jose and east of the town of Iztapa.
What travel documents do I need when visiting Guatemala?
United States citizens must present proof of citizenship, the form of this requirement varying upon the country of destination. Such requirements may be verified with a representative of Buena Vista Sport Fishing Lodge and its subsidiary or of the consulate of the country of destination.
Which airlines service Guatemala City?
American, Delta, Continental and Taca provide daily service to and from most major US airports. The transfer hub is either Miami or Dallas. Spirit Airlines offers flights 4 days a week. Taca offers hidden specials and more direct flights from the NE US than any other airline.
What do I expect when I arrive and depart at the airport (GUA) in Guatemala City?
The airport is somewhat new and modern. Flights seem to arrive and depart in mass at specific times of the day. Security is prevalent and processing through customs is efficient. Once you’ve clear immigration and customs you will exit into a holding area where a mass of people gather to great returning family and countrymen. A lodge representative will be waiting for you holding up a sign with you’re or your groups name and lodge logo.
How do we get to and from the lodge?
A lodge representative will transport you in our courtesy vehicle or van to and from the airport, on prearranged tours and to and from the marina when necessary. Keep in mind that traffic is usually heavy during the day. We ask that you are ready to return to the airport 4 hours before your flight.
What is the address and contact info for the lodge in Guatemala?
Buenavista Sportfishing Lodge
Calle Bajamar Lote 19
Buena Vista, Iztapa
Guatemala, C. A.
011-502-7880-4203
F011-501-7880-4204
www.buenavistasportfishing.com
info@buenavistasportfishing.com
What is the address and contact info for the US office?
Buenavista Sportfishing
885 Marlboro Road
Lothian, Maryland 20711 USA
866-699-3277
305-735-2387
F 410-741-0622
www.buenavistasportfishing.com
info@buenavistasportfishing.com
What is the currency and exchange rate in Guatemala?
The currency is the Quetzal. 1 US dollar is equal to 7.6 Quetzal’s. The exchange rate varies little. You may exchange currency at the airport or the lodge if you notify us in advance.
How safe is it in Guatemala?
Guatemala has a police and military presence of which the latter is recognized by the US government as effective and cooperative. While there is no doubt that more law enforcement would be better, the general rule of thumb is to exercise common sense while traveling anywhere in the country. So that it may be read in the proper perspective please consider that this advice applies to any other Central American country or major US city. The lodge has a security officer with military experience on site 24/7.
Is the water safe to drink?
Water in every country is different than what your palette is normally accustomed too. While the Guatemalans show no signs of intestinal distress from consumption our stomachs are used to a different standard of water purification. The lodge provides distilled water for every room.
What types of tours or day trips from the lodge are available in Guatemala? We offer several secure day trips from the lodge to surrounding plantations, jade mines, parks and other tourist friendly locations. In the near future we will have compiled a more detailed page on our website of the choices available to you.
How many rooms does the lodge have?
The main lodge or Yellow House has 1 Master suite with a private bath upstairs with a view of the river. Downstairs there is 1 bedroom with a queen size bed and private bath. There are two other bedrooms with two twin beds that share a bath. Separately and within 50 feet of the main lodge, along side the pool there are six new rooms with queen size beds and private baths. All of which overlook the river.
Do you provide laundry service?
Laundry service is provided to the guests of the lodge daily or as requested. Please leave dirty laundry on your dresser. We will have your clothes cleaned and returned to your room by 05:00 p.m.
What is your cancellation policy?
All terms and conditions applicable to domestic and/or international airfares are those established by each individual carrier and may be verified with either a representative of Buena Vista Sport Fishing Lodge and its subsidiary or of the carrier(s) with whom your reservation is made.
All terms and conditions applicable to domestic or international tour packages which are purchased by Buena Vista Sport Fishing Lodge or its subsidiary on behalf of the client through an independent tour vendor are those established by said vendor and may be verified with either a representative of Buena Vista Sport Fishing Lodge. and its subsidiary or of the vendor with whom your reservation is made.
All independent land packages arranged by Buena Vista Sport Fishing Lodge are subject to the following policy based on payment in cash or equivalent of the amount quoted on the invoice, or via credit card payment of the amount quoted on the invoice plus a three percent service charge to cover the merchant service fees: A deposit of 50% of the total price of the trip (excluding U.S. domestic and international airfare) is due within 15 days of the date of reservation. Any reservation not under deposit at the end of 15 days will not be considered confirmed and may be canceled if any other party requests a part or all of the same period. Deposits are refundable upon receipt of written notice of cancellation prior to 50 days of the intended date of travel, less a cancellation fee of $100 per person. Deposits are forfeited for cancellation received within 50 days of the scheduled departure date. Balances are due 50 days in advance of the date and are thence subject to the terms and conditions of whichever camp/lodge/outfitter/wholesaler with whom the reservation is made, a copy of which will be furnished upon request. No refunds will be made in the event of a no-show. Any reservation received within 50 days of the date of departure must be paid in full within 15 days of the date of booking and is subject to those terms and conditions applicable to the camp/lodge/outfitter/wholesaler with whom the reservation is made.
Any and all modifications made by the client to the originally requested and thus scheduled itinerary may incur additional cost(s), which will be assessed and billed accordingly to the customer.
Are all my food and drinks included in the package price?
Meals at the lodge are included but not alcoholic beverages. Your breakfast will be served around 05:30 a.m. and dinner will be served around 07:00 p.m. If you have any special request, we will be happy to accommodate you to the best of our ability.
Buena Vista has a full bar staff at the house, we supply all you national beer and liquors. We have a very good bartender that will cater to your needs. Bar will be settled on your final bill at the lodge. We suggest travel check or US $ cash.
What forms of payment does Buena Vista Sportfishing Lodge accept?
At the end of your stay, all outstanding accounts must be paid before leaving the resort. US currency or travelers check are accepted.
Do you provide ground transportation from the airport to the lodge?
Yes, ground transportation to and from the airport is included.
How should we plan on tipping the crew and staff in Guatemala?
Travelers checks for US cash is accepted.