Work
Some travelers find work in bars, restaurants and places to stay in Antigua, Panajachel or Quetzaltenango, but the wages are just survival pay. If you’re looking to crew a yacht, there’s always work being offered around the Río Dulce area, sometimes for short trips, sometimes to the States and further afield. Check notice boards (Bruno’s has the best one) for details.
Business hours
Guatemalan shops and businesses are generally open from 8am to noon and 2pm to 6pm, Monday to Saturday, but there are many variations. Banks typically open 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday (again with variations), and 9am to 1pm Saturday. Government offices usually open 8am to 4pm, Monday to Friday. Official business is always better conducted in the morning.
Restaurant hours are typically 7am to 9pm, but can vary by up to two hours either way. Most bars open from 10am or 11am to 10pm or 11pm. The Ley Seca (dry law) stipulates that bars and discotecas must close by 1am, except on nights before public holidays. It is rigidly adhered to in large cities and universally laughed at in smaller towns and villages. If restaurants or bars have a closing day, it’s usually Sunday. Typical shopping hours are 8am to noon and 2pm to 6pm, Monday to Saturday.
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Guatemala
Things to do
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