skupina 11.2.2025 - Magická Guatemal a přes Honduras, Belize zpět do Mexika

Mexiko, plným názvem Spojené státy mexické, španělsky Estados Unidos Mexicanos, je federativní republika na americkém kontinentě. Geograficky se nachází drtivou většinou území v Severní Americe, geopoliticky bývá ale často řazeno mezi státy Střední Ameriky. V předkolumbovském období se na území dnešního středního a jižního Mexika rozvíjely mezoamerické civilizace, například Teotihuacan, Toltékové, Mayové nebo Aztékové, kteří prosluli krvavými rituály s lidskými oběťmi. Po příchodu Evropanů do „Nového světa“ dobyl mezi roky 1519 a 1521 conquistador Hernán Cortés Aztéckou říši, záhy poté obrátili Španělé pozornost na ostatní indiánské státy v oblasti, přičemž poslední dobyli roku 1697. V roce 1535 založili Španělé svoji kolonii Nové Španělsko s hlavním městem Ciudad de México na místě hlavního aztéckého města Tenochtitlán přímo na území vysušeného jezera. V první třetině 19. století sice získalo Mexiko nezávislost na Španělsku, ale odtržení Texaské republiky a po prohrané Mexicko-americké válce (1846–1848) ztratilo Mexiko rozsáhlé území na severu státu (Horní Kalifornie a Santa Fe de Nuevo México). Vlády nad zemí se také na čas zmocnili Francouzi (1864–1867). Zakladatelem moderního mexického státu je Benito Juárez, první prezident v Americe indiánského původu. Revoluce roku 1910 vyústila v občanskou válku, která si vyžádala přes milion obětí, a vyvrcholila pozemkovou reformou a znárodňováním za vlády prezidenta Cárdenase. Díky objevu ropy v Mexickém zálivu je životní úroveň v zemi relativně vyšší, než v ostatních latinskoamerických zemích. Mexiko má činné sopky a je ohrožováno zemětřeseními. Roku 1985 jedno takové napáchalo velké škody v hlavním městě.

V 90. letech 20. století se v chudých částech Mexika (především Chiapasu) zformovalo hnutí EZLN, vedené osobou nazývanou jako Subcomandante Marcos, které od roku 1994 revoltuje proti mexické vládě a nakonec vytvořilo na jihu země vlastní autonomní oblast a dodnes je v konfliktu s mexickou vládou.

Od roku 2008 se v Mexiku dramaticky zintenzívnila drogová válka mezi státem a drogovými kartely, která si vyžádala už téměř 140 000 obětí.

Currency 

Local currency: Mexican Peso 
Symbol: $ 
ISO code: MXN 
Subunit: Centavo 
Banknotes: $20, $50, $100, $200, $500, $1000 
Coins: 5¢, 10¢, 20¢, 50¢, $1, $2, $5, $10 

Banking 

Card Transactions: Yes 
ATMs: Yes 
Mastercard: Yes 
Visa: Yes 
American Express: Yes 
Diner’s club: Yes 

Banking Hours: 
Weekdays: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM 
Weekends: Closed 
Public Holidays: Yes 
Foreign exchange services: Yes 

Air: 

Main airlines: Aeroméxico, Volaris, Interjet 
International Airports: Mexico City International Airport, Cancún International Airport 
Domestic Airports: Guadalajara International Airport, Monterrey International Airport 

Road: 

Driving on the: Right 
Tar roads: Yes 
Gravel roads: Yes 
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes 
Car hire available: Yes 
Taxis: Yes 

E-hailing services: Yes  

Bus: 

Inter-city bus services: Yes 
Local city bus networks: Yes 

Rail: 

Railway system: Yes 
Subway System: Yes 

Water: 

Ferries: Yes 
Water taxis: Yes 
Leisure cruises: Yes 

Food and water safety: 

Can you drink the tap water: No 
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes 
Ice: Yes 
Meat: Yes 
Street food: Yes 

Local cuisine: Mexican cuisine is diverse and flavorful, with dishes like tacos, tamales, enchiladas, and mole. Ingredients like corn, beans, chili peppers, and avocado are commonly used. Notable local drinks include tequila, mezcal, and horchata. 

Tipping: 10-15% 

Annual rainfall: Varies by region 
Average temperature: 25°C 

Summer: 

Average highs: 30°C 
Average lows: 20°C 

Winter: 

Average highs: 25°C 
Average lows: 10°C 

Best time to visit: 

The best time to visit Mexico is from December to April, during the dry season, when the weather is generally sunny and pleasant. 

Spring and Summer 

Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: No 

Winter and Autumn 

Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended 
Heavyweight clothing and boots: No 

General 

Umbrella and raincoat: Yes 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: No 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes 
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: Yes 

Plug Type: Type A, Type B 
Voltage (V): 127V 
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 60Hz 

*Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances. 

As the heartland of Central America, Guatemala offers travellers a remarkable range of impressive historical, natural and cultural sights. The Maya ruins are undoubtedly the highlight of these attractions, most notably Tikal, a designated archaeological UNESCO World Heritage Site which is so remarkable as to defy belief. Maya communities continue to thrive in the lush Guatemalan rainforests where their traditional cultural and religious practices have combined with colonial traditions and modern Latin and North American influences to form a fascinatingly rich hybrid culture. Sacred Pagan temples are located alongside extravagant colonial architecture and traditional markets co-exist alongside massive state-of-the art shopping complexes. Despite its small size, Guatemala is a surprisingly geographically diverse country. From the verdant jungle-clad lowland areas to the highlands dotted with towering mountains and an abundance of volcanoes, there is plenty to keep nature enthusiasts blissfully engaged. With its warm and welcoming locals, its ancient cultural heritage and its breathtaking natural attractions, Guatemala never ceases to amaze.

Currency 

Local currency: Guatemalan Quetzal 
Symbol: Q 
ISO code: GTQ 
Subunit: Centavo 
Banknotes: Q1, Q5, Q10, Q20, Q50, Q100, Q200 
Coins: 1, 5, 10, 25, 50 centavos; Q1 

Banking 

Card Transactions: Yes 
ATMs: Yes 
Mastercard: Yes 
Visa: Yes 
American Express: Yes 
Diner’s club: Yes 

Banking Hours: 
Weekdays: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM 
Weekends: Closed 
Public Holidays: Yes 
Foreign exchange services: Yes 

Air: 

Main airlines: Avianca, TAG Airlines 
International Airports: La Aurora International Airport 
Domestic Airports: Mundo Maya International Airport, Quetzaltenango Airport 

Road: 

Driving on the: Right 
Tar roads: Yes 
Gravel roads: Yes 
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes 
Car hire available: Yes 
Taxis: Yes 
E-hailing services: Yes 

Bus: 

Inter-city bus services: Yes 
Local city bus networks: Yes 

Rail: 

Railway system: No 
Subway System: No 

Water: 

Ferries: No 
Water taxis: No 
Leisure cruises: No 

Food and water safety: 

Can you drink the tap water: No 
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes 
Ice: Yes 
Meat: Yes 
Street food: Yes 

Local cuisine: 

Guatemalan cuisine reflects the country's diverse culture, with influences from Mayan, Spanish, and African traditions. Common dishes include tamales, chiles rellenos, and pepian. Beverages like atol de elote (corn-based drink) and horchata (rice-based drink) are popular.

 
Tipping: 10-15% 

Annual rainfall: 1,000 - 2,500 mm 
Average temperature: 22°C 

Summer: 

Average highs: 27°C 
Average lows: 18°C 

Winter: 

Average highs: 25°C 
Average lows: 15°C 

Best time to visit: 

The best time to visit Guatemala is during the dry season, from November to April, when the weather is typically sunny and pleasant. 

Spring and Summer 

Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: No 

Winter and Autumn 

Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended 
Heavyweight clothing and boots: No 

General 

Umbrella and raincoat: Yes 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: No 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes 
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: Yes 

Plug Type: Type A, Type B 
Voltage (V): 120V 
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 60Hz 

*Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances. 

Despite being the second largest and second most populated country in Central America, the remarkable nation of Honduras is often overlooked by tourists. Those who do visit tend to take a whirlwind tour of the impressive Mayan ruins at Copán or the Bay Islands, which boasts some exquisite beaches and the world’s second-largest coral reef where snorkelling and diving are exceptional by any standard. However, this astonishingly diverse country has plenty to offer the discerning traveller willing to spend time discovering its hidden treasures. These include the quaint colonial villages of Gracias, Comayagua, the spectacularly scenic rain forests of the Mosquito Coast, which host a number of fascinating indigenous tribes, the boisterous nightlife and numerous skillfully made handicrafts of San Pedro Sula. Whether you seek wild adventure sports, exotic culinary delights or merely a quiet beach lined with palm trees to hang your hammock, Honduras will undoubtedly satisfy your every need.

Currency 

Local currency: Honduran Lempira 
Symbol: L 
ISO code: HNL 
Subunit: Centavo 
Banknotes: L1, L2, L5, L10, L20, L50, L100, L200, L500 
Coins: 5, 10, 20, 50 centavos, L1, L2, L5, L10 

Banking 

Card Transactions: Yes 
ATMs: Yes 
Mastercard: Yes 
Visa: Yes 
American Express: Yes 
Diner’s club: Yes 

Banking Hours: 
Weekdays: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM 
Weekends: Limited hours 
Public Holidays: Yes (limited hours) 
Foreign exchange services: Yes 

Air: 

Main airlines: Avianca Honduras, CM Airlines 
International Airports: Ramón Villeda Morales International Airport (San Pedro Sula), Toncontín International Airport (Tegucigalpa) 
Domestic Airports: Juan Manuel Gálvez International Airport (Roatán), Golosón International Airport (La Ceiba) 

Road: 

Driving on the: Right 
Tar roads: Yes 
Gravel roads: Yes 
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes 
Car hire available: Yes 
Taxis: Yes 
E-hailing services: Yes 

Bus: 

Inter-city bus services: Yes 
Local city bus networks: Yes 

Rail: 

Railway system: No 
Subway System: No 

Water: 

Ferries: Yes 
Water taxis: Yes 
Leisure cruises: Yes 

Food and water safety: 

Can you drink the tap water: No 
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes 
Ice: Yes 
Meat: Yes 
Street food: Yes 

Local cuisine: 

Honduran cuisine is a blend of indigenous Lenca, Spanish, African, and Caribbean influences. Common dishes include baleadas (wheat flour tortillas with beans and other fillings), carne asada (grilled meat), and plátanosfritos (fried plantains). Notable local drinks include horchata (a rice-based beverage), tamarind juice, and Honduran coffee. 

Tipping: 10-15% 

Annual rainfall: Varies by region 
Average temperature: 25°C 

Summer: 

Average highs: 32°C 
Average lows: 23°C 

Winter: 

Average highs: 28°C 
Average lows: 19°C 

Best time to visit: 

The best time to visit Honduras is during the dry season, from November to April, when the weather is generally sunny and dry. 

Spring and Summer 

Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: No 

Winter and Autumn 

Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended 
Heavyweight clothing and boots: No 

General 

Umbrella and raincoat: Yes 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: No 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes 
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: Yes 

Plug Type: Type A, Type B 
Voltage (V): 110V 
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 60Hz 

Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances. 

Favourably located on the Caribbean Sea, this spectacularly diverse Central American nation is characterised by lush forests, magnificent mangroves, a gloriously green mountainous interior, and a coastline dotted with innumerable islands. Populated by a wide range of ethnic groups including the Mayan, Mestizo, Garifuna, Creole, and Mennonite people, this relatively young country offers a captivating melting pot of cultures and traditions. The crystal clear waters, decorated with a profusion of marine life, offer a jaw-dropping setting for swimming, snorkelling, and diving. In the jungle, enjoy hiking, horseriding, or ziplining past exotic plants, animals, and birds. A world of historical treasure awaits in the fascinating Mayan ruins, which feature excavated tombs, intricate hieroglyphs, and towering stone temples, often providing panoramic views.

Currency 

Local currency: Belize Dollar 
Symbol: BZ$ 
ISO code: BZD 
Subunit: Cent 
Banknotes: BZ$2, BZ$5, BZ$10, BZ$20, BZ$50, BZ$100 
Coins: 1¢, 5¢, 10¢, 25¢, 50¢, BZ$1, BZ$5, BZ$10, BZ$20 

Banking 

Card Transactions: Yes 
ATMs: Yes 
Mastercard: Yes 
Visa: Yes 
American Express: Yes 
Diner’s club: Yes 

Banking Hours: 
Weekdays: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM 
Weekends: Closed 
Public Holidays: Yes 
Foreign exchange services: Yes

Air: 

Main airlines: Tropic Air, Maya Island Air 
International Airports: Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport 
Domestic Airports: Belize City Municipal Airport, San Pedro Airport, Placencia Airport 

Road: 

Driving on the: Right 
Tar roads: Yes 
Gravel roads: Yes 
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes 
Car hire available: Yes 
Taxis: Yes 
E-hailing services: No 

 Bus: 

Inter-city bus services: Yes 
Local city bus networks: Yes 

Rail: 

Railway system: No 
Subway System: No 

Water: 

Ferries: Yes 
Water taxis: Yes 
Leisure cruises: Yes 

Food and water safety: 

Can you drink the tap water: No 
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes 
Ice: Yes 
Meat: Yes 
Street food: Yes 

Local cuisine: 

Belizean cuisine reflects its diverse cultural influences, blending Maya, Creole, Garifuna, Mestizo, and European flavors. Staple foods include rice, beans, plantains, and seafood. Popular dishes include rice and beans, fry jacks, garnaches, and hudut. Notable local drinks include Belikin beer, rum punch, and seaweed shakes. 

Tipping: 10-15% 

Annual rainfall: 1000 - 4500 mm 
Average temperature: 25°C 

Summer: 

Average highs: 31°C 
Average lows: 24°C 

Winter: 

Average highs: 28°C 
Average lows: 20°C 

Best time to visit: 

The best time to visit Belize is during the dry season, from late November to mid-April, when the weather is sunny and there is less rainfall. 

Spring and Summer 

Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: No 

Winter and Autumn 

Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended 
Heavyweight clothing and boots: No 

General 

Umbrella and raincoat: Yes 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: No 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes 
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: Yes 

Plug Type: Type B, Type G 
Voltage (V): 110V 
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 60Hz 

*Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances.