iaia regional symposium: infrastructure & the environment

Antigua, Guatemala │ 6-7 November 2024

Hotel Museo Convento Casa Santo Domingo and Convention Centre
3a Calle Oriente 28 A
Antigua, Guatemala
https://www.casasantodomingo.com.gt/

A limited number of rooms are blocked at a discounted rate at the following hotel. Please be sure to book directly with the hotel as soon as possible, as the spaces may fill quickly. If any rooms remain by the dates listed, they will be released from the blocks and the discounted rates may no longer be available.

  • HOTEL CASA SANTO DOMINGO (Symposium venue)
    • ADDRESS: 3a Calle Oriente 28 A, Antigua, Guatemala
    • RATES: US$180/night plus taxes/fees (available from 4-9 November only)
    • BOOKING INSTRUCTIONS: Use these links to book your room. Blocks will be released after 4 September.
    • HOTEL POLICIES: No cancellations and/or modifications to confirmed check-in/check-out dates are accepted. If a guaranteed reservation is not registered on the confirmed date or referred earlier, the full value of the stay will be charged according to the original reservation.

  • Other Antigua hotels

The nearest airport to Antigua is La Aurora International Airport (GUA) in Guatemala City.

The local team has arranged private minibus transfers from the airport to Antigua (and return) at select times for USD $45 per person per trip. The minibuses have a minimum capacity of 5 people; if the minimum is not reached, you will be informed and offered a private transfer for one person. The minibus can drop off/pick up at any hotel in the city of Antigua. The travel time from the airport to the venue takes 60-90 minutes, so please plan accordingly when scheduling a time.

  • SCHEDULE:
    • 4-5 November 2024: Depart airport (for Antigua) at 11:00, 14:00, 17:00, and 22:00.
    • 8-9 November 2024: Depart Antigua (for airport) at 04:00, 08:00, 11:00, and 15:00.
  • TO RESERVE: The booking period ended 30 October 2024. If you are still in need of a shuttle, please contact infrestructurayambiente@gmail.com to confirm availability. (On-site bookings are not possible.)

DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENTS
All attendees from outside Guatemala are responsible for making sure they have the correct documentation to enter the country. Delegates are strongly advised to explore visa requirements as early as possible and, should a visa be required, to apply as soon as possible as the process can be time-consuming. IAIA has no influence on visa application procedures or the approval/denial of individual applications by embassies. All countries have different requirements; it is the sole responsibility of each delegate to inquire about the proper procedure from their country’s embassy to procure his/her visitor visa.

Visitors to Guatemala must have a valid passport or travel document with a minimum validity of six months beyond the period of stay.  If your country requires a visa (see the list posted here), applications should be submitted to the nearest Guatemalan overseas mission with the appropriate documentation.

INVITATION LETTERS
All registrants will receive a link to download an invitation letter in the registration confirmation email. Registration is required before invitation letters are issued.

The symposium will be held in English and Spanish. Translation to English and Spanish will be available for all sessions.

Short courses will be given in Spanish with translation to English.

Spanish is the official and most spoken language in Guatemala. There are also over 20 Mayan and Indigenous languages used throughout the country.

During November in Antigua, a typical day sees temperatures fluctuating between a peak of 78°F (26°C) and a low of 60°F (16°C). There’s a 37% chance of rainfall on any given day, with an average precipitation of 0.62 inches (15.8 mm) when it does rain.

Guatemala’s currency is the Quetzal. ATMs can be found at almost all banks and shopping centers in Antigua. All major credit cards are accepted in Guatemala, with Mastercard and Visa being the most common. 

In restaurants in Guatemala, a 10% tip is usual when a service charge is not already included in the total. As a rule, however, tipping in Guatemala is not common or expected.

Guatemala uses 110 volt, 60 cycle electricity. Plugs are typically the 2 pronged flat type (Type A).

Founded in 1543, La Antigua Guatemala, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979, is a nearly five-century-old colonial city with a privileged climate and views of the Fire and Acatenango volcanoes. Built in the Panchoy Valley as the third capital of Guatemala, it preserves its history in temples, monasteries, and colonial houses. Visitors are captivated by its restored 16th-century buildings, cobbled streets, and views from Cerro de la Cruz and the Water Volcano. Despite several earthquakes, La Antigua retains its charm, featuring attractions like the Palace of the General Captains, the Convent and Arch of Santa Catalina, and the Jade Museum, along with its renowned traditional handicrafts and rich gastronomy.

Local tour company Viajes MAX has offers available especially for symposium participants. Check out the options below, and click here for full details and booking instructions.

OPTION 1: Come to Guatemala: Transfer, accommodations, and breakfast in La Antigua from 5-8 November 2024. 

OPTION 2: Two Days in Tikal: Includes air ticket (Guatemala City – Flores – Guatemala City), transfers (airport / Tikal / hotel / airport), and bus tour in Tikal. 

OPTION 3: Various Day Tours from Antigua: Visit a coffee farm or visit Hobbitenango or Altamira.

Book these tours directly with Viajes MAX.