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“If you reject the food, ignore the customs, fear the religion and avoid the people, you might better stay home”
If you have not traveled to Guatemala before, your first sense of difference will come as soon as you land at L’Aurora airport. Often the descent into Guatemala City is filled with tremendous views of the surrounding volcanoes, the massive ravines, and the massive plateau upon which the majority of Guatemala City sits. As the plane continues downward, the earth rises to both sides of the flight path covered with small houses and makeshift tin roofs. Seemingly at the last moment, the runway appears below just as it seems the plane could no longer continue on and you are on the ground in Guatemala City.
Arriving at an international airport in many cities can be an intimidating experience as they are usually vast mazes of terminals, shuttles, and planes. L’Aurora is a much smaller airport than you would expect if you have not traveled to smaller countries before. Here are some quotes regarding the airport taken from www.airlinequality.com:
Guatemala Airport by Eric Schuchardt
7 February 2006
Overall, it is a nice airport with some things to offer. Upon arrival, we normally are to our ground transportation within an hour of landing. Immigration takes less than 20 minutes and our luggage has always arrived quickly thereafter. Departing, there are some very nice and inexpensive little shops just below the main terminal. My wife and I always save a few quatzales to spend here because we tend to find some unique items. The food is limited, but there are some good pastries and excellent coffee for that early morning flight. Yes, some updating and general housekeeping may be needed, but a good experience overall.
Guatemala Airport by Ian Ford
25 August 2005
I was in Guatemala Airport at the beginning of 08/05. The airport from the outside is certainly an interesting ’60s building if not well maintained. Arrivals is good, the lines are quick, but the taxi/bus/hire car/hotel desks are before you leave the building, and you have to beg and plead to be allowed back in again (without taking luggage)! Departures are good, the lines quick, people friendly, lots of shops to buy last minute tourist tat, duty free and Guatemalan fast food (well worth it when you are flying AA to BOS via MIA without even a chance of buying food!). Overall a reasonable experience for a poor country! I especially liked the No dogs and No guns notices on the entrance doors!
Guatemala Airport by Jose Passarelli
25 May 2004
Relatively small but efficient and clean. General facilities are good, good duty free shopping. Some gates are much nicer that others, especially toilets. Can be crowded at peak hours, but not really a problem to move around or get in or out of it. The government has announced a new, larger international airport will be built 60 km. South, leaving La Aurora only for local flights and non commercial civil aviation. Eventually, both airports are to be connected by a fast rail service.
I guess the only thing left to give is my personal view on the airport. My travels took me through this airport several times in 1988, 2000, 2003, 2004, 2005, and soon again in 2006. I found that yes the airport is small and definitely looks to be 40+ years. However for being as old as it is, it remains in relatively good shape. Upon arrival, it is easy to make your way down the hall to customs and baggage claim. I may be an exception but I have never waited longer that 5 minutes to have my passport checked. The luggage is usually there shortly after I arrive at baggage claim and then it is out to the street. On a rare occasion I was asked to open what I had brought. Then again I had brought a weed-eater and a chain-saw for a friend who lives there!
Heading out of Guatemala can be frustrating from time to time. Make sure you arrive the prescribed 2 hours beforehand. You will still find yourself several spaces back in line. Once you are checked in however, there are shops to peruse and some good food to eat. The seating at the gate is very limited and you have to go through an extra security screening.
Overall I really like the airport… Then again I guess it is a fond memory for me since the last time I passed through its doors I carried my baby girl and held my wife’s hand as we came home as a family!
I LOVED Guatemala when we visited back in the 80’s. Back then I wanted to adopt from there. Now its 20 years later and I’m thinking about it again. I’ll follow your blog.