In San Marcos, Guatemala the prison has collapsed due to the earthquake on November 7th 2012 during the morning hours. The message has been broadcasted on television and radio in order to warn the population of the escaped prisoners.
They have been described as being dangerous and possibly armed, the police chief has warned to keep all doors and windows locked and secured to avoid unwanted entrees by the inmates. A helicopter has been dispatched to search for the escapees unaccounted for. Those who did not escape or who have been found are being transfered to the Quetzaltenango jail.
2012/11/09
Earthquake in Guatemala November 7th 2012
Wednesday morning a 7.5 magnitude earthquake struck on the pacific coastal waters of Guatemala.
It is the strongest quake felt in over 35 years, in the country. The population of San Marcos felt it more than anyone else. As of today, there are over 60 confirmed deaths and several hundred missing.
Relief efforts have already began throughout the country in order to provide food, water and shelter to those who need it. Communications were down for the day including land lines, cell phones, and Internet connections.
Roads and highways in the immediate San Marcos area are also on a restricted access to emergency vehicles only. Fire fighters, ambulances and police vehicles are the only ones who are being permitted to travel through the areas.
It is the strongest quake felt in over 35 years, in the country. The population of San Marcos felt it more than anyone else. As of today, there are over 60 confirmed deaths and several hundred missing.
Relief efforts have already began throughout the country in order to provide food, water and shelter to those who need it. Communications were down for the day including land lines, cell phones, and Internet connections.
Roads and highways in the immediate San Marcos area are also on a restricted access to emergency vehicles only. Fire fighters, ambulances and police vehicles are the only ones who are being permitted to travel through the areas.
2012/10/15
How to Renew your Visa for Guatemala through Mexico
If you are close to your 90 day visa expiration date, you might want to extend that by visiting Mexico and returning to Guatemala. A simple exit and re-entry will renew your visa for another 90 days in Guatemala.
Important details:
1- You must stay out of Guatemala for 72 hours in Mexico
2- If you overstay your 90 days you will be charged a fee of Q10 (approx. $1.35) for each day.
Do not overstay too long, or they will not let you leave without paying this fee.
3- Malacatan, San Marcos and Talisman / Chiapas border is the easiest to do this from
4- If you want, at your own risk, you can enter Mexico, return within 30 minutes and DO NOT STAMP on the Guatemalan side, they won't ask you to, or even care what or where you are going. All they want is there Q10 entry fee.
Return in 3 days and stamp your passport with the Guatemalan side as if you are entering. This will make it look like you have been in Mexico for 3 days and are now coming back to Guatemala.
I have many friends and relatives who have done it this way and never been bothered for doing it. It is not the correct way, but it works.
5- If you wish to avoid the border runs, you can apply for temporary residency at the U.S. / Guatemalan consulate in Guatemala City.
Important details:
1- You must stay out of Guatemala for 72 hours in Mexico
2- If you overstay your 90 days you will be charged a fee of Q10 (approx. $1.35) for each day.
Do not overstay too long, or they will not let you leave without paying this fee.
3- Malacatan, San Marcos and Talisman / Chiapas border is the easiest to do this from
4- If you want, at your own risk, you can enter Mexico, return within 30 minutes and DO NOT STAMP on the Guatemalan side, they won't ask you to, or even care what or where you are going. All they want is there Q10 entry fee.
Return in 3 days and stamp your passport with the Guatemalan side as if you are entering. This will make it look like you have been in Mexico for 3 days and are now coming back to Guatemala.
I have many friends and relatives who have done it this way and never been bothered for doing it. It is not the correct way, but it works.
5- If you wish to avoid the border runs, you can apply for temporary residency at the U.S. / Guatemalan consulate in Guatemala City.
2012/10/14
Earthquake felt in San Marcos, October 14, 2012
Earthquake felt early this morning in San Marcos, Guatemala, Sunday, October 14, 2012 at 10:41:24 UTC (roughly 5:41 A.M. in San Marcos)
The earthquake apparently was focused from Chiapas, Mexico and had a 51 mile depth and a 5.4 magnitude. According to the USGS NEIC.
Not an extremely dangerous strength but still scary for anyone who feels it and does not know how strong or weak it is. It was strong enough to wake me of my sleep. For additional information about this earthquake :
http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/recenteqsww/Quakes/usb000d5nl.php#details
The earthquake apparently was focused from Chiapas, Mexico and had a 51 mile depth and a 5.4 magnitude. According to the USGS NEIC.
Not an extremely dangerous strength but still scary for anyone who feels it and does not know how strong or weak it is. It was strong enough to wake me of my sleep. For additional information about this earthquake :
http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/recenteqsww/Quakes/usb000d5nl.php#details
2012/09/11
Update on Vehicle Importing Into Guatemala
So last month after being told I was not allowed to bring in a car that was more than 10 years old, I thought it would have to be sent back to the United States. I went to the port and was able to come to a solution with the officials. If we can call it an "agreement" to support the cause of customs officers security and protection of the country, by "donating" about $800 which is just over Q6000 here in the local currency.
In other words a bribe which was asked for and paperwork was written on changed the rules because I was willing to pay. It would have cost me about $1200 to ship the car back to the U.S. for freight and towing as well as port services... If I chose not to ship it back it would become property of Guatemala and they would then auction it off.
Lesson learned, do not try bringing in a car older than 10 years or you will run into problems, I may have been lucky that they offered me a solution to keep the car here, but I feel they do this sort of thing all of the time. I'm just glad to have my car now. Maybe next time I'll just buy it here.
Oh, I also had to pay 17% of the cars value for taxes. They valued the car at $8,500 even though I payed $3,700. Apparently they have a guide that states all vehicles values. Obviously overvalued. It's pretty expensive to bring in vehicles to Guatemala. Next time, I'll just buy a car here.
In other words a bribe which was asked for and paperwork was written on changed the rules because I was willing to pay. It would have cost me about $1200 to ship the car back to the U.S. for freight and towing as well as port services... If I chose not to ship it back it would become property of Guatemala and they would then auction it off.
Lesson learned, do not try bringing in a car older than 10 years or you will run into problems, I may have been lucky that they offered me a solution to keep the car here, but I feel they do this sort of thing all of the time. I'm just glad to have my car now. Maybe next time I'll just buy it here.
Oh, I also had to pay 17% of the cars value for taxes. They valued the car at $8,500 even though I payed $3,700. Apparently they have a guide that states all vehicles values. Obviously overvalued. It's pretty expensive to bring in vehicles to Guatemala. Next time, I'll just buy a car here.
2012/08/22
Cameras watching the streets
Cameras are being installed on the streets due to the higher crime rate lately, including homicides, robberies, carjacking, and purse or jewelery snatching. They will be aimed towards the central park of Malacatan and surrounding areas.
This is a commonly crowded area where events are usually held and take place during the day and throughout the night. Concerts, rallies, daily market stalls, are a few of the things which are held here regularly. For the future, plans to expand security cameras throughout the rest of the town are being discussed.
This is a commonly crowded area where events are usually held and take place during the day and throughout the night. Concerts, rallies, daily market stalls, are a few of the things which are held here regularly. For the future, plans to expand security cameras throughout the rest of the town are being discussed.
Police presence requested for recent murders
Recent homicides taking place in town have residents worried and demanding a higher police presence.
Usually there is one or two patrol vehicles for the whole town. Within the last week there have been 3 murders believed to be robberies, since then several more patrol cars have been in the area, as well as some military on foot.
Funeral ceremonies are being held throughout the week. It involves closest of kin carrying the casket through the town streets all the way to the cemetery. At the same time, someone on a loudspeaker mentions the person and who they were. Anyone who knows them may attend the ceremony and show their respects.
Usually there is one or two patrol vehicles for the whole town. Within the last week there have been 3 murders believed to be robberies, since then several more patrol cars have been in the area, as well as some military on foot.
Funeral ceremonies are being held throughout the week. It involves closest of kin carrying the casket through the town streets all the way to the cemetery. At the same time, someone on a loudspeaker mentions the person and who they were. Anyone who knows them may attend the ceremony and show their respects.
2012/08/17
Importing vehicles into guatemala
Importing guidelines for cars and trucks into Guatemala have gotten stricter over the past several years.
After an attempt this month for bringing in a 1996 Honda Civic from the United States, I was told it would not be allowed into the country. The reason being that it was more than ten years old. This means I would need to find at least a 2002 model of a vehicle if I wanted to bring it in.
After talking with some locals they have told me it has been that way for a while, but has not been enforced until recently. So my car is being shipped back into the United States and I have no idea what happens then. For right now it's just a waiting game until I can reach the customs offices about it, I think it will remain here in the Guatemala port for a time period of 15 - 20 days before action is taken.
After an attempt this month for bringing in a 1996 Honda Civic from the United States, I was told it would not be allowed into the country. The reason being that it was more than ten years old. This means I would need to find at least a 2002 model of a vehicle if I wanted to bring it in.
After talking with some locals they have told me it has been that way for a while, but has not been enforced until recently. So my car is being shipped back into the United States and I have no idea what happens then. For right now it's just a waiting game until I can reach the customs offices about it, I think it will remain here in the Guatemala port for a time period of 15 - 20 days before action is taken.
2012/08/16
Borders being patrolled for contraband
Several checkpoints near the border have been setup in an effort to prevent contraband from entering Guatemala from the Mexican side. Police have seized over Q10,000 ($1400) worth of miscellaneous goods this morning so far. Some of the products include cooking oil, detergent, and packaged junk foods like chips and cookies.
Fines are being given in amounts of up to Q5,000 on a case by case basis. The majority of smugglers are bringing in the contraband because of it's low prices on the Mexican side of the border. Since the Mexican currency of Pesos have lost value versus the Guatemalan currency of Quetzal, there is even more money to be made during this time.
Fines are being given in amounts of up to Q5,000 on a case by case basis. The majority of smugglers are bringing in the contraband because of it's low prices on the Mexican side of the border. Since the Mexican currency of Pesos have lost value versus the Guatemalan currency of Quetzal, there is even more money to be made during this time.
2012/08/12
Fighting for Electricity
The population of Malacatan San Marcos and other neighboring towns of San Marcos are fighting for their electricity. Locals have recently put together a rally in the front area of the DEOCSA electricity provider offices of San Marcos arguing the right to have electricity, without having to pay.
With less than 20% of the population actually paying the bills for what they use on a regular basis the electric provider is fed up. Mainly being businesses and corporations who pay their way, other small villages with debt of up to several years, have been cut off. Since they don't have a separate power supply per individual home, and they are all setup to the same source, one cannot be removed without all of them being left in the dark.
That is where the problem lies, 1 in 5 homes on average are actually paying , but they are punished along with the others. There have been rumors of a plan that a one time monthly fee will allow families to use unlimited electricity. However, no action has taken place. Apparently there are not enough funds to cover costs of setting up an individual supply of power for separate homes.
The last time DEOCSA attempted a removal of electric power to the population, several of it's employees became victims of aggressive violence and some were showing up dead throughout the country, this may be why they have thought long and hard before doing it again. We'll see what happens this time.......
With less than 20% of the population actually paying the bills for what they use on a regular basis the electric provider is fed up. Mainly being businesses and corporations who pay their way, other small villages with debt of up to several years, have been cut off. Since they don't have a separate power supply per individual home, and they are all setup to the same source, one cannot be removed without all of them being left in the dark.
That is where the problem lies, 1 in 5 homes on average are actually paying , but they are punished along with the others. There have been rumors of a plan that a one time monthly fee will allow families to use unlimited electricity. However, no action has taken place. Apparently there are not enough funds to cover costs of setting up an individual supply of power for separate homes.
The last time DEOCSA attempted a removal of electric power to the population, several of it's employees became victims of aggressive violence and some were showing up dead throughout the country, this may be why they have thought long and hard before doing it again. We'll see what happens this time.......
Deadly viruses from mosquitoes spreading more than usual
The Dengue Virus is showing up way more than it should this summer in Guatemala. Several dozen cases have been reported throughout the country, along with a few deaths as well. It has been shown as breaking news for the past few days, with officials warning residents to exercise caution outdoors, especially close to still waters, where they may thrive and breed.
The virus is one of the deadliest mosquito spread viruses which cause high fevers, disorientation, nausea , dehydration, diarrhea, and excruciating pains in the bones and muscles, to name a few.
Mosquito spread viruses have also been on the rise in Dallas county Texas of the United States this year, with over 200 cases so far, and 9 deaths as of 8-11-2012. Except it was West Nile virus there, but it is still very dangerous and deadly. I wonder if this is going to be happening worldwide..?
The virus is one of the deadliest mosquito spread viruses which cause high fevers, disorientation, nausea , dehydration, diarrhea, and excruciating pains in the bones and muscles, to name a few.
Mosquito spread viruses have also been on the rise in Dallas county Texas of the United States this year, with over 200 cases so far, and 9 deaths as of 8-11-2012. Except it was West Nile virus there, but it is still very dangerous and deadly. I wonder if this is going to be happening worldwide..?
2012/08/11
Feeling hurricane Ernesto
Although hurricane Ernesto is passing by the northeast area of Guatemala but we are feeling it in the South West side of Guatemala's Pacific coast. It is bringing more rain and winds than many locals claim to have seen for a few years. I admit it is a nice change to the hot weather felt regularly.
Farmers are also welcoming the rains with open arms, since crops will thrive with the extra help. Farming, being one of the leading industries of the country, should see a decent increase in profits on the southern coasts as long as the weather continues and is not too strong it does damage.
Farmers are also welcoming the rains with open arms, since crops will thrive with the extra help. Farming, being one of the leading industries of the country, should see a decent increase in profits on the southern coasts as long as the weather continues and is not too strong it does damage.
2012/08/02
Town Market
Find yourself many different Guatemalan gifts for yourself and souvenirs to take home with you at the town market. Sort of like a huge flea market, you can find anything in there. In Spanish it is called "El Mercado".
See the Town Market.
See the Town Market.
2012/07/31
The Mall in Malacatan "La Trinidad"
The mall of Malacatan, San Marcos is located right at the town entrance/exit. You can find the largest supermarket in Malacatan along with a food court with many fast food spots. Banks, several stores to shop at and even an arcade. For a list and description,
See The Mall La Trinidad.
See The Mall La Trinidad.
Transportation in Malacatan, San Marcos
Transportation in Malacatan, San Marcos
For getting around Locally in and around the town you've got small Tuk Tuks or Motor Taxis.
Standard Taxi's
Find them in town and To Mexico's border with Guatemala, the border town of Talisman where you may continue to Mexico's popular town of Tapachula, Chiapas.
Tourist buses
Confortable buses to get to and from Malacatan, San Marcos and Guatemala city.
See detailed information on the Transportation page.
2012/07/30
privacy policy
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If you require any more information or have any questions about our privacy policy, please feel free to contact us by email at stillgrinding305@gmail.com.
At http://sanmarcosmalacatan.blogspot.com/, the privacy of our visitors is of extreme importance to us. This privacy policy document outlines the types of personal information is received and collected by http://sanmarcosmalacatan.blogspot.com/ and how it is used.
Log Files
Like many other Web sites, http://sanmarcosmalacatan.blogspot.com/ makes use of log files. The information inside the log files includes internet protocol ( IP ) addresses, type of browser, Internet Service Provider ( ISP ), date/time stamp, referring/exit pages, and number of clicks to analyze trends, administer the site, track user’s movement around the site, and gather demographic information. IP addresses, and other such information are not linked to any information that is personally identifiable.
Cookies and Web Beacons
http://sanmarcosmalacatan.blogspot.com/ does use cookies to store information about visitors preferences, record user-specific information on which pages the user access or visit, customize Web page content based on visitors browser type or other information that the visitor sends via their browser.
DoubleClick DART Cookie
.:: Google, as a third party vendor, uses cookies to serve ads on http://sanmarcosmalacatan.blogspot.com/.
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