I am headed to Guatemala in January and some in our group who've been there many times say cover up as much skin as possible to avoid mesquito and other bug bites.

However, I travel in knee length cargo shorts and short sleeves whenever possible. Is it really necessary to cover up for bugs or can I just take some deet spray and call it good? I'm wondering if it's just the conservative dress mentality on the part of our fellow travelers or really necessary to cover up.

We will be in Tikal, Uaxactun, Flores and Panajachel amongst other places.

Thanks!

Hi,

I was never bothered by bugs when I was in Guatemala. The only time I even remember mosquitos was in Tikal at dusk. If you have some Off wipes to put on your exposed skin you should be alright.

I need to add that I am not normally bothered my mosquitos here in the states either. We can be sitting outside and other people get huge red bites and I won't have any. So, I might not be the best person to rely on.

I don't wear shorts in Guatemala except in beachy areas not because of bugs but in deference to local customs, preferring long pants, capris, and skirts. I've had very few problems with bugs anywhere in Guatemala, especially the highlands. I have used bug stuff around Tikal but they haven't been memorably bad.

Hi Carla!

Cargo Pants drip dry for me travelsmith.com

that zip to shorts for appropriate venues like beach

trekking.

cutteradvanced.com wise mdtravelhealth.com for malaria risk

issues shorts abig no no if touring churches,

Personally try to show universal respect for cultures I visit

travel.state.gov Guatemal for a heads up

pretty dodgy and xenophobic in some areaswatch your step.

Happy Travels!

Thanks for the replies! We will have some repellent just in case. Also took your advise about local customs and purchased some zip-offs at travelsmith.com. In Siena recently we were embarrased when a fellow American was given a shawl upon entry but then tied it around her waist like a bathrobe tie leaving her shoulders and legs uncovered and then proceeded to shout to her family inside the cathedral. We Americans have a bad enough rep around the world as it is.

Thanks!