Frequently asked questions

What if I am not totally blind? Can I still sign up?

Of course. ‘Blind’ incorporates anyone with a visual impairment. In fact, the majority of blind people have residual sight to some degree. Whether new to your sight loss or completely blind, Blind Pilots welcomes you!

Is Antigua Legends only for blind people?

Not at all! This trip is designed for sighted guests as much as the blind. Antigua, a UNESCO World Heritage Spanish colonial town, is visually charming with Maya culture, centuries-old church ruins, and volcano vistas – all to enjoy while listening to captivating local stories and taking in the delicious smells and myriad sounds of a bustling town. Scott Garrison, Blind Pilots blind founder, and Alejandra, his sighted wife, have traveled the world together;  Blind Pilots filters this experience and strikes the fine balance between visual vs. nonvisual activity.

Is Guatemala safe for blind travelers?

Antigua, and Guatemala in general, are not considered accessible for disabled travelers. However, Antigua is the home base of Blind Pilots blind founder, Scott Garrison. Scott has designed a trip that is equal parts culture and adventure, all with safety as the highest priority. With guides specially trained to work with blind travelers and Scott’s personal experience in Antigua’s layout, Blind Pilots guests are in the best of hands.

What if I don’t think I can hike the Acatenango volcano?

Blind Pilots has personally trained a core group of professional, bilingual mountain guides to work with blind hikers. We know that not everyone seeks the same support while hiking or even walking and our guides communicate through the whole experience. There is one guide for each blind hiker and more guides for sighted companions. Additionally, there are porters to carry backpacks so you only need to focus on getting to the top. Blind Pilots founder, Scott Garrison, has hiked Acatenango three times, all to raise money for research into rare blindness diseases.

If you are still concerned, there is an option for 4×4 trucks that will take you nearly to the top and you can enjoy the night with the whole group. You come down in the trucks the next morning. There is additional cost for the 4×4 option.

We encourage all guests to challenge themselves and do things they may not have thought possible. In the end, however, we are never going to force anyone on the hike, or any of the activities, if absolutely certain that they do not want to go.

What if I don’t speak Spanish?

No need to worry. Your guide is fully bilingual and Antigua locals.. They are ready to help with any translations and any other cultural questions that come up.

Do I need travel insurance?

We require a minimum emergency evacuation insurance and we strongly recommend that you take out insurance to protect your trip. We do not partner with any particular insurance providers, but we can recommend some travel insurance policies with excellent reputations and cover pre-existing conditions (blindness is considered a pre-existing condition). Also, your credit card company may offer travel insurance so check with them about any options that exist.

Do I need a visa to enter Guatemala?

Travelers from North America, as well as European Union countries, receive a free, automatic 90 day tourist visa at immigration. If from any of these countries, you do not need to pre-apply for anything special. If from outside these countries, please check with your travel or foreign ministry if you need to apply for a visitor visa ahead of time.

What pre-trip support is offered?

We are involved in your trip planning at every step, or as much as you want! All inquiries are welcome, and whenever you have questions, we are here for you. From firsthand experience, we understand the complexities of blind travel and we want you to feel confident about your choice of Blind Pilots the whole time. Contact us to talk more about our experience and support and how Antigua Legends is right for you.