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Guatemala
Guatemala, a land of rich culture and natural beauty, is a captivating destination in Central America. Discover the ancient Mayan ruins of Tikal, explore the colorful colonial city of Antigua, and admire the stunning landscapes around Lake Atitlán. With vibrant markets, lush rainforests, and active volcanoes, Guatemala offers a unique blend of history, adventure, and breathtaking scenery.
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Summary
Neighboring Countries
Overview
Months
01. January, 02. February, 03. March, 04. April, 11. November, 12. December
Vacation type
Nature, Family, Couple, Beach
Expenses
<150€, <200€, Over 200€, 0-50€, <100€
Temperature
20-25°C, 25-30°C
Rainfall
0-50mm
Safety
Medium
Continent
Central America
Currency
Quetzal
Languages
Spanish, Mayan
Currency Converter
When to visit
The best time to visit Guatemala is during the dry season, from November to April. During these months, the weather is generally warm and dry, making it ideal for exploring the country’s natural and cultural attractions.
- November to April: Offers clear skies, lower humidity, and minimal rainfall, perfect for visiting sites like Tikal, Lake Atitlán, and Antigua Guatemala. This is also the best time for outdoor activities and exploring the country’s diverse landscapes.
The rainy season runs from May to October, with the peak rains typically occurring from June to September. While this period can bring lush landscapes and fewer tourists, it also means higher humidity, frequent showers, and potential travel disruptions.
Weather, Crowds and Costs
Per one person
Tourist Season: November-April (Dry Season)
Budget Vacation ($30-60/day)
Accommodation: $10-25/night (budget hotels, hostels).
Food: $5-10/day (local food stalls, street food).
Activities: $5-15/day (local sightseeing, nature tours).
Transportation: $5-10/day (public transport, shared taxis).
Other Costs: $5/day (souvenirs, small activities).
Mid-Range Vacation ($60-150/day)
Accommodation: $20-50/night (mid-range hotels, boutique accommodations).
Food: $10-20/day (restaurants, cafes).
Activities: $10-30/day (cultural tours, ruins exploration).
Transportation: $10-20/day (private taxis, shuttles).
Other Costs: $5-10/day (souvenirs, activities).
Luxury Vacation ($150+/day)
Accommodation: $50+/night (luxury resorts, boutique hotels).
Food: $15+/day (fine dining, upscale restaurants).
Activities: $30+/day (private tours, high-end experiences).
Transportation: $15+/day (private transfers, car rental).
Other Costs: $10+/day (exclusive tours, experiences).
Off-Peak Season: May-October (Rainy Season)
Budget Vacation ($25-50/day)
Accommodation: $10-20/night (budget accommodations).
Food: $5-10/day (street food, simple meals).
Activities: $5-10/day (local attractions, walking tours).
Transportation: $5-10/day (local buses, shared transport).
Other Costs: $5/day (souvenirs).
Mid-Range Vacation ($50-120/day)
Accommodation: $15-40/night (mid-range guesthouses, hotels).
Food: $10-20/day (cafes, restaurants).
Activities: $10-20/day (tours, hikes).
Transportation: $10-15/day (private taxis, shuttles).
Other Costs: $5-10/day (souvenirs).
Luxury Vacation ($120+/day)
Accommodation: $40+/night (luxury hotels, resorts).
Food: $15+/day (fine dining, hotel meals).
Activities: $20+/day (private tours, excursions).
Transportation: $10+/day (private transfers).
Other Costs: $10+/day (luxury experiences).
Best Regions to visit
Cities
1. Antigua Guatemala
- Known for its well-preserved colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and historic sites. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage site and offers stunning views of nearby volcanoes.
2. Guatemala City
- The capital and largest city, known for its vibrant culture, historic landmarks like the National Palace and Metropolitan Cathedral, and bustling markets.
3. Flores
- Located on an island in Lake Petén Itzá, this charming city is a gateway to the ancient Mayan ruins of Tikal and offers beautiful lake views and colorful streets.
4. Quetzaltenango
- Often referred to as Xela, this city is known for its rich indigenous culture, colonial architecture, and as a base for exploring nearby highlands and volcanoes.
5. Cobán
- Known for its lush cloud forests, coffee plantations, and nearby natural attractions like Semuc Champey, a series of stunning natural pools and waterfalls.
Antigua Guatemala
Islands
1.Flores
- Located on an island in Lake Petén Itzá, Flores is known for its charming colonial architecture and serves as a gateway to the ancient Mayan ruins of Tikal.
2. Isla de Flores
- A small island also in Lake Petén Itzá, it is often visited for its picturesque scenery and vibrant, colorful buildings. It offers a quaint atmosphere and is a hub for exploring the region.
3. Isla de las Macadamias
- Located on Lake Izabal, this island is known for its scenic beauty and tranquility. It's a great spot for relaxation and enjoying nature.
4. Isla de San José
- Situated in Lake Izabal, this island is known for its serene environment and opportunities for boating and fishing.
Things to see
Natural Attractions
1. Tikal National Park
- Explore the ancient Mayan ruins of Tikal, surrounded by lush jungle. The site includes impressive pyramids, temples, and wildlife, including howler monkeys and toucans.
2. Lake Atitlán
- Enjoy the stunning views of this highland lake, known for its picturesque surrounding villages, volcanic peaks, and opportunities for boating, hiking, and cultural experiences.
3. Pacaya Volcano
- Hike this active volcano, which offers spectacular views of flowing lava and the surrounding landscape. The trek is popular for its relatively accessible terrain and rewarding views.
4. Semuc Champey
- Visit this natural wonder featuring turquoise limestone pools set in a lush jungle. Activities include swimming in the pools, exploring nearby caves, and enjoying the serene environment.
5. Antigua Guatemala
- Discover the well-preserved colonial architecture of this historic city, with its colorful buildings, cobblestone streets, and the stunning views of surrounding volcanoes.
6. Quetzaltenango (Xela)
- Explore this highland city known for its vibrant indigenous culture, surrounding volcanoes, and access to natural attractions like the Fuentes Georginas hot springs.
Cultural Attractions
1. Mayan Ruins of Copán
- Visit these ancient ruins located near the border with Honduras, famous for their intricately carved stelae and the impressive Hieroglyphic Stairway.
2. Chichicastenango Market
- Experience one of the largest and most colorful indigenous markets in Central America, known for its traditional crafts, textiles, and vibrant atmosphere.
3. Guatemala City
- Explore the capital city’s landmarks, including the National Palace, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the historic center, which offer insights into the country’s history and culture.
4. Río Dulce
- Discover the scenic beauty of this river and its surrounding wetlands, with opportunities for boat tours, exploring the Castillo de San Felipe, and visiting the nearby town of Livingston.
5. Santiago Atitlán
- Visit this lakeside town known for its rich indigenous culture and traditions. The town features traditional textiles, crafts, and the church of Santiago Apóstol.
6. San Juan La Laguna
- Explore this lakeside village on Lake Atitlán known for its traditional weaving techniques, local art, and cultural heritage. Visitors can participate in workshops and learn about local crafts.
Tikal National Park
How to get around
1. Domestic Flights
- Guatemala has domestic flights connecting major cities and popular destinations. TAG Airlines and Avianca offer flights between Guatemala City and other locations such as Flores (for access to Tikal), and other regional destinations.
2. Public Buses
- Public buses, known locally as “chicken buses”, are a common and affordable way to travel between cities and towns. They are often colorful and can be crowded but are a traditional and cost-effective option. For more comfort, companies like Monja Blanca and Linea Dorada offer intercity services with more modern amenities.
3. Shuttle Services
- Shuttle services are popular among tourists for intercity travel and airport transfers. Companies like Adrenalina and GuateGo offer shared and private shuttle options to popular destinations such as Antigua, Lake Atitlán, and Chichicastenango.
4. Taxis and Ride-Hailing Apps
- Taxis are available in cities like Guatemala City and Antigua. It’s advisable to use taxis arranged through your hotel or trusted sources. Ride-hailing apps like Uber and InDriver operate in Guatemala City, providing a convenient alternative to traditional taxis.
5. Car Rentals
- Renting a car is a good option for exploring Guatemala’s diverse landscapes, including volcanoes, lakes, and historic sites. Driving is on the right side of the road. Major car rental agencies such as Hertz and Avis operate in Guatemala City.
6. Motorcycles and Scooters
- Renting a motorcycle or scooter can be practical for short-distance travel and navigating narrow streets, especially in tourist areas. Ensure you have a valid license and are comfortable with local road conditions.
7. Boats
- For travel on Lake Atitlán and other waterways, boats are commonly used. Boat tours and local water taxis offer scenic travel and access to lakeside towns and villages.
8. Local Buses
- In addition to the main public buses, local buses (often smaller than the long-distance ones) provide service within cities and towns, offering a way to explore local areas.
For traveling around Guatemala, domestic flights and shuttles are useful for reaching distant destinations, while public buses and shuttle services are practical for intercity travel. Car rentals provide flexibility for exploring diverse regions, and taxis, ride-hailing apps, motorcycles, and boats offer additional options for local and scenic travel.
What to eat
1. Pepian
- A traditional meat stew made with chicken or beef, flavored with roasted tomatoes, seeds, and spices.
2. Kak'ik
- A spicy turkey soup made with tomatoes, cilantro, and spices, often served with rice.
3. Jocon
- Chicken cooked in a green sauce made from tomatillos, cilantro, and green peppers, typically served with rice.
4. Pupusas
- Thick corn tortillas filled with cheese, beans, or pork, often served with curtido (cabbage slaw).
5. Rellenitos
- Sweet plantains filled with black beans and rolled in sugar, enjoyed as a dessert.
Pepian
Photo By Todo por mi Guate Por un mejor País! https://www.flickr.com/photos/todopormiguate/4817973315
Flights
Flight prices are approximate and vary by departure city, airline, and booking time. Check airlines or travel platforms for the latest details.
Main Airport: La Aurora International Airport (GUA)
Flight Prices and Seasons:
From Europe
- Average Round-Trip Cost: €600 to €1,000.
- Cheapest Months: April to June and September to November.
- Peak Prices: December to February (holiday season).
From North America
- Average Round-Trip Cost: $300 to $600.
- Cheapest Months: April to June and September to November.
- Peak Prices: December holidays and summer months.
From Asia
- Average Round-Trip Cost: $700 to $1,200.
- Cheapest Months: February to March and October.
- Peak Prices: December holidays and summer months.
From Australia
- Average Round-Trip Cost: $1,400 to $2,200.
- Cheapest Months: February and October.
- Peak Prices: December holidays and summer months.
From Africa
- Average Round-Trip Cost: $700 to $1,500.
- Cheapest Months: February and September.
- Peak Prices: Summer and December holidays.
Visa
1. Visa Requirement
- Many travelers, including citizens of the U.S., Canada, the U.K., and Australia, do not need a visa to enter Guatemala for short stays.
2. Visa-Free Entry
- Citizens from several countries can enter visa-free for stays of up to 90 days. Guatemala is part of the CA-4 Agreement (with El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua), so time spent in any of these countries counts toward the 90-day limit.
3. Visa Application
- Travelers from countries requiring a visa must apply for a Guatemalan visa at an embassy or consulate before traveling.
4. Types of Visa
- Tourist visas are typically issued for stays up to 90 days, with the possibility of extension.
5. Processing Time
- Visa processing can take several days to a few weeks, so it’s advisable to apply well in advance.
6. Duration of Stay
- Visa-free visitors can stay for up to 90 days; visa holders can stay for the duration specified in their visa.
7. Health Requirements
- No specific vaccinations are required, but it's recommended to have travel insurance.
8. COVID-19 Regulations
- Check for any current COVID-19 entry requirements before traveling, as regulations may change.
Important things to know
1. Payments
- The local currency is the Guatemalan Quetzal (GTQ). Credit cards are accepted in urban areas.
2. Tap Water
- Tap water is generally not safe to drink. Bottled water is recommended.
3. Electricity
- The voltage is 120V, and plug types A and B (two flat pins) are used. No adapter is needed for devices from North America.
4. Tipping in Restaurants
- Tipping is customary, usually around 10% for good service.
5. SIM Cards
- Local SIM cards are available from providers like Tigo and Claro. They can be purchased at stores.
6. Driving Side
- In Guatemala, people drive on the right side of the road.