Why? Because this Central American country is unique and unforgettable. It offers experiences that you didn\u2019t know should be on your bucket list!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Guatemala is home to the famous 4,000m-high Acatenango Volcano<\/strong>. Sitting above the clouds, you can sip hot chocolate and watch an explosive show from the active volcano right in front of your eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Nurse your sore muscles in the UNESCO town of Antigua. From exploring hauntingly beautiful ruined churches to joining a food tour, you\u2019ll be spoilt for choice with the incredible things to do in Antigua<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We\u2019ve created this ultimate guide to Guatemala<\/strong> to share with you everything that this unique country has to offer. Decided that Guatemala is somewhere you HAVE to visit? <\/p>\n\n\n\n Check out our eight in-depth guides<\/a> to learn about the best things to do and see in Guatemala.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Guatemala is a country that is rich in ancient history. One of the best ways to experience this is by climbing to the top of one of Tikal\u2019s impressive Mayan pyramids<\/strong>. Here you can try imagining what life used to be like for its 100,000 residents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A lot of countries will claim to have something for everyone,<\/strong> but Guatemala really does! It\u2019s a haven for hiking, a hub for history and a destination for rejuvenation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Guatemala is generally safe to visit for tourists.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Following basic safety precautions should be enough to have a trouble-free trip, especially if you travel to popular tourist destinations like Antigua, Lake Atitlan and Flores. The majority of serious crime in Guatemala involves local gangs \u2014 tourists are unlikely to be targeted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One place on the Guatemala tourist route where we’d recommend keeping your guard up is Guatemala City<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Read more about safety in Guatemala City<\/a> and which areas to avoid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As a tourist in Guatemala, the biggest danger you face is petty theft.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To minimise the risk of getting pickpocketed or robbed, use these safety precautions: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Guatemala is a country that is brimming with culture, colonial towns and natural wonders. That means there are quite a few spots you\u2019re going to want to visit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Luckily, these places form a circular route around the country, making it easy to create your Guatemala itinerary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To help you start building your Guatemala itinerary, here are our 3 must-visit destinations:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Antigua<\/a> is a unique city that captures your heart and quickly becomes one of your favourite places<\/strong> in Guatemala.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Maybe it\u2019s the cobblestone streets and colourful buildings that make you fall in love? Or that the city is surrounded by volcanoes<\/strong>, including one that is constantly erupting? (don\u2019t worry, it\u2019s safe).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Steeped in history, culture, delicious places to eat and unforgettable hikes<\/strong>, Antigua is an essential stop on any Guatemala itinerary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Travelling to Lake Atitlan<\/a> is a magical experience that\u2019s hard to describe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s not just us who feel it. Lake Atitlan has now become a hotspot for yoga, meditation and spiritual ceremonies. <\/strong>Once you arrive, you won\u2019t want to leave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lake Atitlan\u2019s landscape is unforgettable. The huge crystal-clear lake sits at the base of a number of impressive volcanoes and rolling hills. A hiker\u2019s heaven! <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Which town on Lake Atitlan is the best? We weighed the pros and cons of the main towns in our guide to Lake Atitlan<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tikal is a must-visit in Guatemala! These ancient Mayan ruins date back to 900 BC and were once home to around 100,000 Mayans.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The national park is huge. There are over 3,000 structures scattered throughout the jungle. <\/strong>Tikal makes other Mayan ruins, such as Chichen Itza, look small.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Climbing to the top of one of the towering pyramids, overlooking nothing but jungle, is sure to be one of the highlights of your trip to Guatemala. Also, keep an eye out for the birds gliding in the air and monkeys swinging in the trees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You really feel like you\u2019ve left the modern world once you enter Tikal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tour or no tour? Sunrise or sunset (or both)? Read our best tips for visiting Tikal<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Guatemala can be visited all year round, but travelling outside of the dry season can add some challenges to your trip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The dry season runs from November to April,<\/strong> with temperatures staying between 23-32\u00b0C.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is the best time to visit Guatemala. Your days will be full of sun, the countryside will be lush and green. These months also offer ideal hiking conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As with all popular destinations, the downside of travelling when the weather is at its best is the number of tourists. Guatemala can get busy in this peak season<\/strong> and prices also increase<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Whilst it\u2019s still possible to visit during the wet season from May to October<\/strong>, your trip might be disrupted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The wet season in Guatemala sees afternoons filled with heavy rainfall and cloud coverage. It\u2019s not the best weather if you\u2019re an avid hiker. Even if it\u2019s not raining, the heat and humidity can be hard<\/strong> to deal with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Transport can also be disrupted during this period \u2014 heavy rainfall can lead to landslides<\/strong> that end up blocking the roads. If you ask us, the roads in Guatemala are already menacing enough without the added obstacles!<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you want to avoid other tourists<\/strong>, think about visiting Guatemala in November, April and May.<\/strong> These are the start and end months of the dry season and often have fewer people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thanks to its elevation of just over 1,500m, Antigua has a relatively stable climate for most of the year<\/strong> and doesn\u2019t experience as much rain as other destinations in Guatemala.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That makes the shoulder months a potentially better time to visit Antigua. You\u2019ll still have good weather but with fewer tourists and cheaper accommodations.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n If you want to hike the famous Acatenango Volcano<\/a>, this is best done between November and April. Outside of these months, you might experience rain whilst hiking, or so much cloud coverage that you won\u2019t be able to see Fuego Volcano erupting \u2014 the star of the show!<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n Your budget, the number of people you\u2019re travelling with, and whether you have a driver\u2019s licence or not, are all factors that will influence how you decide to travel around Guatemala.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are the best ways to get around Guetamala:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re seeking adventure in Guatemala, taking one of the chicken buse<\/strong>s is certainly that. Previously US school buses, the iconic yellow is no more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Now, every inch of the buses is decorated with wild patterns<\/strong> and vibrant colours. They\u2019re hard to miss as they trundle down the streets pumping out smoke.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Chicken buses are the cheapest way<\/strong> to travel around Guatemala. The cost of a ticket varies, but a rough guide is $1-2 per hour of the journey.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Prepare to be squished alongside locals and animals on bench-style seats. The buses don\u2019t offer the comfiest of rides, but they\u2019re very memorable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We don\u2019t blame you if you want a bit more comfort<\/strong> for those long journeys in Guatemala. Luckily, Guatemala also has first-class buses (more like coaches)<\/strong> where you\u2019re guaranteed a seat, air conditioning and sometimes even a toilet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You\u2019ve probably already guessed that they are more expensive<\/strong> than the chicken buses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These buses mainly run between the larger cities in Guatemala such as Guatemala City<\/a> and Quetzaltenango<\/a> (Xela), as well as capital cities in neighbouring countries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Shuttle buses are the most convenient way to travel<\/strong> around Guatemala.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They run between the most popular tourist destinations in Guatemala and offer pick-up and drop-off to your hotel. You can book a shuttle directly with your accommodation or at a tour agency in town. It\u2019s the most stress-free option, but also the most expensive.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n You can opt for either shared or private shuttles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Renting a car provides the freedom to travel at your own pace<\/strong> and the ability to stop at smaller towns off the beaten track. Having a car can completely alter your experience of Guatemala.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But be warned: your blood pressure might be slightly higher after driving in Guatemala. The roads and drivers can be pretty crazy<\/strong>. Make sure that you\u2019re up for the challenge!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Car rental starts at around $30\/day<\/a> for a hatchback and $55\/day for SUVs<\/strong> which are better suited for Guatemalan roads.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Top tip: <\/strong>Car theft and damage are common in Guatemala. We\u2019d recommend parking your rental car in secure locations to avoid a hefty bill at the end of your trip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The only domestic flight in Guatemala is between Guatemala City<\/a> and Flores<\/a>. Guatemala is a relatively small country anyway, so it\u2019s not really necessary to fly.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n If you are short on time and really don\u2019t want to spend 8 hours on the bus between Flores and Guatemala City, then you can take a 55-minute flight for around $100 each way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Taxis are mainly used to get around a city, rather than between them. The distances between destinations in Guatemala are quite big, so this would cost a lot of money! Opt for a private shuttle instead.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n If you can get a small group of you together, it can work out cheaper and easier to get a taxi between Antigua<\/a> and Lake Atitlan.<\/a><\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n Luckily, a large proportion of the world can enter Guatemala visa-free for 90 days<\/strong> \u2013 around 117 countries! <\/p>\n\n\n\n These countries include the US, UK, countries within the EU and Canada, to name a few. You can check whether you need a visa here.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Whilst that part of entering Guatemala is easy, not everyone is aware of the Central America Border Control Agreement (CA-4)<\/strong>. If you\u2019re planning on visiting other Central American countries then this is important to know.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The CA-4 group includes Honduras, Guatemala, Nicaragua and El Salvador. You get 90 days total spread between these four countries<\/strong>. For example, if you have already spent 30 days in Guatemala, you only have 60 days left to travel around Honduras, Nicaragua and El Salvador.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you overstay the 90 days, you will be charged a fine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Passports also need to be valid for at least 6 months on arrival.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Guatemalan food is a creative blend of Mayan cuisine with Spanish influences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Corn, beans, rice, meat, cheese and tortillas are all staples in Guatemalan cuisine. It\u2019s hard to find a dish that doesn\u2019t have one of these few things in it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are a few things that you have to try before leaving Guatemala:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Did you know Guatemala is also said to be the birthplace of cacao?<\/strong> It goes without saying that you need to try some of the purest chocolate that you will have ever tried.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can even join a chocolate-making workshop in Antigua! Read about this and other cool things to do in Antigua<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are some of our best tips to make your trip to Guatemala that bit easier: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Guatemala uses the Guatemalan Quetzal (GTQ).<\/strong> As of June 2023, $1 was equivalent to around Q7.83.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Like most countries in Central America, it\u2019s good to always have cash on you as not all establishments take card. You can withdraw money from ATMs, known in Guatemala as \u2018cajeros\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It’s sad to hear, but unfortunately, there aren’t any free ATMs <\/strong>in Guatemala. Expect to pay between Q20-45 per withdrawal,<\/strong> which is normally capped at around Q2,000-3,000. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The most popular ATMs are 5B<\/strong> and BAC.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n There are three main mobile providers in Guatemala \u2014 Tigo, Claro and Movistar<\/strong>. We’d rule out Movistar straight away and stick to Tigo and Claro. And if we had to pick one, Tigo has the best coverage by far<\/strong> and has great packages. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You’ll need to make sure that your phone is ‘unlocked’ which means that you can put any sim card in your phone, rather than being locked to a specific provider. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The language spoken in Guatemala is Spanish.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s always good to know a few essential words before travelling to a place, so here are a few to get you started:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If learning Spanish is on your list of things to do in Guatemala, you\u2019re in luck. Guatemala has plenty of professional, fun and cheap language schools, especially in Antigua<\/a> and Quetzaltenango<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Guatemala\u2019s climate can be as diverse as its landscapes. Some destinations might have you sweating all day. Whilst in others, you\u2019ll be wishing you brought a bigger coat. Bring clothing for all types of weather.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n There are also plenty of hiking and adventure opportunities throughout Guatemala. We\u2019d recommend bringing hiking shoes and warm clothes (it\u2019s always cold at the top of Acatenango).<\/p>\n\n\n\nIs Guatemala worth visiting?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n![\"People](\"https:\/\/www.geckoroutes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/12.-Chichicastenango-market.jpg\")
Is Guatemala safe?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nHow to stay safe in Guatemala<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Best destinations in Guatemala<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n![\"Antigua\"](\"https:\/\/www.geckoroutes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Antigua-Guatemala-travel.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.geckoroutes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/El-Paredon-Guatemala-travel.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.geckoroutes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Flores-Guatemala-travel.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.geckoroutes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Lake-Atitlan-Guatemala-travel.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.geckoroutes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Livingston-Guatemala-travel.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.geckoroutes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Semuc-Champey-Guatemala-travel.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.geckoroutes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Quetzaltenango-Guatemala-travel.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nTop 3 places to visit in Guatemala<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nAntigua \u2014 the city of volcanoes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Street](\"https:\/\/www.geckoroutes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Antigua-Guatemala.jpg\")
Lake Atitlan \u2014 a nature and spiritual hotspot<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Wooden](\"https:\/\/www.geckoroutes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/3.-Xela-to-Lake-Atitlan.jpg\")
Tikal National Park \u2014 a glimpse at an ancient civilisation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Ruins](\"https:\/\/www.geckoroutes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/1.-Tikal-Guatemala.jpg\")
When is the best time to visit Guatemala?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nDry season (November-April)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Wet season (May-October)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Visiting Guatemala in the shoulder months<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Kate](\"https:\/\/www.geckoroutes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Kate_GeckoRoutes.png\")
<\/div>\n How to get around in Guatemala<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nBy bus <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Bus](\"https:\/\/www.geckoroutes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Chicken-bus-in-Guatemala.jpg\")
First-class buses<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
By shuttle<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
By car<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
By plane <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
By taxi <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n Entry requirements and visa for Guatemala<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nCA-4 Group<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Must-try food in Guatemala<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n![\"Colorful](\"https:\/\/www.geckoroutes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/19.-Cooking-class.jpg\")
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Essential travel tips for Guatemala<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n![\"Different](\"https:\/\/www.geckoroutes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Paper-currencies.jpg\")
Paying with Guatemalan Quetzal in Guatemala<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
ATMs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Buying a sim card in Guatemala<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Guatemala’s language cheat sheet<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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The perfect packing list for Guatemala<\/h3>\n\n\n\n