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Guatemala

Guatemala

Guatemala, birthplace of the Maya, is a land of kaleidoscopic colours.

The red lava tongues of Guatemala’s volcanoes contrast with the shadows of the caves in the southern Petén region and the thick lush jungles of the north – home to howler monkeys and rare scarlet macaws.

Further south, blankets of white sand coat the Caribbean Coast near Lívingston, while on the black-sand Pacific Coast, turtles and fabulous orange sunsets can be found at Monterrico.

Antigua, a cultural sideshow to Guatemala City, lies in the shadow of three volcanoes. Its cobbled streets are lined with pastel-coloured homes, toppled church arches, columned courtyards, flowers and fountains galore.

Also on everyone’s must see list in Guatemala is Tikal, the majestic Mayan city buried deep in the jungle.

You can’t miss

Guatemala is a land that doesn’t forget. Those hiking its remote villages and lakes will discover a world where the rituals and ways of the Maya never truly went away…
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Latest Guatemala articles

Capital
Guatemala City
Languages
Spanish and Maya dialects
Population
14 million
Int. dial code
+502
Visa
Time zone
GMT-6
Voltage
110/125 V 60 Hz AC
Currency
Quetzal (Q). US dollars are widely accepted, although you’ll need local currency, too. Credit and debit cards can be used at ATMs but aren’t widely accepted outside tourist areas.
Guatemala travel advice
Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Wanderlust recommends

Trek to the greatest city of the ancient Maya, buried deep in the jungle – El Mirador

Freewheel through the Guatemalan highlands and wander along the shores of beautiful Lake Atitlan

Fly a kite in Santiago Sacatepéquez

Hire a local guide in Antigua: you’ll discover rooftops and private areas you might otherwise miss

Take a boat cruise along Río Dulce through dramatic jungle-covered gorges and inlets carpeted with water lilies

Wanderlust tips

If you’re in Guatemala in November head to Todos Santos Cuchumatán for three days of drinking, dancing and a wild all-day horse race.

If you arrive by bus into Guatemala City, get a cab to your hostel: it’s a notoriously dangerous area, especially at night.

When to go to Guatemala

The climate in Guatemala varies according to altitude, but the driest time is November-April. The coast is, by and large, hot all year round. The highlands have pleasantly warm days and cool nights. In December and January, there may be frost in the early morning at the highest elevations.

International airports

La Aurora (GUA) is 4km from Guatemala City.

Getting around in Guatemala

Tourist shuttle buses, taxis or private car and driver are the best ways of getting around. From Guatemala City airport to Antigua (45km) get a bus or taxi.

As far as public transport goes, you’ll have to rely on the local or ‘chicken’ buses; they are inexpensive and dilapidated but offer a chance to meet ordinary Guatemalans. Poor roads make car hire challenging.

Guatemala accommodation

Guatemala has everything from luxury hotels to cosy B&Bs and bargain basement crash pads. Travellers on a budget will find it a joy: clean doubles and hostel dorms are easy to find everywhere except Guatemala City. At the top end, there are some fine colonial hotels, especially in Antigua. There are hardly any campsites in Guatemala.

Guatemala food & drink

Guatemalan food is hearty and filling: corn tortillas are a staple and – served with refried beans, eggs, sour cream, plantain and strong coffee – make a traditional breakfast.

Popular dishes include pepián, a chilli-infused stew made with meat and sometimes chocolate; chiles rellenos, chillies stuffed with vegetables and meat; and tamales, steamed cornmeal stuffed with chicken or meat.

Guatemalans have a sweet tooth: try mole de platano, plantain doused in a chocolate sauce. Gallo, the local beer, rum and aguardiente, a potent sugar cane spirit, are all cheap and popular.

Vegetarians are well catered for but check that beans haven’t been fried in lard (manteca/grasa de cerdo).

Health & safety in Guatemala

Although most visitors experience a trouble-free visit, crime is a serious issue in Guatemala. Take precautions: register with your embassy, don’t flash cash or jewellery, take registered taxis at night and steer clear of known trouble spots (Guatemala City after dark, and some trails around Lake Atitlán).

Highway robbery and robbery along hiking trails are risks. Don’t flaunt valuables; distribute money etc around your bags/person; carry only what you need, keeping other belongings locked in hotel safes. Be up to date on key vaccinations. Take malaria tablets. Steer clear of tap water.