Guatemala travel guide
Guatemala is the heartland of the Maya world, with jungle-covered pyramids, highland villages where indigenous traditions remain strong, colonial Antigua and a chain of volcanoes. It suits backpackers, culture lovers, hikers and Spanish-language students, and it rewards travellers willing to take a few long bus or shuttle rides.
Places worth the trip
Tikal
One of the largest ancient Maya cities, its temples rising above the rainforest canopy of Petén. Climbing the platform of Temple IV for sunrise or sunset, with howler monkeys calling below, is a highlight of any trip.
Antigua Guatemala
A UNESCO-listed colonial town of cobbled streets, pastel houses and earthquake-damaged churches, ringed by the volcanoes Agua, Fuego and Acatenango. It is the most popular base for Spanish schools.
Lake Atitlán
A deep volcanic lake surrounded by three volcanoes and Maya villages, each with its own character: San Pedro and San Marcos for travellers, Santiago Atitlán for traditional culture, and Panajachel as the main transport hub. Boats link them across the water.
Acatenango volcano
A tough overnight hike to a camp near the summit of Acatenango, from where you can often watch neighbouring Fuego erupt after dark. Go with a reputable guide and bring warm clothes, as nights are cold.
Chichicastenango market
A large highland market held on Thursdays and Sundays, selling textiles, masks, produce and flowers. The steps of the Santo Tomás church are used for ceremonies that blend Catholic and Maya rituals.
Semuc Champey
A natural limestone bridge in the Alta Verapaz forest with a series of turquoise pools on top, near the town of Lanquín. Nearby caves can be explored by candlelight with a guide.
Flores
A small island town on Lake Petén Itzá with colourful houses and lakeside restaurants, the usual base for visiting Tikal and other Maya sites such as Yaxhá.
Livingston and the Río Dulce
On the Caribbean coast, Livingston is home to the Garífuna people, with their own language, music and food. Boat trips along the Río Dulce pass through a jungle-lined canyon.
Interesting facts about Guatemala
- Guatemala's national bird, the resplendent quetzal, also gives its name to the currency.
- Around twenty Mayan languages are spoken in Guatemala, alongside Spanish, Garífuna and Xinca.
- Scenes for the original Star Wars film were shot at Tikal, which stood in for a rebel base on a jungle moon.
- Antigua was the colonial capital of much of Central America until earthquakes in 1773 led to the capital being moved to the site of present-day Guatemala City.
- During Holy Week, streets in Antigua are covered with alfombras, carpets of coloured sawdust, flowers and fruit that are walked over by processions.
Best time to visit Guatemala
The dry season from roughly November to April is the most popular time to visit, with clear skies for volcano hikes and good conditions for travelling. Holy Week (Semana Santa) in March or April is spectacular in Antigua but very busy, so book early. The rainy season, from about May to October, usually brings sunny mornings and afternoon downpours; the countryside is green and there are fewer visitors, but some rural roads become difficult. The highlands are cool year-round, especially at night, while Petén and the coast are hot and humid.
Getting around
Tourist shuttles are the most popular way to travel between Antigua, Lake Atitlán, Chichicastenango, Lanquín and the airport, and can be booked through hotels or agencies. Long-distance first-class buses run to Flores and the coast, and domestic flights link Guatemala City with Flores for Tikal. Brightly painted 'chicken buses' (old school buses) are cheap and colourful but crowded and slow. In Guatemala City, ride-hailing apps are a practical way to get around. Avoid travelling by road at night where you can.
Practical details
- Capital
- Guatemala City
- Currency
- Guatemalan quetzal (GTQ)
- Languages
- Spanish
- Plug types
- A, B
- Voltage
- 120 V, 60 Hz
- Emergency
- 110 police, 122 fire and rescue, 1500 tourist assistance (PROATUR)
- Driving side
- right
- Tipping
- Around 10 percent in restaurants, sometimes already added as 'propina'; check the bill. Tip guides and shuttle drivers for good service.
Staying online in Guatemala
4G coverage is generally good in Guatemala City, Antigua, Panajachel, Flores and other towns, and along main highways. Signal becomes patchy in mountain areas, around parts of Lake Atitlán, on volcano hikes, in the Petén jungle including much of Tikal, and around Semuc Champey. Most hostels, hotels and cafés offer Wi-Fi, though it can be slow. Install an eSIM before you fly and switch it on when you land.
Guatemala eSIM plans
1 GB
1GB eSIM Data for 7 Days for Guatemala
无限流量
Unlimited eSIM Data for 1 Day for Guatemala
2 GB
2GB eSIM Data for 15 Days for Guatemala
3 GB
3GB eSIM Data for 30 Days for Guatemala
Useful apps
- Uber: Ride-hailing in Guatemala City and some other urban areas, with fares agreed in advance.
- Waze: Popular with local drivers for live traffic, especially in congested Guatemala City.
- Google Maps: Walking around towns and finding places; download offline maps before visiting Tikal, Semuc Champey or the highlands.
- Google Translate: Translating Spanish, with offline language packs for areas without signal.
Guatemala travel FAQs
It helps a lot. English is spoken in tourist businesses in Antigua, Lake Atitlán and Flores, but much less elsewhere. Many visitors take a week or two of Spanish lessons in Antigua or by the lake.
Yes. Coverage is good in towns and along main roads but limited in the jungle and mountains. A travel eSIM gives you data from arrival so you can use maps and ride-hailing apps straight away.
About ten days to two weeks covers the classic route of Antigua, Lake Atitlán, Semuc Champey and Tikal. Travel times between them are long, so avoid cramming too much in.
Most visits are trouble-free, but take normal precautions: use reputable shuttles and guides, avoid travelling at night, keep valuables out of sight in cities, and check your government's travel advice before you go.