GUATEMALA TRAVEL GUIDE
TIPS, HIGHLIGHTS AND ITINERARY
WELCOME TO GUATEMALA
Guatemala had been on our bucket list since 2021 because everyone has seen those incredible photos of the Acatenango Volcano. But Guatemala has so much more to offer. Antigua, Lake Atitlán, Semuc Champey, and Flores with its Maya ruins are just a few highlights. We even made a trip to Belize during our time in Guatemala.
GUATEMALA - IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Most travelers do not need a visa for stays under 90 days, but check your country’s requirements before you go. You will need a valid passport and a return ticket. No special vaccinations are mandatory, but it’s recommended to be up to date on routine shots. Some travelers choose to get vaccines for yellow fever or typhoid depending on their itinerary.
Spanish is the official language in Guatemala. English is spoken in tourist areas but learning a few Spanish phrases helps a lot. The currency is the Guatemalan Quetzal (GTQ).
The dry season from November to April is considered the best time to visit. We traveled in July during the rainy season and never regretted it. The rain usually comes in short bursts and the landscapes are lush and green.
Guatemala uses type A and B plugs, the same as in the USA, with a standard voltage of 120V and frequency of 60Hz.
Tap water in Guatemala is not safe to drink. Always use bottled or filtered water for drinking and brushing your teeth.
Guatemala is generally safe for travelers who take normal precautions. Avoid risky areas, especially at night, and keep an eye on your belongings. Use reputable tour operators and ask locals or your accommodation for advice on safe places.
GUATEMALA TRAVEL GUIDE
GUATEMALA TRAVEL GUIDE – VOLCANOES, CULTURE AND ADVENTURE
Guatemala is a beautiful country in Central America with a lot of culture and history. It has about 18 million people and many different places to see, like volcanoes, lakes, and old Maya ruins. It is bigger than some other countries nearby but you can still visit the main places in a few weeks.
When we think of Guatemala, we think of colorful markets, the volcano hike to Acatenango, nice old towns, and friendly people. We came from Peru and then went on to the United States. We also took a short trip to Caye Caulker in Belize to enjoy the island life.
We spent three weeks in Guatemala but still could not see everything. We visited places like Antigua, Lake Atitlan, Semuc Champey, and Flores with the Maya ruins. Every place was amazing and we want to come back one day.
BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN GUATEMALA
At first glance Guatemala seems like a relatively small country with short distances but as we quickly discovered upon landing the traffic can be quite challenging. It took us two and a half hours to travel just forty kilometers from Guatemala Airport to our first stop in Antigua. Overall Guatemala offers a fascinating mix of nature and culture which we thoroughly enjoyed.
From Antigua we hiked the Acatenango volcano and visited two smaller towns and a nature reserve at Lake Atitlan. Next we took an overnight bus from San Pedro at Lake Atitlan to Semuc Champey where you can find crystal clear water and waterfalls unless like us you visit during the rainy season. Our last stop was in Flores from where we visited Tikal an ancient Maya city that once housed 500.000 Mayans. Our time in Guatemala ended there and we continued our journey by bus to Belize. Our full Guatemala travel guide explains everything in detail.
Three weeks in Guatemala sounds like a long time, but in the end we didn’t spend all three weeks there because we also decided to visit Belize. We didn’t drive ourselves, and we quickly realized that getting around takes a lot of time. It was important for us to have a real experience and not spend too much time traveling. Still, when planning our trip, we found many beautiful places in Guatemala that we had to skip. If you have more time, here are some other amazing spots in Guatemala you might want to add to your list.
This market is one of the largest in Central America, where you can find colorful textiles, crafts, and experience local culture.
A beautiful river area surrounded by lush jungle, perfect for boat trips, wildlife spotting, and relaxing in nature.
An active volcano where you can hike and sometimes see flowing lava less challenging than Acatenango but still thrilling.
A unique Caribbean town accessible only by boat, known for its Garifuna culture, laid-back vibe, and delicious seafood.
WHEN TO VISIT GUATEMALA: WEATHER AND TRAVEL SEASONS
We visited Guatemala in July and were surprised by how good the weather was. Apart from a few short rain showers in the afternoon, most days were sunny and warm which was perfect for walking around towns or hiking in nature. Even in the evenings it stayed pleasantly warm. One big plus was that there were fewer tourists around which made everything a bit more relaxed and sometimes even cheaper.
OUR HONEST ADVICE - IS GUATEMALA WORTH VISITING?
Guatemala was so much more than we ever expected. The nature, culture, and history surprised us in the best way. We met many other travelers, slept in the middle of nowhere at Semuc Champey, and enjoyed amazing tacos in Flores. From hiking a volcano to exploring mayan ruins, every moment was unforgettable for us. The people were warm and welcoming and the landscapes breathtaking. We highly recommend adding Guatemala to your travel list because you will not regret it.
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