Highlights
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
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.
Practical information
| Capital | Guatemala City |
|---|---|
| Currency | Guatemalan quetzal (GTQ) |
| Languages | Spanish |
| Plugs | Type A, B |
| Voltage | 120 V, 60 Hz |
| Emergency | 110 police, 122 fire and rescue, 1500 tourist assistance (PROATUR) |
| Driving | On the right |
| Tipping | Around 10 percent in restaurants, sometimes already added as 'propina'; check the bill. Tip guides and shuttle drivers for good service. |
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.
Staying connected 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.
See Guatemala eSIM plans · How to install an eSIM
Useful apps for Guatemala
- 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.