Guatemala
Maya cities, highland markets and climbable volcanoes are all within reach in a country smaller than England. Tikal's temples rise above the Petén jungle, villages ring volcano-rimmed Lake Atitlán, and the cobbled colonial streets of Antigua make a far more relaxed base than the capital.
Overview
Guatemala is the heartland of the Maya world, and it shows: more than 40% of people identify as Maya, many still wear handwoven traje, and some 22 Mayan languages are spoken alongside Spanish. A first trip usually forms a loop. Fly into Guatemala City and head straight to Antigua, then on to Lake Atitlán and the Chichicastenango market, before travelling north via the turquoise pools of Semuc Champey to Flores and Tikal. Many travellers continue overland into Belize or Mexico, or climb Acatenango for a night watching neighbouring Fuego erupt.
Guatemala is one of Central America's cheapest countries for travellers, with tourist shuttles linking the main stops, and Antigua and Quetzaltenango offer some of the region's best-value Spanish schools. Distances look short but mountain roads make them slow; reaching Flores from Antigua by road takes a long day. The highlands sit at around 1,500–2,500 m, so evenings are cool. It suits backpackers, hikers and anyone interested in living indigenous culture. Many are surprised by the colour of market days and by how Catholic and Maya rituals mix, as at Chichicastenango's church of Santo Tomás.
Map of Guatemala
Top 5 highlights
- 1History
Tikal
One of the largest Maya cities, flourishing from around 200 to 900 AD, Tikal still rises above the Petén rainforest. Stay nearby to climb Temple IV early for views over the canopy, with howler monkeys roaring below.
- 2Nature
Lake Atitlán
A deep caldera lake ringed by three volcanoes and Maya villages, each with its own character: Panajachel for transport, San Pedro for backpackers, San Marcos for yoga and Santiago for traditional weaving. Public boats link them.
- 3Architecture
Antigua Guatemala
The former colonial capital, abandoned after the 1773 earthquakes, is a UNESCO-listed grid of cobbled streets, pastel houses and ruined churches beneath Volcán de Agua, and the country's main base for tours and cafés.
- 4Adventure
Acatenango volcano hike
An overnight climb to a camp at around 3,600 m, with views across to Volcán de Fuego, which frequently erupts through the night. The summit, at 3,976 m, is a pre-dawn scramble; go with a reputable operator.
- 5Nature
Semuc Champey
A 300 m limestone bridge over the Cahabón River, topped by a staircase of turquoise pools for swimming. Combine it with a candlelit wade through the K'anba caves and a lookout hike; most people stay in nearby Lanquín.
Biggest cities
Guatemala City
Most travellers pass straight through, but the Zona 1 historic centre, the Popol Vuh and Ixchel museums of Maya culture and the Zona 4 restaurant scene reward a day.
Quetzaltenango
Known as Xela, Guatemala's second city sits at about 2,330 m and is a cheaper, less touristy alternative to Antigua for Spanish schools, with volcano hikes and hot springs nearby.
Cobán
Capital of misty Alta Verapaz, the heart of coffee and cardamom country; most visitors pass through en route to Semuc Champey, but its orchid nurseries and coffee farms merit a stop.
Ranked by urban-area population where available. Figures are rounded estimates, and sources define city limits differently, so rankings of similar-sized cities can vary.
When to go to Guatemala
Best time: Nov–Mar.
Average climate in Guatemala City
Festivals & events
- Mar–AprSemana Santa in Antigua
Holy Week brings vast processions carrying statues through Antigua's streets over carpets of dyed sawdust, flowers and fruit; the Lent weekends beforehand are busy too, so book months ahead.
- NovGiant kites of Sumpango
On 1 November, Sumpango and Santiago Sacatepéquez fill their cemeteries and fields with enormous, intricately made paper kites, some more than 15 m across, to honour the dead.
- DecQuema del Diablo
At 6pm on 7 December, Guatemalans burn rubbish and devil effigies outside their homes to cleanse the year's bad spirits; Antigua's giant devil burning draws big crowds.
How much does Guatemala cost?
Estimates per person per day, excluding flights. Prices vary by season and city.
Food to try
Pepián
Guatemala's national dish: chicken or beef in a thick sauce of roasted tomatoes, chillies and toasted pumpkin and sesame seeds, served with rice and tortillas.
Kak'ik
A brick-red Q'eqchi' turkey soup from Alta Verapaz, spiced with achiote and chillies, best eaten in and around Cobán.
Fiambre
An elaborate cold salad of cured meats, sausages, cheeses and pickled vegetables, made by families once a year for the Day of the Dead on 1 November.
Getting around
Tourist shuttle minibuses connect the airport, Antigua, Lake Atitlán, Chichicastenango, Lanquín and Flores, and can be booked through hotels and agencies. Colourful chicken buses are cheaper but crowded and slower. TAG and Avianca fly from Guatemala City to Flores in about an hour, saving a very long road journey. Lanchas (public boats) link the Lake Atitlán villages, and Uber works in Guatemala City.
Practical information
- Plugs & voltage
- AB120V — bring a UK-to-A/B adapter
- Emergency numbers
- Fire and Ambulance: 122 or 123
- Police: 110
- PROATUR: , Guatemala’s tourist assistance service, provides 24-hour emergency assistance and routine guidance to tourists (call centre staff speak English and Spanish):
- PROATUR: Telephone: +502 2290 2810 or 1500 if dialling from inside Guatemala
Source: FCDO “Getting help”
- Dialling code
- +502
- Time zone
- UTC-6 (standard time)
- Tap water
- Not safe — drink bottled or treated water
- Driving
- On the right
- Tipping
- Restaurants often add a 10% 'propina sugerida' to the bill, so check before tipping again; tip guides and shuttle drivers for good service.
- Etiquette
- Ask before photographing Maya people, especially children, and never photograph ceremonies inside churches such as Chichicastenango's Santo Tomás. Dress modestly in villages and greet with 'buenos días'.
- Main airports
- La Aurora International Airport (GUA), Guatemala City; Mundo Maya International Airport (FRS), Flores
Visas & entry for Guatemala
Shown for a British passport.
No visa needed
You can visit Guatemala for up to 90 days without a visa.
If you overstay the 90 days, you’ll have to pay a fine before leaving the country. You can pay this fine at the main Institute of Migration (in Spanish) office in Guatemala City. You can also pay fines at the airport or land borders, but administrative processes can cause serious delays.
From the UK government's FCDO entry requirements for British passport holders — read the full page for passport validity, permits and exceptions.
Health & vaccinations
- Recommended for most travellers
- Hepatitis ATetanusTyphoid
- Sometimes advised — depends on your trip, activities and health
- ChikungunyaDengueMeaslesRabies
- Yellow fever certificate
- A yellow fever certificate is only required if you arrive from (or transit through) a country with yellow fever risk — not if you fly direct from the UK.
- Malaria
- Low risk of malaria
- There is a low risk of malaria in Guatemala below 1,500m: awareness of risk and bite avoidance recommended.
Source: TravelHealthPro (National Travel Health Network and Centre), checked 21 October 2026. This is a summary, not medical advice.
Public holidays in Guatemala
The next 12 months. Banks, offices and some sights may close, and transport and hotels get busy around these dates.
| Sun 1 Nov 2026 | All Saints' Day |
| Fri 25 Dec 2026 | Christmas Day |
| Fri 1 Jan 2027 | New Year's Day |
| Thu 25 Mar 2027 | Maundy Thursday |
| Fri 26 Mar 2027 | Good Friday |
| Sat 27 Mar 2027 | Holy Saturday |
| Sat 1 May 2027 | Labour Day |
| Mon 28 Jun 2027 | Army Day |
| Sun 15 Aug 2027 | Assumption Day |
| Wed 15 Sep 2027 | Independence Day |
| Wed 20 Oct 2027 | Revolution Day |
National holidays only. Dates based on lunar calendars can move by a day or two depending on official announcements.
Useful phrases in Spanish
| English | Spanish | Say it |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | Hola | OH-lah |
| Thank you | Gracias | GRAH-see-ahs |
| Please | Por favor | por fah-VOR |
| Excuse me | Disculpe | dees-KOOL-peh |
| How much is this? | ¿Cuánto cuesta? | KWAN-toh KWES-tah |
Know before you go
- Book door-to-door tourist shuttles between the airport, Antigua and Lake Atitlán; they cost more than chicken buses but save hours, and your luggage stays with you.
- Acatenango's summit camp can drop below freezing at night, so rent gloves, a hat and a warm jacket in Antigua if you didn't pack them, and choose an operator with proper shelters.
- Carry small quetzal notes, as change for Q100 and Q200 notes is scarce in villages, and use ATMs inside banks or shopping centres rather than standalone street machines.
Guatemala travel FAQs
When is the best time to visit Guatemala?
The best time to visit Guatemala is generally Nov–Mar. Peak months are January, February, March, November and December. Average highs in Guatemala City range from 23°C to 28°C across the year.
How much does a trip to Guatemala cost per day?
Roughly £35 a day on a tight budget, £80 mid-range and £170+ for comfortable travel, per person including accommodation, food and local transport. Flights are extra.
What currency is used in Guatemala?
Guatemalan quetzal (GTQ).
What plug type does Guatemala use?
Type A and B sockets at 120V. UK visitors need a travel adapter — UK Type G plugs will not fit.
Which side of the road do they drive on in Guatemala?
Traffic drives on the right in Guatemala, unlike the UK.
Is tap water safe to drink in Guatemala?
Not safe — drink bottled or treated water.
Do I need a visa for Guatemala?
For British passport holders, the FCDO says: You can visit Guatemala for up to 90 days without a visa. Entry rules change, so check the official FCDO entry requirements for Guatemala before you travel: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/guatemala/entry-requirements
What vaccinations do I need for Guatemala?
TravelHealthPro recommends Hepatitis A, Tetanus and Typhoid for most travellers, with Chikungunya, Dengue, Measles and Rabies sometimes advised depending on your trip. Make sure routine UK vaccinations are up to date and see a travel health professional 6–8 weeks before you go.
