Guatemala is a vibrant and diverse country that offers a wide range of experiences and a blend of culture, history and natural beauty. Guatemala promises unforgettable experiences when visiting, for example, the ancient ruins of Tikal, the colourful streets of Antigua or climbing an active volcano. Before you embark on your trip to Guatemala, I present you with some key travel tips and information. Here are 10 things about Guatemala you need to know before travelling as they help you to make the most of your trip.
Guatemalans tend to be quite introverted but are also incredibly warm and friendly. When walking around the streets of Guatemala, locals will barely approach you, and everyone you speak to is very modest. Take the time to engage in conversations and show your respect for the local culture, and they will welcome you with open arms.
Spanish is the official language in Guatemala, and while you might find English speakers at more tourist locations as well as bars, restaurants and hotels, it is not widely spoken. A few basic Spanish phrases will help you to navigate and connect with the locals. As mentioned, locals are quite introverted, and Spanish will help to engage with them. Moreover, download Google Translate and Spanish on your phone for emergencies.
The Guatemalan Quetzal (GTQ) is the official currency in the country. Did you know the currency is named after the national bird (Quetzal) of Guatemala? We’ve found that credit cards are accepted in major cities and tourist spots, but cash is still king in Guatemala. Especially in Rio Dulce, you’ll have to take plenty of cash to pay for your accommodation and all the food at the accommodation. ATMs are available across the country, and we haven’t encountered any issues withdrawing money.
We found travelling through Guatemala extremely easy. In comparison, I visited Thailand a couple of months before my trip to Guatemala, and I have to say Guatemala’s transportation might even be better! Especially when travelling with the tourist shuttles, you’ll be in for a smooth journey. These shuttles are generally comfortable and reliable and have clear schedules. Also, we found the shuttles to be highly punctual in their departure and arrival times. We used, recommended by others, Itamati Travels for all our shuttles in Guatemala. You can request their latest schedule and book specific shuttles through Whatsapp (+502 3974 2484).
Alternatively, you can use the local chicken buses, which are colourful, repurposed school buses that are generally made for short distances. In some areas (e.g. Atitlan, Antigua and Flores), you can also use tuk-tuks to get around.
Before travelling to Guatemala, I hadn’t done proper research on the cuisine in Guatemala. And, even worse, I started making wrong assumptions about the food. Where I expected it to be meat-heavy, similar to either South American countries or my experiences in Cuba, that wasn’t the cuisine at all. Moreover, the food was AMAZING. It is a delightful mix of Spanish and Caribbean influences, with many Mexican dishes such as tacos and tortillas. Furthermore, you find a lot of street food. Local dishes are papain (spicy meat stew), tamales and halacha (shredded beef in tomato sauce).
For more culinary tips, don't forget to check out the best restaurants and bars in Antigua.
Guatemala is incredibly diverse, offering everything from culture, nature, history and adventure. You can explore the ancient Mayan ruins in Tikal, surrounded by the jungle, while on the other hand, you can climb an active volcano! Next to that, the lovely city of Antigua brings you the perfect base to indulge in all culinary delights, and there are plenty of hikes to do in the country, such as from Xela. On top of that, Guatemala is a relatively small country with a wide range of attractions and cultures in mind. In my opinion, Guatemala brings you an all-round travel experience while limiting travel time. Furthermore, this wide range of activities can already be explored in 2 weeks!
Check out my 2-week Guatemala itinerary for the best travel route.
Guatemala has a very diverse climate due to its varied geography. For example, Antigua and Lake Atitlan are located at a higher altitude, and it can become more chilly during the evening. Bring some layers, as temperatures during the day and evening might differ. Furthermore, you will probably be climbing Acatenango, where it might be freezing on the volcano. Also, when travelling to Flores, Tikal and Rio Dulce, you’ll experience more of the humidity of the jungle. When we visited Guatemala, we had temperatures over 35 degrees Celsius. In summary, pack layers to accommodate the different weather conditions.
In most places, internet access is widely available in hotels, cafes and restaurants. However, connectivity can be limited in the more remote regions, such as Rio Dulce. If you would like to be connected at all times, it is possible to buy a local SIM card for reliable mobile data. In Guatemala, there are two main telecom providers: Claro and Tigo. There is no big difference between the two providers price-wise. Generally, we understood Tigo’s connectivity is slightly better (e.g. at Acatenango). However, Claro is the only provider with access in Rio Dulce.
Just a quick reminder: ensure your vaccinations are up-to-date before travelling to Guatemala. It is recommended to get vaccinations for hepatitis A and typhoid. Always check your local health clinic for advice. If you suffer from altitude sickness and are climbing Acatenango, be well prepared with some pills. We have seen people at the volcano becoming sick! Also, I took my rabies vaccines before travelling, as they informed me guesthouses might have pets, so rabies is recommended when staying at guesthouses and locals. Also, when in Guatemala, drink bottled or filtered water.
The best time to visit Guatemala is during the dry season, which runs from November to April. However, be prepared for hot temperatures, as in April, we had many days of 35 degrees Celsius. Nevertheless, this period offers the most pleasant weather for outdoor activities. The rainy season runs from May to October and can still be a good time to visit, as the landscapes are lush and green. However, be prepared for afternoon showers. Also, the views on Acatenango might be less clear.
