Guatemala Travel Guides

🗺️ Where to Stay

Deciding where to stay in Guatemala has a lot to do with accessing nearby nature and experiences. These towns and cities are all gateways to the best of Guatemala:

• Antigua – This is most travelers’ first stop in Guatemala. People stay in Antigua to do the Acatenango Volcano hike and other activities.
• Panajachel – The main town on Lake Atitlan. Panajachel is a great base for exploring all the lake has to offer.
• Flores – Flores is south of Tikal National Park and along Lake Petén Itzá. This is where most visitors stay to see the Mayan ruins.
• San Agustín Lanquín – Lanquín is the most popular place to stay when visiting Semuc Champey. 
• Guatemala City – The capital of Guatemala. Many people stay in Guatemala City for a short visit upon arrival or departure.

🛎️ Best Hotels

Guatemala is home to some truly unique hotels. These standout accommodations offer a blend of Mayan and colonial architecture, scenery, and local touches.

• Hotel Casa Santo Domingo – A historic Antigua hotel that’s part hotel, part spa, part museum.
• Hotel La Casa del Mundo – A Lake Atitlan hotel with unbeatable lake views, a charming atmosphere, and Guatemalan decor.
• Hotel Posada de Don Rodrigo Antigua – A colonial house hotel in the heart of Antigua. Good for couples and families. 
• Villa Maya – A peaceful hotel located just outside of Flores on Lake Patenchel. Villa Maya is surrounded by nature and is great for couples.
• Zephyr River Lodge – A vibrant hostel near Semuc Champey with stunning mountain views.

⛰️ Best Hikes

Hiking is one of the best things to do in Guatemala. Many popular hikes are volcano treks. However, there are a variety of hiking trails to enjoy.

• Acatenango Volcano – One of the most popular hiking treks in Central America. You can see volcano eruptions and reach a summit that’s 13,041 feet above sea level.
• Pacaya Volcano – An active volcano outside of Antigua. This hike is somewhat difficult but easier than hiking Acatenango.
• San Pedro Volcano – This volcano towers over Lake Atitlan. San Pedro Volcano is a relatively difficult, out-and-back hike that’s about 5 miles in total.
• Tajumulco Volcano – The highest volcano in Central America with two summits in Western Guatemala. 
• Tikal National Park – Tikal National Park involves less “hiking” and more walking to explore the Mayan ruins, jungle, and wildlife.

👜 Best Markets

The markets in Guatemala are unmatched. Visiting local markets is the best way to shop in Guatemala and a great way to support local makers.

• Chichicastenango Market – One of the biggest markets in Central America. Chichicastenango Market is near Lake Atitlan and operates on Thursdays and Sundays.
• Mercado Central Antigua – A gigantic market in Antigua selling everything from souvenirs to produce. This market caters to locals and visitors and is open every day.
• Solola Market – Two markets take place near each other outside of Lake Atitlan. Tuesdays and Fridays are the big days.
• Nim P’ot – A market in the heart of Antigua specializing in textiles, masks, and other artisan products. Open every day. 
• San Juan Comalapa Market – A less touristy market outside of Antigua. Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays are market days.

👉 Tips & Things to Know

• 🌧️ – Weather Constantly Changes – Weather in Guatemala constantly changes, especially during the rainy season. Temperatures can vary with elevation. Pack layers to be prepared.
• 💵 – Bring Cash – Many businesses in larger towns like Antigua accept credit cards, but carrying cash is always a safer bet. It’s preferred most of the time. 
• 🔌 – You (Probably) Won’t Need a Converter – Travelers coming from the United States won’t need a converter. Guatemala uses the same 2 pronged outlets and 110 volt, 60 Hz electricity.
• 🗣️ – Know Some Spanish – Knowing Spanish isn’t necessary for getting around Guatemala, but it’s very helpful. Learn some basic Spanish before you arrive. 
• ⛰️ – Book Hikes Through Local Tour Companies – Many of the hikes (especially the volcano treks) in Guatemala are difficult. Booking through local tour companies and hiking with local guides is recommended.

🧳 What to Pack

• ☔ – Rain Jacket – You’ll want to pack a rain jacket or poncho, especially if you visit during the rainy season (May – October). An umbrella is also a good idea.
• 🥾 – Outdoor Shoes – You’ll likely be walking over cobblestone streets and doing some hikes in Guatemala. Outdoor shoes like hiking boots and outdoor sandals are recommended.
• 🚰 – Water Bottle – Tap water isn’t safe to drink in Guatemala. However, most accommodations offer filtered water. Bring a water bottle to reduce waste and stay hydrated.
• 🎒 – Backpack – Using a backpack over a rolling suitcase is smart because of Guatemala’s cobbled streets and outdoor recreation.
• 🦟 – Insect Repellent – Guatemala has a tropical climate and insects are common. Protect yourself with insect repellent.

👉 For more, see our full Guatemala packing checklist.

🤓 Facts & Info

• Language – Spanish
• Currency – Quetzales
• Population – 17.11 million (2021)
• Capital – Guatemala City
• Largest Metro Areas – Guatemala City, Villa Nueva, Mixco
• Time Zone – Central Standard Time (UTC-6 year-round)
• Airports – La Aurora International Airport (GUA)
• Nickname – “Land of Eternal Spring”
• Demonynm – Guatemalan, chapines (for men), chapinas (for women)
• USPS Abbreviation – GT
• President – Alejandro Giammattei

💵 Costs & Budgeting

• MERIC Cost of Living Country Rank – #99 out of 195 countries
• 3 Star Hotel Room – $30-$75/night
• 1 Bedroom Apartment Rental – $30-$75/night
• Rental Car – $20-$50/day
• Public Transit Ticket – $1-$5 
• Take Out Meal for Two – $10-$20
• Sit Down Dinner for Two – $15-$30
• Draft Beer – $2-$5