Everything You Need to Know to Plan a Trip to Guatemala
Why should you trust me and take my advice?
I moved to Guatemala to be with my husband, and I’ve been lucky to call this country my new home. It’s been a life-changing experience!
We spend all our free time traveling all over this incredible country and it’s our goal to visit every department in Guatemala, We’ve traveled multiple times to the most popular tourist destinations in Guatemala so my advice and travel tips are based off extensive experience.
If you have a long list of questions or if you need help creating a customized Guatemala itinerary then please click here to book a travel consultation with me.
What should I expect from immigration in Guatemala and what are the entry requirements?
Approximately 86 countries do not need a visa to enter Guatemala and 100-110+ need a visa to travel to Guatemala. If you want to check visa requirements then I recommend reading the Guatemalan embassy website from your home country or checking visaguide.world.
Most of my readers live in the United States and if you have a U.S. passport then you can arrive visa free! The same goes for most passport holders from Latin America, Europe, and other countries. Please double check this information as laws can change at any time.
Although many travelers can arrive in Guatemala with a visa, you’ll still need to have a few things in place eo ensure you will be accepted on the flight.
The first is that you’ll need to complete an electronic immigration form. The link is here and you can fill it out in English or in Spanish. Once you finish completing the form, you’ll receive a QR code and usually, you’ll need to show this to the airline upon check-in but also at customs when you’re entering Guatemala.
Sometimes customs will search your bag. This happens after it’s scanned at customs and if you’re carrying something suspicious or a lot of electronics and (especially unopened packages). I’ve been told from other travelers that customs have asked them to pay import fees for unopened electronics. However, I’ve never had this problem.
Something else to note is that if you’re arriving as a tourist, many airlines will not allow you to check-in without a return flight. I’ve flown frequently from the United States and even Europe over the past few years and the agents almost always ask me for proof of a return flight (I am currently applying for residency so this will change soon). The immigration officers in Guatemala never ask for a return ticket but the airlines almost always will!
As a tourist, you can stay in Guatemala for up to 90 days and they’ll put this stamp in your passport when you arrive. However, if you want to stay longer then you’ll need to extend this or pay a fee and you’ll still need to show proof of a return flight. If you don’t have one booked, then I recommend using a website such as Bestonwardticket.com. You can pay a small fee and have a temporary ticket to use when you check in for your flight.
If you want to stay longer than 90 days in Guatemala then you can extend the tourist stamp date in your passport by visiting the migration office in Guatemala City. It costs approximately 200 Quetzales to extend your tourist stamp. Or, you can pay a fee when you leave Guatemala at the airport or the border. It’s 15 Quetzales per day for every day that you overstay past 90 days.
If you’re wondering about vaccine requirements, there are none unless you are flying directly from a country at risk of yellow fever. This could change at any moment and I would double check the information I am providing as this is what I’ve been told. I have never needed to show proof of a vaccine but I’ve only ever flown into Guatemala from the U.S., Colombia, or the U.K.
Is it safe to travel to Guatemala?
Yes! I’ve traveled to 71 countries total, so I consider myself to have a good perspective on travel safety in Guatemala and many countries.
For the most part, I’ve felt very safe in Guatemala. The tourist destinations are safe to visit with normal precautions. I’ve spent a lot of time in Guatemala whether alone or with my husband and I have yet to have any major issues. In fact, most people have been very kind and nice to me.
There are some very dangerous neighborhoods in Guatemala City to avoid and a few other places in the country. The capital city in general is not necessarily safe. I recommend taking extra precautions in Guatemala City hiring a guide to take you around if you plan to explore in Zone 1. I also recommend not walking around with your phone in your hand anywhere in the capital with the exception of Cayalá (even in the safe zones).
The main tourist areas such as Antigua, Lake Atitlán, Tikal, Semuc Champey, etc. are safe. I recommend taking normal precautions and the only thing extra is to not go hiking alone and to not walk around alone, drunk at night.
I have had very minimal issues in Guatemala and I’ve now spent a lot of time in the country either exploring alone or with my Guatemalan husband. I think the overwhelming majority people will have a great trip to Guatemala just by taking normal precautions.
What are the main tourist destinations in Guatemala?
Below is a list and general overview of each of the most popular tourist destinations in Guatemala, and some of the off-the-beaten-path options. If you want a more detailed guide for each destination, you can click the link provided to read my in-depth posts for these locations. This website is new so right now I only have a few ready but I’m releasing new blog posts every week. Check back soon for more blog posts!
- Antigua: This is the most popular tourist destination in Guatemala and for good reason! It’s easy to get here from the international airport and it’s a beautiful and historical city with cobble stoned streets and surrounded by volcanoes. You can click here to read my full Antigua, Guatemala Travel Guide.
- Lake Atitlán: This the second most popular tourist destination in Guatemala with many Maya towns to visit surrounding a breathtaking volcanic lake. With so many towns to visit, this is also probably the most complicated destination to plan. You can click here to read my full guide including information about visiting or staying in each town.
- Volcano Acatenango: This is a unique destination on this list in that it’s not necessarily a destination but a popular hiking experience. However, it needs to be mentioned in the list of destinations because if you plan to do this hike, you’ll need to set aside two days in your itinerary. Just note that it is a VERY DIFFICULT hike and not everyone will want to do this hike. If you check out my Antigua travel guide, I’ve shared a bit more information about booking this hiking experience. Soon I’ll publish a dedicated travel guide for the Acatenango overnight hiking experience. Stay tuned!
- Tikal + Flores: This is another very popular part of Guatemala to visit but since it’s far from the other popular tourist destinations, many people skip this part of Guatemala. However, it is worth coming here to see some of the most incredible ancient Maya cities in the world. I don’t yet have a specific travel guide for this destination but it will be ready soon.
- Semuc Champey: This is one of the most breathtaking places I’ve ever been to in the world (and I’ve traveled to 71 countries). It’s absolutely amazing to visit the turquoise pools in the jungle in this part of Guatemala but it’s far from the other popular tourist places to visit. You can only get here by vehicle and it takes a full day to drive here from anywhere in Guatemala. I don’t yet have a travel guide to share but it will be ready soon.
- El Paredón: This is the upcoming and coming tourist destination in Guatemala that everyone is talking about! It has a laid-back vibe and black sand beaches along the Pacific Coast. It’s popular amongst backpackers, party goers, and surfers. We recently went here and had an amazing trip. You can read my El Paredón travel guide here.
- Xela (Quetzaltenango): This is one the largest cities to visit in Guatemala but a much safer destination compared to Guatemala City. It’s of my favorite places to visit because the city offers an authentic cultural experience and there are incredible hiking opportunities in this part of Guatemala. Check back here soon as I’ll release my full Xela Travel Guide soon.
- Río Dulce + Livingston: This is the Caribbean coast of Guatemala and such a unique part of the country to visit! The reason why more tourists don’t come here is because it’s out of the way from the most popular destinations in the country. However, if you have the time then I 100% recommend coming here! Click here to read my guide for the Caribbean coast of Guatemala.
- Guatemala City: This is the capital city and there is plenty to see and do here. However, more tourists fly into the city and leave right away. If you want to explore Guatemala City then I highly recommend doing so but by taking certain precautions. Much of the city is not safe although there are places to visit where tourists will feel relatively safe. Click here to read my Guatemala City travel guide.
- Chichicastenango: Chichi is famous for its massive, colorful market held on Thursdays and Sundays. You can stay at a hotel in the town or visit on a day trip from Lake Atitlán or Antigua. This is where you can find authentic Maya culture and shop at one of the largest markets in Central America. Soon I’ll publish a travel guide for this destination in Guatemala.
- IRTRA Theme and Water Parks: if you didn’t know, Guatemala has theme parks! It’s a lot of fun to visit these parks and a different vibe compared to the rest of the country. If you love roller coasters and parks then you should add this destination to your Guatemala travel list! Check back here soon as I will have a full travel guide ready for this destination.
- Huehuetenango: This is one of the most incredible places to visit in Guatemala with beautiful lakes, waterfalls, and the highest mountain range in Central America. The temperatures can get so low here that they even have llama farms in Huehuetenango! It can be difficult to get to this part of Guatemala and there’s a lot to explain about visiting this part of Guatemala. Check back soon as I’ll have my full Huehuetenango Travel Guide ready by March 2026.
- Chiquimula: This is an off the beaten path destination for most foreign tourists. However, the city of Esquipulas is a very popular tourist destination for people from all over Guatemala. Also, tourists who live in Central America, Mexico, love to visit Esquipulas as well as Guatemalans in the United States. The largest basilica in Central American can be found here and the Black Christ which draws many pilgrims to this city. I’ve been to Chiquimula two times and I’ll publish a travel guide soon!
- Tecpán: This is known to be one of the best places in Guatemala to eat traditional food! It’s very popular to stop here on the drive from Guatemala City or Antigua to Lake Atitlán or Xela. Of course, you can stop here on the way back too. You will notice many restaurants along the side of the road. The best ones I’ve been to are Restaurante La Cabaña de Don Robert, Rincon Suizo, Chichoy, and Katok.
The two most popular destinations to visit in Guatemala are Antigua and Lake Atitlán. The third most popular destination is Tikal. If you have one week I suggest only visiting Antigua and Lake Atitlán. You can visit all three places within one week but while travel very quickly. In order to visit all three destinations, I recommend 10 days.
Antigua and Lake Atitlán are the most popular places to visit but you can go anywhere on my list above as for the most part, these destinations are accessible. The only destinations on the list that are somewhat challenging to visit are Huehuetenango and Chiquimula. The IRTRA theme parks are off the beaten path for non-Guatemalans as well but all these destinations can be accessible by hiring a private driver or sometimes, by booking a private bus.
What is the weather like in Guatemala?
Many people who have never been to Guatemala think the country is one big hot and humid jungle. However, this is not the typical weather in much of the country. It can get chilly or cold in some places but hot and humid in others.
In the highlands of Guatemala, it’s mostly springlike weather year round. For example, if you visit Guatemala City, Antigua, and Lake Atitlan then you should expect temperatures to be in the 70s during the day and in the low 60s or high 50s at night. Although, it can get into the low 80s during the hottest months (March, April, and May).
In the city of Xela (Quetzaltenango) it is a bit chillier than Antigua or Lake Atitlán. If you stop to eat lunch in Tecpán (a city on the way to Lake Atitlan), then you’ll notice that it also gets chilly in this part of Guatemala. If you plan to hike Acatenango or one of the other tall volcanoes then you’ll need to pack a winter coat and boots. In the tallest mountain range in Guatemala (in Huehuetenango) I’ve gone hiking during the day and I’ve needed to use a coat and boots as well.
There are several destinations in Guatemala where you can expect to have very hot and humid weather. These places include Flores (Tikal), the beaches along the Pacific Coast, Rio Dulce and Livingston along the Caribbean Coast, and Semuc Champey located in the jungle in Alta Verapaz. There are other very hot and humid places in Guatemala but these are the most popular tourist destinations where you can expect this weather.
When is the best time of year to visit Guatemala?
The overall best time to travel to Guatemala is during the dry season from November – April every year. However, this can vary depending on the location in the country.
For example, Antigua, Lake Atitlán, and Tikal are the three most popular tourist destinations in Guatemala. The dry season in these locations is from November – April, but along the Caribbean coast, the dry season is from March until June.
Something to note about the rainy season in Guatemala is that it usually only rains for a few hours in the afternoon. Also, there’s normally a short dry period during the rainy season that takes place in July and sometimes until August.
In my experience, the months with the most rain are June, September, and October.
Something to know is that even though the dry season is the best time to visit Guatemala, it is also the busy season. Hotels and tours are often booked up and sold out early. During the week in between Christmas and New Year the tourist places can be very busy. Also, Holy Week (Semana Santa) which is the week before Easter, is the most busy and hotels will be sold out weeks or months in advance.
How expensive is it to travel around Guatemala?
It is not very expensive to travel around Guatemala but at the same time, I think it costs more than many people would expect. For example, it is much less expensive to travel around Thailand, Cambodia, and Indonesia. Many backpackers who spend months traveling around Southeast Asia will be shocked by the prices in Guatemala and Central America. It is possible to find inexpensive accommodation and food but it still costs much more compared to Southeast Asia.
Traveling around Guatemala costs less than the United States, Canada, and Western Europe. It’s also less expensive than many of the African countries I’ve been to. The most expensive place to visit in Guatemala is Antigua. The least expensive places are off-the-beaten path such as Zacapa, Baja Verapaz, San Marcos (department), etc.
My blog mostly provides travel advice for mid-range travelers. If you’re seeking backpacker recommendations you won’t find much on my blog. You will find anything from mid-range to luxury and the average hotel prices I’ve recommended range from $50 – $150 USD.
The prices to eat at most sit-down restaurants in Guatemala will range from $8-20 and shared tourist shuttles can cost $15-50 between destinations. Private drivers will cost even more and the least expensive option is to use the camionetas (chicken buses) but I don’t recommend these types of buses as there are often accidents and they aren’t safe. I recommend paying a bit extra for the private buses and I think the cost is reasonable. For example, it costs 100 Quetzales ($13) to take a private bus from Guatemala City to Xela.
Overall, it is possible to plan a budget trip to Guatemala. You can use the links I have below to search for hotels and tours and filtering by price.
Click here to search for hotels in Guatemala.
Click here to search for tours in Guatemala.
How to communicate with the locals?
Most people in Guatemala speak Spanish. Many also speak an indigenous language local to their area and a minority of people will speak English.
Most of the English speakers I’ve come across in Guatemala work in tourism, live in the capital or Xela, or they were deported from the U.S. Most tour guides speak English as well as the owners of the tour agencies. If you stay at a luxury hotel the staff will speak English and sometimes at nice restaurants in Antigua, the staff will speak English. However, if you plan to interact with drivers, the staff selling bus tickets, managing tourist shuttles, or buying something from stores and the local markets, then you will need to speak Spanish.
I recommend learning some Spanish before you arrive in Guatemala. Especially if you plan to spend a lot of time in the country. I’ve tried to use many different programs to learn Spanish and the one I think is the most effective and has worked the best for me, has been Rocket Languages.
I like Rocket Languages because the platform prioritizes conversational fluency and active speaking over flashcards and gamification (compared to many other language learning tools). Rocket Languages has interactive audio lessons, advanced speech recognition, and comprehensive grammar. They offer both an online and mobile option for using the platform and you can click here to check it out.
What if you have a medical emergency in Guatemala?
The best healthcare system in Guatemala is found in the capital. However, there are also great hospitals and doctors in Antigua, Quetzaltenango (Xela), and most cities or large towns. It can be difficult to find access in smaller towns or remote areas.
It is easy to find pharmacies in places like Antigua and Lake Atitlán although it can be difficult to find pharmacies with a variety of medicines in remote areas. I recommend packing medicine for headaches, stomach problems, etc. just in case you need it.
It is very important to travel to Guatemala with a health insurance policy for your trip. The reason you need this is because Guatemala’s public healthcare system offers free access to healthcare but the conditions are terrible. Most of the public hospitals require patients to wait for hours to see a doctor and they lack basic equipment. If you don’t have health insurance and if you can’t pay for care upfront then you will likely be stuck in a situation in which you won’t have access to good quality healthcare.
Most people I know who live in Guatemala pay out of pocket for private healthcare including doctor and hospital visits. One thing to note is that if you can’t pay upfront they won’t accept you into the private hospital. This is why you need to have a health insurance plan before you travel to Guatemala.
If you have an emergency in Guatemala but don’t have private insurance then you will need to pay thousands of dollars upfront at a private hospital. You can buy a health insurance plan for less than $60 for 4 weeks of travel and this will help you avoid thousands of dollars in fees if you have a medical emergency in Guatemala.
The insurance plan I recommend is Safety Wing. They offer health and travel insurance for nomads including a simple claims process and great customer service! The insurance plans cover hospital stays, medications, surgery, travel delays, lost luggage, and more. You can click here to sign up for a plan.
What are the concerns about food and water in Guatemala?
Tourists should not drink the tap water in Guatemala and only bottled water or filtered water. At hotels and Airbnbs they will often have something called an Ecofiltro which is a natural filtration system that works well. You can also find plenty of bottled water in Guatemala or bring a water bottle with a filter in it such as the LifeStraw Water Filter Bottle.
Most of the restaurants serve filtered water. They will try to encourage you to drink bottled water but you can order “vaso con aqua” which is a glass of filtered water. At sit down restaurants this is safe to drink but at street food stalls or at the market I recommend buying a bottle of water.
In Guatemala, the street food does sometimes make tourists feel sick. So I advise taking precautions. Usually the market food is fine to eat and the food at restaurants as well. However, if you have any sensitive stomach issues then of course, take extra precautions with food.
What are the best flight options to Guatemala?
The airport where most tourists arrive is La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City. Most travelers will arrive here and I recommend using Skyscanner.com to search for flights.
I’ve traveled to 71 countries total and I’ve used Skyscanner to find flights for everyone destination. I’ve also traveled more than 15 times betwen the U.S. and Guatemala and I’ve used Skyscanner to find these flights as well.
The reason I recommend Skyscanner is because it literally scans the internet for all flight options. It searches across major airlines, budget airlines, and online travel agencies. This means that you can compare the prices of different routes and airlines such as United, Delta, American, Copa, Avianca, and more.
Moreover, with Skyscanner you can check the prices over the course of the month and select the cheapest day to flight. If you’re wanting to be spontaneous you can select “everywhere” and Skyscanner will show you the cheapest destinations from your hometown airport.
Since I’ve used Skyscanner for many years, I’ve been able to book the cheapest rate for the flight I want because the platform will show all the different agencies selling the flight, as well as the price to book directly with the airline. Oftentimes, the flight is cheaper to book with a 3rd party site which is why I recommend Skyscanner with numerous options.
Most of the people who read my guides live in the U.S. so I’ll share the most popular direct routes from major U.S. cities to Guatemala:
- Miami (American)
- Fort Lauderdale (JetBlue)
- Atlanta (Delta)
- Houston (United and Frontier)
- Dallas (American and Frontier but only seasonal)
- Los Angeles (American, Avianca and Alaska)
- New York (JetBlue)
- Orlando (Frontier but only seasonal)
- Chicago (American)
What are the best transportation options in Guatemala?
It takes much longer to drive around Guatemala than most people think. During rush hour the drive from Guatemala City to Antigua can take an extra hour or two. Guatemala doesn’t have highways like we do in the United States and even if destinations don’t look too far apart, it will always take extra time to get somewhere.
Most tourists hire a private driver or take a shared shuttle. For some destinations, it is possible to take a private bus which is safe. I have all my recommendations below.
The company I recommend to hire a private driver company is GuateDriver. They have very professional drivers and some speak English. You can contact them in English or Spanish on WhatsApp at +502-3775-7831 or at info@guatedriver.com.
The tourist shuttles run between all the most popular destinations in Guatemala. I recommend using the GuateGo platform to search for a specific route. For example, you can book a shuttle from the Guatemala City airport to Panajachel, or from Antigua to San Pedro la Laguna. There are many other routes such as from El Paredón to Antigua or from Quetzaltenango (Xela) to Panajachel and vice versa. The shuttles are available multiple times a day leaving and arriving at Lake Atitlán and you can view all the times on the GuateGo platform.
Just note that sometimes they will drive a bit fast on winding roads. If you struggle with car sickness, then bring dramamine!
Click here to book a shuttle on the GuateGo platform.
You can use the Uber app in Guatemala City, Xela, and Antigua. Uber is generally more affordable to use than the tuk-tuks you’ll see in Antigua and more comfortable! I’ve used Uber a lot in all three cities and without any problems. However, a few foreigners have complained that their Uber driver demanded more money for the drive in between Guatemala City and Antigua. This is probably rare but can happen and the Uber drivers aren’t vetted as much as a private driver with a company like GuateDriver.
The private buses in Guatemala are comfortable and safe, however, they are only available between certain destinations. I’ve taken private buses with a company called XelaBus between Guatemala City and Xela (Quetzaltenango) and from Guatemala City to Puerto Barrios. A very popular bus route is between Guatemala City and Flores (Tikal). Unfortunately, there aren’t private buses available between Guatemala City, Antigua, and Lake Atitlán.
If you want to book a private bus, I suggest using the GuateGo website to look up the specific travel route. You’ll see all the options and different bus companies listed here.
You can rent a car in Guatemala but I do not recommend driving in Guatemala. This is why.
Most people in Guatemala don’t have driver’s insurance and many don’t follow local driving laws. I’ve seen too many careless motorcycle drivers in Guatemala. Unfortunately, if a driver in a car injures or even worse kills a motorcyclist, then they are automatically at fault and will need to hire a lawyer. It can become a complicated situation.
If you want to rent a car then I suggest comparing prices on getrentacar.com. Some companies in Guatemala are better than others. I recommend Alamo, Guatemala Rent a Car, Avis, Budget, or Europcar. I would avoid Thrifty and Fox Rent a Car. Some companies have scams and will charge hidden fees. I also recommend purchasing full insurance if you plan to drive in Guatemala (for the reasons I listed above with my explanation about why I don’t recommend driving). Lastly, by a 4X4 vehicle if you’re planning to go to places such as Semuc Champey, Huehuetenango, or other remote roads.
It is possible to book a flight between some destinations like from Guatemala City to Flores (Tikal). There are direct flights with TAG Airlines or Avianca and several different private bus companies.
GuateGo is my favorite platform to use to search for flights, buses, or tourist shuttles.
Click here to search for domestic flights in Guatemala on the GuateGo platform.
I don’t recommend taking the camionetas also known as chicken buses. Some tourists take these buses and they are fine. However, it is a risk because there can be robberies on these buses (especially in Guatemala City and the surrounding areas). Moreover sometimes they drive these buses recklessly. I’ve often seen reports in the news about accidents.
How can I find hotels and accommodation in Guatemala?
I’ve traveled extensively around Guatemala and there are a few websites I use to find the best accommodation options in Guatemala.
The best overall is Booking.com. This website provides the most extensive options for hotels across Guatemala and especially in the tourist areas. For example, whenever I need to search for a hotel in Antigua, Lake Atitlán, Flores (Tikal), Livingston, Río Dulce, Xela, or Semuc Champey, I almost always use this website! I find the best prices on booking.com (compared to other hotel search engines), and the platform rewards me for loyalty such as free breakfast included after a certain number of bookings.
For inexpensive hotels and hostels, I almost always use hostelworld.com. This is the best search engine to use if you’re on a budget and want to stay in a dorm room or an inexpensive private room in Guatemala for $10-60 per night.
To reserve a house I use either booking.com or Airbnb.com. Airbnb has the most extensive options, however, booking.com has some homes that I don’t see listed on Airbnb so I always check both. I personally prefer to book hotels instead of Airbnbs so that I can have less of an impact on gentrification in Guatemala. However, at times I do need to book a house.
Also, there are boutique hotels and guesthouses listed on Airbnb. So it’s not just homes that you can find on the platform and it’s worth checking sometimes.
The final option for searching for hotels is by using Google Maps. This will be necessary if you’re planning a trip to remote places such as small towns in Huehuetenango, Zacapa, Baja Verapaz, etc. If you’re traveling off the beaten path then you most likely won’t find many options on the websites I’ve listed above and you’ll need to use Google Maps to search for hotels (use the filter option). In order to contact the hotels, I click on the website to find the WhatsApp number or find the hotel account on Facebook. The booking is always confirmed via WhatsApp.
What are the best tour companies in Guatemala?
There are many great tour companies in Guatemala! My recommendation is to book individual tours in each destination by using the Get Your Guide search engine. It’s so easy to type in the destination and find an extensive list of tour options for each place in Guatemala. You can read the reviews before booking (to ensure it’s a good company) and filter by dates, transportation options, day tours, guided tours, cooking classes, and more. I have many of these individual tours listed on my travel guides such as my Antigua, Lake Atitlán, and El Paredón guides.
For complete, packaged tours I recommend checking out a company called Due South Travels. These are private, fully managed trips where they include lodging, transportation, guided experiences and local support. You only need to provide them with your dates of travel and the destinations you want to visit. You can review their pre-packaged tours and services on the Due South website by clicking here.
If you are Guatemalan and living in the U.S. or another country then I can recommend a company called La Herencia Mia. This is a specialized tour company in that they offer organized group trips a few times per year but they also can provide customized trips. They only offer trips for people with Guatemalan heritage and their family or friends. I love their mission and what they are doing to bring the Guatemalan diaspora back to the country to learn about their heritage! You can contact them at laherenciamia@gmail.com.
What is the tipping culture in Guatemala?
The tipping culture is different than what you can expect in the United States (I reference this country since most of my readers and followers live in the U.S.). The standard tip in Guatemala is 10% and not 20%.
Most sit-down restaurants in Guatemala include a 10% tip for the staff. However, not all restaurants add this and I think it’s important to ask. If the restaurant doesn’t include this tip you should expect to pay 10% extra.
What are the best options for internet and cell phone connectivity?
Most hotels, hostels, Airbnbs, and restaurants will have free wi-fi. Although, sometimes it works well but at times it doesn’t!
If you need consistent data and wi-fi access then I suggest downloading an app with an eSim. Now that I live in Guatemala I use a local sim (from Tigo) but if you are emporarily traveling to Guatemala then I recommend someone Saily eSim. The app and the eSim service is easy to set up on your phone and you can avoid going into the store in Guatemala to get a physical sim. You can click here to download the app and set up service.
What apps should I have downloaded on my phone to use during my trip in Guatemala?
There are several apps I have used regularly to support my travels around Guatemala.
The first is WhatsApp. You will use this often to communicate with anyone in Guatemala. Whether you are booking an appointment for medical tourism, communicating with a driver, or making a restaurant reservation, you will need to have WhatsApp set up on your phone.
An app that is very important to download and use is a VPN service. I’ve been traveling the world for years and this is a must to have anywhere including in Guatemala! You’ll need a VPN to keep everything secure on your phone and laptop and especially when you’re using public wi-fi. Using a VPN will ensure you don’t get your bank account hacked. Moreover, you can use a VPN to watch TV shows from your home country or to find cheaper flight prices by switching your location. I’ve used almost every VPN out there but the best is NordVPN.
If you are not fluent in Spanish then a very important app to download on your phone is a translator app. There are several options but the app I’ve used the most is Google Translate. You can write or speak into the app and ask a local Guatemalan to do the same. It works well and I used this frequently during my first two trips to Guatemala when I didn’t speak Spanish. Even now, when I’m in complicated situations or if I forget a word I use the app!
Another app I use very often is Uber. I use this a lot to ask for rides in Guatemala City, Antigua, and Xela.
Another app I recommend to download is booking.com. You’ll want to use this often to look at your hotel reservations. However, if you’ve booked using Airbnb or Hostelworld then you will want to download those apps too.
If you’re booking individual tours then you will want to download Get Your Guide so you can quickly refer to the tours you’ve booked.
In order to remain connected with data, I recommend downloading the Saily eSim! It’s easy to use and you’ll have data and connectivity during your entire trip.
Another app is Remitly. I use this to transfer money from my U.S. bank account to a Guatemalan bank account. It’s an easy way to send money to pay for services if your credit card gets stolen, if you run out of cash and can’t access an ATM in the moment, or for an expensive tour. For example, the helicopter tour we book in Flores, Guatemala was over $1,000 for the two of us and we transferews the money to pay for the activity.
Finally, please don’t forget to buy a travel insurance package in Guatemala! You can download the SafetyWing app to book and review your plan which will include protections for travel delays, theft, and medical emergencies. I’ve used this plan and have been reimbursed for hotel bookings due to flight delays, doctor’s appointments, and medical emergencies. Trust me, you don’t want to pay $10,000 out of pocket to go to the hospital in Guatemala!
What about medical and beauty tourism in Guatemala?
Can you save money on medical services in Guatemala?
Yes! Especially if you’re traveling from the United States. There are high-quality dentists, plastic surgeons, dermatologists, etc. and especially in Guatemala City.
If you come to Guatemala for dental work, you can pay one third to one half the price compared to the United States.
My trusted dentist in Guatemala City is called Guatemala Dental, and they have all the modern equipment you would find at any of the best dental offices in the United States. I’ve received cleanings, whitening treatments, and I’ve had three teeth pulled with anesthesia.
You can find a list of their prices at www.guatemaladental.com. You can contact them (in English or Spanish) on WhatsApp at +502-5691-7429 to receive a quote for any services.
Right now, Guatemala Dental has a special promotion that can save patients thousands of dollars on restoration services. You can click here to read about their permanent full mouth restoration services for an $18,000 flat fee! What an amazing deal considering this costs $50,000+ in the United States.
You also can save money on dermatology services such as botox, fillers, miicroneedling, wart removal, skin cancer surgery, and more! In Guatemala you will pay approximately 50% less for all services!
The dermatologist I recommend has an office in Guatemala City and Antigua. His name is Dr. Mena Wer and I’ve been seeing him regularly for two years. He speaks english and Spanish and does a great job injecting botox! He’s also frozen off moles on my body and has given me fillers.
You can contact his staff on WhatsApp to make an appointment in Spanish (I suggest using Google translator but you can speak English with the doctor). Their number is +502-5930-9399.
What are the most common traditional foods in Guatemala and the best restaurants?
Guatemalan cuisine reflects a blend of Maya and Spanish influences with corn, beans, rice, vegetables, and locally grown herbs forming the foundation of many traditional dishes. Unlike Mexico, Guatemalan food is generally mild rather than spicy and emphasizes rich, comforting flavors.
Some of the most popular traditional dishes in Guatemala are:
- Pepián: This is considered to be Guatemala’s national dish. It’s a hearty stew made with meat, vegetables, and a sauce of roasted tomatoes, chilies, sesame seeds, and pumpkin seeds. You can find this dish all over the country.
- Kak’ik: This is a traditional Maya turkey soup from the Alta Verapaz region, known for it’s rich red broth and aromatic spices.
- Jocón: This is a chicken stew simmered in a flavorful green sauce made from tomatillos, cilantro, and green onions. I’ve seen this in many restaurants across Guatemala and the best I’ve eaten was in Huehuetenango.
- Hilachas: This is a stew with shredded beef cooked in a tomato-based sauce and served with rice and tortillas. I’ve seen this in many places in Guatemala.
- Tamales: There is a variety of tamales in Guatemala and they are different than Mexican tamales. In Guatemala they are corn dough and filled with meat or vegetables, typically wrapped in banana leaves and enjoyed during holidays and special occasions. Almost everyone in Guatemala eats tamales for Christmas Eve!
- Chuchitos: These are a smaller, firmer version of a tamal and commonly sold as street food. I’ve seen this food all over Guatemala.
- Shucos: These are Guatemala’s version of hotdogs but even better! It’s meat and toasted bread topped with guacamole, cabbage, sausage, and grilled meats. I’ve mostly only seen shucos in Guatemala City.
- Tostadas: These are crispy tortillas topped with guacamole, black beans, salsa, or other ingredients. I’ve seen these served all over Guatemala.
- Garnachas: These are small, fried tortillas topped with meat, salsa, and cabbage. It’s mostly served as street food and I’ve seen it all over Guatmeala.
- Tapado: This is a rich, flavorful seafood soup from the Caribbean coast of Guatemala. It’s rooted in Afro-Caribbean Garífuna traditions and features and fragrant coconut milk broth loaded with fresh seafood and plantains. This is my favorite dish in Guatemala!
- Revolcado: This is a pork stew traditionally made with a rich tomato sauce and spices. I haven’t seen this dish everywhere in Guatemala but it’s usually served at a traditional restaurant with an extensive menu.
- Subanik: This is a traditional Maya stew cooked in banana leaves, and often served during special occasions. I haven’t seen it it many places but it’s one of my favorite foods in Guatemala. Some of the traditional restaurants with an extensive menu will serve this dish.
- Mojarra Frita: This is a popular dish served all over Guatemala featuring a whole freshwater fish (usually tilapia) that is scored, seasoned, lightly floured and deep fried until crispy. It is commonly served with rice, french fries, avocado, salad, and tortillas.
- Rellenitos: This is a dish with mashed plantains stuffed with sweet beans and fried.
- Dobladas: This is a popular street food with folded tortillas filled with potatoes, cheese or meat and then fried.
- Caldo de Res: This is a hearty beef soup with vegetables and corn. I’ve seen this served all over Guatemala as it’s one of the most popular stews.
- Sopa de Frijol: This is a vegetarian black bean soup and is a staple in Guatemala. It’s served in many traditional restaurants.
- Caldo de Gallina: This is one of the most common soups in Guatemala. It’s a traditional chicken soup but cooked with hen chicken. It’s served with rice, tortillas, and vegetables.
- Mixtas: This is a popular street food consisting of tortillas filled with grilled sausage guacamole, cabbage, and salsa.
- Elotes Locos: This is corn on the cob typically covered with mayonnaise, ketchup, cheese, and spices. It’s another common street food in Guatemala.
- Desayuno Típico: This is the traditional breakfast in Guatemala consisting of eggs, black beans, fried plantains, fresh cheese, cream and tortillas. This breakfast is served everywhere in Guatemala and it’s a must to eat this during your trip!
- Paches: This is a tomato-based tamal popular to eat on Thursdays throughout Guatemala.
Fresh corn tortillas accompany many meals, and traditional beverages such as atol (a warm, corn-based drink) and locally grown coffee are staples throughout the country.
There are several great restaurants I can recommend for traditional food in Guatemala. Below is a list of my favorite restaurants and markets in the typical tourist destinations:
Guatemala City
- Rosita’s in Mercado Central: This is my go-to restaurant in the central market. The owners are a mother and daughter duo and they serve the most traditional caldos (soups and stews).
- Doña Mela in Mercado Central: This is the most popular restaurant in the central market. The food is delicious but just note that there’s no where to sit so everyone eats while standing up.
- Gusina Garífuna: This is a restaurant owned by a Garífuna. man who moved from the Caribbean coast to the capital. He serves the most delicious tapado and Caribbean style dishes. It’s a must to come here if you love seafood!
- El Adobe: This is a restaurant chain in Guatemala with a few locations. They serve a variety of traditional foods and usually have live marimba (traditional music) on the weekends.
Antigua
- Guatelaria: This is my favorite traditional restaurant in Antigua. It’s near the yellow arch and they serve subanik which in my opinion, is one of the best traditional dishes to try in Guatemala. They have an extensive menu and with explanations about the food in English and Spanish.
- La Cuevita de Los Urquizi: This is another traditional restaurant in central Antigua. When you arrive, you’ll be able to see the food at the front and select what you want to eat based by looking at it first.
- Zendaya in Mercado Central: This is my favorite restaurant at the central market in Antigua. They serve the best hilachas I’ve eaten anywhere in the country.
Lake Atitlán
- 7 Caldos: This is a restaurant chain with locations in Antigua and Guatemala City as well. It’s a great place to go to in the town of Panajachel.
- Rinconcito Chapin: This is the best traditional restaurant in the town of Santa Cruz La Laguna.
- El Rincon del Sabor: This is the best place for traditional food in San Marcos La Laguna. Most of the restaurants in this town cater to vegetarians and other alternative diets so this is a great option in the town for traditional food.
- Restaurante El Mana: This is my favorite traditional restaurant in the town of Santiago and it’s located near the main dock.
Flores
- La Danta: This is such an amazing restaurant located on Flores Island. They serve traditional food and some of the recipes are unique to this part of Guatemala.
- La Casa de Enrico: They serve international food but also traditional food. I love the lake views from this restaurant!
Livingston
- Las Tres Garífunas: They serve delicious tapado and other Caribbean cuisine here.
- El Viajero: This is a restaurant chain on the Caribbean coast with locations in Río Dulce, Livingston, and Puerto Barrios. I recommend visiting all 3!
Río Dulce
- El Viajero: This is the same restaurant I recommended above. You can visit this restaurant overlooking the river. I recommend ordering the tapado here.
Cobán
- Grutas del Rey Marcos: This is an awesome place with a cave and they serve the most delicious kak’ik at their restaurant. Seriously, it’s the best kak’ik we’ve eaten in Guatemala!
- El Peñascal: This is a traditional restaurant located in the middle of the city of Cobán. It’s the perfect place to stop for lunch or breakfast on the way to or from Antigua/Guatemala City and Semuc Champey. They serve great kak’ik as well as this is where the dish is originally from in Guatemala.
What should I pack for my trip to Guatemala?
I live in Guatemala City and I’ve spent most of the past 2 years traveling all over this country. Based on this experience, I have specific recommendations for what you’ll need in general, but also what you’ll need to pack for specific destinations in Guatemala. Please find these recommendations below.
- Ear Plugs: Guatemala is one of the noisiest countries I’ve been to (and I’ve traveled to 71 countries total). There are often fireworks going off and at all hours of the day (even at midnight or 5 am). Moreover, there are many dogs barking or people playing loud music. If you are sensitive to noise like me and if you can’t sleep unless it’s quiet then it’s A MUST to bring ear plugs with you to Guatemala! The only ear plugs I’ve used that work well are the silicone ear plugs. You can click here to buy them.
- Noise cancelling headphones: Sometimes, the ear plugs are not enough for me in Guatemala. There are times when the celebrations are so loud that I need to use noise canceling headphones just to sleep. The inexpensive ones I recommend are Soundcore by Anker. You can click here to check these out.
- Motion sickness medication: If you suffer at all from motion sickness then you’ll want to bring medicine with you to Guatemala. This is because much of the driving to and from Lake Atitlan (and other places in the country) is on curved roads. Sometimes, the drivers go so fast and crazy that I’ve gotten sick on the buses and the tourist shuttles. In order to avoid this problem, I recommend packing less-drowsy motion sickness medicine. You can click here to check out the dramamine I recommend.
- High altitude medication: If you plan to hike one of the tallest volcanoes including Acatenango, Santa Maria, or Tajumulco, then you should consider that many people suffer from altitude sickness at these heights. I’ve hiked Acatenango 4 times and twice I’ve gotten very sick at the top. I usually throw up then feel better but, when I have taken altitude sickness medicine, I was able to avoid this problem. I have not been able to find this medicine in Guatemala which is why I recommend making an appointment with your doctor in the United States (or wherever you’re from) and asking them to prescribe this to you.
- Travel backpack without wheels: The reason I recommend traveling with a bag without wheels is because the sidewalks and many walkways in Guatemala in general can be very uneven. Many of the hotels do not have elevators and you’ll need to bring your bag upstairs with you. I think it’s much more convenient to travel with a bag without wheels, and you can click here to find my personal recommendation.
- Portable safe: I’ve traveled all over the world with a portable safe and the reason for this is because it keeps my valuables locked up whenever I’m swimming at a lake or the beach. It also keeps my valuables safe inside my hotel room. Oftentimes, hotels don’t have a safe or the safe inside the room doesn’t work. My favorite is the PacSafe which can be used to wrap around furniture in a hotel room or even a tree at the beach. Click here to check it out.
- Lifestraw waterbottle: In Guatemala, the water from the faucet is not safe to drink. To travel in a more eco-friendly way and in order to avoid buying lots and lots of plastic bottles of water during your trip, I recommend packing a reusable bottle with a built-in filter. I use the Life Straw bottle in Guatemala and it completely filters out any of the bad stuff and works well! You can buy this online by clicking here.
- Sunscreen: It can get very sunny in Guatemala and sunblock can be expensive here. Oftentimes it’s double or triple the price so whenever I’m in the U.S., I’ll stock up and bring it back with me. I usually buy this sunscreen for my face and this for the rest of my body.
- Insect (mosquito) repellent: Unfortunately, there is a problem with dengue fever and other mosquito-borne illnesses in Guatemala. You will absolutely need to bring insect repellent with you if you plan to visit Flores (Tikal), Rio Dulce, Semuc Champey, Livingston, El Paredón, or anywhere else along the coast and in the lowlands. There are mosquitos in the highlands as well but not as much. I recommend bringing repellent with you because it is expensive to buy it in Guatemala. You can click here for my favorite repellent with DEET. Or, if you’re allergic to DEET then you can click here for the brand my husband uses which is the only natural brand we’ve found that works well in Guatemala.
- Watershoes: If you are visiting Semuc Champey, Playa Blanca, 7 Altares (Livingston), Laguna Brava, or the water parks at IRTRA then you’re going to need to bring very sturdy (not cheap or flimsy) watershoes. The main reason you will need water shoes is because there are many sharp or slippery rocks in the water and at the water park, you’ll walk around a lot. I recommend buying high-quality shoes that will help keep your balance because you will be walking or hiking in these places and it can be very slippery. I prefer waterproof sandals and you can click here for the ones I use in Guatemala.
- Waterproof backpack: This is a must if you plan to take a boat tour in Guatemala or if you’re traveling during the rainy season. Sometimes, the boats can get water in them and my backpack ends up soaked! Also, during the rainy season it can pour down quickly and you’ll need a way to keep your camera, phone, etc. dry. The best backpack I can recommend is one that will also float on water. I’ve been traveling the world for years with this trusted backpack and you can click here to check it out.
- Portable battery: This is a must in Guatemala if you plan to do one of the overnight volcano hikes, a full-day tour, or if you’re transferring all day from one location to the next. Having a portable battery is the best way to ensure that your phone will remain charged so you can take all the photos and videos that you’ll need! You can click here to see the portable battery I use on a regular basis in Guatemala. You can also click here to check out the long-lasting portable battery I use to charge all our camera equipment on long-distance road trips and overnight volcano hikes.
What equipment do you recommend to capture and edit high-quality videos and photos from Guatemala?
Are you a travel content creator? Or do you want to become a travel content creator? If so, then it’s important to have the right equipment to capture high-quality content!
When I married my husband and decided to move to Guatemala, I started this content creation project to help others plan their trip to Guatemala. In order to do this, I knew I would need to invest in some high-quality equipment. In my opinion, it’s worth buying this equipment because having a smart phone isn’t enough for our project. Our drone, GoPro, and other equipment has really taken our content creation to the next level!
If you’ve seen the videos we’ve published on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube, then you can also publish high-quality content with these recommendations below.
- Drone: We have the DJI Mini 4 drone and in my opinion, this is our best camera. Almost every time I publish videos from our drone, we have a high number of views on our videos on all platforms. The mini 4 produces much better quality videos than the Mini 2 or 3 and it’s a better price than the larger drones. It’s much more convenient to travel with a smaller drone but the one drawback is that if the winds are high, we cannot fly it. We bought a drone package with a case, extra batteries, a special charger, storage cards, and extra propellers. It’s better to buy everything together at a cheaper price because I’ve learned the hard way (from previous drones) that it will eventually be necessary to buy these accessories anyway. The batteries only last approximately 40 minutes and we almost always use multiple batteries in one day. You can click here to check out the drone we have.
- iPhone 16 Pro Max: My husband and I have both of these phones and we capture almost all of our short form vertical videos using this. We also use our iPhones for long-form, horizontal videos to publish on our YouTube channel. Something to note is that it is much less expensive to buy the iPhone in the United States compared to Guatemala.
- iPhone gimbal: If you want to take content creation seriously then I 100% recommend buying a gimbal. This will help you add a more cinematic feel to your videos and keep your footage steady without blur. The gimbal I have is lightweight, easy to use, and I bring it with me everywhere. Click here to check it out.
- GoPro Hero 13: It is a must to have a GoPro if you want to capture videos or photos while swimming in places like Crater Azul, Semuc Champey, Punta de Manabique, etc. We also use our GoPro to capture steady videos while on an ATV, motorcycle, paragliding, etc. We love our GoPro so much that we now have two of them! Click here to check out the GoPro we recommend.
- Capcut: I constantly use this app to edit almost all my short-form vertical videos. If you want to start content creation then I 100% recommend to download this on your phone (or on your laptop as well). It’s easy to use and there are so many great features! You can click here to download it.
Do you offer group tours, customized itineraries, or trip planning services?
I do not offer group tours right now but it might be something I’ll offer in the future.
If you have a long list of questions about traveling to Guatemala, need help with a customized itinerary or personal trip planning, then you can book a travel consultation with me! Click here to review my calendar with availability and the cost for this service.
If you have just one question, you can email me at kerryinguatemala@gmail.com.
This website is new and therefore, I am continuing to add new travel guides and information every week! I hope to publish 1-2 new blog posts per week moving forward. So check back for more in the future!
Please note that some links on my site are affiliate links. This means that at no additional cost to you, I earn a small commission if you click through these links and make a booking or purchase. By using these links you’re supporting my blog so I can continue to publish content and travel recommendations for Guatemala. Something important to mention is that I only feature recommendations I believe in and use myself. Thank you!
11 Responses
Hey Kerry i am so happy to find your account.
Do u recommand to come first week of May in Guatemala ? I have to buy my ticket today and I’m still so hesitating to come The 1 st May 🥲
Your advice will be so precious
Hello! The first week of May is just the end of the dry season and the beginning of the rainy season. So it might rain when you’re here but not as much as the months with the most rain which in my experience, are usually June and September. Even when it does rain, it’s usually just for a few hours in the afternoon or sometimes only one hour. The weather is usually the best in the morning! I think it’s a good time to come. If you have any other questions then let me know!
I found your travel guide so useful Kerry. My wife and I will be traveling to Lake Atitlan next week and plan to follow your guide to visit some of the towns. Very grateful to have found it. Best of luck to you!
Thank you so much for the feedback and lovely comment. My goal is to help others plan a great trip to Guatemala with a focus on nature and cultural activities. Your feedback is really helpful as I plan to create more free guides for other places to visit in Guatemala.