Being on top of the Pacific Ring of Fire grants Guatemala a landscape with volcano peaks with views of more volcano peaks as far as your eyes can see.
And that volcanic soil blesses the country with fertile lands where forests and wildlife thrive.
This was the powerful reign of the early Mayans until the Spaniards subjugated them to establish an influential colony. Both eras left behind magnificent structures that speak about their grandeur.
Unfortunately, we rarely hear about these wonders. We only hear about the -real- struggles and the migration crisis.
Yes, the country is riddled with problems and there are areas you should avoid (like most places), but with some precautions, you can enjoy the gems that make Guatemala a gem in Central America.
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Languages: Spanish and Mayan.
Currency: Guatemalan Quetzal (Q)
Capital: Guatemala City
Power outlets: type A and B; 120V/ 60Hz
Table of Contents
Best Time to Travel to Guatemala
There are two main seasons in Guatemala: the rainy season and the dry season.
You’ll start seeing the first showers in August, reaching a peak in September and October, with showers normally happening in the afternoon. It may rain all day in September so plan your outdoor activities in the morning.
As you can imagine, this isn’t the best time to visit the rainforest in Tikal. It’s also when you’ll find the lowest prices and the lowest occupancy in hotels.
The dry season starts in November and lasts until July.
The highest occupancy (and prices) happen in December (with big Christmas celebrations) and Easter. Easter is a huge and colourful party in Guatemala worth seeing, with processions and large “rugs” covering the streets made out of flowers and dyed sawdust.
If you would like to experience it, book well in advance, expect tons of people and be ready to pay top prices.
Top Things to Do in Guatemala
Visit the Alta Verapaz Region in North-Central Guatemala.
It’s a nature lovers’ paradise with cloud forests, cenotes (freshwater sinkholes), abundant wildlife, more than 800 orchid varieties, and many opportunities to enjoy outdoor adventures.
You can do rafting in the Cahabón River, the same river that joins forces with mountain springs to feed the waterfalls in the tropical rainforest of Semuc Champey Natural Monument. In between the falls, the water slows down to rest on seven natural pools. The place offers excellent opportunities for birdwatching, with more than 100 bird species registered so far.
Explore caves and grottos such as the Grutas de Lanquín, where early Mayans performed sacred ceremonies and where you can see thousands of bats flying in and out.
Antigua and Lake Atitlán: the Gems of the South-Central Region
Antigua has one of the best preserved examples of architecture from the colonial era, with breathtaking views of mountains and volcanoes.
Stay several days here and explore the surrounding towns of Antigua and even climb an active volcano where you can roast marshmallows on the lava.
You’ll also find Lake Atitlán, one of the most beautiful lakes in the world from where you can admire majestic mountains and more volcanoes.
Have a visual feast with colourful textiles, pottery and local handicrafts.
See the Mayan Ruins of Tikal in North-east Guatemala
One of Guatemala’s highlights is the Mayan ruins of Tikal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with structures going as far as the 4th century B.C. There are some notable pyramids, with thousands still waiting to be uncovered.
Most people think of Mexico when they hear about the Mayan civilization, but actually Guatemala is the country with the highest number of Mayan archaeological sites and where you can see constructions from all periods.
More than 50% of Guatemalans are direct descendants of the Mayans and speak more than 20 Mayan languages.
Getting Around Guatemala
The Mighty “Chicken Bus”
“Why do you call it “chicken bus”?” I asked.
“I don’t know! The tourists started calling it like that. We call it “camión””, the local guy said.
I’m talking about school buses that you can hear from a distance thanks to the loud music, with more colours than a Christmas tree, and overflowing with people. It’s the cheapest and the most “local” way to travel, but not a good option for long distances.
Beyond being uncomfortable (especially if you’re tall), it can be downright scary as the drivers hit the gas as if they would be running away from a ghost.
Once I rode a chicken bus with a TV at the front and the driver was more focused on the screen than on the road. I’m kidding you not.
I only used the chicken bus for shorter trips (around one hour tops). You pay in cash when the attendant walks around collecting the fee.
The Other Buses
For a safer and more comfortable ride, you can opt for “first class” buses equipped with AC, reclining seats, and more conscious drivers.
Shuttles
In major town centres (like Antigua) you’ll see established tour agencies with signs advertising shuttles to all the popular destinations. It’s a safer (and faster) way to travel around the country, with a smaller group, and with safer drivers.
By Car
If you can handle the crazy drivers that think road rules don’t apply to them (wait, what rules?), and the potholes, it gives you total freedom.
Always lock the vehicle, don’t leave any valuables, and get insurance,
By Plane
The only other airport in Guatemala other than the one in Guatemala City is the Mundo Maya International Airport in Tikal. It’s the fastest way to get there and explore the area.
Blog Posts About Guatemala
Best Booking Resources
These are the go-to resources we use all the time to find where to stay, book flights, and get travel insurance
- Agoda: we’ve found great deals in apartments, guesthouses, and boutique hotels through this site.
- Airbnb: rent a whole house or a room directly from the homeowner through Airbnb. We’ve used it to book apartments and private rooms.
- Booking.com: you’ll find any type of property you can think of in their massive listing, with one of the most comprehensive filters. We’ve found great deals on boutique hotels and apartments.
- Great Escape: it combines the listings from Expedia, Kiwi, Kayak, and Skyscanner (on the premium service) to find the best airfares.
- Hotwire: the first site I check when we plan to stay at a hotel for a few nights. You can save anything from 20% to 60%. Use the search filter to find what you want and you’ll end up with three listings that match your criteria. You’ll know which one you’ll get after you book. If you can handle a little bit of uncertainty you can score big savings.
- House Sitting: you take care of people’s pets and house for free while staying for free. It’s the closest thing to experiencing a place “like a local”. But it comes with responsibilities. Are you an animal lover? You may want to give it a try.
- Momondo: we check Momondo to find great deals to book our flights.
- SafetyWing: travel medical insurance gives us peace of mind knowing that we’re covered in case of emergency. It’s convenient, affordable, and great for digital nomads who spend a long time outside their home country.
Check my Resource Page to learn about the brands I use and trust during my travels and how they can save you time and money. More sightseeing and more cocktails for you!