Guatemala travel guide
Guatemala is a compact country with an outsized sense of the past. In one trip you can watch dawn break over the temples of Tikal rising from the jungle, cross the volcano-ringed waters of Lake Atitlán by boat, haggle in the K'iche' Maya market of Chichicastenango and swim in the turquoise pools of Semuc Champey. Maya culture is a living presence, not just a set of ruins. The highlands hold much of the appeal. Quetzaltenango, known as Xela, is the hub for volcano hikes and Spanish study, while Panajachel is the entry point to the lake. The north brings the island town of Flores, the base for the great Maya sites of the Petén, and the capital, Guatemala City, is the main gateway. The dry season from November to April is the most comfortable time to travel. Guatemala suits culture-minded travellers, hikers and anyone keen on textiles and food, and you can plan your itinerary city by city with Zippy Trips.
Capital: Guatemala City.
Before you go to Guatemala
- Currency
- GTQ Q
- Emergency number
- 110
- Plug type
- Type A, B
- Tap water
- Drink bottled water
- Tipping
- Optional
- Bargaining
- Common
- eSIM
- Available
- Card networks
- Visa, Mastercard (accepted at fewer ATMs than Visa)
- ATM fees
- Around GTQ 20-30 per withdrawal plus your home-bank fee; per-transaction cap is usually GTQ 2,000 (about USD 260)
Cities in Guatemala
- Antigua Guatemala UNESCO World Heritage colonial city ringed by volcanoes, famed for cobblestone streets, the Santa Catalina Arch, baroque church ruins and…
- Panajachel Main gateway town on Lake Atitlán, a volcano-ringed crater lake. Base for boat-hopping to Maya villages such as San Juan, San Pedro and…
- Flores Island town on Lake Petén Itzá in the northern Petén jungle; the base for visiting the great Maya city of Tikal and Yaxhá.
- Guatemala City Guatemala's capital and largest city; gateway hub with the National Palace, colonial Centro Histórico (Zona 1) and the upscale dining and…
- Quetzaltenango Guatemala's second city, known locally as Xela; a highland hub for Spanish schools, volcano hikes and access to K'iche' Maya market towns.
- Lanquín Small highland town in Alta Verapaz, the base for the turquoise limestone pools of Semuc Champey and the Lanquín caves.
- Chichicastenango K'iche' Maya town in Quiché famous for its huge twice-weekly market and the syncretic Santo Tomás church.
Frequently asked questions about Guatemala
- What currency is used in Guatemala?
- The currency in Guatemala is the Guatemalan Quetzal (Q). Q1 is about ₹12.
- Can I use cards and ATMs in Guatemala?
- Accepted card networks: Visa, Mastercard (accepted at fewer ATMs than Visa). Decline dynamic currency conversion at ATMs and card machines.
- Should I tip in Guatemala?
- Tipping in Guatemala: optional. Tipping ~10% expected at restaurants (check if propina is already included); small tips for guides and drivers appreciated.
- Is tap water safe to drink in Guatemala?
- Drink bottled water.
- What plug type does Guatemala use?
- Guatemala uses Type A, B plugs.
- What is the emergency number in Guatemala?
- Emergency: 110. Police: 110. Ambulance: 123. Tourist helpline: 1500 (PROATUR tourist assistance).
- Can I get a SIM or eSIM in Guatemala?
- SIM and eSIM available in Guatemala.
- What is the capital of Guatemala?
- The capital of Guatemala is Guatemala City. Time there: IST - 11 h 30 min.