Essential Guatemala Travel Tips | Know Before You Go

I went to Guatemala on a solo trip last November and absolutely fell in love with the country. I seriously can’t wait to go back. If you’re on the fence and asking yourself “is Guatemala really worth visiting?”,  hop down from that fence and book your plane ticket. I am confident you’re going to love this vibrant, welcoming country as much as I did. And I’m here to make your life easier with all of the Guatemala travel tips you need to make trip planning easy. 

While I think it’s worth reading through this post in its entirety, feel free to use the table of contents below to jump around.

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But first, a note about my travel style

I don’t want to waste your time. I think it’s extremely important that you only listen to travel advice from someone you trust and whose travel style aligns with yours. So let’s briefly talk about my travel style and what you can expect from this post (and any post on this blog). 

It’s all about an elevated adventure

Everyone has a different travel style and different priorities when they’re on the road. Me? I’m all about an elevated adventure. I write about lesser explored destinations (or how to explore a popular destination a bit differently), vegetarian-friendly foodie experiences, boutique hotels, and the delights of slow travel.

This means I don’t advocate jam packing your itinerary and trying to see everything in one trip. I like to treat each trip like I’m going to come back someday (even if I don’t actually have any plans on returning) and that way I can just simply enjoy everything without rushing. 

I also am not a budget traveler. I save where it makes sense and I spend my money and splurge when it is aligned for me, for example, a food tour run by a local (one of my favorite things to do when I travel!). Be sure you’re thinking outside of just budget travel or luxury travel as those are two extremes. People generally fall somewhere in the middle. I hope you resonate with this, and if so, keep reading for my Guatemala travel tips!

What language is spoken in Guatemala?

The official language of Guatemala is Spanish. There are also 22 Mayan languages spoken by the Indigenous people.

Guatemala is known for attracting visitors who are interested in learning Spanish because the Spanish spoken here is a lot easier to understand for foreigners than some of the other countries in Latin America (looking at you Argentina and Chile).

So if you’re looking to take some Spanish lessons while you’re traveling to Guatemala, there are plenty of options all around the country. If not, I highly encourage you to at least learn a few Spanish phrases and don’t be shy to practice with the locals.

Don’t speak a lick of Spanish? You’ll find English speakers in most of the popular tourist areas (like Antigua and Lake Atitlán). You will likely find both English and Spanish hard to come by in the more remote areas (though you also aren’t likely to travel to these spots). 

How many days do you need to visit Guatemala?

I traveled to Guatemala for 10 days and I think this was great for my first trip (of course, I would have loved to have stayed much longer). Over these 10 days I visited Antigua and Lake Atitlán and I didn’t feel too rushed. Although I could have easily spent more time in both locations, especially in Lake Atitlán which is massive. 

When thinking about how many days you need to visit Guatemala, think about what all you want to see and how easy it is to get between locations so you can factor in what days will be travel days. I never recommend less than 3 nights somewhere as it will feel very rushed. 

When is the best time to visit Guatemala?

There are really just two seasons in Guatemala: the dry season and the rainy season which can feature very heavy rain. The best time to visit is, of course, in the dry season which lasts from November – April. I went in November and it was a great time to visit. November is also considered shoulder season so it wasn’t as crowded and packed as the middle of dry season. 

Another factor to take into consideration is any local holidays, especially if you want to really embrace Guatemalan culture. Semana Santa (Holy Week), for example, is a religious observance that takes place the week leading up to Easter. You’ll get to witness religious processions as well as try local dishes that are specifically made for this week. Remember, if you do visit during Holy Week or any other local holiday to be respectful of the local traditions and customs and keep in mind that some businesses may be closed. 

How to get to Guatemala

If you’re flying into Guatemala, you are most likely going to land in La Aurora International Airport (GUA) located in the capital city of Guatemala, Guatemala City. There is another international airport however, GUA is the largest and easiest to get to. I opted to arrive earlier in the morning because I was traveling solo and I much prefer not arriving in a new country late at night. I also did not spend any time in Guatemala City and instead headed straight to Antigua. 

Where should you go in Guatemala?

I highly recommend traveling to Antigua and Lake Atitlán, especially if it’s your first time in Guatemala. They are both such different yet incredible areas of Guatemala and I think they provide a beautiful introduction to this wonderful country, especially if you’re a little tight on time (ex. You only have 10 days). 

Another reason I chose these two spots is the convenience of traveling between them. Guatemala City to Antigua is about 45 minutes to an hour and it takes about 2 hours to get from Antigua to Lake Atitlán.

Antigua

Vibrant, multi-colored buildings with cobblestoned streets, Antigua is a city you’ll fall in love with instantly. It’s got incredible rooftops, patios, and so much more! While there’s a ton to do, it’s also a great place to just sit and reflect. Antigua is also a foodie heaven, especially vegan and vegetarian foodies because there are so many options! If you’re wondering where to eat and the best things to do in Antigua and the surrounding areas, check out my guide.

Be sure to also check out the nearby active volcanoes, Pacaya (easy day trip from Antigua)) and/or Acatenango (overnight hike) and do one of the volcano hikes. 

Lake Atitlán

Lake Atitlán is a massive lake (about 50 sq miles) and there are 11 small villages around the lake, each with its own unique vibe and charm.

Lake Atitlán is hands down the most beautiful lake I’ve been to. More than just the spectacular views of the vast lake and the natural beauty, the big draw is the energy and the sense of tranquility. It’s the perfect place to take a pause, reflect and just live in the present moment. How many times can we truly say that we do that?

You’ll find a laid back and relaxed vibe in all of the small towns dotting the shores of the lake. On one of the days that I was there I spent the entire day reading in a hammock overlooking the water. It was seriously blissful. 

Should you go anywhere else?

There is, of course, more to see and do in Guatemala than just these two places and I definitely plan on checking out more of Guatemala on my second trip.

When thinking of adding another destination to your trip, think about how much time you have. I think a lot of people don’t take into account how they’re going to get from place to place and how long it can take them.

For example, Semuc Champey is one of the most popular tourist areas in Guatemala however, I opted not to visit for two reasons. For one, it seemed a little overrated to me and secondly, it’s a pain in the ass to get to. It is 8 hours from Antigua by car/bus. I may add it to a future trip but it didn’t make sense for this trip. When you only have limited time in a country, you have to consider if it’s worth traveling to somewhere this far. Remember, you’re never going to see everything in one trip.

How to get around Guatemala

I used both private and public shuttle buses through a company called GuateGo from Guatemala City to Antigua and then again from Antigua to Lake Atitlán. I think this was the best way to get around. They were super reliable and communicative via WhatsApp and I can highly recommend them. 

Antigua

In Antigua, I got everywhere on foot since it’s so compact. If you need to travel a bit outside of Antigua, Uber is also an option. Just be sure you have reliable service to call one back to Antigua.

Lake Atitlán

In Lake Atitlán I used lanchas (water taxis) to get to the various towns around the lake. Once you get to a town, you can either walk around or use a tuk tuk to get to where you’re headed.

Just like in any country, the cheapest way to get around is going to be through public transportation. In Guatemala these are known as the chicken buses. While I am a fan of public transportation and seeing how locals travel, I did not take the chicken buses in Guatemala for three reasons: reliability, convenience, and safety. I much preferred being able to rely on GuateGo than taking my chances with the chicken buses, especially as a solo traveler. 

Be sure to plan for extra time when traveling

On the morning of my flight back to the USA, I arranged a private transportation from Lake Atitlan to Guatemala City. I left with plenty of time to spare with the 3 hour drive plus being at the airport early. Even with that planning, it almost wasn’t enough time as there was a protest due to the high gas prices and lots of roads were shut down.

We got lucky in that we got to some of the back roads before the rest of the cars but we could have been stuck for quite awhile. If you need to catch a flight out or have something else that is time sensitive just be sure you plan extra time. 

Lesson learned

By the way, I think next time I would get to Antigua the night before my flight and then take the shuttle from there as it’s a shorter distance than going from Lake Atitlan to Guatemala City (1 hour vs 3 hours). This just leaves less room for error. 

What to pack for your trip to Guatemala

I am usually great at packing however, I didn’t do the best job when it came to packing for Guatemala. I assumed it would be much warmer than it actually was and I definitely lacked some layers. In general, it was warmer during the day and cooler (almost cold) temperatures at night meaning layers were a must. Luckily, I learned from my packing mistakes and created a whole packing list for you here.

Money in Guatemala

Local Currency

The local currency in Guatemala is the Guatemalan Quetzal. At the time of writing this 1 USD is approximately 7.8 GTQ. 

Are credit cards accepted?

In Antigua and Lake Atitlán I didn’t have any issues paying with credit cards in most of the restaurants that I went to. That being said, you definitely need cash for street food vendors, smaller restaurants cafes, and public transportation such as the lanchas (small boats) and tuk tuks in Lake Atitlán. 

How to get cash

I don’t recommend exchanging cash at the airport because it is not usually in your favor and you will lose money with the exchange rate and fees. That being said, of course if you need cash right away, this is always an option.

When I travel I prefer to use my Charles Schwab debit card to get cash because it reimburses me for ATM fees all over the world so I don’t have to worry about losing money paying fees. If you don’t have a Charles Schwab debit card, that’s okay. Just keep in mind you will likely pay two fees at the ATM – the ATM fee itself and whatever fee your bank charges you.

Quick pro tip, never accept the exchange rate the ATM displays you. Simply hit “decline the conversion” and then it’ll default to your bank’s conversion rate which is wayyy more in your favor. Don’t worry if you’re just now learning this, I’ve made this mistake plenty of times too.

Ease of finding ATMs

I had no problems finding ATMs in both Antigua and Lake Atitlán. I’m sure there are ATMs in the airport as well. Again, just remember, that different ATMs will charge you different fees (unless you have the Charles Shwab debit card or some other non fee card). 

Keeping cash on you

Remember not to keep all your cash on you at once and if you can, keep smaller bills to make it easier to pay for public toilets, public transportation, street food, etc

Is Guatemala safe?

When I told people that I was traveling solo to Guatemala I got a lot of eyebrow raises and a few people told me not to go. I am sure you will get the same type of reaction but here’s the best piece of advice I will ever give you: Don’t listen to someone who has never traveled to the country you’re traveling to. Also, don’t listen to someone who isn’t living a life that resonates with you. Okay, so that’s two pieces of advice technically but they both are important here.

Don’t listen to people who haven’t been to Guatemala

The people who have the strongest opinions that South America, Central America, etc aren’t safe are the same people who have never been there.  They’re the ones clutching their pearls and saying “oh my, you want to go where?”. Please only take advice from travelers who have actually been where you’re going and travelers who match your travel style/experience. A lot of these opinions are based on antiquated views of the region and incomplete information. 

And when I tell you not to listen to someone who isn’t living a life that resonates with you, what I mean by that is would you want to trade places with the person giving you advice? If the answer is no, don’t listen to them. Simple as that. 

So is it safe to travel to Guatemala?

Okay, so now I’ll answer your question. I think safety and how safe you feel is subjective, based on your personal circumstances, and your level of comfort with traveling and of course, what parts of a country you’re traveling to.

Yes, Guatemala is far from crime free and has both petty theft and more severe crime. That being said, I felt safe in both Antigua and Lake Atitlán which are the two most popular travel destinations in Guatemala. The locals are very welcoming, there are lots of other travelers, and the areas you’re traveling to are fairly compact so it’s easy to get around.

Just like anywhere you travel to, there are parts that are less safe but those are likely not the parts you’d be going to as a traveler anyways. And of course, it’s important to exercise normal caution and common sense, just as I recommend you do on any trip. 

Safety tips (especially if you’re traveling solo):

1. Set a time to check in with a loved one every day
2. Don’t walk alone very late at night. As long as there are people around, you’re fine but I wouldn’t walk around alone at 3 am, for example
3. If you’re not sure somewhere is a safe area to walk around, double check with your hotel. They are likely local to the area and can tell you if it’s safe or not
4. Keep an eye on your valuables and don’t draw unnecessary attention to yourself (this is what I recommend no matter where you’re traveling!)
5. Don’t ever hike alone. There have been safety incidents on some of the hikes in Lake Atitlán. Please do any of the volcano hikes with a guided tour as well. The photo below was taken by another traveler in the tour I joined.

What to eat in Guatemala

Of course, I had to include a section on what to eat in Guatemala. Food is such an integral (and tasty) part of experiencing a local culture and it’s hands down my favorite part about traveling. I love trying new dishes and tasting flavor combinations I never would have expected. I could go on and on.

Pepian, Guatemala’s national dish. 

It is a hearty stew that is generally made with meat although you can find a vegetarian version. 

Smoothies (licuados) and fruit juices

Unlike the US where smoothies and fresh juices are so expensive, you can find them in Guatemala for a fraction of the price and they’re incredible. I got a juice or smoothie every day on my trip.

A delicious typical breakfast

This normally consists of eggs, black beans, corn tortillas, cheese, fried plantains, and avocado. The hotels I stayed at all included some variation of this type of breakfast.

Coffee!

If you don’t like coffee I’m not sure we can be friends. Just kidding! (I’m not, actually. I’m very serious). I’m a huge coffee drinker and I couldn’t get enough of the delicious coffee in Guatemala. I even toured a coffee farm near Antigua. 

Is Guatemala vegan and vegetarian friendly?

This is actually one of the reasons I opted to visit Guatemala in the first place! As a vegetarian who is also a foodie, there are certain destinations that miss the mark for me. I believe food is a great way to experience culture and if I can’t eat the food, well I’m missing out on a lot!

Luckily, there are plenty of vegan and vegetarian options in both Antigua and Lake Atitlán. I never had any issues with finding good food! While you’ll find that most of the options are more international dishes, you’ll also find local Guatemalan dishes that are vegetarian. 

Tipping in Guatemala

Tipping is not customary in Guatemala. A lot of restaurants may add a mandatory service charge to your bill (usually 10%) but you are not required to tip beyond that. If you do want to tip, it is normally considered polite to round up your bill to the next US dollar (basically to the next tenth quetzal). Of course, if you want to tip more, by all means do so!

Can you drink the water in Guatemala?

No, the tap water in Guatemala is not safe to drink. Unlike a lot of other countries, where your only option is to keep buying bottled water, I was pleasantly surprised that most of the restaurants and the hotels I stayed at had free clean, safe drinking water. I was able to refill my reusable water bottle at the water cooler at my hotel before heading out for the day. This may not be the case in all of Guatemala so be prepared to buy bottled water. 

Cell phone service

I think it’s extremely important to have cell phone coverage whenever you travel, especially if you’re traveling solo. It’s helpful to be able to make local calls, call your loved ones and family members, etc. I have T-Mobile so I have international coverage. If you don’t have a cell phone provider that allows you to use your phone internationally, you can also look into physical sim cards  or an eSim.

Do you need a converter or adapter for your electronics?

The good news is, if you are traveling from the United States, you won’t need a converter or adapter as the plug is the same. If you’re traveling from a different country, Guatemala uses 110 volt, 60 cycle electricity. Plugs are typically the 2 pronged flat type. 

Bottom line

Guatemala is such an incredible country with so much to offer. I can’t wait to go back and explore more of this beautiful country. I hope you found these Guatemala travel tips helpful! If you have any questions, please feel free to comment and ask! I’d love to make sure you have a wonderful trip. 

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