Things To Do
in Guatemala
Guatemala is a vibrant Central American country known for its rich Mayan history, stunning landscapes ranging from lush rainforests to imposing volcanoes, and the colorful colonial city of Antigua, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its diverse culture is a blend of Spanish and Indigenous Mayan influences, mirrored in its textiles, traditional dishes, and festivals.
With its array of natural attractions, Guatemala presents a unique blend of natural beauty, historical wealth, and cultural vibrancy, making it a compelling destination for travelers and scholars alike.
- "Buenos días" - Good morning
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "Por favor" - Please
- "¿Cómo estás?" - How are you?
- "Hasta luego" - See you later
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $10 - $100
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $20
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.25 - $1
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $60
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $20 - $50
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day by walking through the cobblestone streets of Antigua, visiting landmarks like the Santa Catalina Arch. Enjoy breakfast at a local café, sampling traditional Guatemalan dishes.
Visit the Museo Colonial for insights into the city’s history, followed by a leisurely lunch at a restaurant with a view of the volcano. Stroll through the local artisan markets, picking up handmade crafts.
Dine at a rooftop restaurant to savor the sunset over the captivating landscape. End your day by experiencing the vibrant night scene at local bars or cultural venues.
Depart early for Lake Atitlán and take in the stunning views on the way. Enjoy a hearty breakfast in Panajachel, a charming town on the lake's edge.
Take a boat tour to visit the indigenous villages of San Juan and Santiago. Engage with the local culture and have lunch with breathtaking lake views.
Return to Panajachel to relax and enjoy a cozy dinner by the lakeside. Spend the evening walking along the waterfront and soaking in the tranquil atmosphere.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage with Mayan history and traditions.
- Stunning natural landscapes, including volcanoes, lakes, and rainforests.
- Affordable cost of living compared to many Western countries.
- Growing tourism industry, providing opportunities for economic development.
- Warm and friendly locals, known for their hospitality.
- High levels of poverty and inequality.
- Issues with crime and safety in some areas.
- Limited access to quality healthcare and education.
- Political instability and corruption.
- Environmental challenges, including deforestation and pollution.
Best Activities in Guatemala
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the ancient Mayan ruins while surrounded by lush jungle and diverse wildlife.
Experience a challenging yet rewarding hike to the summit, offering stunning views of the neighboring Fuego Volcano and surrounding landscapes.
Engage in activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming in the picturesque Lake Atitlan, surrounded by volcanoes and indigenous villages.
Tours
Uncover the best of Guatemala with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Guatemala
Visit one of these nice places.
Ancient Mayan ruins surrounded by jungle, offering stunning views of the archaeological site.
A picturesque lake surrounded by numerous volcanoes, providing breathtaking views and photo opportunities.
Natural limestone pools and cascading waterfalls set amid lush jungle, offering stunning vistas and photo opportunities.
Cobbled streets, colorful colonial buildings, and the iconic Arco de Santa Catalina provide picturesque views and photo opportunities.
Food in Guatemala
Guatemala Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A hearty stew made with meat, vegetables, and a distinct red sauce, often served with rice. Try it at La Fonda de la Calle Real in Antigua.
Must-Try!
A traditional Mayan turkey stew with achiote and spices, best enjoyed at Frida's in Lake Atitlán.
A sweet plantain dessert stuffed with black beans and served with a sprinkle of sugar, available at street food stalls across Guatemala.
Steamed pockets of corn dough filled with flavorful meats or vegetables. Look for them at Mercado Central in Guatemala City.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Guatemala better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A vibrant market offering a variety of local street food including pupusas, tostadas, and freshly squeezed juices.
Explore this bustling market for authentic street food such as elotes (grilled corn on the cob) and traditional tamales.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Guatemala, it is important to show respect for elders by using formal titles and showing deference in speech and behavior.
Greetings are an important part of Guatemalan culture. It is customary to greet people with a handshake and maintain eye contact while speaking.
When visiting Guatemala, it is important to dress modestly and avoid wearing revealing clothing as a sign of respect for the conservative culture.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Guatemala with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Guatemala
Ensure a smooth experience
In Guatemala, tipping is not obligatory but is appreciated. A standard tip of 10% may be added to the bill at restaurants, but additional tipping for exceptional service is at the discretion of the customer.
Cash is the most commonly used form of payment in Guatemala, especially in rural areas. Credit and debit cards are also accepted in many establishments, particularly in urban areas and tourist destinations. It's advisable to carry cash when traveling outside of major cities.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Guatemala.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit with warm, sunny weather and ideal for outdoor activities. May experience higher tourist numbers and prices.
Expect frequent rainfall, lush green landscapes, and fewer tourists. Some areas may become inaccessible due to heavy rain.
Guatemala at Night
Hiking in Guatemala
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
An active volcano located just south of Guatemala City, popular for its relatively accessible hiking trails and breathtaking views.
A UNESCO World Heritage site featuring ancient Mayan ruins surrounded by lush jungle, with several hiking paths throughout the park.
Scenic hiking trails around Lake Atitlán, offering stunning views of the lake and surrounding volcanoes, as well as the chance to explore local villages.
Located in the Verapaces region, this area offers rich biodiversity, unique flora and fauna, and several nature trails for hiking.
Famous for its challenging hike, Acatenango offers panoramic views of the neighboring Fuego volcano and is ideal for experienced hikers.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Guatemala through these rare and unique activities.
Airports
How to reach Guatemala by plane.
The main international airport serving Guatemala City, Guatemala.
Located in San Luis Talpa, El Salvador, this is one of the closest major international airports to Guatemala.
An airport located in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, it serves as an alternative for international travel from Guatemala.
A major airport in Panama City, Panama, providing extensive international connections.
Located in Cancún, Mexico, this airport serves as a popular destination for international travelers.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest ethnic group in Guatemala, comprising various subgroups such as the K'iche', Kaqchikel, and Q'eqchi', making up about 40% of the population.
A significant demographic group resulting from the mixing of Indigenous and European ancestry, constituting approximately 60% of the population.
A unique Afro-Indigenous community primarily located along the Caribbean coast, recognized for its distinct culture and language.
An Indigenous group from southeastern Guatemala, whose population is small and includes fewer than 10,000 speakers of the Xinca language.
Comprising a small percentage of the population, including descendants of Spaniards and other Europeans settled in Guatemala.
The Soul of Guatemala
Discover the essence of Guatemala through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is the most popular sport in Guatemala, with a passionate following and several professional clubs competing in the Liga Nacional.
Volleyball is widely played in schools and local communities, with both indoor and beach variations being popular.
Basketball is growing in popularity, especially among younger generations, with various local league competitions.
Baseball enjoys a following in Guatemala, especially in certain regions, and is popular at the amateur level.
Rugby is emerging in Guatemala with growing clubs and participation from schools and universities.
Cycling, both as a sport and a means of transportation, is popular in Guatemala, with events and challenges taking place regularly.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While meat is prominent in Guatemalan cuisine, most places offer delicious vegetarian options such as chiles rellenos (stuffed peppers) and vegetable tamales.
Finding vegan options is feasible, with plant-based staples like rice, beans, and fresh fruits and vegetables readily available. Look for bean and avocado tamales and vegetable soups.
Many traditional Guatemalan dishes are naturally gluten-free, including rice and beans, tamales made with corn dough, and fresh fruit snacks. Always check with the vendor or restaurant for specific dietary needs.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Guatemala with these cultural adventures.
Healthcare
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Guatemala.