Chat With Our Team
Need help picking the perfect trip or planning something special for your group?
Our travel experts are here to help!
Make an Enquiry
WHY BOOK A TRIP TO GUATEMALA
Central America boasts a cluster of vibrant destinations often overlooked by the many regions of Mexico to the north and the larger nations of South America below. There is no better example of this than Guatemala.
Once the heartland of Mayan civilisations, history has not always been kind to Guatemala. It was subject to Spanish colonial rule, and endured multiple bloody dictatorships during the 20th century. The country has many scars, but they are healing. Embrace the local people, respect their heritage and always be a conscious tourist – that’s what Culture Trip is all about.
It’s important to mention because there are so many reasons to visit Guatemala. There’s the beautiful architecture of colourful city streets, incredibly well-preserved relics of ancient civilisations, and natural beauty which abounds in the form of rainforests, volcanic lakes and coastlines on the Pacific and Caribbean.
From the cobblestone streets of Antigua, to the rumblings of Pacaya volcano and traditional Mayan ceremonies in Iximche, Guatemala has so much to offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What’s the best time of year to visit Guatemala?
November to April is the best time to visit Guatemala – this is the country’s dry season, where there’s the least amount of rainfall. Holy Week (Semana Santa) is one of the country’s biggest festivals and tourist crowds tend to drop off after this.
-
What’s the climate like in Guatemala?
Guatemala has a tropical climate that means it’s warm year-round. There are two main seasons: a dry season (November to April) and a rainy season (May to October). Temperatures tend to be around 21C to 32C (70F to 90F) throughout the year, however this can drop substantially when visiting destinations at a higher altitude.
-
What’s the currency in Guatemala?
Guatemalan quetzal
-
What language is spoken in Guatemala?
Spanish is the official language, although there are 22 different Mayan languages plus two other indigenous languages spoken as well.
-
What is the time difference in Guatemala?
The time zone used in Guatemala is Central Standard Time (UTC-6), the same as Mexico City, Louisiana and parts of Texas. It’s one hour behind New York and two hours ahead of Los Angeles.
-
Major Airports in Guatemala:
- La Aurora International Airport (GUA), Guatemala City
- Mundo Maya International Airport (FRS), Flores/Tikal
-
What are the top five places to visit in Guatemala?
- Antigua – the beautiful old capital of Guatemala with pretty colonial architecture, surrounded by volcanoes
- Lake Atitlan – a volcanic crater lake, with Mayan villages dotted along the shore
- Chichicastenango – the centre of Mayan culture, history and traditions in the Guatemalan highlands
- Tikal – an ancient Mayan city with spectacular ruins, located in the depths of the rainforest
- Guatemala City – the capital city, a blend of old and new with an underrated food scene
-
What are the top Guatemalan dishes to try?
- Pepian – a hot and hearty stew, made with vegetables, garlic, chilies and chunks of meat (typically chicken) and served with rice
- Kak’ik – this traditional Mayan dish is also called turkey leg soup, made from a tomato base
- Hilachas – shredded beef stew in a savoury tomato-based sauce
- Rellenitos – a dessert snack made from plantains and sweetened black refried beans
- Chocolate – Guatemala is the birthplace of chocolate, and one of the world’s top producers of cacao
-
Is it safe to go to Guatemala right now?
Yes, you can safely visit Guatemala as long as you take the usual travel precautions. The crime rate here is fairly high relative to Central America and, while much of this doesn’t impact tourists, you should still be wary of street crime, pickpockets and scammers. Always check up-to-date travel advice with your local government as the social and political situation here is changeable. There are also some risks of volcanic eruption and earthquakes, although signs of those are usually discovered ahead of time. Solo travel here is perfectly plausible, but we do recommend group travel with a local guide as the safest way to have a beautiful experience in Guatemala.