Guatemala is not very popular with tourists due to the unfavorable crime situation. However, those who dare to visit there bring back unforgettable impressions from the country. In Guatemala, you can visit two coasts at once, climb volcanoes, swim in thermal springs and mountain lakes.
The country has preserved many Mayan sites that can be viewed in a calm environment without the crowds that besiege similar complexes in Mexico. Guatemala has been actively developing its tourism infrastructure in recent years and is concerned about the safety of travelers. The country is unlikely to be suitable for a family vacation, but will be of interest to active tourists who are passionate about history and nature.
The main thing about the country
- The average tourist spends one day in Guatemala for 62 USD. Travelers usually spend 22 USD on food and 5 USD on local transportation. A hotel room for a couple costs an average of 70 USD. This does not include the cost of a flight, guide services, or excursions.
- The Republic of Guatemala is located in Central America and shares borders with El Salvador, Honduras, Belize and Mexico. The country is washed by the Caribbean Sea to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the south. The capital is Guatemala City.
- In Guatemala, they speak pure Spanish, which attracts foreign students to local language schools. In addition, the natives communicate in Mayan languages, of which there are officially more than 20 varieties. Hotel service personnel and employees of tourist facilities speak English.
- More than half of the country’s territory is occupied by the Cordillera. There are more than three dozen volcanoes in the country, most of which are sound asleep. Three are dangerous: Agua, Pacaya and Santa Maria. The greatest damage during eruptions is caused not by lava flows, but by earthquakes. More than 80% of the country’s area is occupied by forests with rare tree species. The largest lake is Atitlan.
- The climate in the country is tropical. On the plain and on the coast, the average annual air temperature is from +23 to +27 °C, in the foothills it is cooler – from +15 to +20 °C. There is no sharp change of seasons. Winter lasts from May to October and differs from summer only in frequent precipitation, fog and cold nights – in the mountains the thermometer drops to 0 °C and below.
- Approximately 60% of the population are Catholics, about 20% of residents are Protestants. The descendants of the indigenous Indians have a widespread belief in the Mayan gods.
- Guatemalans are open and welcoming people and are happy to tell travelers about the history and culture of their country.
When to go
The best time to travel is from November to May. These months have comfortable weather and almost no precipitation. A sweater or cape for cool evenings will come in handy, otherwise a regular summer wardrobe will do. If you plan to climb volcanoes, take mountain boots, thermal underwear, a warm windproof jacket. A hat and gloves will come in handy, as the wind is piercing in the mountains. Sunglasses and cream with a high SPF level are a must. Sunscreen will come in handy for the beach and hiking. Excursions often start at midday, when the sun is at its zenith and most active.
Currency
The country’s currency is the quetzal (GTQ). 1 quetzal = 100 centavos. It is best to carry US dollars with you and exchange currency at bank branches. In large cities, you can withdraw cash from ATMs. Credit cards are accepted even in small retail outlets. Cash may be needed at markets, when paying in a taxi or when traveling to remote villages. Payments in US dollars are common.
Prices
The cost of lunch in a mid-range restaurant is 38 USD. In the market and in inexpensive cafes you can eat for a third of this amount. For a cup of espresso you will pay 1.6 USD, for a bottle of water – 0.72 USD. The price of a ticket on public transport is 0.25 USD, a taxi ride will cost 1.7 USD per kilometer. A night’s stay in a double room in a good hotel costs 70-90 USD. Young travelers prefer to stay in budget hostels, where they charge only 15 USD per night.
* all prices are for May 2022
Beaches
Guatemala attracts tourists primarily with its historical attractions. There are plenty of beaches on the coast, but their infrastructure is far from ideal. The best are considered to be:
- Punta de Palma, located in the town of Puerto Barrios. The Caribbean coast here is covered with white sand, the descent into the water is gentle. A palm grove adjoins the beach, and nearby there is a nature reserve with a beautiful lagoon and small waterfalls Las Escobas;
- Monterrico is located on the Pacific coast in the resort of the same name. The beach is interesting for surfers and lovers of wild nature. Sea turtles nest here, laying eggs in the black volcanic sand. Swimming can be difficult in windy weather due to high waves;
- Playa Blanca in Livingston is a favorite among water sports enthusiasts. Here you can rent or even buy a small yacht to sail the Caribbean. Visitors to the resort combine a beach holiday with excursions to ancient Mayan cities.
Resorts
One of the most popular resorts in Guatemala is Antigua. Near the city is Lake Atitlan, on the banks of which you will find modern hotels. Staying at the resort gives you the opportunity to get acquainted with the life of the local population and relax in comfort. Vacationers can go diving, fishing, and visit Creole restaurants.
Puerto San Jose on the Pacific coast is popular with locals, so it is always crowded, and European tourists are a target for pickpockets.
In the village of Iztapa you can rent a villa or stay in a good hotel. Surfers come here, for whom there is a school. In this place, a river flows into the ocean, so there are always high waves.
In El Gariton there is a complex Los Cabos Monterrico, where tourists are offered to rent villas. The territory has good infrastructure, there is a swimming pool, a large garden and recreation areas. The houses are designed for groups of tourists of 5-6 people.
Attractions
In the capital of Guatemala, the most visited tourist sites are the National Museum of History and Ethnography, the Museum of the History of Fine Arts and the Metropolitan Cathedral. On the outskirts of the city are the ruins of Kaminaljuyu, one of the centers of the Mayan civilization. The remains of the surviving buildings have suffered greatly from urban development.
The archaeological area of Piedras Negras is much better preserved. The city was once the capital of the kingdom of Yokib and was surrounded by Mayan settlements. Here you can see several palaces and temples, stadiums for playing ball, steles and panels with images carved on them.
The Indian cultural monument of Uaxactun is interesting for its well-preserved wall paintings, and in the mountain complex of Saculeu a small museum is open for tourists.
El Mirador is the largest Mayan metropolis discovered in Guatemala. It contains pyramid complexes and a Central Acropolis, the walls of which are covered with Indian paintings and bas-reliefs.
Entertainment
Antigua is the largest entertainment center for tourists. The city is an hour’s drive from the capital. Small colorful houses immerse travelers in the atmosphere of Guatemalan culture. Cooking master classes are held here, and in the evenings you can learn to dance salsa for free or listen to live music.
From Antigua, two-day hiking trips to the volcanoes Pacaya and Acatenango start . In the surrounding caves, you can witness the mystical communication of the Mayan Indians with spirits and undergo a ritual of purification and protection.
The small town of Flores is located on a small island and attracts tourists with the opportunity to visit the Tikal National Park . There is a kayak rental center here. By boat, you can completely circle the island and admire the views of the city from the water.
Semuc Champey Natural Park is a great choice for ecotourists looking to escape civilization. It features picturesque waterfalls and natural pools with warm, clear water for swimming. The park is surrounded by hotels and campsites to suit all budgets.
Kitchen
Guatemalan cuisine is a symbiosis of Mayan traditions and Spanish culinary preferences. The key ingredients of the dishes are corn, chili peppers and beans. Meat dishes are prepared mainly from chicken. For breakfast, it is customary to eat chapin, consisting of beans, guacamole, omelette and tortilla. The popular national dish pepian is a roast of meat and vegetables, generously seasoned with salsa made from pumpkin seeds, chili peppers and sesame seeds. Dozens of types of tamales are common – an Indian dish made from corn flour, wrapped in leaves and steamed. The filling can be meat, cheese, fruits or vegetables. In early November, on the day of honoring deceased relatives, it is customary to prepare fiambre – a salad that includes up to 50 components.
Souvenirs
The first place in the popularity rating of Guatemalan souvenirs belongs to textiles. Carpets, bags, decorative panels amaze with the richness of colors and variety of patterns. The honorable second place is occupied by coffee. In Guatemala, there are a huge number of plantations where rare and expensive varieties of beans are grown. You can buy coffee right during the excursion, which is organized for tourists. Local textile dolls, Indian masks, talismans and jewelry will be a good gift for friends.
Transport
The safest way to travel around the country is by shuttles or comfortable buses that are designed for tourists. Maya de Oro vehicles are equipped with a toilet, Wi-Fi, and air conditioning. Traveling on local buses is an unsafe adventure, as Guatemalan drivers are not used to following traffic rules. In the cities, you can rent a tuk-tuk – a small taxi car. Before the trip, you must agree on the price. The usual Uber works.
Safety
The crime situation in the country leaves much to be desired. A number of areas of the capital are dangerous to visit. The authorities do not recommend tourists to walk and advise using taxis or tourist transport. Guatemala City is considered the most criminal city.
Medicine
Free first aid can be obtained by tourists only in state medical centers, of which there are few in the country. Private clinics provide paid services, a doctor’s appointment costs from 30 to 50 USD. Urgent medical care is provided around the clock, the emergency number is 128. Calling an ambulance is paid. The country has a developed system of on-duty pharmacies.
Traditions
Tourists are advised to observe the norms of behavior accepted in the country and to respect the traditions and customs of Guatemalans.
Internet
In Guatemala, Free Wi-Fi is available in tourist areas. If necessary, you can purchase a local SIM card from Claro or Movistar with a prepaid service package. No documents are required for purchase.
Interesting facts
- The voltage in the network is 110 V, 50 Hz, the American type of connectors is accepted. As a rule, adapters are provided by hotel staff, but it would not be superfluous to have your own.
- To rent a car, you need a Russian driver’s license with a translation into Spanish. An international driver’s license is also valid.
- There are rental companies in the country, but renting a car is not easy. You will have to drive with the windows and doors tightly closed, and leave the car only in a paid guarded parking lot to avoid theft.
- Prices at the markets are inflated for tourists, so don’t be shy about bargaining.
- Avoid carrying large amounts of cash and set cash withdrawal limits on your cards.
- Public toilets are available in shopping centres, cafes and restaurants.
Local laws
You cannot take pictures without permission, especially of children.
In most parts of the country, tourists may carry a copy of their passport. In San Pedro La Laguna, a copy of the passport may not be accepted as proof of identity and tourists may be fined or detained without the original document.