TravPa

Things to do in Guatemala

The 18 experiences we would plan a first trip around, then every sight our itineraries visit, city by city.

By TravPa Editors, updated Nov 7, 2026

Guatemala fits a lot into a country under 500 km from north to south: colonial streets and ruined convents in Antigua, a volcanic lake ringed by Maya villages at Atitlán, highland markets, and the jungle temples of Tikal and Yaxhá in Petén. Antigua is about an hour from Guatemala City, the lake is 2.5 to 3 hours from Antigua, and Flores, the base for Tikal, is a flight of about an hour from the capital.

This page starts with our ranked picks for a first trip, best first, each with a practical tip. Below them is every sight we cover in Lake Atitlán, Flores and Antigua Guatemala, city by city, with opening notes and checked fees where we have them. Common questions come last.

The 18 best things to do in Guatemala

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  1. 1Flores

    Explore the Great Plaza and Temple IV at Tikal

    Tikal National Park in Petén was inhabited from about 600 BC until around AD 900, and UNESCO lists it for both its Maya architecture and its rainforest. The inner city covers roughly 400 hectares of palaces, temples, ball courts and causeways, with landmarks such as the Great Plaza and Temples I (the Great Jaguar), II and IV. Many temples can no longer be climbed, but designated platforms give views, and the area around Temple IV shows treetops with ancient structures rising from them. Howler monkeys, toucans and coatis are common. Allow a full day. The park lies 63 km from Flores, about 1 to 1.5 hours by road.

    Tip: Buy the ticket type for your nationality and carry your passport, because staff check your ID against the PDF ticket at the entrance.

    Park entry, foreign visitors: GTQ 150 (about $20) · Museum: GTQ 30 (about $4) · Buy a foreigner ticket online; bring your passport

    Last verified

    Search tickets and tours on TiqetsSources: UNESCO World Heritage Centre; Guatemalan Institute of Tourism (INGUAT), visitguatemala.gt; Ministry of Culture and Sports of Guatemala (Tikal ticket shop linked from inguat.gob.gt); Ministry of Culture and Sports of Guatemala (Tikal ticket shop linked from inguat.gob.gt)
  2. 2Antigua Guatemala

    Walk Antigua's colonial grid from Parque Central

    Antigua was founded in 1524 as Santiago de Guatemala and moved to its current valley site in 1543. It served as the regional capital for 230 years, until the 1773 earthquakes led officials to move the capital to what is now Guatemala City. That is why churches and convents survive as ruins, and why the grid of straight streets and the massive, low-towered Barroco antigueño buildings still define the city. The historic core is small, about 775 m by 635 m, and many main sights are within walking distance of Parque Central. Plan a few hours for a first loop on foot.

    Tip: Bring a light jacket for mornings and evenings, because Antigua sits at about 1,500 m and temperatures change a lot between day and night.

    Free to visit
    Sources: UNESCO World Heritage Centre; Guatemalan Institute of Tourism (INGUAT), visitguatemala.gt
  3. 3Lake Atitlán

    Cross Lake Atitlán by boat between villages

    Lake Atitlán fills a volcanic caldera formed about 84,000 years ago, and the San Pedro, Tolimán and Atitlán volcanoes frame it. In places it is more than 300 m deep. Public and private boats link the lakeside villages, so a boat ride is both transport and the best way to see the scale of the landscape. Maya communities of Tz'utujil and Kaqchikel origin live around the shore, and each village has its own character. The lake is about 2.5 to 3 hours from Antigua and 2.5 to 4 hours from Guatemala City, depending on traffic and your village.

    Tip: Use Panajachel as your base if you want the easiest transport links, then take boats to the quieter villages.

    Pay for boats as you go
    Search tickets and tours on TiqetsSources: Guatemalan Institute of Tourism (INGUAT), visitguatemala.gt; Guatemalan Institute of Tourism (INGUAT), visitguatemala.gt
  4. 4Antigua Guatemala

    See the Arch of Santa Catalina and Cathedral ruins

    The Arch of Santa Catalina and the Cathedral of San José are among the first sights INGUAT names for Antigua. The cathedral is one of the city's significant historic buildings, and like many of Antigua's monuments it survives largely as ruins after the 1773 earthquakes. Calle del Arco, the street that leads to the arch, is where visitors take the iconic photo of the arch. Both sights sit in the compact historic center, so you can reach them on foot from Parque Central in one short loop, and the convent ruins are in the same historic center.

    Tip: Do both in one walking loop from Parque Central, the way local guided walks are routed.

    Free to view from the street
    Search tours on TiqetsSources: Guatemalan Institute of Tourism (INGUAT), visitguatemala.gt; UNESCO World Heritage Centre; Hotel Museo Casa Santo Domingo (operator)
  5. 5Flores

    Join a sunrise or sunset tour at Tikal

    Tikal normally opens from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, but separate sunrise entry runs from 4:00 AM to 6:00 AM and sunset entry from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. INGUAT describes the sunrise visit as one of the most special experiences there: fewer visitors, mist and howler monkeys calling as the day begins. These tours need the general park ticket, the sunrise or sunset ticket and an INGUAT-authorized guide. Staying in Flores lets you do the sunrise tour without sleeping inside the park, where options are more limited.

    Tip: Arrange an authorized guide in advance, because neither the park ticket nor the sunrise or sunset ticket includes one.

    Search tickets and tours on TiqetsSources: Ministry of Culture and Sports of Guatemala (Tikal ticket shop linked from inguat.gob.gt); Ministry of Culture and Sports of Guatemala (Tikal ticket shop linked from inguat.gob.gt); Guatemalan Institute of Tourism (INGUAT), visitguatemala.gt; Guatemalan Institute of Tourism (INGUAT), visitguatemala.gt
  6. 6Chichicastenango

    Browse the Chichicastenango market on market day

    Chichicastenango, in the department of El Quiché, is known for one of the most famous Indigenous markets in Central America. The streets fill with stalls selling embroidered textiles, masks, flowers, crafts and traditional products, and the market is liveliest on Thursdays and Sundays. Beyond shopping, it is a chance to watch daily life and see craft techniques up close. Most people visit on a half-day or full-day trip from Antigua or Lake Atitlán. The town sits at altitude, so mornings and afternoons are cool.

    Tip: Carry cash in quetzales, which INGUAT says is essential at traditional markets like this one.

    Free to visit
    Sources: Guatemalan Institute of Tourism (INGUAT), visitguatemala.gt; Guatemalan Institute of Tourism (INGUAT), visitguatemala.gt
  7. 7Antigua Guatemala

    Hike the lava fields of Pacaya Volcano

    Pacaya rises to about 2,552 m and is one of Guatemala's most active and most accessible volcanoes. The excursion is usually a half day: about 5 to 7 hours from Antigua including transport, with 1.5 to 2 hours spent climbing. You walk across fields of solidified lava, and in authorized areas you can see active fumaroles and feel heat rising from the ground. On clear days the views reach Agua, Fuego and Acatenango volcanoes and Lake Amatitlán. What you see changes with the volcano's activity, so each visit differs slightly.

    Tip: Stay with your guide in the designated visitor areas, wear shoes with good soles, and bring a head torch if you go at sunset.

    Go with a licensed guide
    Search tickets and tours on TiqetsSources: Guatemalan Institute of Tourism (INGUAT), visitguatemala.gt
  8. 8Antigua Guatemala

    Climb Cerro de la Cruz for views of Agua

    Climbing Cerro de la Cruz is one of the most popular things to do in Antigua. A signposted trail leads up from the historic center and usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes on foot. From the top you see the colonial rooftops with Agua Volcano filling the horizon, which INGUAT calls one of the city's most iconic views. It is a good break between visits to the ruins and the museums. Clear skies are most likely in the dry season, from November to April.

    Tip: Go on a clear day in the dry season, November to April, when skies are best for the view.

    Open viewpoint
    Search tickets and tours on TiqetsSources: Guatemalan Institute of Tourism (INGUAT), visitguatemala.gt; Guatemalan Institute of Tourism (INGUAT), visitguatemala.gt
  9. 9Lake Atitlán

    Visit San Juan La Laguna and other lake villages

    Lake Atitlán is a collection of villages with different rhythms rather than one destination. San Juan La Laguna is known for art galleries, murals, textile cooperatives and community projects. Santiago Atitlán keeps a strong Tz'utujil identity and everyday local life. Santa Catarina Palopó stands out for its colorful facades and restoration projects, and San Marcos La Laguna for yoga, retreats and a spiritual atmosphere. Trails and viewpoints leave from villages such as San Juan, San Marcos and Santa Cruz La Laguna, from gentle walks to harder routes.

    Tip: Pick two or three villages rather than all of them, since INGUAT suggests 2 to 4 days at the lake.

    Free to visit
    Sources: Guatemalan Institute of Tourism (INGUAT), visitguatemala.gt
  10. 10Flores

    Stroll Flores Island and watch the sunset

    Flores is a small island on Lake Petén Itzá, joined to Santa Elena by a bridge. It is compact enough to explore on foot, with colorful streets, small squares and constant views of the water. The seafront promenade has terraces and restaurants that suit sunset, and lakeside spots serve Petén cuisine in the evening. Most travelers use Flores as the base for Tikal, and INGUAT suggests 2 to 3 days in total: one for Tikal, the rest for the island, a lake cruise or Yaxhá. The quickest way in is the domestic flight from Guatemala City, about an hour.

    Tip: Stay on the island, because it lets you reach Tikal for sunrise without sleeping inside the park.

    Free to visit
    Sources: Guatemalan Institute of Tourism (INGUAT), visitguatemala.gt; Guatemalan Institute of Tourism (INGUAT), visitguatemala.gt
  11. 11Antigua Guatemala

    Explore the Kaqchikel capital of Iximché

    Iximché, in Chimaltenango, was one of the last Maya capitals, home to the Kaqchikel, and briefly the first capital of the Kingdom of Guatemala after the Spanish arrived in 1524. Two lineages shared power, which you can still read in the layout of the plazas. Squares A and B, the twin temples, courtyards and ball courts sit among pine and oak forest, and the site is compact: most visitors spend 2 to 3 hours. It remains a ceremonial place for Kaqchikel communities, and visitors can watch ceremonies led by spiritual guides. Many people add lunch in nearby Tecpán, known for grilled meats.

    Tip: Go early, when INGUAT says the light is soft and the site peaceful, and watch any ceremony without interfering.

    Q[fee]
    Search tickets and tours on TiqetsSources: Guatemalan Institute of Tourism (INGUAT), visitguatemala.gt
  12. 12Flores

    Watch the sunset from Yaxhá's temples

    Yaxhá lies in Yaxhá-Nakum-Naranjo National Park, between Lake Yaxhá and Lake Sacnab, and has more than 500 recorded structures. Highlights include the Central Plaza, the North Acropolis and Temple 216, which gives wide views over the lagoon and forest at sunset. The site draws far fewer visitors than Tikal, so you often walk between temples in near silence with howler monkeys and toucans overhead. Allow 3 to 5 hours on site. From Flores the drive is about 2 hours, so it usually becomes a half-day or full-day excursion.

    Tip: Plan the visit for the afternoon so you are at the temples for sunset.

    Q[fee]
    Search tickets and tours on TiqetsSources: Guatemalan Institute of Tourism (INGUAT), visitguatemala.gt; Guatemalan Institute of Tourism (INGUAT), visitguatemala.gt
  13. 13Antigua Guatemala

    Explore the museums inside Casa Santo Domingo

    Casa Santo Domingo is built on the ruins of the former Convent of Santo Domingo and holds six permanent museums and two art galleries. The archaeological area shows the temple's main nave, the cloister, the cemetery and crypts, including one with a well-preserved 17th-century altarpiece. Other rooms cover Guatemalan colonial art from the 16th to early 19th centuries, 16th to 18th century church silver, Classic period Maya pottery and stone, pre-Columbian art beside modern glass, and a 19th-century pharmacy. Part of the route is outdoors.

    Tip: The museums close at 6:00 PM and open at 11:00 AM on Sundays, and some rooms may be shut on the day, so arrive with time to spare.

    Q[fee]
    Search tickets and tours on TiqetsSources: Hotel Museo Casa Santo Domingo (operator); Guatemalan Institute of Tourism (INGUAT), visitguatemala.gt
  14. 14Antigua Guatemala

    Camp on Acatenango opposite Fuego Volcano

    Acatenango reaches 3,976 m and faces Fuego Volcano, one of the continent's most active volcanoes. Most trips take 2 days and 1 night: 5 to 7 hours of climbing to base camp, an evening watching Fuego erupt, then a start at dawn to reach the summit for sunrise. The route crosses farmland, cloud forest and open volcanic terrain. INGUAT rates it medium-high difficulty: steep, cold and high. On clear days the summit views reach Agua, Fuego and Pacaya, and sometimes Lake Atitlán.

    Tip: Pack warm layers, a hat, gloves, a windproof jacket and a head torch, since night temperatures can drop below zero.

    Book a guided trek
    Search tickets and tours on TiqetsSources: Guatemalan Institute of Tourism (INGUAT), visitguatemala.gt; Guatemalan Institute of Tourism (INGUAT), visitguatemala.gt
  15. 15Antigua Guatemala

    Wander the ruined convents of Santa Clara

    The convents of Santa Clara and San José el Viejo are two of the ruins INGUAT highlights in Antigua. Santa Clara is also named by UNESCO among the city's significant historic buildings. They show how the Barroco antigueño style worked: massive walls, deeply carved facades and low bell towers meant to withstand earthquakes. The 1773 earthquakes still left much of the city in ruins, and walking among them explains how Antigua was shaped by disaster and rebuilding.

    Tip: Fit them into the same walking loop as the Arch of Santa Catalina, since the main sights sit within walking distance of each other.

    Q[fee]
    Search tickets and tours on TiqetsSources: Guatemalan Institute of Tourism (INGUAT), visitguatemala.gt; UNESCO World Heritage Centre
  16. 16Chichicastenango

    Visit the Church of Santo Tomás in Chichicastenango

    The Church of Santo Tomás is a landmark of Chichicastenango and a place where two religious traditions meet. On its steps and in the surrounding area, visitors often see Maya ceremonies with incense, flowers, candles and offerings beside Catholic worship. The town's cemetery is known for its brightly colored tombs, which reflect the Maya meaning of color and memory. Round off the visit with local dishes such as pulique or traditional tamales. Many travelers give the town a half day or a full day.

    Tip: Combine it with the market on a Thursday or Sunday, then walk to the cemetery the same day.

    Visit respectfully
    Search tickets and tours on TiqetsSources: Guatemalan Institute of Tourism (INGUAT), visitguatemala.gt
  17. 17Flores

    Take a boat out on Lake Petén Itzá

    Lake Petén Itzá covers about 99 km2 and is over 150 m deep in places, ringed by rainforest and small towns. Boats leave Flores for nearby communities such as San José, where you see a more local side of Petén and a new view of the island from the water. For swimming, INGUAT points to spots near San Andrés and El Remate. After a day among ruins, it is an easy way to slow down, and sunsets over the water are one of the lake's main draws.

    Tip: Go in the late afternoon so you are on the water at sunset.

    Pay the boat operator
    Search tickets and tours on TiqetsSources: Guatemalan Institute of Tourism (INGUAT), visitguatemala.gt; Guatemalan Institute of Tourism (INGUAT), visitguatemala.gt
  18. 18Lake Atitlán

    Visit the butterfly house and trails at Atitlán Reserve

    The Atitlán Nature Reserve in Panajachel is open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM and serves as a gateway to the lake and its volcanoes. Trails and hanging bridges cross the forest, and the butterfly house in a geodome holds hundreds of butterflies among flowers. The reserve also runs zip lines over waterfalls, coffee farms, oak forest and the cliffs above the lake, plus bike cables, a restaurant and a campground. There is also a children's play area, and it fits easily into a day based in Panajachel.

    Tip: Arrive in the morning, because the reserve is open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

    Q[fee]
    Search tickets and tours on TiqetsSources: Atitlán Reserva (operator, Panajachel); Guatemalan Institute of Tourism (INGUAT), visitguatemala.gt

Every sight, city by city

Nature

Acatenango Volcano

A 3,976 m volcano climbed in two days, with night views of eruptions from neighboring Fuego.Entry: Book a guided trekSearch tickets and tours on Tiqets
Viewpoint

Arch of Santa Catalina

Antigua's best-known arch, a landmark of the historic center that frames a view of Agua Volcano.Entry: Free to view from the streetSearch tours on Tiqets
Museum

Casa Santo Domingo Museums

Six museums and an excavated church inside the former Santo Domingo convent, open every day.Entry: Q[fee]Search tickets and tours on Tiqets
Ruins

Cathedral of San José

Ruins of the colonial cathedral, one of the monuments UNESCO names in Antigua's historic core.Entry: Q[fee]Search tickets and tours on Tiqets
Viewpoint

Cerro de la Cruz

Hilltop viewpoint, a 20 to 30 min walk from the center, over rooftops and Agua Volcano.Entry: Open viewpointSearch tickets and tours on Tiqets
Food

El Refectorio

Restaurant inside the Casa Santo Domingo complex, open daily from 7 AM to 10 PM.Entry: Pay as you go
Ruins

Iximché

Kaqchikel capital founded around 1470 and first Spanish capital in 1524, still used for Maya ceremonies.Entry: Q[fee]Search tickets and tours on Tiqets
Nature

Pacaya Volcano

Active volcano of about 2,552 m with lava fields, a half-day hike and a 1.5 to 2 hour drive from Antigua.Entry: Go with a licensed guideSearch tickets and tours on Tiqets
Neighborhood

Parque Central

The main square of Antigua's grid, beside the cathedral ruins, where most walks through the old town begin.Entry: Free to visit
Food

Restaurants around Parque Central

Terraces and restaurants in the historic center serving pepián and other Guatemalan dishes, with live music at night.Entry: Pay as you go
Ruins

San José el Viejo

Ruins on the south side of the old town that INGUAT names with Santa Clara among the convent ruins to see.Entry: Q[fee]Search tickets and tours on Tiqets
Ruins

Santa Clara Convent

Ruins of a colonial convent that UNESCO lists among the monuments of the old capital.Entry: Q[fee]Search tickets and tours on Tiqets
Museum

Santo Domingo del Cerro

Hillside museums on Pope John Paul II, Miguel Ángel Asturias and the artist Efraín Recinos, with galleries.Entry: Q[fee]Search tickets and tours on Tiqets
Food

Tecpán Guatemala

Cool highland town on the road to Iximché, known for its traditional restaurants.Entry: Pay as you go
Neighborhood

Flores Island

A small island on Lake Petén Itzá, joined to Santa Elena by a bridge and walkable end to end.Entry: Free to visit
Food

Flores lakefront promenade

The island promenade with lakeside terraces and restaurants, busiest at sunset.Entry: Pay as you go
Nature

Lake Petén Itzá

A 99 sq km lake more than 150 m deep, with boat trips from Flores to nearby villages.Entry: Pay the boat operatorSearch tickets and tours on Tiqets
Ruins

Tikal National Park

Great Maya city in the Petén jungle, with Temple I, Temple IV and the Great Plaza, open 6 AM to 6 PM.Entry: Buy a foreigner ticket online; bring your passportSearch tickets and tours on Tiqets
Ruins

Yaxhá

Quieter Maya city between two lagoons, with more than 500 structures and a viewpoint on Temple 216.Entry: Q[fee]Search tickets and tours on Tiqets
Nature

Atitlán Nature Reserve

Reserve at Panajachel with trails, hanging bridges, a butterfly house, zip lines and a restaurant, open 8 AM to 5 PM.Entry: Q[fee]Search tickets and tours on Tiqets
Market

Chichicastenango Market

Famous highland market of textiles, masks, flowers and crafts, busiest on Thursdays and Sundays.Entry: Free to visit
Church

Church of Santo Tomás

Church built on an ancient Maya platform, where rituals with incense and candles take place on its steps.Entry: Visit respectfullySearch tickets and tours on Tiqets
Nature

Lake Atitlán

A volcanic lake more than 300 m deep, ringed by volcanoes and Tz'utujil and Kaqchikel Maya villages.Entry: Pay for boats as you goSearch tickets and tours on Tiqets
Neighborhood

Panajachel

The lake's main gateway, with the most hotels, restaurants and jetties for boats to other villages.Entry: Free to visit
Food

Restaurants in Panajachel

The lake's widest choice of restaurants, beside the jetties where boats leave for other villages.Entry: Pay as you go
Neighborhood

San Juan La Laguna

Village of murals, art galleries and textile cooperatives, with a calmer pace than Panajachel.Entry: Free to visit
Neighborhood

San Marcos La Laguna

Quiet village known for yoga, wellness retreats and a spiritual atmosphere.Entry: Free to visit
Neighborhood

Santa Catarina Palopó

Lakeside village known for its colorful painted facades and restoration projects.Entry: Free to visit
Neighborhood

Santiago Atitlán

Town on the lake's southern side that keeps a strong Tz'utujil Maya identity.Entry: Free to visit

Questions travelers ask

What are the best things to do in Guatemala for a first trip?

Most first trips combine three areas. In Antigua you walk the colonial streets and ruins and climb Cerro de la Cruz. At Lake Atitlán you take boats between Maya villages beneath three volcanoes. In Petén you spend a day at Tikal, with Flores as the base. Add Pacaya or Acatenango for a volcano, and Iximché or Chichicastenango for Maya culture. Antigua to Panajachel takes 2.5 to 3 hours by road, and the flight from Guatemala City to Flores takes about an hour.

Sources: Guatemalan Institute of Tourism (INGUAT), visitguatemala.gt; Guatemalan Institute of Tourism (INGUAT), visitguatemala.gt; Guatemalan Institute of Tourism (INGUAT), visitguatemala.gt; Guatemalan Institute of Tourism (INGUAT), visitguatemala.gt

How many days do you need in Guatemala?

INGUAT says the main destinations fit a 7 to 10 day trip. Its suggested stays are 3 to 4 days in Antigua (1 to 2 days covers the historic center), 2 to 4 days at Lake Atitlán, and 2 to 3 days in Flores, including a full day at Tikal. Add days for Acatenango, which usually takes 2 days and 1 night. The flight from Guatemala City to Flores takes about 1 hour, against 8 to 10 hours by road.

Sources: Guatemalan Institute of Tourism (INGUAT), visitguatemala.gt; Guatemalan Institute of Tourism (INGUAT), visitguatemala.gt; Guatemalan Institute of Tourism (INGUAT), visitguatemala.gt; Guatemalan Institute of Tourism (INGUAT), visitguatemala.gt; Guatemalan Institute of Tourism (INGUAT), visitguatemala.gt

When is the best time for sightseeing in Guatemala?

The dry season, from November to April, is generally the best time for most destinations, with sunny days and clear skies for the volcano views in Antigua and on hikes. The rainy season from May to October has greener landscapes, fewer tourists and lower accommodation prices, with possible afternoon showers. At about 1,500 m, Antigua has big swings between day and night, so pack a jacket. Acatenango nights can drop below freezing.

Sources: Guatemalan Institute of Tourism (INGUAT), visitguatemala.gt; Guatemalan Institute of Tourism (INGUAT), visitguatemala.gt; Guatemalan Institute of Tourism (INGUAT), visitguatemala.gt

Which Guatemala attractions should you book ahead?

Tikal needs the most planning. Buy the ticket for your nationality online as a PDF or at the park entrance, and carry ID. Sunrise and sunset entries are separate tickets that also require an INGUAT-authorized guide, hired on your own. Acatenango is usually a two-day trek with a night at base camp, and Pacaya is a half-day excursion, so book transport with authorized operators.

Sources: Ministry of Culture and Sports of Guatemala (Tikal ticket shop linked from inguat.gob.gt); Ministry of Culture and Sports of Guatemala (Tikal ticket shop linked from inguat.gob.gt); Guatemalan Institute of Tourism (INGUAT), visitguatemala.gt; Guatemalan Institute of Tourism (INGUAT), visitguatemala.gt; Guatemalan Institute of Tourism (INGUAT), visitguatemala.gt

How do you get around Guatemala?

Tourist shuttles are the most used option among visitors, with direct routes such as Guatemala City to Antigua, Antigua to Lake Atitlán, and Antigua to Flores or Tikal. Private transfers suit airport runs and day trips. For Petén, the flight from Guatemala City to Flores takes about 1 hour, against 8 to 10 hours by road. Leave early to avoid Guatemala City traffic. If you rent a car, your foreign license is valid for 30 days, and INGUAT advises driving in daylight.

Sources: Guatemalan Institute of Tourism (INGUAT), visitguatemala.gt

Is Guatemala safe for tourists?

INGUAT says tourist routes such as Antigua, Lake Atitlán and Flores can be explored safely with basic precautions and authorized services, and it advises shared shuttles or private transport between cities. The Government of Canada advises a high degree of caution because of crime, roadblocks and demonstrations, and lists parts of Guatemala City and several land border crossings to avoid. Stay in busy tourist areas, travel in daylight, and call INGUAT on 1500 for tourist assistance.

Sources: Guatemalan Institute of Tourism (INGUAT), visitguatemala.gt; Guatemalan Institute of Tourism (INGUAT), visitguatemala.gt; Government of Canada (travel.gc.ca)

Do you need cash in Guatemala?

Yes. Cards work in large urban centers, but INGUAT says you need cash in quetzales at traditional markets such as Chichicastenango, and it also suggests carrying some cash on the Pacaya hike for snacks or horse hire. Tipping in restaurants is customary. INGUAT recommends bottled water instead of tap water, and the official language is Spanish, though basic English is common in tourist areas.

Sources: Guatemalan Institute of Tourism (INGUAT), visitguatemala.gt; Guatemalan Institute of Tourism (INGUAT), visitguatemala.gt; Guatemalan Institute of Tourism (INGUAT), visitguatemala.gt
Part ofGuatemala travel guideItineraries, entry rules, when to go