Discover why a tour in Argentina, Uruguay and Chile is incomplete without a stay in the charming estancias and haciendas that these countries are known for.
What you need to know before traveling to Guatemala
Like all other countries, Guatemala too has very specific guidelines for those who wish to visit. Largely peaceful and wonderfully welcoming to tourists, it is still very important to know how much cash you can carry with you, what documents are required to enter and exit the country, or what telecom services are available.
From health advice, to currency information and the best time of the year to visit Guatemala, our experts have put together some essential tips for you in this Guatemala travel guide.
Language and communication
Spanish is the official language of Guatemala and is spoken by about two-thirds of the population. There are 23 Mayan languages spoken widely throughout the country. The use of English is not common, however you can typically communicate in English at most hotels and restaurants in tourist destinations and big cities. It is important to note that nearly one-third of the population in Guatemala are unable to read or write.
You can easily purchase a prepaid SIM card upon arrival the international airport as well as in the big cities. In the rural areas, the reception may not be the best. WiFi connectivity is available only in some hotels and can be slow sometimes.
Health information
Vaccination
This one is important. One can easily pick up illnesses from contaminated food or water so all travelers should make sure to have their hepatitis A and typhoid vaccinations. There is no risk of yellow fever in Guatemala however. The government of Guatemala requires proof of yellow fever vaccination only if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. The Zika virus is a risk in Guatemala and therefore pregnant women should not travel to Guatemala, as they are extremely vulnerable to it.
Altitude sickness
People climbing volcanoes may experience altitude sickness. Usually altitude sickness only affects those who climb above 2500 meters (8200 feet) elevation. Conversely, at lower altitudes such as those of Antigua or Lake Atitlán (1600 masl/5200 feet), people often notice that they become short of breath with far less exertion than at sea level. The winding roads in the highlands can also make you feel dizzy.
Currency and cards
Currency
First introduced in 1925, the currency of Guatemala is the oldest legal currency still in use. It is also one of the most stable. The currency is called the Quetzal, named after the national bird of Guatemala – the colorful quetzal. During the Mayan era, the tail feathers of the Quetzal were used as currency, and thus, the modern currency depict a unique connection to the ancient one.
No matter where you travel, it is always advisable to take certain basic precautions to safeguard yourself and your money. Our experts have put together a guide that answers the question, ‘Is Guatemala a safe place to travel to?‘
Credit cards
In the cities, credit cards are widely accepted in most shops, restaurants and other business establishments. While this is the norm for all big cities, keep in mind when visiting villages and markets that you should always carry some cash with you.
From the Blog
Traverse through the dense Guatemalan jungle to uncover the mysteries of Tikal National Park – one of the most spectacular ruins of the Americas and a testament to the ingenuity of the Mayan people.
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Popular Trips to Guatemala
16 Days
from
$10,090 USD
/ person
If you are a culture enthusiast looking for an offbeat vacation, you will love this one! As you make your way through Guatemala and Mexico, delve into their indigenous traditions, explore the colonial architecture of Antigua and Merida, and marvel at the UNESCO-listed Mayan ruins of Tikal and Chichen Itza. While here, you will also…
10 Days
from
$5,090 USD
/ person
This Guatemala tour will you uncover the classic highlights of this vibrant nation – from the rich colonial heritage of cities such as Antigua and Flores, to the mysterious Mayan ruins of Tikal, volcanic landscapes and lakes, towering mountains and tropical forests teeming with wildlife and birds.
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Best Places To Visit
History
From its ancient Mayan ruins and indigenous people to its Spanish colonial heritage, independence, 20th century reforms and the modern day economy – uncover Guatemala through its history.
Culture
From Guatemala City – the epicenter of the country’s art and crafts, to football fever, religious festivals, music and more – discover Guatemala through its cultural traditions with tips from our experts.
Cuisine
Traditional and hearty, Guatemala’s cuisine is all about colorful flavors and textures, fresh produce and indulgent nods to its Mayan and Spanish heritage. From modern street food to coffee culture and chocolate, discover the food of Guatemala.
The Enchanting Difference
What Our Guests Say
My trip to Guatemala was an incredible experience, thanks to our fantastic private driver and guide. They were both highly knowledgeable and made sure we had a deep understanding of the rich culture and history of the area. The experience was very calming and quiet, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the surroundings without feeling rushed. If you’re looking for a trip that balances tranquility with cultural exploration, this is the perfect choice. Highly recommended!
Asury Johnson
USA
Enchanting Travels was a dream to work with and I highly recommend! They created a custom trip and really listened to everything we wanted to incorporate and took care of all the details from start to finish. The hotels, activities and guides they vetted were all incredible. I look forward to planning another vacation with them!
Yuka Kobayashi
USA
Client support very present makes your journey more comfortable
lau
Italy
This is our fifth adventure with Enchanting Travels. It is always such a pleasure from the beginning to the end. Our Travel Consultant Katie did an awesome job of navigating us through the planning in light of COVID, listening to our desires and keeping us in the budget we had prepared for this trip. I love that everything is planned and in a secure environment. The adventures and educational journeys are always so gratifying. I highly recommend Enchanting Travels wherever the destination… I trust them completely.
Rebecca Martinez
USA
My wife and I had an amazing time on our recent trip to Mexico and Guatemala. The itinerary and all the arrangements were built to our specifications by Enchanting Travels, who did a fantastic job. It was a completely hassle-free experience; we just told them some of the places we definitely wanted to go (Teotihuacan, Chichen Itza and Tikal) and things we wanted to do (watch wildlife/birds, eat amazing food, etc.) and they exceeded our expectations by not only including our essentials but several other great ideas and interesting suggestions. They even had a couple surprises for us along the way, which was a nice personal touch. We’d definitely use their services again.
Jaime Lamb
USA
Best decision! Everything was taken care of and just to our liking. It’s amazing how seamless ever transfer and activity is. You really have nothing to worry about if booking with Enchanted Travels. Their in-country person even touched base with all of guides every time we got picked up. We felt very safe and well taken care of. All the guides were professional, helpful, and very knowledgeable. We learned so much! The small touches (wine and chocolates in our room), welcome calls, texts from trip coordinator making sure everything was going well were very appreciated. Love these guys and the experience they provided.
Kathryn Ann Ports
USA