Guatemala Travel Information

US, UK, EU, Canadian, Australian, and most other Western nationalities enter Guatemala visa-free for stays up to 90 days under the CA-4 agreement. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond entry. The CA-4 covers Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua on a single entry.

The dry season from November to April is ideal for most travelers, with clear skies, cooler highland temperatures, and reliable trekking conditions. The rainy season from May to October brings afternoon showers and lush green landscapes with fewer crowds. December to February is peak season, especially around Christmas and Semana Santa in Antigua.

Most travelers experience no issues. Guatemala City and Antigua sit around 1,500 meters and Lake Atitlán at 1,560 meters; altitude is barely noticeable. Quetzaltenango is higher at 2,330 meters. Volcano hikes including Acatenango (3,976m) and Tajumulco (4,220m) require some acclimatization. We pace itineraries so any volcano ascent comes after several days at lower elevation.

The main travel regions of Antigua, Lake Atitlán, Tikal, and the western highlands are safe for tourists with normal precautions. We coordinate registered transport, brief travelers on the few Guatemala City neighborhoods to avoid, and use vetted local drivers throughout. Petty theft happens in busy markets; serious incidents involving foreign travelers in our regions are very rare.

Spanish is the official language. Guatemala also recognizes 22 Mayan languages including Kʼicheʼ, Kaqchikel, and Qʼeqchiʼ, widely spoken in the highlands and indigenous communities. English is limited outside Antigua, major hotels, and tourist-facing operators, so we provide bilingual guides on every expedition.

The Guatemalan Quetzal (GTQ) is the local currency. US Dollars are widely accepted in Antigua, around Lake Atitlán, and at major hotels and tour operators, though Quetzales are required for most everyday spending. ATMs are widely available in Guatemala City, Antigua, Panajachel, and other tourist towns. Bring small USD bills for tips and initial expenses.

No vaccinations are mandatory for entry from most countries. Yellow fever vaccination is only required if you are arriving from a country with risk of transmission. Hepatitis A and typhoid vaccinations are recommended. Consult a travel health clinic 4 to 6 weeks before departure for your specific itinerary.

Guatemala is known for the Mayan ruins at Tikal (rising from the jungle of the Petén), the colonial city of Antigua with its volcanic backdrop, Lake Atitlán ringed by three volcanoes and Mayan villages, the active volcano Pacaya, the Acatenango hike with views of erupting Fuego, vibrant Mayan markets at Chichicastenango, and a strong indigenous Mayan culture that has remained intact for over a thousand years.

A meaningful Guatemala trip needs at least 8 to 10 days to combine Antigua, Lake Atitlán, and Tikal. Two weeks lets you add Quetzaltenango and the western highlands, the volcano hikes, sea turtle conservation work with ARCAS on the Pacific coast, or Semuc Champey and the Polochic Valley.

Tap water in Guatemala is not safe to drink. Use bottled or filtered water for drinking and brushing teeth. EcoVoyager-vetted hotels and lodges all provide bottled or filtered drinking water at no extra cost, and we encourage refillable bottles for sustainability.