Ah, Guatemala… what a wonderful country! Guatemala is one of my favourite places in Central America and it’s best known for its still active volcanoes, rich culture, amazing architecture and very special gastronomy. Some of the best things to do in Guatemala include a visit to the ancient Mayan ruins of Tikal, splashing in the turquoise waters of semuc champey, hiking a volcano while watching another erupt and searching for artisan goods in one of the multiple local markets. Ah, there are so many cool activities in Guatemala that it’s hard to make a shortlist!
Some of the most hyped destinations in Guatemala include Antigua, Lake Atitlan, Guatemala City, Chichicastenango, Flores, Tikal, El Paredon and, of course, Cobán. But my list of the best places to visit in Guatemala is long and it’s guaranteed to get you excited and ready to pack your bags and book your flight tickets!
Convinced? If you want to read more about all the famous places in Guatemala that are bucket-list-worthy, I recommend reading more to find all my adventures to help you discover Guatemala!
If the answer is yes, I recommend checking out all my articles about this unforgettable country here, so you will be fully prepared to visit Guatemala.
Currency
The official Guatemala currency is the Guatemalan Quetzal (GTQ or Q). 1 USD is the equivalent of 7.72 GTQ.
Visas
Luckily, you won’t need a visa for Guatemala if your visit lasts less than 30 days. If you’re a US citizen, you can stay for up to 90 days in this country without a visa. I recommend checking the updated information for your nationality on minex.gob.gt
Languages
The official language spoken in Guatemala is Spanish.
Vaccines
There are no officially required vaccines for entering Guatemala. But for your own safety, it is recommended to get vaccinated against Hepatitis A and B and typhoid before your trip here.
Electrical Plugs
Guatemala has two plug types: A and B. A has two flat parallel pins while B has two pins plus a grounding pin. The country's power supply is 120V at 60Hz.
SIM Cards
There are many companies offering prepaid SIM cards for travellers in Guatemala. You can buy yours at the airport, from your chosen provider’s shop or in big convenience stores around the country. Personally, I recommend either Tigo or Claro.
Religions
The main religion in Guatemala is Roman Catholicism (42%), followed by Evangelism (39%)
Best Time to Travel
Although the country has a nice climate year-round, the best time to visit Guatemala is during the dry season, which is from November to April.