🇬🇹 Guatemala Done Right: A Mini No-BS Guide for Real Travellers

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Guatemala Essentials

Guatemala isn’t just a destination—it’s an incredible adventure. One minute you’re sipping coffee grown on volcanic slopes, the next you’re hiking through misty jungle to ancient Mayan temples. There are colourful markets, crater lakes that look like oil paintings, and volcanoes that you can actually watch erupt (seriously, we’ve seen it). It’s a great country to visit, if you haven’t been to Latin America yet but also for everyone else!

We made this guide for curious travellers like you: the ones who’s happy to try out a chicken bus, and who crave more than just pretty views (though there are plenty of those, too). Whether you’re planning your own trip or just want to learn more about this wild little country we love, this mini-guide will give you the real stuff: where to go, how to get around, what to eat, and why Guatemala always surprises people—in the best way.

📱 SIM Cards & Internet

• Tigo and Claro are the main providers. Buy a SIM at the airport or in town (~Q100 for a 5–10GB package).

• Wi-Fi is solid in most towns but patchy in jungle/rural areas.

💵 Currency

• Currency: Guatemalan Quetzal (GTQ)

• Exchange Rates (as of June 2025):
  • 1 USD ≈ 7.8 GTQ
  • 1 GBP ≈ 9.9 GTQ
  • 1 EUR ≈ 8.4 GTQ

🚌 How to Get Around Guatemala

• Chicken buses: Cheap (Q10–30), chaotic, colourful, but not always safe or efficient for long distances.

• Shuttles: The most common way for travellers to move around — shared vans booked through hostels or agencies.

• Taxis/Ubers: Only widely available in Guatemala City and Antigua. Uber is easier and often cheaper than taxis.

🏧 ATMs & Cards

• ATMs are widely available in major cities and towns (5G, Banrural, BAC, and Banco Industrial are reliable).

• Most ATMs charge a withdrawal fee of 30–45 GTQ (~$4–6 USD).

• Cards are accepted in larger restaurants/hotels, but bring cash for local spots, transport, and markets.

• There are often fees for card payment, varying between 5% up to even 10%.
  

🌤️ Best time to visit Guatemala

Guatemala is a year-round destination, but knowing when to go helps you pack better and dodge a few soggy shoes:

Dry season (Nov–April): Clear skies, warm days, cool evenings. Best time for hiking Acatenango, jungle exploring, and swimming in Semuc Champey without slipping down a trail.

Shoulder seasons (May–June & Sept–early Nov): Fewer tourists, lush ladscapes, and the occasional afternoon storm. Great if you want beauty without the bustle.

Rainy season (July–Oct): Expect daily downpours, especially in the afternoons—but mornings can still be lovely. Bring a proper raincoat and don’t book a volcano hike on your last day.

🚐 Guatemala Travel Costs Snapshot (Shared Shuttle Pricing)

The most common mode of transport for tourists in Guatemala are shared shuttles. You can either book these online on websites like GuateGo, Adrenalina or Trans-Land, go to one of the agencies in the town you are staying at the moment or book them with your hotel/hostel. We found that agencies might give you the best price, if you negotiate a bit. Hostels and online will most of the time add a little bit of bonus for themselves.

Shared Shuttle Routes Overview

Route	Time	USD	EUR	GBP
Airport → Antigua	1–2 hr	$19–25	€17–23	£15–20
Antigua → Lake Atitlán	3 hr	$20–25	€19–23	£16–20
Lake Atitlán → Semuc Champey	7–8 hr	$40–45	€37–42	£32–36
Semuc Champey → Flores	6–9 hr	$40–45	€37–42	£32–36
Antigua → Río Dulce	7 hr	$40–45	€37–42	£32–36
Antigua → Flores	8–10 hr	$60–65	€56–60	£47–51

DESTINATIONS YOU CAN’T MISS

📍 ANTIGUA

Charming colonial town surrounded by volcanoes. Safe, walkable, and buzzing with energy.

Top Things to Do:

• Santa Catalina Arch & ruins tour

• Hike Pacaya Volcano (half-day) or Acatenango (2D/1N)

• Coffee farm tours / chocolate workshops

• Browse artisan markets

• Day trip to Hobbitenango or Earth Lodge

📍 LAKE ATITLÁN

Stunning lake with colourful and lively towns. You’ll boat between them — each has its own vibe.

Top Things to Do:

• Sunrise Indian Nose hike

• Temazcal (Mayan sauna) in San Marcos

• Weaving workshop in San Juan - Casa Flor Ixaco

• Kayak/paddleboard in the early morning

• Day trip from Panajachel to Chichicastenango by chicken bus (Panajachel to Sololá, Sololá to Los Encuentros, Los Encuentros to Chichicastenango / total cost about $5)

📍 SEMUC CHAMPEY / LANQUÍN

Remote jungle paradise known for turquoise pools and caves.

Top Things to Do:

• Hike to the viewpoint and swim at Semuc Champey

• Chill in a riverside hammock

• Tubing on the Río Cahabón

📍 FLORES & TIKAL

Flores is a colourful lakeside town and often used as the gateway to ancient Mayan ruins.

Top Things to Do:

• Sunrise or sunset Tikal tour

• Paddleboarding/kayaking Lake Petén Itzá

• Jorge’s rope swing (Q25 entrance) - you can kayak there or take a boat

• Visit Yaxhá (less crowded ruins)

• Stroll Flores’ cobblestone streets

📍 ACATENANGO VOLCANO

The ultimate bucket-list hike. Sleep on a volcano and watch another one erupt all night. It’s hard. It’s magical. You won’t regret it.

About the hike

• Overnight Acatenango hike (Wicho & Charlie’s, CA Traveler, OX Expeditions)

• Optional side trip to Fuego base camp

• Most tours include 3–4 meals. Bring snacks and electrolytes.

• You will most likely be back on day 2 at around 1pm depending on the tour company

• If you want to transfer to the lake (shuttles leave 2pm or 4pm) make sure to talk to the tour company before to not miss your shuttle

📍 RÍO DULCE & LIVINGSTON

Lush tropical river and Caribbean Garífuna culture.

Top Things to Do:

• Boat ride from Río Dulce to Livingston

• Visit San Felipe Castle

• Explore Garífuna food and music traditions

• Visit 7 Altares and Playa Blanca on a day tour

🇬🇹 Planning a Trip to Guatemala?

This page has the essentials — when to go and what to see. But if you want the full picture, grab the free Guatemala travel guide.

Inside, you’ll find:
✅ Real transport prices between Antigua, Lake Atitlán, Semuc Champey, Flores & more
✅ Tips on where to eat in each destination
✅ Helpful insights to avoid common pitfalls (and soggy volcano hikes)
✅ Trip plans for 1, 2, 3 or 4 weeks — no guesswork needed

It’s everything you need to travel Guatemala confidently — all in one handy guide.

Download it below and get going.

download full guide

WANT TO VISIT GUATEMALA?

... but too busy to book everything yourself?

This guide was made to give you a feel for how your trip to Guatemala could look—whether you’re a hardcore DIYer or just travel-curious. And sure, you can totally use the info here to piece together your own route (go you!). But if reading all this has you thinking, “ugh, can someone just do it for me?” — we’ve got you.

Our group trip to Guatemala is two weeks long, designed to show you the country’s real soul: the off-the-path experiences, the secret spots you won’t find on Google, and all the logistics handled so you don’t have to lift a finger (except maybe to clink your Gallo at sunset).

If that sounds more your pace, just reach out:

hello@atawtravels.com

+351 915 145 090 (we’re on WhatsApp!)

• FAQ — Travelling to Guatemala: What People Ask Most

  What type of luggage should I bring to Guatemala?
  A backpack or duffel bag (around 40L) is your best bet. Rolling suitcases are a nightmare on cobblestones, chicken buses, boats, and jungle trails. Stick with something light and flexible — it’ll make your life easier and your shoulders stronger.

  Is Guatemala safe to travel to?
  Yes — for the most part. Guatemala is safe if you use common sense: avoid walking alone late at night, keep valuables tucked away, and stay aware in busy places. Tourist towns are generally chill, but bigger cities like Guatemala City require more caution.

  Can I drink the tap water in Guatemala?
  Nope. Don’t drink the tap water. Bottled water is cheap and widely available. Better yet, bring a refillable bottle with a filter to cut down on plastic — your stomach (and the planet) will thank you.

  What should I pack for a trip to Guatemala?
  Guatemala’s climate changes with altitude, so pack for variety:

  • Layers (t-shirt → hoodie → rain jacket)

  • Swimwear

  • A decent pair of trainers/hiking shoes

  • Sunscreen & mosquito repellent

  • A small daypack for hikes or boat rides
    Want the full list? Check out our Guatemala packing guide.

  Do I need a visa to enter Guatemala?
  If you’re from the EU, UK, US, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand — nope! You’ll get a 90-day tourist stamp on arrival. Just make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months.

  What’s the best way to get around Guatemala?
  For travellers, shared shuttles are the easiest — comfy, direct, and bookable through most hostels or agencies. Chicken buses are cheap and chaotic but fun if you’re feeling adventurous. In cities like Antigua and Guatemala City, Uber is usually better than taxis.

  Is Wi-Fi reliable in Guatemala?
  In tourist areas, yes. Most hostels, cafés, and Airbnbs have decent Wi-Fi. Rural areas and jungle regions? Less so. Download offline maps and don’t rely on Zoom calls from the rainforest.

  How much cash should I carry?
  ATMs are easy to find in towns and cities, but many charge withdrawal fees. Always carry some cash (in quetzales) for markets, transport, and smaller spots. Big restaurants or hotels may take cards, but sometimes with a fee.

  Can I use my phone in Guatemala?
  Yep! You can buy a local SIM (Tigo or Claro) for around Q100 with data. Airport kiosks and corner shops in town usually sell them. Just make sure your phone’s unlocked.

  Is it okay to use drones in Guatemala?
  Short answer: kinda. Technically, you need a permit — especially near archaeological sites or natural reserves. Many travellers fly drones anyway, but be discreet and respectful. Always ask first in rural communities.

  What are the must-visit places in Guatemala?
  We’d say:

  • Antigua (colonial vibes + volcano views)

  • Lake Atitlán (hippie-meets-highland)

  • Semuc Champey (jungle pools like no other)

  • Flores & Tikal (Mayan ruins & lakeside sunsets)

  • Acatenango Volcano (camping above the clouds)

  • Livingston (Garífuna culture + Caribbean flair)

  What language do people speak in Guatemala?
  Spanish is the official language, but many Indigenous communities also speak Mayan languages (like K’iche’ or Q’eqchi’). English is spoken in tourist areas, but learning a few Spanish phrases will take you far (and win you smiles).

  What’s the food like in Guatemala?
  Think hearty, home-style dishes: tortillas, beans, tamales, pepián, and loads of fresh fruit. It’s not super spicy — unless you go wild with the hot sauce. There’s also great international food in Antigua and other touristy towns.

  What’s the electricity situation in Guatemala?
  Voltage is 120V, same as the US. Plug types A and B. If you’re coming from Europe or the UK, bring an adapter. Power outages happen occasionally in remote areas — nothing major, but pack a power bank just in case.

  Should I tip in Guatemala?
  Yes — tipping is appreciated, but not expected. In restaurants, 10% is standard if it's not already added. Tour guides and drivers also appreciate a little something if they’ve gone above and beyond.