Things to Do in Guatemala

About Guatemala

Guatemala has ~7 million indigenous Maya people living in highland villages where Spanish never replaced K'iche' as the first language. Colonial towns sit between volcanic peaks, and markets sell textiles alongside coffee and fruit. Worth seeing. Women weave traditional huipiles in patterns passed down for generations—the colors mark which village they're from. Lake Atitlán reflects three volcanoes on clear mornings, though afternoon winds usually wreck the mirror effect by noon. The water is cold year-round. Markets operate on negotiation. Expect to haggle. Copal incense burns in churches that blend Catholic and Maya ritual, a compromise that is now 400 years old. Tuk-tuks clog the streets of Antigua and Panajachel, cheap but slow in traffic that doesn't follow posted rules. Plan extra time for everything. Temple ruins at Tikal open before dawn if you want to watch sunrise from the top. The climb is steep. Bring water and skip it if you can't handle humidity—the rainforest here doesn't cool down much even in early morning. Tortillas are made by hand in most villages, and you'll smell them cooking before you see the stands. They're better than what you'll find in hotels. Guatemala moves at its own pace, and fighting that rhythm won't help your schedule.

Travel Tips

Transportation: Use shuttle services like Adrenalina Tours between major destinations rather than chicken buses for safety and comfort. In cities, red taxis are safer than yellow ones – always negotiate fares beforehand. For Tikal, book domestic flights to Flores to save 8+ hours of driving through challenging terrain.

Money: US dollars are widely accepted, but carry small bills ($1, $5, $10) as change can be scarce. ATMs are reliable in major cities but limited in rural areas. Always withdraw quetzales from bank ATMs rather than street machines, and notify your bank before traveling to avoid card blocks.

Cultural Respect: Ask permission before photographing indigenous people, especially in traditional dress – offer a small tip if they agree. Learn basic Spanish greetings and 'gracias' in local languages like K'iche'. Dress modestly when visiting churches and indigenous communities, covering shoulders and knees.

Food Safety: Stick to bottled or filtered water and avoid ice in drinks. Street food is generally safe if freshly cooked and hot – look for busy stalls with high turnover. Try pepián (national dish) and fresh tropical fruits, but peel them yourself to avoid contamination.

When to Visit

Guatemala's dry season (November-April) offers the most comfortable travel conditions with temperatures ranging from 70-80°F (21-27°C) in highlands and 80-95°F (27-35°C) in lowlands. December-March sees peak tourism with accommodation prices 40-60% higher, but also perfect weather for hiking volcanoes and exploring Tikal. The rainy season (May-October) brings afternoon downpours and higher humidity, but also lush landscapes, fewer crowds, and accommodation savings of 30-50%. Temperatures remain warm year-round, though highland areas like Antigua and Lake Atitlán can drop to 50°F (10°C) at night. Key festivals include Semana Santa (March/April) in Antigua – the world's most elaborate Easter celebrations requiring advance booking – and Día de los Muertos (November 1) featuring giant kite festivals in Sumpango. Adventure travelers should visit September-November for post-rain waterfalls and clearer skies, while budget-conscious visitors benefit from May-June's shoulder season pricing. Avoid late September-October in Caribbean coastal areas due to hurricane season, though Pacific and highland regions remain largely unaffected during these months.