Things to Do in Guatemala in April

April Weather in Guatemala

32°C (90°F) High Temp

18°C (64°F) Low Temp

45mm (1.8 inches) Rainfall

65% Humidity

Is April Right for You?

Advantages

Peak dry season means Lake Atitlán has crystal-clear views and perfect boat conditions - visibility extends to all three volcanoes daily
Highland temperatures hit the sweet spot: 25-28°C (77-82°F) in Antigua and Lake Atitlán, ideal for walking cobblestone streets without overheating
Minimal rainfall (only 3 rainy days typically) makes Tikal exploration optimal - muddy jungle paths are dry and wildlife viewing is excellent as animals gather at water sources
Easter Week (Semana Santa) creates Guatemala's most spectacular cultural displays - Antigua's alfombras (sawdust carpets) and processions are unmatched globally

Considerations

Semana Santa week (March 24-31, 2025) drives accommodation prices up 300-400% and requires booking 6 months ahead - many places sell out entirely
Peak tourist season means Antigua and Lake Atitlán are most crowded - expect 2-3x normal visitor numbers at major sites
Strong UV at altitude (UV index 9-11 in highlands) causes severe sunburn within 20 minutes - locals wear long sleeves even in heat

Best Activities in April

Tikal Archaeological Site Sunrise Tours

April's dry conditions make jungle paths accessible and comfortable for the 4:30am start. Wildlife spotting peaks as animals concentrate around remaining water sources. Morning mist clears by 7am revealing temples. Temperature stays comfortable at 22-26°C (72-79°F) until 10am.

Booking Tip: Book 2-3 weeks ahead through licensed guides at park entrance. Tours typically cost Q350-450 ($45-58). Include transportation from Flores (1 hour drive). Bring headlamp and water - vendors inside charge triple.

Lake Atitlán Village Hopping Tours

April's calm lake conditions make boat travel smooth and reliable. Clear skies provide perfect volcano photography opportunities. Santiago Atitlán's Easter traditions extend through April. Water levels are ideal for dock access to all villages.

Booking Tip: Public lanchas (boats) cost Q25-35 between villages. Private boat tours run Q800-1200 for full day visiting 3-4 villages. Book through Panajachel operators same-day or one day ahead. Morning departures avoid afternoon winds.

Antigua Colonial Architecture Walking Routes

April's dry weather means no rain interruptions for outdoor exploration. Cooler morning temperatures (18-22°C/64-72°F) are perfect for cobblestone walking. Post-Easter period maintains festive decorations while crowds decrease after Semana Santa.

Booking Tip: Self-guided routes cost nothing - pick up maps at tourist office. Guided tours cost Q150-250 for 2-3 hours. Best times are 7-10am or 4-6pm to avoid midday heat. Many sites charge Q5-15 entrance fees.

Acatenango Volcano Overnight Hiking

April offers the clearest views of active Fuego volcano eruptions. Dry trails reduce mud and improve safety. Night temperatures drop to 2-5°C (36-41°F) but clear skies provide unobstructed volcano views and star gazing.

Booking Tip: Book 1 week ahead through established operators in Antigua. Costs Q450-650 including camping gear and meals. Requires good fitness - 5-6 hours uphill. Operators provide equipment list - synthetic layers essential for temperature swings.

Rio Dulce Jungle River Expeditions

April's lower water levels concentrate wildlife along riverbanks - better bird and howler monkey spotting. Comfortable temperatures (28-30°C/82-86°F) with minimal rain. Canyon walls provide natural air conditioning during midday heat.

Booking Tip: Day trips from Livingston or Rio Dulce town cost Q300-500 including lunch. Multi-day options Q800-1200. Book through local cooperatives for authentic experiences. Bring insect repellent and quick-dry clothing despite dry season.

Highland Market Cultural Immersions

April markets showcase post-harvest abundance and Easter celebration foods. Chichicastenango Thursday/Sunday markets are most vibrant. Comfortable highland temperatures make hours of walking and haggling pleasant. Traditional textiles display Easter motifs through April.

Booking Tip: Chichicastenango tours from Antigua/Lake Atitlán cost Q200-350 including transport. Independent travel via chicken buses costs Q15-25 each way. Thursday markets are larger but Sunday markets are more authentic. Start early to avoid crowds.

April Events & Festivals

Early April

Antigua Easter Week Aftermath Celebrations

While main Semana Santa ends March 31, many churches continue special masses and neighborhood processions through mid-April. Alfombra sawdust carpet making continues for smaller local celebrations. Less crowded but still culturally rich.

Mid April

Santiago Atitlán Cofradía Ceremonies

Indigenous brotherhoods continue ritual ceremonies extending from Easter season. Maximón deity celebrations occur monthly with April ceremonies less touristy than March. Authentic Tz'utujil Maya religious practices with Spanish colonial influence.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index reaches 11 at Antigua's 1,500m (4,920ft) elevation, causing burns in 15 minutes

Layered clothing system: t-shirts for 32°C (90°F) days, fleece for 5°C (41°F) volcano nights - 25°C+ (45°F+) temperature swings daily

Lightweight rain jacket despite dry season - occasional afternoon showers last 15-30 minutes but can be heavy

Comfortable walking shoes with ankle support for cobblestones and volcano hikes - streets are uneven colonial stone

Insect repellent for lowland areas (Tikal, Rio Dulce) - dry season concentrates mosquitoes around water sources

Reusable water bottle - April heat requires 3-4 liters daily at altitude, plastic bottles cost Q5-8 everywhere

Cash in small bills - many vendors don't break Q100 notes, ATMs common but charge Q25-35 fees

Headlamp for early morning volcano hikes and Tikal sunrise tours - phone flashlights insufficient for 2-hour pre-dawn hikes

Synthetic or merino wool layers for volcano camping - cotton kills when temperatures drop to 2°C (36°F) with wind

Day pack for tours - most activities involve 3-6 hours walking with water, snacks, and camera gear

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations immediately after Semana Santa (April 1-3) for significant savings - prices drop 60-70% compared to Easter week while weather remains identical

Take advantage of 'temporada baja' (low season) transition pricing in late April - many restaurants offer lunch specials Q25-35 that disappear in high season

Use morning hours (6-10am) for outdoor activities - locals start work at sunrise to avoid midday heat, markets are most active, and you'll interact more authentically

April is mango season in lowlands - street vendors sell fresh mangoes for Q2-5, and it's when locals make traditional mango-based drinks and desserts unavailable other months

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating altitude effects in Antigua (1,500m/4,920ft) and Lake Atitlán (1,560m/5,118ft) - first day causes headaches and fatigue for many visitors arriving from sea level

Booking Easter week thinking it's just one day - Semana Santa runs March 24-31 in 2025, affecting availability and prices for the entire week

Assuming dry season means no layers needed - volcano nights drop 25-30°C (45-54°F) from daytime temperatures, catching unprepared hikers dangerously cold