Guatemala is the main Mayan country of Central America. Despite of the fact that the government has done much wrong to the Mayan 'Indians', they have managed to preserve their culture and their colourful clothing. A tour of the country will offer many opportunities to see Mayan ruins from ancient times, ruins which have survived countless earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
Find your travel arrangement to Guatemala here
Region and City Guides
Region:
City:
Facts
Local name
Rebublica de Guatemala
Capital
Guatemala City (2,000,000)
Size
109,000 km2
Principal Languages
The official language is Spanish. There are also 21 Indian languages.
Principal Religion
Roman Catholic
Inhabitants
11,000,000
Government
Republic
Geography
Guatemala is in Central America and borders on Mexico, El Salvador, Honduras and Belize. Mountains and dense forest dominate the landscape. A range of volcanoes dots the southern part of the country on the coast by the Pacific Ocean. Between the volcanic areas there are valley regions in which are the most densely populated areas.
Travel preparation
Best time to visit
Guatemala can be visited year-round, but the most comfortable time to go is during the dry season, which lasts from December through to April.
Literature
Guatemala, Belize & Yucatán
Central America on a Shoestring
Central and South America
Mexico & Central America
Central America on a Shoestring
Central and South America
Mexico & Central America
Local conditions
Weight and Measures
The following weights and measures are used in Guatemala:
Weight: kilos
Length: metres
Weight: kilos
Length: metres
Photography
There are no general rules concerning photography but some locals are shy and it is a good idea to ask before taking pictures. The rules should be followed in holy places.
Drinking water
All drinking water, water for brushing teeth and water for ice cubes should be boiled before it is used.
Electricity
The following power source is used in Guatemala:
110 volts AC, 60 Hz
110 volts AC, 60 Hz
Behaviour
There are not any specific rules of behaviour but there are many holy places and the rules in these places should be shown respect.
Business Hours
Banks are open from 9:00 to 14:00 (Monday - Friday)
Shops are open from 9:00 to 12:30 and from 14:00 to 18:00 (Monday - Friday). Most shops are also open until noon on Saturdays.
Office hours: 8:30 to 18:00 (Monday - Friday)
Shops are open from 9:00 to 12:30 and from 14:00 to 18:00 (Monday - Friday). Most shops are also open until noon on Saturdays.
Office hours: 8:30 to 18:00 (Monday - Friday)
Food and drink
Guatemala offers a wide variety of restaurants. The cuisines of many different countries can be found in the country. Anything from Chinese to Mexican food is on offer and there are also many cafés with a continental selection. It is important to be aware that there is a big difference in the price but not so much in the quality of the food.
Disabled travellers
Conditions are not very good for the disabled in the country. Facilities for the disabled are very rare and it is a good idea to contact the places where you wish to go before departure.
Holidays
New Year's Day: 1 January
Labour Day: 1 May
Army Day: 30 June
Virgin Mary Day (only in Guatemala City): 15 August
Independence Day: 15 September
Revolution Day:
Revolution Day: 20 October
Halloween: 1 November
Christmas Day: 25 December
New Year's: 31 December (only the Afternoon)
Labour Day: 1 May
Army Day: 30 June
Virgin Mary Day (only in Guatemala City): 15 August
Independence Day: 15 September
Revolution Day:
Revolution Day: 20 October
Halloween: 1 November
Christmas Day: 25 December
New Year's: 31 December (only the Afternoon)
Accommodation / Hotel
There is, in general, plenty of opportunity to find accommodation in the country. There are a number of hotels in several parts of the country and it is also possible to find small guesthouses and camping sites.
Book your Hotel in Guatemala here
Book your Hotel in Guatemala here
Camping
Camping sites with basic facilities can be found in most of the country. A popular place to camp is near the active volcano Pacaya where glowing lava and ashes from the volcano can be seen.
There is a wide range of hotels all over Guatemala and it is possible to find anything, from luxury hotels to smaller and cheaper hotels.
Bed og breakfast or guesthouse
More or less all large towns and cities have guesthouses that offer accommodation at a fair price.
Local transport
There are some national Flights in the country, especially between Guatemala City and Flores. Furthermore there are buses that connect all big towns and cities. Mini-buses run between villages and tourist attractions. A very few places can only be reached by boat.
Planes
There are national Flights between the big cities in the country. There are differences in price and frequency.
Bus
Buses operate between all large towns and cities, mini-buses operate between the villages. The buses are cheap but mostly crowded.
Trains
There are no passenger trains in Guatemala.
Taxi
Taxis operate in towns and cities. They are easy to hire in the street or to order in the hotels. It is customary to tip the driver.
car rental
It is easy to rent a car in Guatemala City where both international and national companies operate. A national driver's licence is sufficient.
Special conditions
There are official warnings concerning crime and serious attacks in Guatemala. Please check out the latest Foreign Office recommendations.
Region and City Guides
Region
City
