---
title: "Guatemala: Trip Preparation & Destination Information"
description: Traveling to Guatemala? Check out our trip prep page for tips to help you prepare.
image: https://trovatrip.com/hubfs/Antigua-Guatemala.jpg
---

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# Guatemala: Trip Preparation & Destination Information

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![Guatemala: Trip Preparation & Destination Information](https://trovatrip.com/hubfs/Antigua-Guatemala.jpg)

### About Guatemala

- [Overview](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/central-america/guatemala#overview)
- [Packing List](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/central-america/guatemala#packing)
- [Language ](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/central-america/guatemala#language)
- [Weather](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/central-america/guatemala#weather)
- [Fun Facts](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/central-america/guatemala#funfacts)
- [Tipping](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/central-america/guatemala#tipping)
- [FAQ](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/central-america/guatemala#faq)
- [Luggage Restrictions](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/central-america/guatemala#full-image-title)
- [Other](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/central-america/guatemala#other-if-needed)

#### Overview

Known as the Land of the Eternal Spring, Guatemala is home to volcanoes, rainforests and ancient Mayan sites. The capital, Guatemala City, features the stately National Palace of Culture and the National Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology. Antigua, west of the capital, contains preserved Spanish colonial buildings. Lake Atitlán, formed in a massive volcanic crater, is surrounded by coffee fields and villages. Welcome to Guatemala.

 

**Capital:** Guatemala City

**Population:** 16.86 mil (2020 est)

**Currency: **Guatemalan quetzal

**Time Zone:** Central Standard Time (GMT-6)

**Emergency Number:** 110

**Outlet:** Types A/B

![Tikal-Guatemala](https://trovatrip.com/hubfs/Tikal-Guatemala.jpg)

![Coffee-Plant-Guatemala](https://trovatrip.com/hubfs/Coffee-Plant-Guatemala.jpg)

#### Packing List

**Active Shoes** - Great for exploring off-the-beaten paths, hiking trails and waterfalls. We love sturdy hiking sandals, such as Chacos or Keens, for warmer climates.

**Protect Your Tummy** - Pack some Pepto Bismol and Imodium. Dramamine can be really helpful if you're prone to motion sickness.

**Sunblock with SPF** - Nothing ruins a vacation like a bad sunburn. Remember to pack sunblock with SPF to protect your skin while outside.

**Hat & Sunglasses** - Keep the sun out of your eyes and off your face.

** Bug Spray** - Use bug spray with DEET or Picaridin to avoid bug bites and stay healthy during your trip.

**Hand Sanitizer** - Need I say anymore?

**Day Pack** - For carrying cameras, snacks, sunscreen, water, etc.

**Reusable Water Bottle** - Staying hydrated is a recipe for success. You will have access to clean water for refilling throughout your stay.

**Portable Chargers** - Great for charging batteries while on the go.

**Ear Plugs** - Light sleeper? Nice to have in case of a snoring roommate.

**Travel Adaptor ** - Bring a universal travel adaptor for your electronics.

**Swimsuit ** - We'll be hitting the water!

**Towel** - Quick dry is our go-to.

**Laundry Soap** - Single packets are perfect for sink washes when you're running low on clean clothes.

**Local Currency** - Make sure to get some local currency. On average, you'll lose around 15% at the airport if you use the currency exchange. While many places do accept cards, small local restaurants tend to be cash only.

**Call Your Bank** - Your bank may suspend your card if they suspect unusual activity. Give them a call to let them know when and where you'll be traveling.

**Always pack extra underwear!**

#### Speak the Language

**Language: **Spanish is the official and most spoken language. In addition, there are 22 different Mayan languages as well as two other Indigenous languages - Garífuna and Xinca.

 

- **Hello** - ¡Hola! (O-la)
- **Goodbye** - ¡Adios! (AH-dee-ohs)
- **Thank you** - Gracias (GRA-see-as)
- **Do you speak English?** - ¿Habla inglés? (Ab-la in-GLAYS)
- **I (don’t) understand** - Yo (no) entiendo (yo no en-tee-EN-doh)
- **How are you?** - ¿Cómo está? (KOH-moh eh-STAH)
- **I’m fine, thank you** - Bien, gracias (bee-EN, GRA-see-as)
- **What’s your name?** -  Cómo te llamas? ((KOH-moh te ya-mas?))
- **My name is…** - Me llamo… (May ya-moh… )
- **Where is...** -  ¿Dónde está… (DON-day es-tah...)

- The bathroom - el baño (el BAH-nyo)

- An ATM - un cajero (un kah-HEH-roh)

 

Google Translate: Download the Google Translate app or click [**here**](https://translate.google.com/) <https://translate.google.com/> 

![Atitlan-Volcano-Guatemala](https://trovatrip.com/hubfs/Atitlan-Volcano-Guatemala.jpg)

#### Weather

[GUATEMALA CITY WEATHER](https://forecast7.com/en/14d63n90d51/guatemala-city/?unit=us)

[ANTIGUA WEATHER](https://forecast7.com/en/14d56n90d73/antigua-guatemala/?unit=us)

 

[PANAJACHEL WEATHER](https://forecast7.com/en/14d74n91d15/panajachel/?unit=us)

 

[FLORES WEATHER](https://forecast7.com/en/16d92n89d89/flores/?unit=us)

#### Fun Facts

- Long before the Spanish conquistadors arrived in Guatemala, the land was ruled by various Mayan kingdoms. You can still see evidence of these pre-Columbian civilizations at more than 5,000 archaeological sites.
- Guatemala is divided into 3 main parts: the sparsely-populated northern plains, the volcanic yet largely-populated central highlands and the agricultural Pacific lowlands. It is known as the ‘land of the eternal spring’ as it boasts a warm, tropical climate.
- The volcano-ringed Lake Atitlan is a jewel in the crown of Guatemala’s tourism industry, but it is also interesting below the surface. At 340 meters deep, Atitlan is the deepest lake in Central America.
- With more than 30 volcanoes in the country, Guatemala is known for its spectacular landscapes. Three of these volcanoes are active, including Fuego Volcano just outside the colonial city of Antigua.
- Coffee is the biggest industry in Guatemala and you are never far from a coffee farm in the highland regions. Today coffee from Guatemala can be found around the world, and it has become famous for its great taste.

#### Tipping

Tipping Suggestions: Tips for Guides, drivers and restaurants are not included. Tips provide supplemental income, and, while not mandatory, are greatly appreciated. If the local teams have added to the experience, please reward them.

| **Guides** |  | USD $5-15 per person/per day |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Drivers** |  | USD $5-10 per person/per day |
| **Restaurants (full service)** |  | USD 10% of total bill |

 

#### FAQ

**Where can I find information on travel safety? **Check out the US Department of State's [website](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/guatemala-travel-advisory.html) for the most up-to-date information on safety while traveling 

 

**Is the water safe to drink? **It is not safe to drink tap water in Guatemala. Bottled water (*agua pura*) is widely available in grocery stores, restaurants, and hotels.

 

**Do I need a Visa? **For Visa information, click [here. ](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Guatemala.html#:~:text=To%20enter%20Guatemala%2C%20you%20will,to%20Guatemala%20for%2090%20days.)Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months after you return home and has two or more blank pages. Otherwise, some countries may not let you enter.

 

**What about vaccines?** For vaccination information, click [here.](https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/guatemala)

 

**Do you recommend travel insurance? **While not required, we highly recommend all travelers get travel insurance for their trip to protect themselves from the unknown! Check out travel insurance options from our partner, [worldnomads.com](https://www.worldnomads.com/usa/travel-insurance?affiliate=trvtrip&subld=banner&affiliateTrackingld=db44277c07544303b92d043564508276&utm_source=trvtrip&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=Affiliate&utm_content=banner), or from a provider of your choice. 

 

**How much should I pack?** As we will be using shared transfers and spaces throughout our tour we recommend all travelers pack as lightly as possible. Please take a look at our luggage restrictions below.

 

**What does public transportation look like? **The main form of public transportation is by bus. There is an abundance of camionetas buses, which are affectionately known as “chicken buses” by travelers. They are slow, particularly when winding up and down mountain roads, and often filled to capacity with people and caged birds as the name suggests.

 

I**s Uber or Lyft available?** Uber is available in some cities.** **

#### Luggage Restrictions

![Luggage Restrictions purple](https://trovatrip.com/hubfs/Luggage%20Restrictions%20purple%20(2).jpg)

![Luggage restrictions purple – mobile – 1](https://trovatrip.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Luggage%20restrictions%20purple%20%E2%80%93%20mobile%20%E2%80%93%201.png?width=390&height=929&name=Luggage%20restrictions%20purple%20%E2%80%93%20mobile%20%E2%80%93%201.png)

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