Guatemala Travel Planning Quick Links
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Where is Guatemala?
COVID: Review the latest FCDO Travel Advice before travelling to or from Guatemala
- Approximate Population of Guatemala: 16,604,026
Hotels in Guatemala City
Guatemala City is the capital of Guatemala
Guatemala City has an approximate population of around 995,393 people and you can typically expect to pay around £1.90p for an equivalent pint of lager or beer.
Guatemala City in Guatemala is a very enjoyable and beautiful place that is a major hub for the Central American region. It is also considered to be the gateway city to the fabulous rain forest called the Pacific Northwest. This city is located at the tip of Caribbean on the eastern side of Guatemala. The city was once considered to be part of the Mayan empire long before it became a part of the modern country.
The reason the city is called such is because it was the original seat of the Maya as well as the other various ethnic groups. Guatemala City has been the political, cultural and economic center of this ever changing region for many years. The city is very unique because it is surrounded by mountains and jungles which gives it a very scenic view. It has also been referred to as the "New Seven Wonders of the World" due to the fact that the city covers seven continents. It is also one of the oldest cities in Latin America which makes it one of the important historical places to visit on all seven continents.
You will not have to look very hard to find all of the necessary things you need for your vacation to Guatemala City in Guatemala. There are plenty of hotels in this city which offer luxurious accommodations. These hotels are all very well maintained and the rooms are comfortable with air conditioning and large screens for movies. The recreation choices are very good in the city including the zip lining, deep sea fishing, rafting and horseback riding. The best time to visit this city is between the months of March and May.
What vaccinations do I need before travelling to Guatemala
Up to date information for vaccinations before you travel to Guatemala are available from the NHS Fit for Travel website.
Is it safe to travel to Guatemala
For up to date information around safety and security in Guatemala read the Foreign & Commonwealth Office latest information for Guatemala.
Guatemala Flights
Best time to visit Guatemala?
The Best Time to Visit Guatemala: Dry season(summer) – November to April. The dry season (or summer) is considered by many to be the best time to visit Guatemala. It extends from November through to April across most of the country, with the Pacific Coast experiencing a slightly longer summer season.
Festivals in Guatemala
The most famous festival in Guatemala is the Harvest Festival, which takes place in September. During this time, people gather in big open spaces to celebrate the birth of Jesus. In a procession, people lift their kites high into the air and honor their ancestors. The sky is filled with colorful kites and the ceremony is a colorful spectacle. During the festival, locals build huge kites to represent the four elements. Many kites are over 40 feet in diameter!
Semana Santa (Easter week) marks the beginning of the Mayan calendar. Thousands of kites fly across the town's cemetery as friends gather to say goodbye to loved ones. The kites can reach 45 feet in diameter and are made by friends. The Sumpango festival, celebrated on December 14, features marimba music, folkloric dances and relay horse races. Todos Santos Cuchumatan is a colorful celebration with live music and folkloric dancing.
The Easter holy week in Guatemala is a time to combine Catholicism with Mayan traditions. The Rabin Ajau festival is held in late July or early August and showcases indigenous culture and dance. The Joyabaj celebration, celebrated on August 15, marks the day of Jesus' ascension. Participants are encouraged to wear costumes and jewelry in the spirit of Christ. It is a fun and vibrant way to celebrate the day!
The Day of the Dead is an elaborate multi-day holiday. During this time, families and friends gather to commemorate loved ones. The Day of the Dead also includes kite-flying, an ancient tradition which continues to this day. The kites are thought to communicate with the beyond, and the fire-fighting is a great way to celebrate the day. And finally, there's the dazzling Christmas Market in downtown Cuzco!
On December 7th, locals make giant kites and fly them in the air. These kites were believed to be a way for the ancient Mayans to communicate with the dead, but today they are part of a celebration of independence. In addition to the festivities, there are also many other events that take place on the festival days. For example, locals in Sumpango build giant kites and fly them to the sky on the Independence Day.
Day of the Dead is a multi-day holiday that celebrates the dead. The celebrations include kite-flying and wild horse racing. The Fiambre festival is celebrated on the first day of November, which is the first Sunday after the full moon. In the middle of the week, the celebrations take place in the Caribbean coast city of Antigua. The streets and church floors are covered in colorful carpets of sawdust and flower petals. During the Holy Week, the largest processions take place on Palm Sunday and Good Friday. The celebrations can be held anywhere from late March to mid-April.
Another festive event in Guatemala is the Day of the Dead. The Day of the Dead celebrations are a very colourful affair. The Mexican and Catholic religions are combined, which makes it a unique event in Guatemala. Its observance is the equivalent of the Christmas holidays in the United States. The festivities typically last up to 4 days and feature parades and folklore singing groups. In Coban, the day of the dead is celebrated for a week.
Guatemala Trips & Guided Tours
Guatemala Tourist Attractions
Do I need a Visa?
British citizens don't need a visa to visit Guatemala for up to 90 days. For further information on entry requirements for tourists and for those planning to work in Guatemala, contact the Guatemalan Embassy in London.If you overstay your visa then you should expect to pay a fine before leaving the country.
See which forms you may need for entry into Guatemala.
What currency do i need for Guatemala?
The official currency of Guatemala is the Guatemalan Quetzal (GTQ). If you're looking to transfer or spend money in Guatemala you can grab amazing Guatemalan Quetzal deals via Wise.com (GBP to GTQ).
What wildlife live in Guatemala?
The wildlife in Guatemala includes an almost endless list of species such as the iguana, sea turtle, crocodile, snake, howler, stork, spider monkey, ape, tapir, puma, jaguar, deer, ocelot, monkey, scarlet macaw, peccary, and many types of rodents.
What is the traditional food of Guatemala?
Spanish food? Pepian is the national dish, slow-cooked meats; vegetables like onion, tomato, poblano pepper and chunks of potato; and seeds and nuts like peppercorns, pumpkin seeds and cumin seeds.
What Languages are spoken in Guatemala?
Guatemalan Spanish is the local variant of the Spanish language. Twenty-one Mayan languages are spoken, especially in rural areas, as well as two non-Mayan Amerindian languages, Xinca, an indigenous language, and Garifuna, an Arawakan language spoken on the Caribbean coast. You can learn some basic Spanish before you travel to Guatemala and really impress the locals!
How much do you tip in Guatemala?
The currency in Guatemala is the Guatemalan Quetzal (In Guatemala tipping is a question of rewarding good service rather than an obligation. Restaurant bills don't include gratuities; adding 10% is customary.).