Guatemala holiday
Travel tips, best time to visit & highlights for your Guatemala holiday in North America
Guatemala is the heart of the Maya world: The ruins of Tikal rise from the jungle, Lake Atitlán is surrounded by volcanoes and indigenous villages, and Antigua enchants with colonial splendor against a backdrop of smoking volcanoes. Additionally, there are vibrant indigenous markets, turquoise natural swimming pools in Semuc Champey, and one of the richest Maya cultures in Central America.
Capital
Guatemala City
Language
Spanish
Currency
Quetzal (GTQ)
Time zone
UTC-6
Flight time from DE
approx. 14–16 hours (with a layover)
Entry requirements
Passport (visa-free for 90 days)
Deals for Guatemala:
What are the highlights of Guatemala?
The best-known highlights of Guatemala include Tikal, Lake Atitlán, Antigua, Semuc Champey, Chichicastenango.
The places you absolutely must not miss.
Tikal
Mighty Maya pyramids above the rainforest canopy – Temple IV offers the most spectacular sunrise in Central America.
Lake Atitlán
Volcanic lake at 1,560m, surrounded by three volcanoes and twelve Maya villages – 'the most beautiful lake in the world' (Aldous Huxley).
Antigua
Colonial city (UNESCO) with baroque churches, cobblestones, and views of Volcán de Agua – Guatemala's jewel.
Semuc Champey
Natural turquoise limestone pools over an underground river in the jungle – a hidden paradise.
Chichicastenango
The most colorful indigenous market in Latin America – Maya textiles, masks, and incense rituals.
Hotels in Guatemala
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Reise-SIM für Guatemala
Prepaid-SIM mit Datenvolumen für Guatemala. Einfach einlegen und sofort lossurfen – keine Roaming-Gebühren.
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Reiseversicherung abschließen
Rundum-Schutz ab 9,90 € auf TravelSecure.de
Pauschalreisen & Rundreisen
Berge & Meer – 170 Tage Cookie
When is the best time to visit Guatemala?
The best time to visit Guatemala is November–April (dry season). In summer: 20–28°C. In winter: 15–25°C.
Recommended travel time
November–April (dry season)
Summer
20–28°C
Winter
15–25°C
How much does a holiday in Guatemala cost?
A holiday in Guatemala costs roughly 20–35€ per person per day (excluding flights) on a budget, 35–70€ mid-range and 70–180€ for luxury travel.
Average cost per person per day (excluding flight)
Budget
20–35€
Hostel, street food, public transport
Mid-range
35–70€
Hotel, restaurant, excursions
Luxury
70–180€
Boutique hotel, fine dining
How long is the flight from Germany to Guatemala?
From Germany you reach Guatemala in approx. 14–16 hours (with a layover).
What travel tips are there for Guatemala?
Insider knowledge to make your holiday better.
Chicken Buses (colorful former US school buses) are cheap and an experience, but not for the impatient.
Learn Spanish in Antigua – one of the cheapest and most beautiful language school destinations in the world.
Hike Volcán Acatenango with an overnight stay: view the active Fuego at night.
At Lake Atitlán, visit San Marcos for yoga, San Pedro for backpackers, and Panajachel as a hub.
Tip 10% in restaurants – service is often not included.
What do people eat in Guatemala?
Typical dishes in Guatemala are Pepián, Kak'ik, Tamales, Rellenitos, Tostadas, Guatemalan coffee.
These dishes you must try!
Which regions and places in Guatemala are worth visiting?
6 regions, cities and highlights in Guatemala
Cities
Antigua Guatemala
Antigua Guatemala is one of the most beautiful colonial cities in the Americas and a UNESCO World Heritage site of enchanting beauty. The former capital of Guatemala is located in …
Antigua Guatemala (Old Town)
Antigua Guatemala is located in a valley surrounded by three volcanoes, combining colonial splendor with a vibrancy that many Latin American cities have lost. The former capital …
Chichicastenango
Chichicastenango, affectionately called "Chichi" by the locals, is located at an altitude of 2,070 meters in the Guatemalan highlands and hosts one of the most colorful and …
Flores (Guatemala)
Flores is a charming island town in Lake Petén, connected to the mainland by a narrow causeway — the gateway to the legendary Maya ruins of Tikal. The colorful, pastel-colored …
Guatemala City
Guatemala City, or Guate, is the largest city in Central America and the vibrant heart of a country rich in Maya heritage and volcanic landscapes. Located at an altitude of 1,500 …
Complete guide for Guatemala
Regions, attractions, food, routes, costs & practical tips — all in one digital guide.
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How do I plan a holiday in Guatemala?
Guatemala is one of the most popular travel destinations in North America, offering Maya, Adventure, Culture and much more. The best time to visit Guatemala is November–April (dry season), when the weather is ideal for exploration and relaxation. With a daily budget starting from 20–35€ (Budget) to 70–180€ (Luxury), Guatemala is suitable for various travel budgets.
From the capital Guatemala City, Guatemala can be excellently explored. The official language is Spanish, and the currency is Quetzal (GTQ). From Germany, you can reach Guatemala in approx. 14–16 hours (with a layover). Whether you want to try culinary highlights like Pepián, Kak'ik, Tamales, visit top attractions, or simply enjoy the atmosphere: Guatemala has something for every type of traveller.
Use our free travel tools to prepare your Guatemala holiday perfectly. With the holiday finder, you can discover if Guatemala is the right destination for you. The budget calculator helps you plan costs realistically, and with the packing list, you won't forget anything.
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