Airport La Aurora (GUA) in Guatemala City is the country's only international airport. There are no direct flights from Germany — you will always fly with at least one stop, typically via: Miami (American Airlines) — The most common connection. Flight time: about 14–16h total. Madrid (Iberia) — The

Chicken Buses (Camionetas) The legendary chicken buses are converted US school buses, colorfully painted, with Latin American music at full volume, crowded and adventurous. They are the cheapest means of transport and connect virtually every place in the country. Prices: 1–3€ for multi-hour rides. D

Guatemala has land borders with four countries — perfect for a Central America tour: Mexico La Mesilla (Huehuetenango): Main crossing for travelers to San Cristóbal de las Casas (Chiapas). Shuttle from Antigua or Quetzaltenango. El Ceibo (Petén): Crossing to Palenque (Chiapas) — ideal if you want

EU Citizens & Swiss Germans, Austrians, and Swiss do not need a visa for Guatemala. You will receive a stamp upon entry for 90 days (part of the CA-4 agreement, which also includes Honduras, El Salvador, and Nicaragua — the 90 days apply to all four countries together!). Required: passport (valid fo

Internet & Communication

Mobile Internet No EU roaming in Guatemala! A local SIM card is cheap and straightforward: Tigo and Claro are the largest providers. SIM cards are available at any kiosk and in provider shops (bring your passport). Price: about 5–10€ for SIM + 3–5 GB data. The 4G network works well in cities and tou

Health Guatemala requires a bit more health preparation than European destinations. At least 4 weeks before departure seek travel medical advice. Recommended vaccinations: Mandatory: None (Yellow fever only when entering from endemic areas). Recommended: Hepatitis A and B, typhoid, rabies (with clo

Packing List & Clothing

Basic Equipment Layers: The highlands have "eternal spring" during the day (18–25°C), but cool nights (10–15°C). Light clothing + warm jacket/fleece for the evening. In Petén: only light, breathable clothing. Rain jacket: Useful year-round, essential in the rainy season (May–October). Hiking boots:

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Travel Guide Guatemala

Your complete travel guide to the heart of the Maya world

Capital:Guatemala City

Languages:Spanish & 22 Maya languages

Currency:Quetzal (GTQ)

Best Travel Time:Nov–Apr (Dry Season)

Flight Time:13–18h from DE (with stop)

Visa:Not required (90 days)

Last updated: 17 March 2026 · 11 Chapters · 40 Sections

RECOMMENDED

Route Suggestions

Grand Guatemala Tour

18–21 days

The ultimate route through all of Guatemala — from the colonial treasures of Antigua, the mystical Lake Atitlán, and the colorful market of Chichicastenango to the jungle pools of Semuc Champey, the Maya ruins of Tikal, and the Caribbean coast. Best traveled by shuttle buses and boats.

AntiguaLago de AtitlánChichicastenangoSemuc ChampeyFloresTikalRío DulceLivingston

Highlights in 10 days

10–12 days

The three main highlights of Guatemala in compact form: colonial Antigua with volcano tour, the magical Lake Atitlán with Maya villages, and the legendary ruins of Tikal in the jungle. Perfect for travelers with limited time. Domestic flight to Flores recommended.

AntiguaLago de AtitlánChichicastenangoFloresTikal

Adventure Route (Backpacker)

14–18 days

The route for adventurers and budget travelers: chicken buses, jungle lodges, cave tubing, volcanoes at night, and Garífuna rhythms on the Caribbean. Includes Spanish course in Xela and night bus to Flores.

AntiguaLago de AtitlánQuetzaltenango (Xela)Semuc ChampeyFloresTikalLivingston

Maya Culture Intensive

7–10 days

For history and culture fans: From the colonial ruins of Antigua through the vibrant Maya culture at Atitlán, the syncretic market of Chichi, and the post-classic ruins of Iximché to the majestic classic city of Tikal. Focus on the 3,000-year-old Maya civilization.

AntiguaChichicastenangoLago de AtitlánIximchéFloresTikal

All Chapters

Planning· 3 Chapters

Chapter 1

Welcome to Guatemala

4 Sections

Chapter 2

Best Travel Time & Climate

3 Sections

Chapter 3

Budget & Costs

3 Sections

Regions· 4 Chapters

Chapter 4

Antigua Guatemala & Highlands

5 Sections

Chapter 5

Tikal & Petén

4 Sections

Chapter 6

Lago de Atitlán & Maya Villages

4 Sections

Chapter 7

Caribbean Coast & Verapaces

4 Sections

Understanding· 2 Chapters

Chapter 8

Maya Culture & History

3 Sections

Chapter 9

Food & Drink

3 Sections

Practical· 2 Chapters

Chapter 10

Arrival & Transport

3 Sections

Chapter 11

Practical A–Z

4 Sections

Discover More Travel Guides

Regions at a Glance

Antigua Guatemala & Highlands

The colonial gem of Guatemala — UNESCO World Heritage with pastel-colored facades, baroque church ruins, and three smoking volcanoes as a backdrop. Plus coffee plantations, Semana Santa, and the gateway to the western highlands.

Arco de Santa CatalinaAcatenango Night TourSemana SantaCoffee Plantations+1

Antigua Guatemala

Tikal & Petén

Guatemala's wild north: impenetrable rainforest and in the midst of it, the majestic Maya ruins of Tikal, where temples rise above the treetops. Plus, the enchanting island town of Flores on Lake Petén-Itzá.

Tikal Sunrise (UNESCO)Flores Island TownJungle WildlifeYaxhá+1

Flores Guatemala

Lake Atitlán & Maya Villages

The "most beautiful lake in the world" — framed by three volcanoes, surrounded by Maya villages with vibrant textile art, yoga retreats, and the most colorful market in the Americas in Chichicastenango.

Lago de AtitlánChichicastenango MarketSan Juan Weaving ArtMaximón in Santiago+1

Lago De Atitlan

Caribbean Coast & Verapaces

Guatemala's wild east side: the turquoise pools of Semuc Champey, the tropical Río Dulce Canyon, the Garífuna town of Livingston, and the mystical cloud forest of the Verapaces with the sacred Quetzal.

Semuc ChampeyRío Dulce CanyonLivingston (Garífuna)Biotopo del Quetzal+1

Livingston Guatemala