Guatemala Tours and Vacation Packages

Guatemala has a rich and fascinating culture that stretches back more than 3,500 years, when the Mayan civilization was first established. This ancient culture is still present in modern Guatemalan culture, which draws on its Spanish, Mayan, Xinca, and Garifuna roots. You’ll see these varied traditions embraced in today’s Guatemalan cuisine, holidays, art, language, and clothing.

Guatemala’s modern culture reflects its Mayan heritage, colonial history, and contemporary influences. Traditional Mayan customs and rituals, including vibrant textiles, intricate weaving techniques, and ancient agricultural practices, persist in many rural communities. Colonized by the Spanish in the 16th century, Guatemala experienced a fusion of indigenous and European influences. This amalgamation is evident in the country's art, music, and cuisine. 

The Spanish colonial architecture, particularly in cities like Antigua, showcases Baroque and Renaissance styles. The celebration of festivals and religious events also plays a vital role in Guatemala's cultural identity. Semana Santa, or Holy Week, is marked by elaborate processions and intricate sawdust carpets adorning the streets. Indigenous ceremonies, such as the K'iche' Maya New Year, maintain a spiritual connection to the land and cosmos. Attending these ceremonies is sure to add to your travel experience in Guatemala.

Despite its rich cultural heritage, Guatemala faces challenges, including economic disparities and social issues. Nevertheless, the resilience of its people and the vibrancy of their traditions continue to shape and define Guatemala's unique cultural landscape, making it a fascinating destination for globetrotters from the world over.

What are some Guatemala traditions?

The most popular traditions in Guatemala have their roots in Indigenous Mayan culture and the Catholic faith brought by the Spanish in the 16th century. November 1st and 2nd Guatemalans celebrate the Day of the Dead, Día de los Muertos, in Spanish. Though many international travellers associate the holiday with Mexico, Guatemalans have their own unique ways to honor their ancestors. You’ll see colourful parades, dances, and live music that are undeniably Guatemalan, alongside Indigenous Mayan images and rhythms you don’t find anywhere else.

Two other holidays with Catholic roots and powerful Mayan influences are the Feria de Santa Lucia on December 13th and the Day of the Candelaria on February 2nd. Both celebrations are popular with children, so if you’re travelling with your family, check the dates of your Guatemala vacation to see if they coincide with these vibrant festivities. 

The most unique Guatemalan celebrations are Maximón and the Giant Kite festival. Maximón is a wooden figure celebrated every October 28th during a spiritual practice with syncretic roots in both Mayan beliefs and the Catholic faith. Guatemalan families who celebrate Maximón offer the statue gifts like food and drink to receive its blessings and guidance. The Giant Kite festival is held in the villages of Sampang and Santiago Sacatepéquez during the first week of November, where people make octagonal kites that represent Mayan reverence for the four cardinal directions, north, south, east, and west. The kites have a diametre up to an astounding 20 m (65 ft), which dwarf the spectators and are a truly marvellous sight.

What is the visiting etiquette in Guatemala?

Many Guatemalan families host homestays and work with Spanish-language schools to provide housing for travellers learning Spanish. However, the language barrier gets in the way of many Guatemalans who would love to invite tourists to their home for a meal. If you speak Spanish, or if you make friends with an English-speaking Guatemalan, it’s common to be invited home for lunch to meet the family. Bring a gift, like flowers or a nice bottle of rum, like Ron Zacapa. It’s polite to arrive 15 to 20 minutes after the time you’re invited for.

What are Guatemalans like socially?

Guatemalans are soft-spoken in public but can be more rambunctious during family meals in the comfort of their own home. Men greet each other with a firm handshake and women give a light kiss to the air next to the right cheek of both men and women. Nonbinary travellers may be more comfortable sticking with a handshake as it’s common knowledge in Guatemala that people from North America greet everybody with handshakes.

During your Guatemala vacation, greet people with buenos días in the morning and buenas tardes in the afternoon, rather than the more informal hola. After dark, switch to buenas noches to wish people a good evening. Guatemalans tend to dress formally, with much attention to grooming and proper decorum. 

What languages do Guatemalans speak?

Spanish is the official language and even people who speak an Indigenous language at home will speak Spanish with international travellers. There are 22 languages in Guatemala that are part of the Mayan language family and two other Indigenous languages that are not related to Mayan: Garífuna and Xinca. Guatemala’s rich diversity of languages can be seen as well as heard because each language preserves and strengthens a unique Indigenous culture. Travellers who love learning about cultures will be delighted with their opportunities to see how Indigenous languages are alive and well in Guatemala.

Outside of Guatemala City and Antigua, it may be difficult to find English-speakers. It’s polite to learn greetings and a few words like please (por favor) and thank you (gracias) in Spanish. For Spanish speakers, stick to usted rather than tu, as formality is highly valued in Guatemalan culture. If you have the opportunity to spend time with Guatemalans who speak an Indigenous language, don’t miss the chance to learn a few words in their language also.

Guatemala enjoys a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. Both are suitable for travelling, depending on what part of the country you want to visit and what you want to do. The dry season (November to April) is considered the most favourable time for travelling. During this period, Guatemala experiences less rainfall, providing you with clearer skies and more predictable weather conditions. This is particularly beneficial for exploring outdoor attractions, such as the ancient Mayan ruins of Tikal or hiking through the lush landscapes surrounding Lake Atitlán. 

The dry season also coincides with many of Guatemala's vibrant festivals and cultural events, offering a deeper immersion into the local customs and traditions. While the dry season is popular among tourists, the wet season (May to October) has its own unique allure. The landscape becomes lush and green, and the occasional rain showers contribute to the country's natural beauty. This time of year is ideal for birdwatching as migratory birds flock to the region.

The coastal areas and plains are the hottest parts of the country, with average annual temperatures of 27°C (80°F), though in the months of March and April, temperatures can go up to 38°C (100°F). In the mountain valleys like Quetzaltenango, Guatemala City, and Antigua, temperatures are much cooler at 16°C–21°C (60°F–70°F). On the highest mountains, temperatures can drop to 0°C (32°F).

At the end of the day, the best time to visit Guatemala depends on the balance you seek between favourable weather conditions and the lush vibrancy of the landscape. Whether you prefer the dry season for outdoor adventures or the wet season for a more vibrant, green backdrop, one thing is certain. Guatemala will amaze you with its variety of experiences throughout the year.

When is the ideal time to visit Guatemala?

The blue skies of the dry season from November through April are the best time for your Guatemala vacation. Cities are highly walkable and sunny skies are perfect for enjoying a stroll through the historic centers of Guatemala City and Antigua. This season is also best for spectacular sunsets reflected in Lake Atitlán and for excursions up to volcanoes. 

Travel is generally easier in the dry season because heavy rains affect unpaved roads, and some roads may close temporarily. Excursions to volcanoes may be cancelled during stormy weather.

When is Guatemala's peak tourist season?

The holidays at the end of December, and the weeks around Easter are the busiest time of year for tourism in Guatemala. Prices rise and you’ll be contending with both international and national tourists, as Guatemalans tend to travel to visit family for Christmas, New Year’s, and Easter. You may find cities oddly empty on these key holidays as many Guatemalans will travel to visit family in more rural areas. 

If you plan to travel to Guatemala over the holidays, book your tours and hotels well in advance. Expect places like Tikal and Semuc Champey to be full of national and international tourists. However, keep in mind that you’ll still find fewer crowds in Guatemala than in nearby Mexico and Costa Rica, regardless of the season.

Which is the most affordable time to visit Guatemala?

The weeks immediately following a holiday, like January after New Year’s, and the weeks after Easter, are the most affordable times with good weather. Since these dates are still in the dry season, expect prices to be moderate but not overly high. Even if prices aren’t particularly low, the weeks just after a major holiday will have the fewest crowds and the best choices of tours and hotels.

Even less expensive is the rainy season, but you must prepare yourself for high humidity and an hour or two of rain every afternoon. Hotel and tour prices will be lowest in August and September, towards the end of the rainy season, which is also the worst of the hurricane season. Hurricanes very rarely make landfall in Guatemala, but when one is brewing in the Caribbean it may send clouds and significant rain to the Guatemalan coast.

How long should I plan to visit Guatemala?

Most visitors spend a week or two in Guatemala. If you are mostly interested in cities and culture, a week is enough for a Guatemala vacation centered around the capital city and Antigua. With four days in Guatemala City, you can see the best museums, wander the markets, catch a concert or play, visit the best restaurants and walk through the historic center of the city. That leaves only three days for Antigua, which may feel rushed when you see how beguilingly beautiful the historic city is.

Visiting Lake Atitlán deserves at least three days so you can settle into the rhythm of the lake’s rural villages and appreciate the tranquil setting. If you want to visit several villages around the lake, plan a full week to see the diversity of communities and their beautiful art. No matter what you decide to see, don’t forget to plan a full day to see the impressive Tikal archeological site. With only eight days, you’ll get the best of Antigua, Atitlán and Tikal with Goway’s Best of Guatemala itinerary.

However, travellers who want a full nature experience will need a week just for the birding and wildlife spotting in Guatemala’s mountainous interior. Wildlife is nothing if not unpredictable, so if you have your heart set on seeing a quetzal, monkeys, or a jaguar, you’ll need plenty of time and a lot of patience. Add on a trip to a volcano and you’ll need at least two more days for that endeavor.

Year-round you’ll find celebrations and demonstrations of Guatemala’s striking weaving and textile art. Make time in your Guatemala vacation to visit at least one workshop or cooperative where you can learn how the weavers make natural dyes and the meaning behind their intricate designs. Supporting local cooperatives not only gives you an unparalleled experience, but it also strengthens Guatemalan heritage so future generations can also enjoy these vibrant traditions.

Where to vacation in Guatemala?

Travellers usually start their Guatemala vacation in historic and colourful Guatemala City, which delights visitors with both Indigenous Mayan culture and 17th century Spanish architecture. Plan on at least two days in the capital to enjoy the fascinating art scene, from modern dance and concerts to art galleries and museums. The other city you can’t miss is Antigua, with its cobblestone streets, brightly painted historic center, and arresting vistas featuring one of the city’s four volcanoes in the background.

The natural beauty of Guatemala astounds even the most well-travelled birders and adventurers. Experienced bird guides know that the Resplendent Quetzal is at the top of most birders’ life lists, but Guatemala has more than 770 bird species, with over 40 endemic birds. Daredevils plan their Guatemala vacations around hiking at least one of the 37 volcanoes, especially the three most active peaks: Pacaya, Fuego, and Santiaguito. Nothing compares to the thrill of seeing bursts of lava and fire against the night sky, though tour operators always keep their guests at a safe distance.

Nature lovers have many exciting options for their Guatemala vacation. The first is Lake Atitlán, ringed by postcard-perfect villages and volcanoes. Tikal National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a must for its Mayan ruins and impressive biodiversity. Two other fascinating sites are the beautiful Semuc Champey, a natural limestone bridge that stretches 300 m (990 ft) over the turbulent Cahabón River, and Yaxhá, a Mayan archaeological site only 30 km (19 mi) from Tikal. 

How much is a trip to Guatemala?

For your Guatemala vacation, you should budget USD $2,000-$2,500 per week. If you plan to stay in one place, your trip to Guatemala will be less expensive. However, with so many fabulous places to see, it’s highly recommended to travel around and visit at least three of Guatemala’s top destinations. Budget hostels with shared rooms can cost as little as $20 per night, but for more comfortable accommodations, plan $100-$120 per night for hotels. Many destinations in Guatemala do not have mid-range options.

Meals at markets or local restaurants cost around $10 but you will need to speak Spanish. Restaurant meals cost $30-50 and you should expect establishments who invest in multilingual staff to be on the spendier side. A 10% tip is customary in restaurants but not at markets. Group day tours cost $100-$150, depending on the activity and group size. Tours with a private guide cost around $200, especially if the guide is fluent in English. Tips for guides are expected, though the amount varies widely depending on the group size and activity. If you want to see the best destinations in Guatemala and are short on time, check out Goway’s 6-day Discover Guatemala itinerary.

What is Guatemala best known for?

Guatemala hasn’t gotten the attention it deserves until recently, but now global travellers are embracing it as one of the best destinations for culture, history, and natural beauty. Your Guatemala vacation will sweep you off your feet with its rich blend of Indigenous cultures and exquisite art. The Mayan civilization goes back 3,500 years and today you can still see their massive temples and learn how their culture still influences modern Guatemalans. 

Guatemala is best known for its rich Indigenous Mayan culture, especially Indigenous art, cuisine, and language. You’ll love seeing Guatemalan women in their colourful embroidered huipil blouses, which each show what community and family the wearer belongs to. Don’t pass up the opportunity to buy some of their exquisite weavings and textiles.

Tied with modern Mayan culture are the stunning archaeological sites that showcase Mayan engineering and ingenuity. Ancient Mayan temples like Tikal and Yaxhá are a must for anybody interested in history, archaeology, and architecture.

Mayan culture’s respect for nature makes Guatemala one of the best destinations in the world to see intact tropical ecosystems. Plan a few days in your Guatemala vacation to visit nature reserves and national parks, including at least a day birding to look for the national bird, the Resplendent Quetzal with its long green tail feathers.

What to pack for a trip to Guatemala?

Guatemala is a tropical country, so if you want a beach and will stay at low altitude, plan for hot weather. Guatemala City and Angitua are both at higher altitude, which helps temper the hot climate. Many of Guatemala’s scenic hikes, on volcanoes or for wildlife spotting in mountainous biodiversity hotspots, will take you to higher altitudes with slightly chillier weather. Always pack rain gear, even if you’re visiting during the dry season from November through April. It’s also essential to bring a water bottle with a filter to avoid buying disposable plastic bottles because most places in Guatemala do not have recycling facilities for plastic.

Is Guatemala safe for tourists?

Tourist destinations in Guatemala are safe for travellers and major travel companies like Goway only visit safe places. Plan your Guatemala vacation in cities like the capital and Antigua, archaeological sites like Tikal and Yaxhá, and nature destinations like Lake Atitlán and Semuc Champey. Places that are far from major destinations have less police presence and less help available in case of problems. Check your country’s travel advisories when planning your trip to avoid high risk locations.

Do you need a visa for Guatemala?

Citizens of about 80 countries receive a 90-day visa on arrival in Guatemala, including most European countries, Canada, the US, UK, Australia, and New Zealand. Other nationalities must apply for a visa before booking flights, so check with your embassy when planning your Guatemala vacation. All nationalities must show tickets for exit flights or onward travel departing Guatemala. Your passport needs at least six months validity on the day you enter Guatemala and at least one empty page for stamps.

Why do tourists go to Guatemala?

For many years Guatemala was an uncommon tourist destination, popular mostly with backpackers and aid workers. Today this vibrant country is a popular destination for travellers interested in art, history, Indigenous cultures, adventure, and nature. Though thousands of tourists fall in love with Guatemala every day, the country still gets a fraction of the crowds that visit more established destinations in Central America. If you want to see the best of Guatemalan cities, history and nature, check out Goway’s Guatemala Signature itinerary.

How long can you vacation in Guatemala?

All nationalities who receive a visa on arrival are granted 90 days in Guatemala. If you want to stay longer, you can apply for an extension at the immigration office in Guatemala City, or you can leave the country and re-enter. When you enter the first time, you still need to show a departure ticket within 90 days, so make sure that ticket is changeable or refundable if you plan to stay longer.

Is Guatemala LGBTQ+ friendly?

International travellers are welcomed warmly in Guatemala, including members of the LGBTQ+ community. However, there are no anti-discrimination laws that protect LGBTQ+ people and local culture in some parts of the country is socially conservative. Travellers can safely express their identity, though public displays of affection should be limited to hotels and resorts geared towards the international crowd. In Guatemala’s conservative culture, public displays of affection are uncommon for anybody, regardless of gender.

Same-sex relations have been legal since 1871 and in 2022 the Guatemalan congress cancelled a law that would have outlawed marriage equality. However, progress on rights for transgender people has lagged behind rights for the LGB community. Transgender Guatemalans can legally change their name to match their gender, but they cannot legally change their gender for identification documents. However, transgender travellers are welcomed equally in Guatemala.

Do I need to tip in Guatemala?

It’s customary to tip 10% at restaurants and bars that international travellers frequent. Smaller, family run establishments may not expect a tip, though it’s always much appreciated. Likewise, tipping hotel housekeeping and concierge services is not mandatory, but $1 per day is common and much appreciated. Tour guides should always be tipped, though the appropriate amount varies widely depending on the length of the tour, the number of people in the group and the activities in the tour. Drivers should be tipped $2-$3.

What currency does Guatemala use?

The Guatemalan currency is the Quetzal, named after their national bird, abbreviated as GTQ. It is a relatively stable currency and fluctuates between 7.70 and 7.80 quetzales per US dollar. The US dollar is widely accepted, especially in Guatemala City and by tour operators throughout the country. Bring small bills in good condition as it may be difficult to get change for large bills and bills that are torn or in poor shape may not be accepted. Keep in mind, you will invariably receive your change in GTQ. When travelling outside Guatemala City and Antigua, it’s best to have local currency for all purchases and tips.

Can I drink the tap water in Guatemala?

Tap water in Guatemala must be filtered or boiled. Bring a water bottle with a filter to avoid buying disposable plastic bottles because most places in Guatemala do not have facilities for recycling plastic. Unless you know that a restaurant uses clean water to wash fruits and vegetables, stick to fruits that you can peel, like bananas and mangoes. Good hotels and restaurants, like the ones Goway books, use safe water in their cooking and meal prep.

Drinks like Flor de Jamaica and refrescos are boiled before cooling and are safe to drink. However, it’s best to ask if the ice cubes have been made with filtered or boiled water.

You can’t explore Guatemala without indulging in its traditional cuisine, a flavourful fusion of Indigenous Mayan, Spanish, and African culinary traditions. Guatemalan cuisine brings together Central American ingredients like beans, corn, chilies, and tomatoes in enticing combinations influenced by Spanish cooking styles. Delicious stews are simmered for hours to get a rich depth of flavours, and every dish brings a complex mix of spices together in uniquely Guatemalan aromas. You’ll see familiar ingredients, like Hass avocados, corn tortillas, squash, and chicken, but the flavours will leave your taste buds in awe.

Guatemala’s answer to Mexico’s salsa is chirmol, which isn’t necessarily spicy but always packs a flavourful punch. The main ingredients are tomatoes, onions, lime, mint, and cilantro though every cook has their own secret ingredient that makes this one of the best ways to see how different Guatemalan food can be in each region of the country.

Schedule some time in your Guatemala vacation for long meals, cooking classes, and market tours to experience everything this exceptional cuisine has to offer—and be ready for some spice. Guatemalan dishes are famously spicy, which is why you should pair your meal with one of Guatemala’s signature sweet drinks.

In Guatemala, every meal is a celebration of the country's rich cultural heritage, with each bite telling a story of its history and diverse influences.

What is Guatemala's traditional cuisine?

The most traditional stew that you’ll see everywhere in Guatemala is the pepián de pollo, which is nothing like your average chicken soup. Pepían de pollo’s rich, creamy broth is the product of many ingredients roasted separately before being blended. This ancient Mayan dish showcases the country's love for bold flavours and complex tastes. You’ll taste red and black chilies, tomatoes, tomatillos, cilantro, sesame seeds, and other spices. Some versions replace the chicken with pork or beef, but turkey is the most traditional. Equally popular is "Kak'ik," a spicy turkey soup originating from the Q'eqchi' Maya community, celebrated for its unique blend of chillies and local spices.

Tamales in Guatemala are steamed in banana leaves, rather than corn husks, and can have any number of delectable ingredients cooked into the corn dough. Tamales steamed in corn husks are called chuchitos and they have similar ingredients. In the mountains of Guatemala you’ll find paches, a potato version of the tamale, wrapped in platanillo leaves.

Temper your spicy meals with a sweet drink. Guatemala has an abundance of delicious beverages to beat the heat, both from the weather and the food. Several traditional drinks are based in corn, like atol de elote, boj, and chicha, which are all a bit sweet, though the fruit drinks can be much more so. Horchata is a refreshing and slightly sweet drink made with rice milk and topped with a dusting of cinnamon. If you want to choose your own mix of fruits for a smoothie, order a licuado.

The most unusual fruit beverage you’ll see is the yellow, tangy refresco de súchiles, made with pineapple, corn, and a fruit called jocote, a relative of the cashew family. Refresco de tamarindo is another tangy drink served with plenty of ice and a bit of sugar. If you want something not made with fruit, try the bright magenta coloured rosa de jamaica, made with hibiscus flowers. 

For those with a sweet tooth, "Dulce de Leche" reigns supreme. This caramel-like milk confection is used in various desserts, including the beloved "Dulce de Leche-filled Plantains." Guatemalan coffee, renowned globally for its high quality and distinctive flavour, is also a must-try if you’re a coffee lover. 

What is the dining etiquette in Guatemala?

Guatemalans are almost as formal with their dining etiquette as they are in their careful dress. The most important custom to note is that guests always wait until their host begins eating to dig in. Use utensils as if you were in Europe, with the knife in the right hand and the fork in the left. However, many Guatemalan dishes are eaten with spoons and tortillas. If you see everybody around the table scooping up food with tortillas, feel free to drop the utensils. It’s polite to finish your plate to show that you enjoyed the meal.

What is the drinking etiquette in Guatemala?

Guatemala has a profusion of delicious non-alcoholic drinks, which are more prevalent than alcoholic drinks. However, it’s common to drink a cold beer, on a hot afternoon, especially when meeting up with friends. Two common fermented drinks that are lightly alcoholic are cusha, made from pineapple rinds, and chicha, made from corn. Drinking in public is not common but not frowned upon either. Try to stick to only one or two drinks unless you’re at a private home or in your hotel.

Does Guatemala cater to dietary restrictions?

Many Guatemalan meals are based on rice and corn, making this a relatively easy country for gluten-intolerant travellers. The farther you get from a city, the less likely you are to encounter wheat as cuisine in rural areas has less Spanish influence. Vegetarians and vegans will find dozens of combinations of beans, rice, and corn, though the most traditional dishes, especially rich stews like pepián and kak’ik, have meat in them. Be aware that beans are often cooked with lard or beef stock, so check with the server before assuming that a bean dish is vegetarian. Milk is not a common ingredient, so lactose-intolerant travellers shouldn’t have problems in Guatemala. Travellers who keep kosher or halal may feel safer sticking to a vegetarian diet as pork is used in many dishes and lard is often used instead of butter or oil.

What do meals typically cost in Guatemala?

Meals at markets or local restaurants cost around $10 but you will need to speak Spanish or be willing to work around linguistic barriers. Don’t let this scare you away though! Some of Guatemala’s best regional dishes and freshest foods are found at markets and small, family-run establishments. 

Restaurant meals cost $20-50 and you should expect establishments who invest in multilingual staff to be on the spendier side. In general, if the menu is in multiple languages, and your server speaks English, meals will cost $40-50. Don’t forget to tip at least 10% in elegant restaurants.