Mexico & Central America
Guatemala
Guatemala rewards solo travelers with Antigua, Lake Atitlán, volcano hikes and Tikal, linked by tourist shuttles and full of hostels and Spanish schools. Guatemala City and rural roads need real caution.
- US travel advisoryLevel 3Reconsider travelDetails
- Visa86 of 198passports can visit visa-freeDetails
- CurrencyGTQUS$1 ≈ Q7.64Details
- Price level43%of US prices (World Bank PPP)Details
- English2/5LimitedDetails
- PlugsType A, B120 V, 60 HzDetails
- Emergency110Police 110 · Ambulance 122 · Fire 122 · Tourist police 1500
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDrink bottled or garrafón (5-gallon jug) water; many hostels have refill jugs.Details
- LGBTQ+LegalGuatemala City and Antigua are largely tolerant with a small scene; elsewhere attitudes are religious and conservative, and public affection draws harassment.Details
- Internet100 MbpsMedian fixed broadband · mobile 63 MbpsDetails
- DrivingOn the rightForeign licences are valid for tourist stays of up to 90 days; rental firms often also ask for an IDP.
Where to go in Guatemala
7 places with full guides. Comfortable monthly budget for one person, rent included.
| Place | Safety | Month, comfortable | Best months | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antigua GuatemalaTown | 4/5 | $1,180–1,830 | Nov–Mar | 59/100 |
| Lake AtitlánRegion | 3/5 | $1,050–1,570 | Nov–Mar | 59/100 |
| FloresTown | 4/5 | $917–1,440 | Dec–Apr | 72/100 |
| Semuc ChampeyRegion | 3/5 | $458–720 | Feb–Apr, Nov | 95/100 |
| San Pedro La LagunaTown | 3/5 | $851–1,240 | Nov–Mar | 75/100 |
| Guatemala CityCapital city | 3/5 | $1,310–2,090 | Nov–Apr | 42/100 |
| QuetzaltenangoCity | 3/5 | $917–1,370 | Nov–Apr | 65/100 |
When to visit Guatemala
Dry season November–April is best; May–October brings afternoon storms and landslides. Highland nights are cold in December–January. Antigua fills up for Semana Santa.
Good to know
Entry
- Complete the online traveller declaration before arrival and before departure and keep the QR code; airport terminals for it are slower.
- CA-4 rule: one combined stay limit covers Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua; crossing between them doesn't reset it.
- Check your passport is stamped on entry; a missing stamp means a fine and delays when you leave.
- 'Entry fees' demanded at land borders are illegal; ask for an official receipt. The US$30 air departure tax is in the ticket.
Laws visitors break by accident
- Always carry ID; in San Pedro La Laguna police may insist on your original passport.
- Don't photograph Indigenous people, especially children, without permission; it has provoked violent reactions.
- Drug possession brings long sentences in overcrowded, violent prisons.
Etiquette
- Say 'buenos días' or 'buenas tardes' before asking anything, even in shops.
- Ask before photographing people in highland villages; some expect a small payment.
- Dress modestly in churches and Indigenous villages.
- Bargain gently in markets; shops have fixed prices.
Tipping
Restaurants often add a 10% 'propina sugerida'; otherwise leave about 10%. Tip guides and shuttle drivers; taxis aren't tipped.
Neighbouring countries
Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- GOV.UK foreign travel advice: Guatemala
- Government of Canada travel advice: Guatemala
- Instituto Guatemalteco de Migración
- SAT traveller declaration form
- Speedtest Global Index: Guatemala
- World Bank open data
Country facts are researched by SoloSquare; advisory levels, crime, health and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.