Guatemala Travel Guide

Guatemala separates Mexico and Belize from the rest of Central America. The long Pacific coast and the short Caribbean coast have a lot to offer the visitor, but the true appeal of Guatemala lies in its interior. With Central America’s highest mountains and most active volcanoes, the landscape can be dramatic. Thick forests in the north still partially conceal the base of the ancient Mayan civilization. Guatemala has had more than it’s fair share of turmoil and unrest, but with some caution there is no reason to feel in danger at this point.

What To Do

Guatemala City is the country’s bustling and enormous capital. The largest city in Central America is a common point of entry, but not a place most like to linger for very long. If you want to get a close-up view of the intense realities of day-to-day life for urban residents this is a great place. Not far away is the old colonial capital of Antiqua, which is night and day from Guatemala City. Antigua is small, historic, and as charming as can be.

Antigua is surrounded by several volcanoes and lakes and this southern region is a very popular area for backpackers, particularly the town of Panajachel and the nearby volcanic lake of Lago de Atitlan.

The Mayan ruins at Tikal in the north are probably the most famous attraction in the country. The huge amount of structures that have been unearthed so far are amazing and the tourist infrastructure is well developed and friendly. The nearby colonial town of Flores is the staging area for any Tikal trip, but this small town has plenty of charm of its own. On the Caribbean coast near Belize is the hidden town of Livingston, which has more of an island feel to it and is only accessible by water even though it’s on the mainland.

Getting There

Unless you are doing Central America by bus your best bet is to fly into Guatemala City’s La Aurora International Airport. It’s a major hub for several carriers so good deals are often available. There is a regional airport in Flores with flights that run back and forth to the capital. These can usually be booked on a walk-up basis, but you can also buy them any local travel agent.

Where To Stay

As mentioned, even if you land in the capital you might consider moving along rather than staying. There are hostels in Guatemala City though and many great options in Antigua as well as Flores/Tikal. Hotels in the country tend to be affordable, but during peak times the better places can fill up well in advance.