Guatemala

Key facts

• Region: Central America — Sovereign states
• Capital: Guatemala City
• Currency: Guatemalan quetzal (GTQ)
• Languages: Spanish (official), plus 22 Mayan languages
• Main airport: GUA — La Aurora International Airport, serving Guatemala City
• Best time to visit: November to April, the dry season; the Caribbean coast around Livingston is wettest in June and July

Overview

Guatemala sits at the centre of the ancient Maya world, with the largest ruins, the strongest surviving indigenous culture and dramatic volcanic highlands. It is one of the most rewarding countries in Central America for history and landscape, though it is poorer and less developed than Costa Rica or Panama. Antigua and Lake Atitlán are the two most visited destinations, both within a few hours of the capital.

Airports

La Aurora International Airport (GUA) in Guatemala City is the main international gateway. Mundo Maya International Airport (FRS) in Flores serves the Petén region and Tikal, with limited international and domestic connections. Domestic flights link Guatemala City with Flores and a few other towns, but elsewhere travel is by road.

Main cities

Antigua Guatemala is the former colonial capital and the main tourist base, a well-preserved town of cobbled streets below three volcanoes. Guatemala City is the capital and arrival point, with museums and the best transport links but few attractions for most visitors. Flores is a small island town on Lake Petén Itzá and the base for Tikal. Quetzaltenango, known as Xela, is the second city and a centre for Spanish-language study in the highlands.

Places to go

Tikal in the Petén is one of the largest and best-known Maya sites in the Americas. Lake Atitlán is a deep volcanic lake ringed by villages such as Panajachel, Santiago Atitlán and San Pedro La Laguna. The Acatenango volcano hike, usually done from Antigua, looks across to the frequently erupting Volcán de Fuego. Chichicastenango hosts one of the region's largest and oldest markets. Semuc Champey near Lanquín is a series of turquoise limestone pools. The Río Dulce and the Caribbean town of Livingston offer a river-and-Garífuna side of the country. Volcán Pacaya is a more accessible active volcano near Antigua.

Getting there

Cheapest cached round-trip fare into Guatemala, refreshed every 6 hours:

Where to stay

Practical information

Frequently asked