With a population just shy of 3 million people, Guatemala City is the biggest and most modern city in Guatemala. Situated in Central America, Guatemala welcomes around 2 million tourists annually, with many of which heading to the capital, Guatemala City
If you’re thinking of going to Guatemala City on vacation, planning your trip out from start to finish will ensure you get the most out of it. From when to book your flights to what activities to try out, here is a handy travel guide that will cover the A-Z of Guatemala City.
Flights
To get to Guatemala City, you’re going to need to book flights. Regardless of where you are in the United States, there are many destinations that fly direct to Guatemala City. This means you won’t have to worry about changes and missing a connecting flight. When it comes to prices, there are numerous factors that can be the difference between you scoring a bargain and paying over the odds for your flights.
If you’re after slow travel and are serious about getting cheap flights to Guatemala, it’s wise to travel between April and May or September and October. These are the city’s low seasons and fall at either end of the rainy season. The time of day you fly to Guatemala can also have an impact on price. Late-night flights tend to be cheaper, so if you’re on a tight budget, it’s wise to avoid flying early morning or in the afternoon.
Airlines like Avianca and United offer nonstop flights to Guatemala City. However, this will of course depend on what destination you’re flying from. It’s a good idea to use a comparison website to compare flight providers, so you end up with the best deal. It’s recommended to book flights as early as possible too. That way, you have more chance of saving money.
Accommodation
Once you’ve got your flights sorted and booked, it’s time to check out hotels in Guatemala City. The great news is there are hundreds to pick from. The bad news is there are hundreds to pick from! Rather than stressing yourself out, there are certain factors that can help you whittle down the list. For example, if you’re on a shoestring budget and want to make your money stretch further, it may be beneficial to book a hostel, over a hotel.
For those who want to splash the cash and go on a luxury trip, Guatemala City boasts an array of 5-star hotels. These include Westin Camino Real, Hilton Guatemala City, Hotel Las Americas, and Barcelo Guatemala City.
Think about what type of amenities are a must and ones you can live without. For instance, if you’re a fitness buff, you may want a hotel that has an on-site gym. Like with flights, use a hotel comparison tool to narrow down your search. Also, book your accommodation well in advance!
Food
Whether you’re in Guatemala City for several days, weeks, or even months, you’re going to need to keep well fed on your travels. Some of the foods the city is best known for include corn, pork, rice, and beans. Soups (sopas) and meat stews (caldos) are easily the most beloved dishes among locals. If you’re a foodie and like to experiment, there are dozens of delicious Guatemalan meals to sample.
We appreciate not everyone likes to push themselves out of their comfort zone regarding food. If this sounds like you, you’ll be happy to know Guatemala City has franchises like McDonald’s and KFC. If you do venture out, make sure you budget accordingly for bars, restaurants, and cafes.
You may decide on booking an all-inclusive resort in Guatemala City that has all your food covered. But, for those who have more freedom with their dining options, you should budget for roughly Q87 per day for your food.
Activities
What do you want to get out of your Guatemala City adventure? Are you planning to relax on a sun lounger by the pool, or do you want to go sightseeing and exploring every day? You may decide you want a mixture of the two. There are a multitude of reasons why people head to the city each year.
Popular attractions in the city include La Aurora Zoo, Paseo Cayla, Mundo Petapa Irtra, and Museo Popol Vuh. If you’re an adrenaline junkie and want to venture out of the city, no trip to Guatemala is complete without going white-water rafting near Acatenango Volcano. Also, why not go kayaking on inland Lake Atitlan?
Whatever attractions and activities you have planned, it’s good to sort out your itinerary before stepping on the plane. If you’re going to Guatemala City with others, there may need to be some compromising between you all to ensure you get the most out of your trip. Make sure to look into admission prices and opening times, otherwise, you may set yourself up for disappointment.
Getting Around
As you touch down in Guatemala City, you’ll need a plan in place on how to get around. From leaving the airport and getting to your hotel, to exploring what the city has to offer, the safest and most comfortable way to navigate the roads in Guatemala are by private car or tourist shuttle.
The interesting thing about Guatemala is there are no passenger trains. Also, very few people can afford to drive a car. This means practically everyone travels by ‘chicken bus’ in the city. Be warned, while these buses aren’t known to be the most comfortable or spacious, they will give you a unique insight into Guatemalan life, plus give you the chance to speak to locals.
On the other hand, you may prefer tourists’ shuttles instead. These are far more comfortable and are quite fast on luxurious. There’s also the option to get around by bike and motorbike. If you would like to rent a car to get around the city and country, costs start from $40 a day for a tiny hatchback, or $70 and above for a 4WD.
Safety
Jetting off somewhere new and being in an unfamiliar environment can be unnerving for some travelers. Your safety and security should be your number one priority when exploring Guatemala City.
While Guatemala as a whole has one of the highest violent crime rates in Central America, there are many friendly and safe areas in Guatemala City to walk around during the day. You do need to have your wits about you, regardless of the time of day.
Petty crime does occur in the city, and if you explore other parts of the country, being vigilant is necessary. Some tips to help keep you safe include having valuables like your smartphone in a zipped-up inside pocket and traveling in groups.
Known for its ancient Mayan culture, outdoor adventures, and opportunities to explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Guatemala City is a popular destination with travelers from all over the world. Whether you want to take things easy and frolic by the pool or get your hiking gear on and go up a mountain, there is something for everyone to do and enjoy in Guatemala City.
The points above should give you a better idea of what to expect before you land in Guatemala City. To have the ultimate experience, make sure to refer to this travel guide which will come in handy as you navigate your way around the city and beyond.
