Guatemala Travel Guide: Where to Go and When

Guatemala's official tourism portal, run by the tourism institute INGUAT, organises the country by Maya sites, colonial cities and natural destinations. The places below are the ones most visitors link into a single route.

Two of them hold UNESCO World Heritage status, according to the portal: Tikal and the historic centre of Antigua Guatemala, both listed in 1979.

Places to visit in Guatemala

Tikal and Flores

The portal says Tikal was declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1979. The park protects more than 570 square kilometres of tropical rainforest, and the portal names the Great Plaza, the Temple of the Great Jaguar and Temple IV. Flores is a small island on Lake Petén Itzá, joined by a bridge to Santa Elena, and it is the usual base for Tikal.

Antigua Guatemala

The portal says the historic centre was declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1979. It names the cathedral and the Arco de Santa Catalina as landmarks, and the Volcán de Agua as a backdrop to the city. Holy Week (Semana Santa) transforms the city, according to the same page.

Lake Atitlán

The portal calls Panajachel the main gateway to the lake. Villages include San Juan La Laguna, known for art galleries and textile cooperatives, San Pedro La Laguna and Santiago Atitlán. The volcanoes San Pedro, Tolimán and Atitlán form the lake's outline.

Chichicastenango

Chichicastenango is in the department of El Quiché, in the western highlands. The portal says its main market is held on Thursdays and Sundays, and it lists the Church of Santo Tomás as a place to see.

Pacaya volcano

The usual access to Pacaya is through the municipality of San Vicente Pacaya. The portal describes the main trail as low to moderate in difficulty, says excursions normally go with authorized local guides, and notes that Pacaya remains one of Guatemala's more active volcanoes. Pacaya is usually visited from Antigua Guatemala.

Guatemala City

The portal describes Guatemala City as the main gateway to the country. Its heritage is concentrated in the Historic Centre, around the Plaza de la Constitución, and the portal also names the Museo Nacional de Arqueología y Etnología.

Getting to Guatemala

The portal describes La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City, a few kilometres from the centre, as the main gateway to the country. For the north, it says the Mundo Maya International Airport near Flores is the main entry point, and you can fly from Guatemala City to Flores.

Getting around

The portal gives the road trip from Guatemala City to Antigua as usually 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, and to Lake Atitlán as 2.5 to 4 hours depending on traffic. From Antigua, the trip to Chichicastenango usually takes 2.5 to 3.5 hours. From Flores, Tikal is about 65 kilometres, usually one hour to one and a half hours.

At Lake Atitlán, public and private boats connect the villages, and tourist shuttles link Panajachel with Sololá, Antigua Guatemala and Guatemala City.

When to go to Guatemala

Dry season (November to April)

The portal says the dry season, from November to April, is usually the most popular time to visit Tikal.

Green season (May to October)

Between May and October, the portal calls Tikal's rainy months the green season, with a more lush jungle. It also says Tikal can be visited all year because of its warm tropical climate.

Antigua climate

The portal describes a temperate climate in Antigua, with pleasant temperatures for much of the year.

What to book ahead

• Tikal has its own ticket site, linked from the INGUAT homepage. Check how to buy entry before you travel.
• Pacaya excursions normally run with authorized local guides, so arrange the guide or a tour before you go.
• Chichicastenango's main market is on Thursdays and Sundays. If the market is the reason for your visit, plan your route around those days.
• Holy Week transforms Antigua, according to the portal. If you travel then, check availability well ahead.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements depend on your nationality and change over time. Check the current rules with the Guatemalan Migration Institute before you book, and confirm again shortly before you travel. INGUAT's site also links the electronic traveller declaration.

Official source: Instituto Guatemalteco de Migración.

Frequently asked questions

Which airports do I use for Tikal?

The portal names the Mundo Maya International Airport near Flores as the main entry point to the north, and says you can fly from Guatemala City to Flores. From Flores, Tikal is about 65 kilometres by road.

Is Antigua Guatemala a UNESCO site?

Yes. The official tourism portal says its historic centre was declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1979.

When is the dry season in Guatemala?

The portal names November to April as the dry season, and the most popular time to visit Tikal. Between May and October it calls Tikal's rainy months the green season.

What days is the Chichicastenango market?

The portal says the main market is held on Thursdays and Sundays.

Do I need a visa for Guatemala?

It depends on your nationality and the rules change. Check the Guatemalan Migration Institute website before you book.