Guatemala | North America

Guatemala is a sovereign state in Central America, bordered by Mexico, Belize, Honduras, and El Salvador. It is the most populous nation in the region, defined by its mountainous volcanic topography and its status as the heartland of the ancient Maya civilization; the capital is Guatemala City.

Visa & Entry Policy

EU, US, and UK passport holders are granted visa-free entry for tourist stays of up to 90 days. As of 2026, all travelers must complete the Electronic Immigration Declaration online before arrival or departure. Entry requires a passport valid for at least six months and a confirmed onward or return ticket. Guatemala is a signatory of the CA-4 Agreement; the 90-day period is shared between Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Extensions for an additional 90 days can be processed once at the Instituto Guatemalteco de Migración in Guatemala City.

Language & Communication

Spanish is the official language. However, the nation is multilingual, with 22 distinct Mayan languages (such as K’iche’ and Q’eqchi’) and non-Mayan indigenous languages like Xinca and Garifuna holding recognized status. English proficiency is moderate in tourist hubs like Antigua and Lake Atitlán but remains very low in the rural highlands and the Petén jungle.

Currency & Payment Systems

The official currency is the Quetzal (GTQ). The exchange rate has remained stable, approximately 7.75 GTQ to 1 USD. Credit cards (Visa/Mastercard) are standard in urban supermarkets, shopping malls, and mid-to-high-range hotels. As of 2026, digital wallets and mobile transfers are common in the capital, but cash is mandatory for "chicken buses," local markets, and small village commerce. ATMs are widespread but often have low daily withdrawal limits (approx. 2,000 GTQ).

National Transport Grid

Inter-city travel is dominated by "chicken buses" (repurposed US school buses) for short distances and private shuttle vans for tourists. As of 2026, construction is underway for Line 1 of the Guatemala City Metro, with the first stage of the elevated/underground system expected to be partially operational by 2027. Domestic aviation is focused on the route between Guatemala City (GUA) and Flores (FRS) for access to Tikal.

Digital Infrastructure

Primary mobile network providers are Tigo and Claro. 4G/LTE coverage is robust along the main highways and urban centers. As of 2026, 5G deployment has reached over 50% of the population, primarily concentrated in the Guatemala City metropolitan area, Antigua, and Quetzaltenango. High-speed fiber-optic (FTTH) is standard in urban residential districts.

Climate & Seasonality

Known as the "Land of Eternal Spring," the highlands maintain a temperate climate ($18°C–24°C$) year-round. The dry season (November–April) is peak travel time. The wet season (May–October) features heavy afternoon rains. The Petén lowlands and the Pacific coast are significantly hotter and more humid. In early 2026, parts of the "Dry Corridor" are experiencing localized food security challenges due to intensified drought cycles.

Health & Safety

No mandatory vaccines are required unless arriving from a Yellow Fever zone. Malaria and Dengue are persistent risks in the lowlands (Petén and the coasts). Tap water is not potable; bottled water is essential. Travelers should exercise high caution in Guatemala City (Zones 3, 7, 18, and 21) due to crime. The emergency number is 110 for Police and 122/123 for Fire/Ambulance.

Top 3 Major Regions & Cities

Central Highlands: Hub: Antigua Guatemala (UNESCO/Colonial) and Lake Atitlán.

Petén Basin: Hub: Flores (Gateway to Tikal and Mayan biosphere).

Western Highlands: Hub: Quetzaltenango (Xela) (Indigenous culture/Hiking).

Local Cost Index

1L Water: 8.00 GTQ ($1.05 USD)

1 Domestic Beer (0.5L): 15.00 GTQ ($1.95 USD)

1 SIM Card (10GB Data): 140.00 GTQ ($18.00 USD)

Facts & Legends

Guatemala is the birthplace of chocolate; the Maya viewed cacao as a divine gift and used it as currency. Local folklore features Maximón, a syncretic folk saint who smokes cigars and drinks liquor, housed in different private homes each year. A prominent legend is "La Llorona," the weeping woman who haunts riverbanks. Geologically, the country has over 30 volcanoes, three of which-Fuego, Pacaya, and Santiaguito-are currently active; at Pacaya, it is a popular tradition to roast marshmallows over active volcanic vents.