North America

72 Guatemala

72 Guatemala

Guatemala is a land of volcanic landscapes, ancient Mayan civilization, and vibrant indigenous culture in the heart of Central America. Lake Atitlan, surrounded by three volcanoes and traditional Mayan villages, is often called the most beautiful lake in the world. The colonial city of Antigua and the jungle-shrouded ruins of Tikal make it one of the most rewarding destinations in Latin America.
Guatemala flag

Visa Information

Below is a summary of how I entered, whether through a visa or another permitted route.

Visa Required
No

Notes

I entered this country using my US tourist visa, which allowed entry without a separate visa.

Last updated 2 hours ago

Info: This is placeholder data. Real expense details will be updated soon.
S.No Details Date Amount Currency Amount (NPR) Remarks
1 250 Accommodation
2 120 Food & Dining
3 30 Activities
4 Free Activities
5 40 Transport
6 60 Transport
7 ~150/night 450 Accommodation
8 ~120/day 360 Food & Dining
9 Free Activities
10 Guide + transport 400 Activities
11 50 Activities
12 Free Activities
13 30 Transport
14 50 Connectivity
15 35 Insurance
16 100 Miscellaneous
17 40 Miscellaneous
18 80 Transport
19 GTQ 2,060 + USD 35
Total 0.00 2,095

Last updated 2 hours ago

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Electronic Immigration Form Required

All travelers must fill out an electronic immigration and customs declaration form before entering and exiting Guatemala. You will receive a QR code to present at the airport. Keep a printed or electronic copy. A 90-day stay is granted on arrival.

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Currency and Cash

The currency is the Guatemalan Quetzal (GTQ), roughly 7.50 GTQ per $1 USD. Carry cash in quetzales for markets, transport, and small shops. ATMs inside banks are the safest for withdrawals. Request small denomination notes as change is scarce in rural areas.

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Tourist Police Available

Guatemala offers the Tourist Assistance Program (ASISTUR) and tourist police (DISETUR) in popular areas like Antigua, Lake Atitlan, Tikal, and Quetzaltenango. They can assist with directions, safety concerns, and emergency situations.

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Airport Departure Tax

A departure tax of $30 USD (or equivalent in quetzales) must be paid when leaving Guatemala by air. Check if your airline includes this in the ticket price. Have cash ready if it is not included.

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Safety Precautions

Avoid Zone 18 in Guatemala City and the city of Villa Nueva due to high crime. Do not travel near unofficial border crossings. Use authorized transport, especially at night. The main tourist destinations (Antigua, Lake Atitlan, Tikal) are well-patrolled.

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Coffee Country

Guatemala produces world-class coffee. Visit a coffee finca near Antigua or in the highlands to see the bean-to-cup process. Buying directly from farms supports local communities and ensures the freshest product. Antigua is surrounded by prime coffee-growing regions.

Last updated 2 hours ago

1

Guatemala City and Antigua

📍 Guatemala City and Antigua

Arrive in Guatemala City and visit the National Palace of Culture and the Metropolitan Cathedral on the central plaza. Travel to Antigua Guatemala, a UNESCO World Heritage Site surrounded by volcanoes, and wander its cobblestone streets lined with colorful colonial buildings. Visit the ruins of the Cathedral of Santiago and enjoy dinner in a courtyard restaurant near the Parque Central.

2

Antigua Volcanoes and Coffee

📍 Antigua

Hike up Cerro de la Cruz for a panoramic view of Antigua with Volcan de Agua as the backdrop. Tour a local coffee finca to learn about Guatemalan coffee production from bean to cup. Explore the Santa Catalina Arch, the most iconic landmark in Antigua, and browse the Nim Po't textile market for handwoven Mayan fabrics.

3

Lake Atitlan and Mayan Villages

📍 Lake Atitlan

Drive to Lake Atitlan, often called the most beautiful lake in the world, surrounded by three volcanoes. Take a lancha boat to the indigenous villages of San Juan La Laguna to see traditional Mayan weaving and natural dyeing, and San Pedro La Laguna for its bohemian cafes. Return to Panajachel for sunset views over the lake with Volcan San Pedro silhouetted against the sky.

4

Tikal Ancient Maya City

📍 Tikal, Peten

Fly to Flores and drive to Tikal National Park, one of the largest archaeological sites of the Maya civilization. Climb Temple IV, the tallest pre-Columbian structure in the Americas, for a view above the jungle canopy. Explore the Great Plaza flanked by Temple I (Temple of the Grand Jaguar) and Temple II, listening to howler monkeys echo through the ancient city.

Last updated 2 hours ago

Pepián

Rich, thick stew with roasted spices, seeds, and chicken, considered Guatemala's national dish.

Tamales

Corn dough with meat filling wrapped in banana or corn leaves, steamed for celebrations.

Rellenitos

Sweet plantain dough stuffed with black beans and fried until crispy on the outside.

Kak'ik

Spicy turkey soup with roasted tomatoes, chillies, and achiote from the Q'eqchi' Maya tradition.

Tostadas

Crispy fried tortillas topped with guacamole, salsa, black beans, and shredded meat.

Last updated 2 hours ago

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Security Overview

Security Ranking

72/100

Steady

Guatemala currently falls in an elevated-caution range across the main government travel advisories we track. Some sources also call out region-specific exceptions, so the public rank is kept slightly conservative.

Refreshed 04 Apr 2026

Risk Level
Moderate Awareness
General Notes
Crime is a serious concern throughout Guatemala. Violent crimes such as armed robbery, carjacking, and extortion are common. Tourist areas like Antigua, Lake Atitlan, and Tikal are generally safer with tourist police presence.
Common Scams
Common scams include unlicensed guides demanding payment at ruins, fake police at traffic stops, and currency exchange fraud. 'Express kidnappings' where victims are forced to withdraw ATM cash have been reported.
Advice
Avoid Zone 18 and Villa Nueva in Guatemala City. Do not travel near unofficial border crossings. Use authorized transport, especially at night. Tourist police (DISETUR) are available in popular tourist areas.

Last updated 2 hours ago

Tikal Ruins

One of the largest archaeological sites of the Maya civilization, featuring towering temples rising above the jungle canopy in the Peten region.

📍 Open in Google Maps

Lake Atitlan

A stunning volcanic crater lake surrounded by three volcanoes and traditional Mayan villages known for weaving, coffee growing, and indigenous culture.

📍 Open in Google Maps

Antigua Guatemala

A UNESCO World Heritage colonial city surrounded by volcanoes, famous for its cobblestone streets, ruined churches, and the iconic Santa Catalina Arch.

📍 Open in Google Maps

Semuc Champey

A natural limestone bridge with a series of stepped turquoise pools in the middle of the jungle, considered one of Guatemala's most beautiful natural wonders.

📍 Open in Google Maps

Last updated 2 hours ago