Guatemala

1. What are the best Mayan ruins to visit in Guatemala?
Top Mayan ruins include Tikal National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site with towering pyramids, and Yaxhá for a quieter experience with stunning views. El Mirador, accessible by a multi-day trek, offers remote pyramids, while Quiriguá is known for its intricately carved stelae. Iximché provides a closer option near Antigua with historical significance.

2. What is the best time to visit Guatemala?
The best time to visit is from November to April, during the dry season, with temperatures between 70°F and 80°F (21°C to 27°C), ideal for exploring ruins and hiking. May to October is the rainy season, with afternoon showers, but it offers lush landscapes, fewer crowds, and lower prices.

3. Do I need a visa to travel to Guatemala?
US, Canadian, EU, and UK citizens can visit Guatemala visa-free for up to 90 days under the CA-4 agreement (including El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua) with a valid passport. Other nationalities may need a visa, which can be checked via the Guatemalan Embassy website. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay.

4. What are the top things to do in Antigua Guatemala?
In Antigua, explore the cobblestone streets and colonial architecture, visit the Santa Catalina Arch, and tour the Catedral de San José. Hike Pacaya Volcano for lava views, relax at a coffee plantation like Finca Filadelfia, and shop for textiles at the Mercado de Artesanías. Don’t miss the Holy Week (Semana Santa) celebrations with vibrant processions.

5. Is Guatemala expensive to travel to?
Guatemala is budget-friendly, with daily costs averaging $30–$80 per person for accommodation, food, and activities. A mid-range trip can cost $400–$800 for a week. Staying in hostels and eating at local comedores can save money, though tourist areas like Antigua and Lake Atitlán may be slightly pricier.

6. What are traditional Guatemalan foods to try?
Try pepián, a rich meat stew with spices, and kak’ik, a spicy turkey soup from Cobán. Savor tamales with corn dough and meat, rellenitos (plantain stuffed with beans), and chiles rellenos. For drinks, enjoy atol de elote, a warm corn beverage, and sip on Zacapa rum or a cup of Guatemalan coffee from regions like Huehuetenango.

7. What are the best things to do at Lake Atitlán?
At Lake Atitlán, kayak or paddleboard on the lake, visit indigenous villages like San Juan La Laguna for textile workshops, and hike to the San Pedro Volcano for stunning views. Explore the markets of Panajachel, take a boat tour to Santiago Atitlán to see the Maximon shrine, and relax at a lakeside café in Santa Cruz La Laguna.

8. What are the best markets to visit in Guatemala?
Top markets include Chichicastenango Market (Thursdays and Sundays) for textiles and crafts, the San Francisco El Alto Market for a local experience, and the Sololá Market for vibrant produce and traditional clothing. The Mercado de Artesanías in Antigua offers souvenirs, while the market in Todos Santos Cuchumatán showcases Mam culture.

9. What are the best cultural experiences in Guatemala?
Top cultural experiences include attending a Mayan ceremony in Chichicastenango, visiting a coffee farm in Cobán, and exploring the Garifuna culture in Livingston. Join the Day of the Dead celebrations in Sumpango with giant kites (November 1), learn to weave with locals in San Antonio Aguas Calientes, and witness the Rabinal Achí dance-drama in Rabinal.

10. How can I travel around Guatemala?
Chicken buses (repurposed school buses) are the cheapest option at $1–$5 per ride, connecting cities like Guatemala City to Antigua and Xela. Tourist shuttles to places like Lake Atitlán or Tikal cost $10–$30. Renting a car costs $30–$60 per day (driving is on the right), ideal for remote areas. Taxis and tuk-tuks in cities cost $2–$10 for short trips.