A typical first trip here runs about $400 to $525 per person for 7 days at a mid-range style, before flights. Get your own number from the Budget Calculator.
- Pepián, one of Guatemala's oldest dishes; meat in a thick seed and chili sauce
- Jocon, chicken in a green tomatillo and cilantro sauce
- Tamales, wrapped in banana leaves for special occasions
- Atol de elote, warm sweet corn drink; comforting and traditional
- Guatemalan coffee, grown at altitude in volcanic soil, world-class quality
- Semana Santa in Antigua, most famous Holy Week celebrations in Latin America
- Day of the Dead (November 1), giant kite festivals in Santiago Sacatepéquez
- Mayan calendar traditions and ceremonies still practiced in highland villages
- Tikal, one of the greatest Mayan archaeological sites in the world
Spanish is official; 22 recognized Mayan languages are spoken in Indigenous communities. English is spoken in tourist hubs.
Guatemala has the highest percentage of Indigenous population in Central America, cultural sensitivity is essential.
- Ask permission before photographing Indigenous people and their ceremonies
- Textiles and handicrafts support Indigenous communities, buy authentically
- Tipping 10% is appreciated in tourist restaurants
- Lake Atitlán is considered one of the most beautiful lakes in the world, respect it
Latest for Guatemala
Updates for Guatemala will appear here as they are published. Every update cites official sources, so you can plan on it.