Guatemala travel resources
Colonial Antigua, volcano-ringed Lake Atitlán, the Maya temples of Tikal and the turquoise pools of Semuc Champey.
Quick facts
- Currency
- Guatemalan quetzal (GTQ)
- Language
- Spanish
- Best time to visit
- Nov–Apr (dry season) Compare countries by month
- Emergency
- 110 police · 122 or 123 fire and ambulance Emergency numbers by country
- Plug types
- A, B Plug types by country
- Drives on
- Right Driving side by country
- Government travel advice
- UK Canada How to read it
General guidance; seasons vary by region. Plug types from Wikipedia's mains electricity by country table; currency and driving side from Wikidata; emergency numbers checked against UK government travel advice in . Check the latest advice for entry rules and safety before you book.
Before you go
- GOV.UK says British citizens can visit for up to 90 days without a visa. Their passport must expire at least 6 months after arrival and have at least 2 blank pages. Check the rules on the Instituto Guatemalteco de Migración’s site.
- GOV.UK says you must complete an online immigration declaration form before you enter or exit Guatemala.
- TravelHealthPro lists a low malaria risk below 1,500m, and none in Guatemala City, Antigua, Lake Atitlán or above 1,500m.
Top destinations in Guatemala
Travel resources
Travel tips
- Check INSIVUMEH and CONRED before climbing a volcano. GOV.UK says to check them for access, restrictions and recommendations, and that there is no mountain rescue service.
- Pack warm clothing and waterproofs for volcano hikes. GOV.UK says some volcanoes are high, with freezing temperatures at night.
- Take radio-dispatched taxis, Uber or hotel taxis for short trips. GOV.UK says express kidnappings are common, often involving taxis hailed from the street.
- Avoid public buses, the repainted US school buses. GOV.UK says gangs have attacked and extorted their drivers.
- Allow time to acclimatise before going above 2,500m. TravelHealthPro says rapid ascent without acclimatisation raises the risk of altitude illness.
Booking a hotel or tour in Guatemala? See which review sites to trust and five checks before you pay.