Mesoamerica's most dramatic landscape — Lake Atitlan surrounded by volcanoes, the UNESCO colonial perfection of Antigua, Tikal's temples rising above the jungle canopy, and Maya textile traditions still vibrant.
- Capital
- Guatemala City
- Population
- 18,079,810
- Area
- 108,890 km²
- Languages
- Spanish
- Currency
- Guatemala Quetzal (GTQ)
- GDP
- $121,177M
Good to know
Driving side
Right
National dish
Fiambre, Pepian (hearty meat stew)
Annual visitors
594,000 (2020)
Safety
Elevated (23.37/100k)
Big Mac
$4.30
Avg temp
23.6°C
Religion
Christianity
Coast
Coastal
☎ Police 110 · Ambulance 123 · Fire 123
Travel guide
Guatemala has a rich and distinctive culture from the extended mixing of Spanish settlers and the Maya people who are native to Central America. This diverse history and the natural beauty of the land have created a destination rich in interesting and scenic sites. Guatemala is very tough land—you can experience dense jungles, mountainous terrain with volcanic activity, other seismic activity (earthquakes, mudslides), and hurricanes.
© Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA)
Explore Guatemala
Best time to visit
November–April is the dry season — ideal for Antigua, Tikal, and Lake Atitlan. May–October has afternoon rains but Tikal is atmospheric in morning mist. Semana Santa (Easter) in Antigua is one of the world's great celebrations. Chichicastenango market is best Thursday and Sunday year-round.
Visa
Citizens of US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia and most Western countries receive 90 days visa-free under the CA-4 agreement.
Public holidays
UNESCO World Heritage Sites (5)
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Major cities
Antigua
The colonial gem of Central America — cobblestone streets, baroque churches in ruins, and the backdrop of three volcanoes.
Lake Atitlan
A volcanic crater lake Aldous Huxley called the world's most beautiful, surrounded by Maya villages and steep volcanoes.
Tikal
One of the most powerful Maya cities, rising above the jungle canopy — a UNESCO site of towering temples in the Peten rainforest.
Guatemala City
Central America's largest city, with excellent museums and the base for exploring the country.