Guatemala Travel Guide
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Guatemala is the kind of place that has two very distinct kinds of visitors; those who leave and return, and those who come and stay. The reality is that Guatemala is a destination with nearly too much going on to do it justice in a single trip. It’s richly distinctive culture is a cocktail of elements from Spain and the native Maya people, offering visitors a diverse history on top of the already captivating natural beauty. In many respects, Guatemala is still a burgeoning vacation hot spot due to its once dangerous and uncomfortable socio-political climate. This, however, has long since given way to a place characterized by ease – what you choose to do on your Guatemala vacation is now not only safe, but confined only to the limits of your imagination.
Like most of Central America, there’s hardly a “bad” time for visiting Guatemala, although there is a rainy season (called invierno) which makes unpaved roads somewhat difficult from mid-May to October, as well as November/December in the north and east. If you’re planning on visiting the lowland jungles of El Petén, the mud will undoubtedly prove merciless against your enjoyment at this time. Humidity also increases across the country during this rainy season, something others will tell you that Guatemala has enough of in the first place. The dry season (called verano) runs from November to April and translates to sweltering heat in El Petén and down the coasts. In consideration of peak tourist season, from Christmas to Easter is by far the busiest for foreign activity. At the point of these major holidays (Christmas, New Year’s and Easter) Guatemalans take their holidays too, so in most places you’ll need to book well in advance. June to August can also prove busier, as large groups of Americans descend on Guatemala to study Spanish and travel as a complement to their studies.
Throughout your Guatemala vacation, you’ll likely find inexpensive hotels in every town or village along the way, with more ubiquitous accommodations such as Best Western widely represented throughout the larger cities of Guatemala City and Quetzaltenango. There are also many high quality hotels for those who require additional comfort and amenities, but you’ll do better to find them by sticking to the more populated regions or tourist hubs. The Westin Camino Real in Guatemala City and the Hotel San Buenaventura in Panajachel, a Lake Atitlán tourist destination, represent two of the country’s most popular offerings. A word of caution to the budget-minded traveler: check for undisclosed surcharges and taxes (ranging upwards of 25%) before booking.
Guatemala is a veritable buffet of sights and attractions for both the open-minded adventurer and relaxed sightseer alike. In a land of tropical jungles, active volcanoes, the active traveler will find a new meaning to the phrase “forged by nature.” In contrast, those looking for respite from their stressful lives back home can melt into the background at one of the many mountain lakes, cloud forests, or breathtaking volcanic beaches. Culture seekers too, are sure to be enthralled with each indigenous village’s unique history and regional influences. Let’s not forget about the focal point of most Guatemalan tours, an excursion to one of the multiple sites of ancient Maya ruins. Tikal, long considered the largest of the ruins, provides a look into Mayan culture with vast plazas, an acropolis, pyramids, temples and even a museum.
Due to its expansive and pocketed nature, travel throughout Guatemala can be considered piecemeal at best, although it remains exceedingly possible to plan your transportation ahead of time so that it doesn’t become a detriment to the enjoyment of your Guatemala vacation. There are many regular intercity buses, which you’ll pay differently for based on total distance, and the number of stops between your departure and arrival destination. Tourist shuttles are a very common means for seeing the local sights, but the budget traveler should be aware that they are often 10 times more expensive than regular bus fare. There’s also the ayudantes (bus “helpers” out front of stations – typically yelling) to be wary of, who routinely charge foreigners a premium. Take a moment to listen to what others pay and insist that you are offered the same rate.