GUATEMALA
Guatemala is the genuine article; its gripping landscapes, humming markets, and Mayan culture put it at the forefront of my favorite countries in the world! From the cobblestone streets of Antigua to the untamed jungle of Flores, you will find that the country’s allure speaks for itself. So much so that I left Guatemala with a whole new sense of what beauty means to me. There is an essence of simplicity that is unwavering throughout the country but paradoxically is very different from town to town. I urge you to visit so you can find out for yourself just how pristine this country is!
Updated COVID-19 Travel Information:
Currency:
The official currency of Guatemala is the Guatemalan Quetzal (GTQ)
$1 USD = 7.7 GTQ
Pricing for Leisure Travelers:
Average Hotel Expenses = 460-580 GTQ/Night ($60-$75 USD/Night)
Average Food/Drink Expenses = 115-230 GTQ/Day ($15-$30 USD/Day)
Pricing for Backpackers:
Average Hostel Expenses = 40-115 GTQ/Night ($5-$15 USD/Night)
Average Food/Drink Expenses = 40-115 GTQ/Day ($5-$15 USD/Day)
Communication:
Spanish is the official language of Guatemala. Although some locals will know English, I recommend having some Spanish comprehension skills to navigate the markets and other non-touristy areas.
Transportation:
Direct Shuttle Bus: For those who do not prefer public transportation, this is a great option! You can book private vans or share them with passengers (most have a max capacity of 12). Book through Gekko Trails Explorer.
Bus: Unlike most of Central America, Guatemala is a country I recommend traveling throughout via shuttle bus as opposed to chicken bus. The direct shuttle buses will save you precious time and are oftentimes safer (because they avoid Guatemala City). That said, you are more than welcome to travel via chicken bus if you would prefer to save some quetzales. Regardless of the route you take, expect the rides to be on the longer side since tourist attractions are spread across the country.
Airplane: Flying into Guatemala is fine, but traveling throughout the country is best done via bus. There aren’t many airports (the only international airports are in Guatemala City and Flores) and the buses are very easy to navigate.
Taxi/Uber: Again, not the most popular way of transportation in Guatemala but it can be done. You won’t have problems finding a taxi (or tuk-tuks) in any of the cities listed below but Uber is only available in Guatemala City and Quetzaltenango (near Lake Atitlán).
Miscellaneous:
Guatemalan markets are incredible for fresh fruits and vegetables! In Antigua, I bought 8 avocados for $1 USD!
There are no travel fees associated with entering or exiting Guatemala at any of their borders.
Below are recommended vaccinations and prescriptions to obtain before travel to Central America. None of them are required, but a travel doctor I spoke with advised getting these shots and prescriptions to be safe:
Hepatitis A (shot)
Hepatitis B (shot)
Malaria (prescription for Mefloquine pills)
Traveler’s Diarrhea (Imodium pills to use just in case)
Typhoid (shot)
