Guatemala Travel Guide — Visas, Climate & Attractions

Guatemala Travel GuideAncient Maya temples rise above jungle canopy, volcanic peaks frame highland lakes of impossible blue, and vibrant indigenous markets pulse with centuries-old tradition.Key Facts

Capital: Guatemala City

Currency: GTQ (Quetzal)

Language: Spanish

Time Zone: UTC-6

Top Places to Visit

Tikal — Towering Maya pyramids emerging from the jungle canopy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Antigua Guatemala — A perfectly preserved colonial city of cobblestone streets and baroque ruins.

Lake Atitlan — A volcanic crater lake surrounded by three towering volcanoes and Maya villages.

Chichicastenango — The largest indigenous market in the Americas, a riot of color and tradition.

Semuc Champey — Stunning turquoise limestone pools stacked above a river in the cloud forest.

Local Food

Pepian — A rich, earthy stew of chicken or pork in a sauce of roasted seeds and dried chiles.

Tamales Colorados — Corn dough filled with meat in tomato-based recado sauce, wrapped in banana leaves.

Guatemalan Coffee — World-class single-origin coffee from volcanic highland farms.

Platanos Fritos — Sweet fried plantains served alongside beans and cream.

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