Americas · Central America

Guatemala

Republic of Guatemala

Flag of Guatemala
Local Time
--:--:--
UTC-06:00
🏛️ Capital
Guatemala City
👥 Population
18,079,810
📐 Area
108,889 km²
💱 Currency
Guatemalan quetzal (Q)
🗣️ Languages
Spanish
📞 Calling Code
+502
🕐 Time Zones
UTC-06:00
🌐 Region
Americas / Central America

About Guatemala

Guatemala is a country of extraordinary contrasts, where ancient Maya civilization meets colonial Spanish grandeur and volcanic landscapes roll down to warm Pacific and Caribbean coasts. From the moment you arrive, you'll feel the pull of a land shaped by thousands of years of human ingenuity and natural drama. The highland city of Antigua, ringed by three towering volcanoes, draws travelers with its cobblestone streets, pastel facades, and one of the finest preserved colonial skylines in the Americas.

Venture deeper and you'll discover Lake Atitlán, a sapphire crater lake surrounded by indigenous Maya villages and steep volcanic peaks that has inspired writers and wanderers for centuries. Each village around its shores retains its own distinct textile traditions, dialect, and spiritual practices, offering an intimate window into living Maya culture that few countries can match. The lake's ever-changing light, shifting from silver at dawn to deep indigo at dusk, makes it one of the most photographed scenes in Central America.

Beyond these iconic landmarks, Guatemala rewards the curious traveler with dense jungle ruins at Tikal, where howler monkeys echo through temples that once ruled a vast empire. Caribbean-facing Livingston pulses with Garifuna music and seafood traditions unlike anything in the highland towns. Whether you are trekking an active volcano at sunrise, bargaining for hand-woven textiles at a market in Chichicastenango, or sipping freshly roasted Guatemalan coffee on a colonial terrace, every experience here feels vivid, authentic, and deeply rooted in the spirit of a remarkable people.

History & Background

Guatemala's history stretches back more than three thousand years to the great Maya civilization, which built towering cities throughout the lowland jungles and highland valleys. Tikal, one of the most powerful Maya city-states, reached its peak between 200 and 900 CE, governing a network of trade routes and political alliances across Mesoamerica. The mysterious decline of Classic Maya cities around the 10th century remains one of archaeology's great unsolved questions, though drought, internal conflict, and ecological strain all likely played roles.

Spanish conquest came swiftly in 1524 under Pedro de Alvarado, and Guatemala became the seat of the Captaincy General of Guatemala, governing much of Central America for nearly three centuries. Independence from Spain arrived in 1821, but political stability proved elusive. The 20th century brought particular tragedy — a US-backed coup in 1954 overthrew a democratically elected president and sparked a 36-year civil war that killed an estimated 200,000 people, the vast majority of them indigenous Maya. The peace accords of 1996 formally ended the conflict, and Guatemala has since worked to rebuild democratic institutions while acknowledging the profound wounds of its recent past.

Culture & People

Guatemala's culture is profoundly shaped by its Maya heritage, which remains vibrantly alive in the daily lives of roughly half the population. Indigenous communities across the western highlands continue to practice ancient ceremonies, wear hand-woven traje — elaborately patterned traditional clothing unique to each community — and maintain spiritual connections to the natural world through a blend of Maya and Catholic traditions. Market days in towns like Chichicastenango and Sololá are deeply social events, as much spiritual gatherings as commercial exchanges, and witnessing them feels like stepping into a centuries-old rhythm of life.

Spanish colonial influence brought Catholic festivals, baroque architecture, and new culinary traditions that have blended seamlessly with Indigenous roots. Semana Santa in Antigua is considered one of the most dramatic Holy Week celebrations in Latin America, with elaborate sawdust carpets, solemn processions, and centuries-old rituals filling every street. Music, marimba in particular, is the country's soul, its rippling wooden tones accompanying festivals, family celebrations, and everyday life across all regions.

Food & Cuisine

Guatemalan cuisine is comforting, deeply rooted in Maya tradition, and centered on corn, beans, and chiles. Pepián, a rich stew of chicken or pork in a sauce made from roasted seeds, dried chiles, and tomatoes, is considered one of the country's national dishes and carries pre-Columbian origins. Kak'ik, a fiery turkey broth seasoned with chiles and herbs, originates from the Q'eqchi' Maya people of Alta Verapaz and is both a ceremonial food and a beloved everyday meal. Tamales, varying in form and filling from region to region, are ubiquitous at festivals and Sunday family gatherings.

Street food is an unmissable part of the Guatemalan experience. Tostadas piled high with guacamole, chili beans, and pickled vegetables are eaten as snacks throughout the day, while atole de elote — a warm, creamy corn drink — warms highland mornings. Guatemalan coffee, grown at high altitude in regions like Huehuetenango and Cobán, is some of the finest in the world, with bright acidity and complex fruit notes. Finish a meal with rellenitos — fried plantain filled with sweetened black beans and dusted with sugar — for a dessert that perfectly captures the country's love of combining savory and sweet.

Top Attractions

  • Tikal National Park — Ancient Maya metropolis rising from dense jungle in the Petén, home to towering temple pyramids and extraordinary wildlife including toucans and howler monkeys.
  • Antigua Guatemala — UNESCO-listed colonial city of baroque churches, cobblestone streets, and brilliant volcano views, regarded as one of the best-preserved Spanish colonial cities in the Americas.
  • Lake Atitlán — Stunning crater lake ringed by volcanoes and indigenous Maya villages, each with distinct weaving traditions, widely considered one of the world's most beautiful lakes.
  • Chichicastenango Market — One of Latin America's most vibrant indigenous markets, held every Thursday and Sunday, overflowing with textiles, ceramics, incense, and ritual offerings.
  • Volcán Acatenango — A demanding overnight hike rewarded with front-row views of the active Volcán de Fuego erupting in spectacular bursts of lava and ash.
  • Semuc Champey — A series of turquoise limestone pools set over a natural rock bridge in the jungle of Alta Verapaz, ideal for swimming and one of Guatemala's best-kept natural secrets.

Practical Travel Tips

  • Carry small bills in Guatemalan quetzales; many markets and small eateries do not accept cards or large denominations.
  • Altitude sickness can affect visitors in highland towns like Antigua (1,500 m) and especially around Lake Atitlán (1,560 m) — take the first day easy and stay hydrated.
  • Book shuttle transfers between Antigua, Atitlán, and Flores in advance during Semana Santa; transport fills up weeks ahead.
  • Hiring a local guide at Tikal is highly recommended — they spot wildlife, explain temple history, and navigate the vast site far more efficiently than a map alone.
  • Drink only bottled or filtered water throughout the country and be cautious with uncooked street food if you have a sensitive stomach.
  • Learn a few words of Spanish; while English is spoken in tourist hubs, basic Spanish opens many more doors and earns genuine goodwill in smaller towns.
  • Respect dress codes when entering churches and attending indigenous ceremonies — cover shoulders and knees, and always ask permission before photographing people.

Visa Overview

Citizens of the United States, Canada, the European Union, the United Kingdom, and Australia do not require a visa to enter Guatemala and are typically granted stays of up to 90 days on arrival. Guatemala is part of the CA-4 agreement with Honduras, El Salvador, and Nicaragua, meaning the 90-day allowance is shared across all four countries. Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay. Travelers from most other nations should check requirements with the nearest Guatemalan embassy, as visa-on-arrival eligibility varies.

Getting Around

Getting around Guatemala is affordable but can be slow. Chicken buses — converted US school buses — connect virtually every town at very low cost but operate on loose schedules. Tourist shuttles between Antigua, Lake Atitlán, and Flores are more comfortable and reliable, making them the preferred choice for most visitors. Tuk-tuks are widely used for short hops in smaller towns. For the northern Petén region, domestic flights from Guatemala City to Flores save hours of overland travel and are reasonably priced when booked ahead.

Safety Notes

Guatemala has seen improvements in tourist safety, but petty theft and occasional robberies remain a concern, particularly in Guatemala City and on isolated hiking trails. Stick to reputable shuttle services rather than local buses for longer routes, avoid displaying expensive cameras or jewelry in crowded areas, and use ATMs inside banks or shopping centers during daylight hours. The popular tourist circuits around Antigua, Atitlán, and Tikal are generally considered safe when basic precautions are followed. Always check current travel advisories before visiting.

Live Exchange Rates

Current exchange rates for currencies used in Guatemala.

Guatemalan quetzal (GTQ) Q
Updated: 2026-10-06
⌕
Currency CodeRate
1INCH 1.239492
AAVE 0.000721
ADA 0.486290
AED 0.481234
AFN 8.466474
AKT 0.171229
ALGO 1.020320
ALL 10.748220
AMD 47.406184
AMP 204.356695
ANG 0.235633
AOA 120.031696
APE 0.817879
APT 0.159604
AR 0.029068
ARB 0.642768
ARS 199.166195
ATOM 0.071972
ATS 1.607786
AUD 0.188035
AVAX 0.011541
AWG 0.234557
AXS 0.100056
AZM 1,113.831048
AZN 0.222766
BAKE 510.520863
BAM 0.228524
BAT 1.242261
BBD 0.262074
BCH 0.000415
BDT 16.108396
BEF 4.713409
BGN 0.228524
BHD 0.049270
BIF 393.690876
BMD 0.131037
BNB 0.000168
BND 0.167660
BOB 1.571907
BRL 0.655018
BSD 0.131037
BSV 0.006562
BSW 318.439315
BTC 0.000002
BTCB 1.875450
BTG 0.198625
BTN 12.634347
BTT 352,469.640846
BUSD 0.131015
BWP 1.803496
BYN 0.399758
BYR 2,568.683577
BZD 0.263528
CAD 0.186972
CAKE 0.053583
CDF 302.826312
CELO 1.259987
CFX 2.388091
CHF 0.108990
CHZ 7.833588
CLP 127.502963
CNH 0.878345
CNY 0.878626
COMP 0.005346
COP 419.140575
CRC 59.960883
CRO 1.929640
CRV 0.355455
CSPR 51.370892
CUC 0.131055
CUP 3.138839
CVE 12.884207
CVX 0.059196
CYP 0.068385
CZK 2.858428
DAI 0.131090
DASH 0.002312
DCR 0.007106
DEM 0.228524
DFI 143.374493
DJF 23.311636
DKK 0.873285
DOGE 1.381988
DOP 7.853201
DOT 0.105908
DYDX 0.896852
DZD 17.614858
EEK 1.828190
EGLD 0.029319
EGP 6.870026
ENJ 3.958251
EOS 1.289457
ERN 1.965557
ESP 19.440933
ETB 21.314753
ETC 0.014767
ETH 0.000049
EUR 0.116842
EURC 0.116827
FEI 0.131094
FIL 0.109777
FIM 0.694713
FJD 0.294846
FKP 0.099166
FLOW 4.141558
FLR 18.179142
FRAX 0.132364
FRF 0.766436
FTT 0.507262
GALA 54.084213
GBP 0.099166
GEL 0.340105
GGP 0.099166
GHC 15,405.587348
GHS 1.540559
GIP 0.099166
GMD 9.698196
GMX 0.014924
GNF 1,152.100726
GNO 0.001079
GRD 39.814035
GRT 4.500325
GT 0.011705
GUSD 0.131307
GYD 27.353933
HBAR 1.301676
HKD 1.028308
HNL 3.513608
HNT 0.252530
HOT 286.132500
HRK 0.880349
HT 3.592651
HTG 17.122884
HUF 42.922399
ICP 0.037582
IDR 2,347.562056
IEP 0.092021
ILS 0.400732
IMP 0.099166
IMX 0.714637
INJ 0.017287
INR 12.634347
IQD 171.309912
IRR 235,673.769320
ISK 15.999379
ITL 226.238359
JEP 0.099166
JMD 20.736042
JOD 0.092905
JPY 20.718468
KAS 3.054410
KAVA 1.890175
KCS 0.017261
KDA 13.421576
KES 17.009789
KGS 11.460336
KHR 530.845115
KLAY 3.146273
KMF 57.482674
KNC 0.914826
KPW 117.949798
KRW 175.912663
KSM 0.025577
KWD 0.040504
KYD 0.108933
KZT 59.658446
LAK 2,940.307325
LBP 11,817.272505
LDO 0.286057
LEO 0.014736
LINK 0.009474
LKR 43.220289
LRC 12.763174
LRD 22.361346
LSL 2.181623
LTC 0.001881
LTL 0.403433
LUF 4.713409
LUNA 2.566041
LUNC 2,478.207114
LVL 0.082117
LYD 0.840749
MAD 1.307839
MANA 1.267141
MBX 4.430569
MDL 2.348463
MGA 580.290560
MGF 2,901.452800
MINA 0.972598
MKD 7.188904
MKR 0.000065
MMK 275.069865
MNT 471.101574
MOP 1.059157
MRO 52.463284
MRU 5.246328
MTL 0.050160
MUR 6.211453
MVR 2.025790
MWK 226.802967
MXN 2.368528
MXV 0.269255
MYR 0.535372
MZM 8,364.002746
MZN 8.364003
NAD 2.181623
NEAR 0.025076
NEO 0.051702
NEXO 0.154092
NFT 549,132.648110
NGN 173.236974
NIO 4.817340
NLG 0.257487
NOK 1.257676
NPR 20.224432
NZD 0.234108
OKB 0.001005
OMR 0.050431
ONE 0.894671
OP 0.974776
ORDI 0.028800
PAB 0.131037
PAXG 0.000032
PEN 0.451177
PEPE 30,298.774948
PGK 0.590359
PHP 8.235204
PI 1.501127
PKR 36.231809
PLN 0.511843
POL 1.198269
PTE 23.424790
PYG 765.517636
QAR 0.476975
QNT 0.000507
QTUM 0.133678
ROL 6,245.631955
RON 0.624563
RPL 0.068527
RSD 13.723651
RUB 11.117171
RUNE 0.168780
RVN 53.407782
RWF 193.144944
SAND 1.992703
SAR 0.491389
SBD 1.057298
SCR 1.855976
SDD 7,864.596299
SDG 78.645963
SEK 1.316225
SGD 0.167660
SHIB 22,385.150337
SHP 0.099166
SIT 28.000103
SKK 3.519993
SLE 3.021047
SLL 3,021.047152
SNX 0.523362
SOL 0.001092
SOS 74.553906
SPL 0.021840
SRD 4.940863
SRG 4,940.863022
SSP 750.402050
STD 2,882.924418
STN 2.882924
STX 0.349680
SUI 0.109796
SVC 1.146575
SYP 1,703.980843
SZL 2.181623
THB 4.410665
THETA 0.565895
TJS 1.206019
TMM 2,299.294413
TMT 0.459859
TND 0.392171
TOP 0.315596
TRL 6,443,829.514402
TRX 0.389950
TRY 6.443830
TTD 0.887219
TUSD 0.131141
TVD 0.188035
TWD 4.164603
TWT 0.229540
TZS 345.726766
UAH 5.901821
UGX 526.788442
UNI 0.014791
USD 0.131037
USDC 0.131073
USDD 0.131130
USDP 0.131816
USDT 0.131104
UYU 5.293388
UZS 1,541.403800
VAL 226.238359
VEB 11,409,726,659.3631
VED 114.097267
VEF 11,409,726.659363
VES 114.097267
VET 15.015830
VND 3,406.358998
VUV 15.752246
WAVES 0.439233
WEMIX 0.684247
WOO 9.572884
WST 0.364702
XAF 76.643565
XAG 0.002166
XAU 0.000032
XAUT 0.000032
XBT 0.000002
XCD 0.354707
XCG 0.235633
XCH 0.083731
XDC 3.899333
XDR 0.096857
XEC 16,432.203175
XEM 208.714759
XLM 0.607165
XMR 0.000234
XOF 76.643565
XPD 0.000112
XPF 13.943003
XPT 0.000077
XRP 0.087214
XTZ 0.392195
YER 30.950676
ZAR 2.181623
ZEC 0.000098
ZIL 35.909572
ZMK 2,590.650475
ZMW 2.590650
ZWD 47.422345
ZWG 3.508065
ZWL 8,765.686585

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Cities in Guatemala 310
Browse all cities and towns
Acatenango Agua Blanca Aguacatán Almolonga Alotenango Amatitlan Amatitlán Antigua Antigua Guatemala Asunción Mita Atescatempa Atitlan Ayarza Barberena Boca del Monte Caballo Blanco Cabañas Cabricán Cajolá Canillá Cantel Casillas Catarina Chajul Champerico Chaquiroquija Chiantla Chicacao Chicamán Chiché Chichicastenango Chilascó Chimaltenango Chinautla Chinautla Chinique Chiquimula Chiquimulilla Chisec Chuarrancho Ciudad de Guatemala Ciudad Pedro de Alvarado Ciudad Tecún Umán Ciudad Vieja Coatepeque Cobán Colomba Costa Cuca Colotenango Comalapa Comitancillo Comunidad San José Concepción Chiquirichapa Concepción Huista Concepción Tutuapa Cotzumalguapa Cubulco Cuilapa Cuilco Cunén Cuyotenango Dolores El Chal El Estor El Naranjo El Porvenir El Progreso El Rancho El Sauce El Tejar El Tumbador Escuintla Esquipulas Estanzuela Flores Flores Costa Cuca Fraijanes Fray Bartolomé de las Casas Génova Gualán Guastatoya Guatemala Guazacapán Huehuetenango Huitán Huité Ipala Itzapa Iztapa Jacaltenango Jalapa Jalpatagua Jocotán Jocotenango Joyabaj Jumaytepeque Jutiapa La Blanca La Democracia La Democracia La Esperanza La Gomera La Libertad La Mesilla La Reforma La Unión Lanquín Las Cruces Las Mercedes Livingston Los Amates Magdalena Milpas Altas Malacatán Maraxcó Mataquescuintla Mazatenango Melchor de Mencos Mixco Mixco Momostenango Monjas Montúfar Morales Morazán Moyuta Nahualá Nentón Nueva Concepción Nueva Santa Catarina Ixtahuacán Nueva Santa Rosa Nuevo Chahal Nuevo Palmar Nuevo Progreso Ocós Olintepeque Oratorio Pachalum Pajapita Palencia Palestina Palín Panacté Panajachel Panzós Parramos Pasaco Pastores Patulul Patzicía Patzún Petapa Playa Grande Ixcán Pochuta Poptún Pueblo Nuevo Pueblo Nuevo Viñas Puerto Barrios Puerto San José Purulhá Quesada Quetzaltenango Quezaltepeque Quiche Rabinal Raxruhá Retalhuleu Río Bravo Rio Dulce Río Hondo Sacapulas Salamá Salcajá Samayac San Agustín Acasaguastlán San Andrés San Andrés Huista San Andrés Itzapa San Andrés Osuna San Antonio Aguas Calientes San Antonio Huista San Antonio Ilotenango San Antonio Suchitepéquez San Bartolomé Milpas Altas San Benito San Carlos Alzatate San Carlos Sija San Cristóbal Cucho San Cristóbal Frontera San Cristóbal Totonicapán San Cristóbal Verapaz San Felipe San Francisco San Francisco El Alto San Francisco La Unión San Francisco Zapotitlán San Ildefonso Ixtahuacán San Jerónimo San Jose San José Acatempa San José del Golfo San José El Ídolo San José La Máquina San José Las Cabezas San José Nacahuil San José Pinula San José Poaquil San Juan Atitán San Juan Chamelco San Juan Comalapa San Juan Cotzal San Juan Ixcoy San Juan Ostuncalco San Juan Sacatepéquez San Lucas Sacatepéquez San Lucas Tolimán San Luis San Luis Jilotepeque San Manuel Chaparrón San Marcos San Martín Jilotepeque San Martín Sacatepéquez San Mateo San Mateo Ixtatán San Miguel Acatán San Miguel Chicaj San Miguel Dueñas San Miguel Ixtahuacán San Miguel Petapa San Miguel Sigüilá San Pablo San Pablo La Laguna San Pedro Ayampuc San Pedro Carchá San Pedro Jocopilas San Pedro La Laguna San Pedro Necta San Pedro Pinula San Pedro Sacatepéquez San Pedro Sacatepéquez San Pedro Soloma San Rafael La Independencia San Rafael las Flores San Rafael Pétzal San Rafael Pie de la Cuesta San Raymundo San Sebastián San Sebastián Huehuetenango San Vicente Buenabaj San Vicente Pacaya Sanarate Sansare Santa Ana Santa Avelina Santa Bárbara Santa Catalina la Tinta Santa Catarina Mita Santa Catarina Pinula Santa Clara La Laguna Santa Cruz Balanyá Santa Cruz Barillas Santa Cruz del Quiché Santa Cruz Verapaz Santa Elena Santa Elena Barillas Santa Eulalia Santa Lucía Cotzumalguapa Santa Lucía Milpas Altas Santa María Cahabón Santa María Chiquimula Santa María de Jesús Santa María Ixtahuatán Santa María Nebaj Santa Rosa de Lima Santiago Atitlán Santiago Chimaltenango Santiago Sacatepéquez Santo Domingo Suchitepéquez Santo Domingo Xenacoj Santo Tomás de Castilla Santo Tomás La Unión Sayaxché Senahú Setal Sibilia Sibinal Sipacate Siquinalá Sololá Sumpango Tacaná Tactic Tajumulco Taxisco Tecpán Teculután Tejutla Telemán Tiquisate Todos Santos Cuchumatán Totonicapán Tulate Uspantán Villa Canales Villa Nueva Villa Nueva Yalcachtí Yepocapa Zacapa Zacualpa Zaragoza Zunil

Visa Requirements

Check what visa a citizen of Guatemala needs to enter any country.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the capital of Guatemala?
The capital of Guatemala is Guatemala City.
What currency does Guatemala use?
Guatemala uses the Guatemalan quetzal (Q) as its official currency.
What language is spoken in Guatemala?
The official language(s) of Guatemala include Spanish.
What is the population of Guatemala?
Guatemala has a population of approximately 18,079,810 people.
What region is Guatemala in?
Guatemala is located in Americas, specifically in the Central America subregion.
What is the international calling code for Guatemala?
The international dialing code for Guatemala is +502.
What time zones does Guatemala observe?
Guatemala observes the following time zone(s): UTC-06:00.
What is the current time in Guatemala?
The local time in Guatemala is currently --:--. This time applies to the primary time zone.
What is the total area of Guatemala?
Guatemala covers a total area of 108,889 km².
How many states or provinces does Guatemala have?
Guatemala is divided into 23 states or provinces.
What are the public holidays in Guatemala in 2026?
You can view the complete list of public holidays for Guatemala in 2026 on the Holidays 2026 page.
What are the visa requirements for citizens of Guatemala?
Visa requirements for citizens of Guatemala vary by destination. Use our Visa Requirements Checker below to look up requirements for any destination country.