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: 2026-05-20
⌕
Currency CodeRate
1INCH 1.411981
AAVE 0.001474
ADA 0.523059
AED 0.481661
AFN 8.242333
AGIX 1.552205
AKT 0.165581
ALGO 1.118151
ALL 10.768113
AMD 48.247983
AMP 155.617173
ANG 0.236409
AOA 120.255190
APE 0.895902
APT 0.137004
AR 0.058791
ARB 1.158946
ARS 183.350735
ATOM 0.065151
ATS 1.552592
AUD 0.183300
AVAX 0.014006
AWG 0.234764
AXS 0.107685
AZM 1,114.803226
AZN 0.222961
BAKE 150.885554
BAM 0.220679
BAT 1.318791
BBD 0.262307
BCH 0.000351
BDT 16.122343
BEF 4.551602
BGN 0.220679
BHD 0.049314
BIF 390.539575
BMD 0.131153
BNB 0.000202
BND 0.167618
BOB 0.906181
BRL 0.656470
BSD 0.131153
BSV 0.008701
BSW 176.886814
BTC 0.000002
BTG 0.410299
BTN 12.679794
BTT 406,829.767338
BUSD 0.131210
BWP 1.779085
BYN 0.359362
BYR 3,593.615061
BZD 0.264070
CAD 0.180343
CAKE 0.089411
CDF 300.995984
CELO 1.602365
CFX 2.209895
CHF 0.103256
CHZ 2.855365
CLP 117.873704
CNH 0.891949
CNY 0.891991
COMP 0.005737
COP 486.824308
CRC 59.309127
CRO 1.892674
CRV 0.545595
CSPR 44.187372
CUC 0.131153
CUP 3.147746
CVE 12.441903
CVX 0.075913
CYP 0.066037
CZK 2.741718
DAI 0.131232
DASH 0.002604
DCR 0.007513
DEM 0.220679
DFI 145.112502
DJF 23.376958
DKK 0.843174
DOGE 1.253809
DOP 7.724264
DOT 0.104727
DYDX 0.858250
DZD 17.406347
EEK 1.765430
EGLD 0.033058
EGP 7.006909
ENJ 2.902912
EOS 1.609163
ERN 1.967300
ESP 18.773543
ETB 21.171096
ETC 0.014446
ETH 0.000061
EUR 0.112831
EURC 0.112747
FEI 0.131945
FIL 0.135238
FIM 0.670864
FJD 0.288693
FKP 0.097567
FLOW 3.630868
FLR 15.695569
FRAX 0.132100
FRF 0.740125
FTT 0.399668
GALA 38.324560
GBP 0.097567
GEL 0.349980
GGP 0.097567
GHC 15,144.958235
GHS 1.514496
GIP 0.097567
GMD 9.655283
GMX 0.019609
GNF 1,150.577389
GNO 0.001097
GRD 38.447253
GRT 5.191026
GT 0.018520
GUSD 0.131435
GYD 27.436353
HBAR 1.465443
HKD 1.027322
HNL 3.488648
HNT 0.157972
HOT 324.753984
HRK 0.850127
HT 0.909567
HTG 17.172976
HUF 40.578688
ICP 0.051263
IDR 2,315.585906
IEP 0.088862
ILS 0.381031
IMP 0.097567
IMX 0.758086
INJ 0.025816
INR 12.679794
IQD 171.832377
IRR 173,349.353559
ISK 16.180182
ITL 218.471790
JEP 0.097567
JMD 20.754986
JOD 0.092988
JPY 20.839279
KAS 3.751900
KAVA 2.222334
KCS 0.016359
KDA 15.860608
KES 16.984243
KGS 11.472352
KHR 526.086806
KLAY 2.564565
KMF 55.509343
KNC 0.912506
KPW 118.040399
KRW 196.293523
KSM 0.026168
KWD 0.040509
KYD 0.109069
KZT 61.939905
LAK 2,877.711696
LBP 11,708.163126
LDO 0.362329
LEO 0.013044
LINK 0.013575
LKR 45.194293
LRC 7.782926
LRD 24.007880
LSL 2.160099
LTC 0.002413
LTL 0.389584
LUF 4.551602
LUNA 2.048721
LUNC 1,708.915973
LVL 0.079298
LYD 0.834904
MAD 1.209854
MANA 1.466394
MBX 3.351773
MDL 2.279840
MGA 550.741643
MGF 2,753.708213
MINA 2.286297
MKD 6.955274
MKR 0.000077
MMK 275.387560
MNT 469.305265
MOP 1.058142
MRO 52.428475
MRU 5.242848
MTL 0.048438
MUR 6.217210
MVR 2.025711
MWK 227.426781
MXN 2.268841
MXV 0.257677
MYR 0.520601
MZM 8,376.443862
MZN 8.376444
NAD 2.160099
NEAR 0.078465
NEO 0.045046
NEXO 0.148418
NFT 464,228.358629
NGN 179.894819
NIO 4.826875
NLG 0.248647
NOK 1.215556
NPR 20.297181
NZD 0.223388
OKB 0.001615
OMR 0.050488
ONE 64.585803
OP 1.008486
ORDI 0.030600
PAB 0.131153
PAXG 0.000029
PEN 0.448337
PEPE 34,999.068619
PGK 0.571955
PHP 8.064335
PI 0.863682
PKR 36.547403
PLN 0.479267
POL 1.441292
PTE 22.620637
PYG 809.017424
QAR 0.477398
QNT 0.001777
QTUM 0.145607
ROL 5,910.293900
RON 0.591029
RPL 0.074983
RSD 13.248990
RUB 9.377606
RUNE 0.297034
RVN 23.789684
RWF 191.981767
SAND 1.806738
SAR 0.491825
SBD 1.053963
SCR 1.917819
SDD 7,871.792727
SDG 78.717927
SEK 1.224852
SGD 0.167618
SHIB 22,554.838052
SHP 0.097567
SIT 27.038884
SKK 3.399155
SLE 2.996843
SLL 2,996.842567
SNX 0.412932
SOL 0.001511
SOS 74.846640
SPL 0.021859
SRD 4.870448
SRG 4,870.448135
SSP 617.399754
STD 2,786.439539
STN 2.786440
STX 0.537892
SUI 0.121528
SVC 1.147592
SYP 14.498926
SZL 2.160099
THB 4.270306
THETA 0.647452
TJS 1.219154
TMM 2,300.996877
TMT 0.460199
TND 0.381138
TON 0.063556
TOP 0.315862
TRL 5,978,326.248209
TRX 0.366026
TRY 5.978326
TTD 0.889396
TUSD 0.131335
TVD 0.183300
TWD 4.143038
TWT 0.283128
TZS 342.749185
UAH 5.806271
UGX 494.730844
UNI 0.036303
USD 0.131153
USDC 0.131221
USDD 0.131229
USDP 0.131357
USDT 0.131308
UYU 5.289182
UZS 1,585.829460
VAL 218.471790
VEB 6,800,843,914.265491
VED 68.006042
VEF 6,800,604.179056
VES 68.006042
VET 19.644169
VND 3,458.293872
VUV 15.601616
WAVES 0.337442
WEMIX 0.468396
WOO 7.611007
WST 0.355139
XAF 74.012457
XAG 0.001726
XAU 0.000029
XAUT 0.000029
XBT 0.000002
XCD 0.355089
XCG 0.236409
XCH 0.036258
XDC 3.742801
XDR 0.095997
XEC 18,029.538755
XEM 195.212699
XLM 0.908087
XMR 0.000324
XOF 74.012457
XPD 0.000095
XPF 13.464351
XPT 0.000067
XRP 0.095262
XTZ 0.383154
YER 31.295509
ZAR 2.160099
ZEC 0.000201
ZIL 32.980440
ZMK 2,490.887515
ZMW 2.490888
ZWD 47.464388
ZWG 3.442085
ZWL 8,600.820422

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Cities in Guatemala 310
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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.