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: 2026-08-21
⌕
Currency CodeRate
1INCH 1.473550
AAVE 0.001323
ADA 0.639603
AED 0.481142
AFN 8.646059
AGIX 2.097566
AKT 0.249754
ALGO 1.493496
ALL 10.383368
AMD 47.770820
AMP 328.829716
ANG 0.236350
AOA 120.260691
APE 0.993424
APT 0.227534
AR 0.063548
ARB 1.435538
ARS 196.154739
ATOM 0.086579
ATS 1.542061
AUD 0.183771
AVAX 0.018073
AWG 0.234512
AXS 0.134854
AZM 1,113.602513
AZN 0.222721
BAKE 175.109605
BAM 0.219182
BAT 1.967191
BBD 0.262024
BCH 0.000581
BDT 16.025416
BEF 4.520729
BGN 0.219182
BHD 0.049261
BIF 389.943991
BMD 0.131012
BNB 0.000198
BND 0.166441
BOB 1.512881
BRL 0.680615
BSD 0.131012
BSV 0.008110
BSW 350.838416
BTC 0.000002
BTG 0.278726
BTN 12.542481
BTT 462,387.892718
BUSD 0.130996
BWP 1.760923
BYN 0.398924
BYR 2,567.615674
BZD 0.263866
CAD 0.180444
CAKE 0.079188
CDF 300.344830
CELO 1.934852
CFX 2.910484
CHF 0.104715
CHZ 9.923477
CLP 120.891112
CNH 0.880820
CNY 0.880722
COMP 0.006905
COP 402.314907
CRC 59.545887
CRO 2.441049
CRV 0.458902
CSPR 49.717660
CUC 0.131001
CUP 3.471521
CVE 12.357510
CVX 0.076349
CYP 0.065589
CZK 2.703722
DAI 0.131026
DASH 0.003958
DCR 0.010643
DEM 0.219182
DFI 243.158738
DJF 23.335601
DKK 0.837788
DOGE 1.595069
DOP 7.665025
DOT 0.154912
DYDX 1.154078
DZD 17.406686
EEK 1.753455
EGLD 0.043851
EGP 6.665664
ENJ 4.989207
EOS 1.874477
ERN 1.965181
ESP 18.646202
ETB 21.351885
ETC 0.018779
ETH 0.000056
EUR 0.112066
EURC 0.112446
FEI 0.130979
FIL 0.175621
FIM 0.666314
FJD 0.287835
FKP 0.096008
FLOW 4.508477
FLR 18.834058
FRAX 0.132019
FRF 0.735104
FTT 0.602394
GALA 80.706336
GBP 0.096008
GEL 0.340699
GGP 0.096008
GHC 14,530.763597
GHS 1.453076
GIP 0.096008
GMD 9.716434
GMX 0.018857
GNF 1,151.783080
GNO 0.001066
GRD 38.186467
GRT 8.666415
GT 0.018193
GUSD 0.131205
GYD 27.430284
HBAR 1.766841
HKD 1.027517
HNL 3.514777
HNT 0.719846
HOT 370.555184
HRK 0.844361
HT 2.786263
HTG 17.160495
HUF 40.864553
ICP 0.054939
IDR 2,324.720349
IEP 0.088259
ILS 0.393261
IMP 0.096008
IMX 1.184593
INJ 0.027641
INR 12.542481
IQD 171.874021
IRR 180,070.424194
ISK 15.913777
ITL 216.989903
JEP 0.096008
JMD 20.751137
JOD 0.092888
JPY 20.825204
KAS 4.551147
KAVA 3.086310
KCS 0.017413
KDA 26.839849
KES 16.957063
KGS 11.469875
KHR 527.354130
KLAY 4.854756
KMF 55.132825
KNC 1.202108
KPW 117.900758
KRW 181.004689
KSM 0.041021
KWD 0.040389
KYD 0.108977
KZT 59.877185
LAK 2,952.354333
LBP 11,759.994774
LDO 0.385897
LEO 0.014095
LINK 0.012161
LKR 43.277584
LRC 16.150090
LRD 23.787880
LSL 2.109706
LTC 0.002722
LTL 0.386941
LUF 4.520729
LUNA 2.830071
LUNC 2,456.285086
LVL 0.078760
LYD 0.830688
MAD 1.211972
MANA 1.857987
MBX 6.154949
MDL 2.251912
MGA 560.404858
MGF 2,802.024290
MINA 2.794884
MKD 6.910110
MKR 0.000087
MMK 275.088218
MNT 471.537383
MOP 1.058342
MRO 52.311102
MRU 5.231110
MTL 0.048110
MUR 6.111404
MVR 2.025391
MWK 227.407132
MXN 2.219297
MXV 0.252329
MYR 0.529875
MZM 8,361.516114
MZN 8.361516
NAD 2.109706
NEAR 0.074182
NEO 0.065982
NEXO 0.164863
NFT 471,113.799538
NGN 176.899926
NIO 4.823993
NLG 0.246961
NOK 1.222683
NPR 20.077377
NZD 0.219620
OKB 0.001220
OMR 0.050413
ONE 175.558120
OP 1.352641
ORDI 0.031303
PAB 0.131012
PAXG 0.000029
PEN 0.439279
PEPE 40,652.008545
PGK 0.587546
PHP 8.080767
PI 1.438453
PKR 36.394270
PLN 0.483842
POL 1.620839
PTE 22.467202
PYG 789.889312
QAR 0.476884
QNT 0.002118
QTUM 0.160971
ROL 5,884.851141
RON 0.588485
RPL 0.080444
RSD 13.148973
RUB 10.846959
RUNE 0.291841
RVN 43.252838
RWF 192.804058
SAND 2.973097
SAR 0.491295
SBD 1.049973
SCR 1.839750
SDD 7,862.518736
SDG 78.625187
SEK 1.240739
SGD 0.166441
SHIB 26,391.315261
SHP 0.096008
SIT 26.855480
SKK 3.376098
SLE 3.000180
SLL 3,000.180373
SNX 0.615428
SOL 0.001483
SOS 74.915497
SPL 0.021835
SRD 4.954404
SRG 4,954.404276
SSP 736.273124
STD 2,768.578714
STN 2.768579
STX 0.882253
SUI 0.176959
SVC 1.146356
SYP 1,703.272385
SZL 2.109706
THB 4.302072
THETA 0.805875
TJS 1.211954
TMM 2,290.397949
TMT 0.458080
TND 0.379756
TOP 0.315510
TRL 6,295,297.199915
TRX 0.387439
TRY 6.295297
TTD 0.888709
TUSD 0.131220
TVD 0.183771
TWD 4.172426
TWT 0.318852
TZS 346.610677
UAH 5.851687
UGX 487.263100
UNI 0.034506
USD 0.131012
USDC 0.131007
USDD 0.131036
USDP 0.131197
USDT 0.131046
UYU 5.256834
UZS 1,551.744686
VAL 216.989903
VEB 10,182,741,711.7577
VED 101.545201
VEF 10,154,520.139179
VES 101.545201
VET 25.198759
VND 3,411.471425
VUV 15.534986
WAVES 0.636199
WEMIX 0.658614
WOO 11.284284
WST 0.355899
XAF 73.510433
XAG 0.001914
XAU 0.000029
XAUT 0.000029
XBT 0.000002
XCD 0.354698
XCG 0.236350
XCH 0.090542
XDC 4.570208
XDR 0.095678
XEC 18,875.658025
XEM 285.570288
XLM 0.708545
XMR 0.000315
XOF 73.510433
XPD 0.000097
XPF 13.373023
XPT 0.000070
XRP 0.101986
XTZ 0.584689
YER 31.059906
ZAR 2.109706
ZEC 0.000229
ZIL 51.796432
ZMK 2,485.785300
ZMW 2.485785
ZWD 47.413264
ZWG 3.488919
ZWL 8,717.845223

No currencies match your search.

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.