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: 2026-07-06
⌕
Currency CodeRate
1INCH 1.827662
AAVE 0.001483
ADA 0.697904
AED 0.481132
AFN 8.329431
AGIX 1.679181
AKT 0.208879
ALGO 1.463503
ALL 10.739030
AMD 48.207512
AMP 293.715763
ANG 0.236254
AOA 120.318172
APE 0.934555
APT 0.209480
AR 0.065631
ARB 1.637930
ARS 195.539751
ATOM 0.082850
ATS 1.576822
AUD 0.189120
AVAX 0.018976
AWG 0.234507
AXS 0.129741
AZM 1,113.578702
AZN 0.222716
BAKE 174.354436
BAM 0.224123
BAT 1.487565
BBD 0.262019
BCH 0.000543
BDT 16.149972
BEF 4.622635
BGN 0.224123
BHD 0.049259
BIF 390.015512
BMD 0.131009
BNB 0.000224
BND 0.169330
BOB 0.907522
BRL 0.677067
BSD 0.131009
BSV 0.008873
BSW 391.429036
BTC 0.000002
BTCB 2.472155
BTG 0.454018
BTN 12.481888
BTT 493,981.236487
BUSD 0.130898
BWP 1.768197
BYN 0.380441
BYR 2,568.029883
BZD 0.263861
CAD 0.186162
CAKE 0.090469
CDF 302.270228
CELO 1.950010
CFX 2.928291
CHF 0.105389
CHZ 7.256774
CLP 120.685711
CNH 0.889733
CNY 0.889381
COMP 0.007817
COP 437.902491
CRC 59.699190
CRO 2.191810
CRV 0.612830
CSPR 67.456734
CUC 0.131022
CUP 3.472081
CVE 12.636074
CVX 0.108928
CYP 0.067068
CZK 2.771553
DAI 0.131071
DASH 0.003724
DCR 0.011802
DEM 0.224123
DFI 157.688263
DJF 23.331820
DKK 0.856566
DOGE 1.695293
DOP 7.764436
DOT 0.150182
DYDX 0.992017
DZD 17.423442
EEK 1.792982
EGLD 0.047401
EGP 6.435434
ENJ 4.526831
EOS 1.808721
ERN 1.965139
ESP 19.066525
ETB 20.955658
ETC 0.018446
ETH 0.000074
EUR 0.114592
EURC 0.114676
FEI 0.131056
FIL 0.165921
FIM 0.681334
FJD 0.294182
FKP 0.098188
FLOW 4.674852
FLR 18.847774
FRAX 0.132436
FRF 0.751675
FTT 0.550006
GALA 57.186419
GBP 0.098188
GEL 0.344102
GGP 0.098188
GHC 14,883.934160
GHS 1.488393
GIP 0.098188
GMD 9.661191
GMX 0.022107
GNF 1,148.628899
GNO 0.001246
GRD 39.047267
GRT 6.905207
GT 0.019325
GUSD 0.131182
GYD 27.422246
HBAR 1.734996
HKD 1.027511
HNL 3.507410
HNT 0.546695
HOT 363.045464
HRK 0.863394
HT 3.656536
HTG 17.148413
HUF 40.520127
ICP 0.059431
IDR 2,357.184023
IEP 0.090249
ILS 0.393508
IMP 0.098188
IMX 0.948220
INJ 0.026816
INR 12.481888
IQD 171.778563
IRR 180,279.628389
ISK 16.501443
ITL 221.881295
JEP 0.098188
JMD 20.754828
JOD 0.092886
JPY 21.203818
KAS 4.270832
KAVA 2.903649
KCS 0.018146
KDA 22.477573
KES 16.938299
KGS 11.458625
KHR 525.325108
KMF 56.375630
KNC 1.175298
KPW 117.919785
KRW 200.818858
KSM 0.037179
KWD 0.040652
KYD 0.108989
KZT 61.933723
LAK 2,961.994828
LBP 11,765.080163
LDO 0.484982
LEO 0.013997
LINK 0.016407
LKR 43.874370
LRC 10.662805
LRD 23.794425
LSL 2.129397
LTC 0.002902
LTL 0.395664
LUF 4.622635
LUNA 2.667730
LUNC 2,133.869501
LVL 0.080535
LYD 0.840342
MAD 1.226724
MANA 1.882782
MBX 5.209200
MDL 2.305911
MGA 555.941434
MGF 2,779.707172
MINA 2.763400
MKD 7.059075
MKR 0.000091
MMK 275.031262
MNT 469.555397
MOP 1.058336
MRO 52.321217
MRU 5.232122
MTL 0.049194
MUR 6.158311
MVR 2.025323
MWK 227.253449
MXN 2.289953
MXV 0.259659
MYR 0.534159
MZM 8,367.104538
MZN 8.367105
NAD 2.129397
NEAR 0.065752
NEO 0.066233
NEXO 0.170297
NFT 494,336.823277
NGN 179.519292
NIO 4.822565
NLG 0.252528
NOK 1.288663
NPR 19.980382
NZD 0.230269
OKB 0.001643
OMR 0.050423
ONE 104.814228
OP 1.218608
ORDI 0.040358
PAB 0.131009
PAXG 0.000032
PEN 0.446124
PEPE 48,031.726376
PGK 0.576348
PHP 8.058761
PI 1.158108
PKR 36.448057
PLN 0.491905
POL 1.781414
PTE 22.973658
PYG 796.880622
QAR 0.476874
QNT 0.001957
QTUM 0.184301
ROL 5,988.595455
RON 0.598860
RPL 0.064706
RSD 13.440737
RUB 10.095270
RUNE 0.316783
RVN 34.375619
RWF 192.042689
SAND 2.625783
SAR 0.491285
SBD 1.060135
SCR 1.872096
SDD 7,863.769177
SDG 78.637692
SEK 1.264611
SGD 0.169330
SHIB 29,922.537073
SHP 0.098188
SIT 27.460857
SKK 3.452202
SLE 2.992245
SLL 2,992.245383
SNX 0.572126
SOL 0.001624
SOS 74.811634
SPL 0.021835
SRD 4.931794
SRG 4,931.794156
SSP 622.187416
STD 2,828.340117
STN 2.828340
STX 0.766155
SUI 0.175358
SVC 1.146331
SYP 14.482129
SZL 2.129397
THB 4.354785
THETA 0.933877
TJS 1.214362
TMM 2,298.682437
TMT 0.459736
TND 0.386207
TOP 0.315511
TRL 6,133,257.827131
TRX 0.398928
TRY 6.133258
TTD 0.887717
TUSD 0.131284
TVD 0.189120
TWD 4.204119
TWT 0.381095
TZS 344.241151
UAH 5.838506
UGX 478.775437
UNI 0.041453
USD 0.131009
USDC 0.131050
USDD 0.131142
USDP 0.131406
USDT 0.131151
UYU 5.273001
UZS 1,567.892485
VAL 221.881295
VEB 8,442,742,606.331409
VED 84.419910
VEF 8,441,990.951004
VES 84.419910
VET 27.771122
VND 3,445.571595
VUV 15.746258
WAVES 0.493018
WEMIX 0.506029
WOO 11.064421
WST 0.362347
XAF 75.167507
XAG 0.002122
XAU 0.000031
XAUT 0.000032
XBT 0.000002
XCD 0.354626
XCG 0.236254
XCH 0.083128
XDC 4.662504
XDR 0.096631
XEC 24,663.314354
XEM 306.030767
XLM 0.656232
XMR 0.000405
XOF 75.167507
XPD 0.000103
XPF 13.674478
XPT 0.000080
XRP 0.114442
XTZ 0.526511
YER 31.048339
ZAR 2.129397
ZEC 0.000288
ZIL 42.469284
ZMK 2,403.929773
ZMW 2.403930
ZWD 47.412257
ZWG 3.514138
ZWL 8,780.860609

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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.