República de Guatemala AKA Guatemala

• Semuc Champey
• Río Dulce
• Livingston

Why visit Guatemala… 

• Nature – Volcanoes, waterfalls, jungles, and wildlife… gorge on surrounding scenery.
• Hiking – 37 volcanoes and a lush jungle landscape, an endless belt to tread. 

• Mayan Ruins – Glimpse into past lives through architectural fossils that continue to be uncovered.
• Self Discovery – Yoga, expression, and reflection sessions stretch both body and mind.
• Culture –  A paint by number composed of Spanish, Mayan, Garifuna, & Xincan cultures.

• Coffee & Cacao – Considered the birthplace of chocolate, hedonism awaits through the decadent spoils of the land.

Guatemala is a struggle country for….

• Timid Women – You may get a few catcalls around town but nothing more so you’ll live.

• Animal Allergy – It literally is raining chickens, cats and dogs throughout Guatemala, but they typically will not pester you so you’ll live. Convince any menacing mutts of your acting skills by pretending to pick up imaginary ammo for target practice, a timeless defensive play. 
• Tap Water Purists – Severe contamination of the water limits hydration to store bought bottled water and LifeStraw filters.

• Child Worker Riots – Adapt your eyes to children working, from fruit stands to coffee baristas.
• Motion Sickness – Prepare to be bumping up and down in school buses and shuttles. Neither includes a bathroom so pack a bag if you’ll be riding queasy.
• Insolence regarding relations with…
  • Belize – Guatemala has been in an ongoing border battle over Belize since the fall of the Spanish Empire. The initial quarrel was between Guatemala and the British, but Belize replaced the opposing side following the country’s independence in 1981. Currently the claim is under review by the International Court of Justice.

Entry Requirements for Guatemala

Requirements are dependent on citizenship. 

The required $15 tourist visa with a 90 day validity is purchased on arrival. During the allotted period, the same tourist visa can be used to travel to El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua as part of the Central America-4 Free Mobility Agreement.

Most countries do not require a visa for entry, including the US, although some do. Both single-entry ($50 USD) and multiple-entry ($150 USD) visas are valid for 90 days. Click the links below to check the list and submit an e-visa. 

Currently proof of vaccination is required for entry. If unvaccinated, travelers must present a negative PCR or antigen test taken within 72 hours of arrival. 

Remember to check your entry requirements for returning home.

Guatemalan Languages

Learning a new language can be quite the undertaking. Personally, I always try to make an effort to at least learn a few common words while traveling to a new country as the locals tend to appreciate the effort. See below for a Spanish starter pack.

When a friendly attempt at conversing is met with silent apprehension, clutch hold of your fleeting confidence and delay the court ruling over the validity of those skeptical Spanish lessons. Although many structures linger in ruin, more than 20 Mayan languages have resisted conquest and in many regions these remain the common tongue. For some Spanish becomes a second form of communication, and for others the foreign sounds are as meaningful as the barks of a dog. 

You will encounter English speakers but overall expect to play some charades. 

English	Spanish	Pronunciation
Hi	Hola	Oh-la
Bye	Adiós	Ah-dee-ohs
Yes	Sí	See
No	No	No
Thanks	Gracias	Grah-see-es
You’re welcome	De nada	Deh-nah-duh
Please	Por favor	Poor-fah-vor
Excuse me	Disculpe	Dis-cool-pay
One	Uno	Oo-no
Two	Dos	Dose
Water	Agua	Ah-gua
Beer	Cerveza	Sir-vay-sa
Cheers	Salud	Sa-loo

WiFi & SIM Cards in Guatemala

Free wifi is available within the international airports although a Guatemalan phone number is required for connection (Stay strong and avoid the overpriced airport SIM cards). Many buildings offer wifi in touristy areas as long as you do not mind asking for the password.

SIM cards can be purchased from either Tigo or Claro. Neither offers unlimited data plans; Instead select a plan based on the desired data amount and time period. Both provider plans include unlimited local SMS and minutes as well as unlimited use of social media applications. Top off at the provider store or convenience stores. 

Note: Passport required for purchase.

Opt for Tigo for superior Guatemalan country coverage. This especially applies for the Semuc Champey region where Claro coverage crumbles and ceases to survive. Tigo SIM cards cost around 50 Q ($6 USD).

Opt for Claro if planning to explore the surrounding C4 countries (El Salvador, Honduras, & Nicaragua) as free roaming is included. The cheaper of the two, SIM cards cost around 25 Q ($3 USD).

Currency in Guatemala

• Banknotes: Guatemalan Quetzal (GTQ) comes in 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, & 200
  • Bird is the word as the banknote is named after the national bird.
• Coins: Guatemalan Centavos comes in 1, 5, 10, 25, 50; 1 GTQ
• The country runs on small bills. Keep this in mind if you need to break a few 100s.
• Card may be accepted sporadically, but you should expect to pay with cash.
• ATMs are few and far between outside the major touristy towns, so be sure to stock up. 

Transportation in Guatemala

Quick Facts

• Uber & taxis are available
• Tuktuk
• Shuttles
• Chicken Bus
• Colectivo
• International airports: Guatemala City & Flores
• Border Crossing: Belize, Honduras, El Salvador, & Mexico

Taxis in Guatemala

Always an option. One that I personally tend to avoid. As a Westerner, I prefer card over cash as well as locked in prices. The taxis here only accept cash. Additionally if you do not speak Spanish, you can expect a higher fare compared to the natives. 

Apps: Uber in Guatemala

Uber is an option in Guatemala City.

Tuktuks in Guatemala

Trying to explore the town but had enough of the cobblestones? Or perhaps your destination is situated just out of reach from your daily step count? Flag down a tuktuk, a tiny jeep style smart car, to whisk you away to your destination (assuming it’s within the vicinity). Three bodies can puzzle together in the backseat or consider this an option if your arms are too delicate for your own luggage. Cash is required.

Shuttles in Guatemala

Although chicken buses are available, these minivans are deemed far trendier among tourists. Shuttle seats are booked through hostels or tourist agencies. It pays to windowshop beforehand as some journeys only run on certains days. 

With money on the mind bus companies try to jigsaw riders until full capacity is obtained. So although a more selective crowd, you can still expect it to get snuggly. As luggage is piled high atop the roof, the shuttle slowly stretches into a double decker. Best to remove passports and such beforehand in case of a jenga tower topple while en route. 

Chicken Buses in Guatemala

If you ever wondered what happens to school buses in the USA after they’ve surpassed their golden years, look no further than Central America. These aged behemoths dazzle the eyes with painted exteriors, tatted details, and shimmering party lights. 

One of the cheaper travel options where personal space is a luxury not afforded in the price, so don’t be surprised if a stranger (or two) squishes into your seat. 

Colectivos in Guatemala

Whereas chicken buses will carry you to your next destination, a colectivo is an ideal and affordable option for visiting the local sites. Picture a small truck with an open back where riders often include entire families returning from a hefty shopping trip. People hop off and on as they please, so feel free to wave one down regardless of your location. A test of balance, you’ll most likely be standing and facing the challenge of unpaved roads. It is a tad bit ego bruising to watch toddlers confidently stroll about as you wobbly clutch the side rails.

Border Crossing from Guatemala to Belize

Spontaneity spoiler, the crossing from Livingston, Guatemala to Punta Gorda, Belize requires a dollop of pre-planning.

Pencil-in the boat ride in advance through your hostel (~350 Q). On the day of intended travel, head to the migration office to satisfy the 75 Q (~$40 USD) exit tax. Order one final Gallo, a farewell salud to Guatemala as you wait at the designated dock. 

Step aboard your tiny cruise ship as you hop from one country to the next. Land ho! As good hygiene dictates for playing outside the borders, a mandatory hand washing must occur before coming inside. Next up Belize travel insurance, this preposterous tourist tax can be purchased online or in person. Sanitized and insured, permission granted to enter the border control office. Complete the brief entry form and walk on through to the other side.

Welcome to Belize! Transform your remaining quetzals into Belize dollars, and then make your way over to the bus station in Punta Gorda. 

Food in Guatemala

• Pepián – A spicy stew served with rice & tortillas
• Kak’ik – A Mayan spiced turkey stew

• Tapado – A Garifuna seafood stew, served with plantains
• Plantain – Forget the hashbrowns, fried plantains are the only breakfast side needed
• Beans & Rice – staples
• Hilachas (rags) – Named for the shredded meat used in this tomato based stew, go from rags to riches with its treasured taste.
• Chiles Rellenos – stuffed bell pepper
• Tostadas – A crispy, open faced taco piled high with toppings.
• Ceviche – seafood salsa

• Fresh Fruit – Replenish your vitamins from any market stand. Fruit is sold liquefied (licuado), whole, sliced or even julienned. 
  • Coconut water with the skin fragments
  • Guanabana or carambola (starfruit) – for a fruity flair 
  • Papaya, pineapple, watermelon, mango, bananas; Green mango slices with chile sauce & seasonings are a top choice in my book.
• “Dumplings”
  • Tamales – The pre-packaged dumpling; Unfold the banana leaf gift wrapping to reveal a dough (masa) brick, its contents filled with a saucy meat mixture or cheese. 
  • Empanadas – Shaped like a hard shelled taco that has been pinched closed, this crispy, dumplingesque pastry is predominantly packed with potatoes or spinach, easily overshadowing the meat empanada scene. A varying mixture of tomatoes, onions, and guacamole splattered on top.
  • Pupusas – The Central American pancake dumpling; Shaped like a pancake the encasing is made with either maize (traditional) or rice and patticaked full with whatever your heart desires.
  • Rellenitos de Plátanos – Mashed plantains are used to house a cinnamon sugar fried bean paste for the formation of these deep-fried dessert dumplings. Presented with a dollop of cream or a powdered sugar dusting.

Alcohol in Guatemala

Guatemalan Beer

Bird is the word! Stick to the status quo with a can of Gallo. The quetzal may be the bird of Guatemala but the rooster is the bird to cover the label of this popular lager. 

Flown the coop from the Gallo fan flock? Grab a Cabro, Dorada Ice or Brahva to go from any convenience store, or reach for a Moza if you have darker desires. For those with an artistic palette plan for a crafting day at one the breweries in Antigua.  

Prevalent Beer Cocktails

• Michelada – light beer combined with tomato juice & spices (typically tajin), varying elements include hot sauce and Worcestershire sauce
• Picocitas – light beer combined with salt, lime juice, Worcestershire sauce, & a spiced onion slaw
• Chelada – light beer with lime & salt

Guatemalan Rums

A Brief History – A host gift of not only colonization but cultivation, Controversial Columbus was responsible for sugar cane introduction to the Americas. This eventually led to the construction of sugar mills, and the replacement of alcohol fermentation using maize, maguey, and honey with sugar cane liquor. Distillation insider insight implemented by Spanish immigrants further improved the rum production process.

Sugar cane remains the nation’s paramount cash crop and has led to worldwide rum renown. To receive the distinguished title of rum (ron) in Guatemala, fermented virgin sugar cane honey is required for distillation along with a minimum aging of 1 year in oak barrels at a 60% ABV.

For those opting for quality over debauchery, ask for international rum hall of famer Zacapa Centenario. Its signature flavor scribbles across your tastebuds, an autograph rewritten with every sip. Consider Botran for a second round. The Botran brand began as a family production devised by Spanish immigrants and has been instrumental to the nation’s rum diaries.

Guatemalan Aguardientes

Simply defined as an alcoholic beverage with an ABV between 29 – 60%.

Late to the pregame and looking to play catchup? Quetzalteca aguardiente may slow your reflexes but provides a fast pass to Lush City. Stemming from a molasses mother, aguardiente is separated from the sugar cane honey rums on the Guatemalan family tree of distillation. The potent ABV of Quetzalteca is covertly veiled by the alluringly colorful flavors. Taste the rainbow by building a budget friendly, variety pack.