Guatemala On a Budget
Guatemala City
Whether you're visiting Guatemala for its rich history, impressive culture, beautiful environment, or adventure sports, you won't be disappointed. During one trip you can get lost in the history of this country, visit volcanoes, and meet with the vibrant people. Guatemala is truly a unique and culturally rich country.
Many people fly directly into the countries largest airport, La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City. It is also possible to reach the country from its nearby neighbors. There are frequent bus connections from most countries and boat access is available from Belize.
At A Glance
- Bus travel in Guatemala is truly part of the experience. Referred to as "chicken buses," many of the intercity buses are old school buses that have been colorfully decorated. These are much cheaper than the other tourist oriented bus options and they can offer a fun adventure as well. On occasion the driver may try to raise the fare for foreign travelers. This is generally avoidable if you pay attention to how much others are paying and insist on paying the same fare.
- The local currency in Guatemala is the Quetzal. There are many places to exchange US dollars, particularly in touristy areas. It can be more difficult to exchange other types of currency so it is recommended that you travel with US dollars. ATMs are available in the larger towns, but if you're going to smaller communities make sure you carry enough cash with you. It can be difficult to find places to exchange travelers checks so this is not a reliable form of currency.
- If you're shopping for souvenirs in an outdoor market make sure you negotiate. There are some interesting handicrafts made in the country. Some popular options include fabrics and traditional textiles, clothing such as Mayan blouses or skirts, and jade. Other popular souvenirs include coffee, cardamom, and Ron Zacapa Centenario, which is Guatemala's prize winning rum.
- As with many countries around the world, internet is now widely available throughout the country. Even in the most remote areas you are likely to find an internet connection somewhere. In larger cities, WiFi is available in some restaurants and many hotels also offer it to their guests.
- Guatemala has a rainy season between the months of May and October. During these times it can be difficult to travel to some of the more remote areas. The hottest months are March and April, and in particular the low lying coastal areas can get uncomfortably hot. In the central and western highlands the temperature is usually mild and can even become cool at night.
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While Guatemala has plenty of amazing sights and attractions, some of the highlights are below. The Mayan ruins that can be visitied in various locations (Tikal is the highlight) are a must-see. Also, the jungles are quite popular, as they are teeming with wildlife and natural beauty. For more ideas and suggestions, check out this 2-week backpacking itinerary of Guatemala. The beaches and colonial towns are also very popular destinations for obvious reasons. Finally, many of the volcanoes can be seen on a hiking trip.Volcan Pacaya: This active volcano last erupted in 2010. It is located near Antigua and offers many hiking trails that are opened to the public. It can be a difficult hike, particularly if you plan to climb it, so be sure and come prepared with many supplies and plenty of time.
El Mirador: This was a major Mayan City during the 6th century BC and was later abandoned during the 9th century. Much of the ruins remain covered by jungle today. The closest village accessible by car is Carmelita and then it is about a five day hike to the ruins.
Chichicastenango Market: Often referred to as "Chichi", this market is a not to be missed shopping destination in Guatemala. It is located about two or three hours southwest of Guatemala City and has everything from local fabrics, masks, wood carvings, pottery and more available. The city also has many different festivals so if possible, try to overlap your visit with one of these events.
Popular Foods
In touristy areas you can find many different types of cuisines, but in the smaller towns your options will be limited to traditional Guatemalan dishes. Guatemalan cuisine is somewhat different than Mexican food in that it is not as spicy and prepared with somewhat different techniques.Frijoles negros: This Guatemalan dish is similar to a thick soup and is made with black beans. It is generally flavored with salt, ham hocks, onions, garlic, tomatoes, cumin, oregano, chili peppers, vinegar and more.
Tamales: Tamales are a popular food throughout the country. The dish is made by filling corn meal with anything from meat and cheese to vegetables. They are wrapped in banana leaves and steamed until cooked through.
Churrasco: This is a popular dish throughout the country and is often served at family gatherings or during celebrations or festivals. The meat is grilled and served with chirmol on top. Chirmol is a red sauce that is made with chopped tomatoes and onions. Corn, guacamole, grilled potatoes, stewed black bean and rice or tortillas are often served on the side.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.