5 things you should know before
Your Guatemala plan
Guatemala, a captivating blend of diverse landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture, is a popular tourist destination. However, to make the most of your trip, it's essential to be well-prepared. Here are five crucial aspects you should know before embarking on your Guatemalan adventure:
ON THIS PAGE:
What you need to know before a trip to Guatemala
2. Transportation options in Guatemala
3. Quetzal: Guatemala's national currency
4. What to wear in Guatemala's weather
Guatemala travel | Things to know before your trip
Things to do Lake Atitlan Video
Hiking Volcan Pacaya Video
What I ate in Guatemala Video
Things to do in Antigua Video
1. Guatemala Language: Use basic Spanish for a Smoother Journey
While some tourist areas might have English speakers, the official language in Guatemala is Spanish. Familiarizing yourself with a few -fundamental Spanish phrases before your trip can significantly enhance your communication with locals and your overall experience.
Here are some additional tips for using Spanish in Guatemala:
-Guatemalans tend to speak Spanish at a faster pace than in other -Spanish-speaking countries. Be prepared to listen carefully and ask for clarification if needed.
-Guatemalans also use a number of unique slang words and expressions. Don't be afraid to ask locals what they mean.
-If you are not fluent in Spanish, it is a good idea to have a translation app or phrasebook on hand..
For easy, fast and reliable translations on the go when trying to order food or asking for directions my go to app/website is always GOOGLE TRANSLATE
2. Transportation in Guatemala: Navigate through varied options
In Guatemala, you have a range of transportation choices, from camionetas (shared minivans) and tuk tuks to motorcycles and Uber. While Uber is available in certain areas like Guatemala City and Antigua Guatemala, it's not as prevalent as other local options.
If you're on a budget, camionetas are a budget-friendly option, albeit sometimes crowded and uncomfortable. For a more convenient and comfortable experience, consider hiring a private driver or opting for a taxi, especially if you're traveling with family or have substantial luggage.
I used private transfers for most visits around Guatemala. They turned out to be cost and time effective. We experienced that Ubers tend to cancel the trip request very often , usually when arriving at the pickup location. This is a very common practice I've personally experienced in a few Latin America countries,
Most of my private transfers were booked on GET YOUR GUIDE. Moving from Antigua to Panajachel with my group of friends was a smooth experience thanks to this private shuttle transfer.
Did you know that Antigua Guatemala is a national monument ?
It was also declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to how it has retained the integrity of its 16th century layout and the physical integrity of most of its structures.
3. Currency in Guatemala: Using the Guatemalan Quetzal and credit card use
The official currency in Guatemala is the Guatemalan quetzal (GTQ).
While credit cards are accepted in some places, having cash on hand is advisable. You can exchange your currency at banks, currency exchange bureaus, or even your hotel.
We got away with only using credit cards and when cash was needed, we were able to pay everywhere in US dollars.
Dollar to Guatemala Quetzal Exchange Rate as of Today is: 1 USD to GTQ = 7.8602
4. Weather in Guatemala: Packing wisely for the varied weather
Guatemala boasts a warm, tropical climate with cooler mornings and evenings. Packing lightweight, comfortable clothing is key, along with a jacket or sweater for the cooler moments.
Here are some additional items to bring :
-Hiking boots (if you are planning to hike Volcan Pacaya or Volcan Acatenango)
-Flip flops for all the water activities
-Insect repellent (if you are allergic to insect bites you definitely must consider bringing repellent. Guatemala boasts a tropical weather . That means mosquitoes and other critters)
-Sunscreen (during the day you will feel the sun heat and in some areas like the volcano hikes or Lake Atitlan you wont have places for shade)
-Stomach issues medication (Food tends to be spicy and somewhat greasy. Pharmacies are not easily accessible like in the US.)
For easy, fast and reliable translations on the go when trying to order food or asking for directions my go to app/website is always GOOGLE TRANSLATE
More of Guatemala
5. Mayan Bombas: Understanding Guatemala's Festive Tradition
Firecrackers, locally known as bombas, are an integral part of Guatemalan culture, often used in celebrations and special events.
Don't be startled if you hear loud bangs during your trip, it's likely just locals commemorating. This is specially true around the Lake Atitlan area.
Love, ❦ Karen Lee
3 Top cities to visit in Guatemala
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
I'm Karen Lee, a world traveler turned travel blogger & content creator who wants to inspire you to explore the world no matter what your budget or circumstances are, whether you're a seasoned traveler or just getting started. I work full time and my free time is dedicated to wandering new destinations, taking photos, creating memorable travel stories that I share with my travel community daily.
TRAVEL EXPERTISE: Bucket list Destinations, Adventure travel, Road trips, Hidden Gems, Outdoors, Group travel
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MOUNT RAINIER vs SWITZERLAND
| Feature | Mount Rainier | Switzerland | Similarities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mountain Peaks | Mount Rainier (14,411 ft) | Matterhorn (14,692 ft), Eiger (13,025 ft) | Snow-capped peaks |
| Alpine Meadows | Paradise & Sunrise | Grindelwald, Zermatt | Wildflower meadows |
| Glaciers | Emmons, Nisqually | Aletsch, Rhône Glacier | Blue ice crevasses |
| Scenic Lakes | Reflection Lake, Mowich Lake | Lake Geneva, Lucerne | Lakes with mountain views |
| Forests | Douglas Fir, Hemlock | Pine, Larch | Dense evergreen forests |
| Hiking Trails | Wonderland, Skyline | Tour du Mont Blanc | Scenic alpine trails |
| Charming Towns | Ashford, Longmire | Zermatt, Grindelwald | Quaint alpine towns |
| Skiing/Snowboarding | Crystal Mountain | Zermatt, St. Moritz | World-class skiing |
| Cost | Affordable | Expensive | Stunning scenery |
| Accessibility | 2 hrs from Seattle | 2 hrs from Zurich | Easy to access |
| Best Time to Visit | Summer, Fall | Year-round | Great year-round activities |
| Elevation Changes | 5,400 to 14,411 ft | 4,000 to 14,000 ft | Dramatic elevation views |