Find Cheap Flights to Guatemala and Secure Your Next Adventure Today

Winter marks the dry season, offering clear skies perfect for hiking volcanoes and exploring ruins without rain interference.

Spring is famous for Easter celebrations, especially in Antigua, where the streets are covered in elaborate sawdust carpets.

Summer brings the rainy season, but mornings are usually sunny, and the landscapes become incredibly lush and green.

Autumn features the Giant Kite Festival in November, a unique cultural spectacle that honors the deceased in a colorful way.

Brazilian citizens do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days in Guatemala for tourism. You must present a valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining. Additionally, proof of a yellow fever vaccination is often required when traveling from Brazil. Ensure you have a return ticket and evidence of sufficient funds for your stay. Upon arrival, you will receive a stamp that allows travel within the CA-4 region, including El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Keep your entry forms safe as you might need them when exiting the country or crossing land borders. Local authorities are strict about overstaying, so monitor your dates carefully. It is wise to carry digital copies of your documents in case of loss or theft during your travels.

Guatemala has a rich Mayan heritage and colonial history that influences daily life. People are generally conservative and polite; always greet others with a friendly Buenos dias or Buenas tardes. When visiting indigenous communities, especially around Lake Atitlan, ask for permission before taking photos of locals. Dress modestly when entering churches or religious sites. Tipping is standard at 10% in restaurants, and small tips for tour guides are appreciated. Unlike the more casual social atmosphere in parts of Brazil, Guatemalans value formal address until a relationship is established. Learning basic Spanish phrases will significantly improve your interactions. Respect for the land and ancient ruins is paramount, so follow all posted signs at archaeological sites like Tikal. Sharing a meal is a sign of friendship, so accept food offerings graciously if invited into a local home.

Navigating Guatemala involves a mix of colorful chicken buses, private shuttles, and domestic flights. While chicken buses are cheap and iconic, they can be crowded and fast-paced; for longer distances, private shuttles are safer and more comfortable for tourists. In cities, use registered radio taxis or ride-sharing apps rather than hailing cars on the street. For long-distance travel to Flores, domestic flights from Guatemala City save significant time compared to the ten-hour bus ride. Roads can be winding and poorly lit at night, so avoid driving after dark. If you rent a car, stay on main highways and keep doors locked. Walking in tourist areas like Antigua is generally safe during the day, but always stay alert in crowded markets. Using a money belt for valuables is a practical way to prevent petty theft in busy transit hubs.

Guatemalan food is centered around corn, beans, and chilies, similar to some North-Eastern Brazilian staples but with unique spices. Try Pepian, a rich meat stew considered the national dish. Street food like tamales and tostadas are delicious and affordable, but choose vendors with high turnover to ensure freshness. Drink only bottled or purified water, as tap water is not safe for consumption. Coffee here is world-class; visiting a plantation in Antigua is a must for any enthusiast. For a local experience, eat at a comedor, which offers fixed-price lunch menus. Don't miss the fresh tropical fruits found in local markets, which are often familiar to Brazilians but served with different seasonings like lime and salt. To live like a local, start your day with a traditional breakfast of eggs, fried plantains, and black beans. For a great photo, head to the Cerro de la Cruz in Antigua at sunrise.