In 1743, several earthquakes razed one of the most charming pioneer colonial cities in the Americas. Antigua has regenerated but preserves the religiosity and drama of its epic-tragic past.
Guatemala
How to go
VISA AND OTHER PROCEDURES
Holders of Portuguese and Brazilian passports do not need an entry visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days, as long as they have a passport valid for at least three months after the scheduled departure date from Guatemala. Citizens of other CPLP countries must apply for a visa.
HEALTH CARE
Guatemalan authorities do not require any vaccine to grant entry into the country. There is a risk of contracting malaria in several of Guatemala's lower areas.
For more information on traveling health, see the Health Portal of the Ministry of Health and Tropical and Traveler Medicine Clinic. In FitForTravel find country-specific health and disease prevention advice (in English).
TRIP TO GUATEMALA
A Star Alliance flies from Lisbon to Guatemala City with the TAP (tel: 707 205 700), single stopover in Miami and, next segment with the American Airlines, for from €550.
Must Do's
- Antigua (Antilles)
- Lake Atitlán
- quetzaltenang
- Monterrico
- Tikal
- sweet River
- ceibal
- Lanquin & Semuc Champey Caves
- Kyrgyzstan
- Copan
Explore
INTERNAL FLIGHTS
The only internal flight he can use, in Guatemala, connects the homonymous capital to Flores. It is operated by the company Avianca and costs around €100 (one way) €160 (round trip).
TRUCK
The lack of more flights means that most of the country has to be discovered by bus. The cheaper – it's normal to cost less than €1 per hour – the more colourful, uncomfortable and noisy. Be aware that many drivers love to drive with popular Central American music at the top of their voices). If you want to travel more smoothly and privately, look for companies with larger and more modern buses in advance.
CAR RENTAL
The alternative is a rental car, but Guatemala is not exactly one of the most suitable countries to explore at the wheel, either due to the lack of road safety (too many roads are in poor condition) or the conventional insecurity in certain areas of the country, starting with the city of Guatemala.
When to go
There isn't exactly a bad time to visit Guatemala. The rainy season runs from mid-May to mid-October, November or even December in the highlands of the north and northeast of the country, where it is considerably cold for a country located on the tropics. This rainy season is more harmful for those planning to visit El Petén and the surrounding jungle area. In the dry season – November to April – the lower lands of Guatemala are hit by a merciless sun while the high ones have pleasant temperatures. In the east of the country, it can rain profusely at any time of year.
Money and costs
The currency of Guatemala is the Quetzal (GTQ). The country has a good concentration of ATMs in the main cities and payments with cards are accepted in the most refined establishments. Guatemala is one of the least expensive countries in Central America. If you're on a budget and don't mind sacrificing a little refinement, you can easily explore the country for as little as €50 a day.
ACCOMMODATION
Stays range from €4 to €6 per double room in a simple guest house to tens of euros a night in the finest resorts, especially the ever-popular ones city Antigua, but not only.
FOOD
Even in the most touristic towns like Antigua, you can always find varied and very affordable meals, a minimum of €2 to €3 per two-course meal in one of the canteens towns or cities.
INTERNET
It is available for free in many of the guest houses, hotels and resorts in the most touristy towns. Otherwise, you will rarely be too far from an internet café where you can surf for around €0,50 an hour.