- Antigua, Lake Atitlán and Tikal are the essential three
- Flights connect via Madrid or the US, then it is a short domestic flight to Flores for Tikal
- The dry season from November to April is best, especially for volcano hikes
- Excellent value once you are there, but use reputable shuttles and avoid travelling after dark
- Airports
- Guatemala City La Aurora (GUA), Flores Mundo Maya (FRS)
- Flight time
- about 14-16h from London with one stop, usually in Madrid or the US
- Best time to go
- November-April (dry season); Easter week for Antigua's processions
- Currency
- Guatemalan quetzal (GTQ)
Guatemala is where Central America feels most alive with its own culture. Around four in ten people are Indigenous Maya, and markets, textiles and traditions are part of daily life rather than a show for visitors. Add a string of volcanoes, a lake framed by three of them, colonial Antigua and the vast jungle city of Tikal, and it is easy to see why so many travellers call it the highlight of a Central America trip.
It is also good value and well set up for travellers, with shuttle buses linking the main sights. This guide, one of our Central America guides, covers where to go, when to travel, how to get there from the UK and what a trip costs in 2026.
Where to go in Guatemala
Antigua
Antigua is a UNESCO-listed colonial city of cobbled streets, ruined churches and pastel houses, overlooked by the Agua, Fuego and Acatenango volcanoes. It has the best hotels and restaurants in the country and is an easy first stop, under an hour from Guatemala City airport. The overnight Acatenango hike, with views of Fuego erupting at night, is a highlight for fit walkers.
Lake Atitlán
Lake Atitlán is ringed by volcanoes and Maya villages, each with its own character: Panajachel is the busy gateway, San Marcos is known for yoga, San Pedro for a backpacker scene and Santiago for its traditional dress. Boats connect them. Go early in the day, as the wind (the xocomil) picks up in the afternoon.
Tikal and Flores
Tikal is one of the greatest Maya sites anywhere, with temples rising above the rainforest canopy and howler monkeys in the trees. Stay on the island town of Flores, about an hour away, or at the lodges inside the park for sunrise. Flores also makes Guatemala easy to combine with Belize.
Chichicastenango and the highlands
On Thursdays and Sundays, Chichicastenango hosts one of the biggest markets in Central America, a riot of textiles, flowers and incense. It is an easy day trip from Antigua or the lake.
Semuc Champey
In the jungle of Alta Verapaz, Semuc Champey is a natural limestone bridge topped by turquoise pools. It is remote, around eight to nine hours from Antigua by shuttle on rough roads, so give it at least two nights.
Best time to visit Guatemala
| Season | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Dry season (November-April) | Sunny days, cool nights in the highlands, clearest volcano views; busiest at Christmas and Easter |
| Wet season (May-October) | Short heavy afternoon showers; greener, quieter and cheaper; Petén is hot and humid |
Holy Week (Semana Santa) brings huge processions and flower-and-sawdust carpets to Antigua, but hotels sell out months ahead and prices jump. The highlands can feel cold at night from December to February, so pack a warm layer.
Getting to Guatemala from the UK
There are no direct flights from the UK. The most popular routes are with Iberia via Madrid, or via US hubs such as Miami, Houston or Atlanta with American, United or Delta; Avianca and Copa connect through Bogotá, San Salvador or Panama City. Expect about 14-16 hours in total. Connecting through the US means you need an ESTA. For Tikal, Avianca and TAG fly from Guatemala City to Flores in about an hour.
Entry requirements
British passport holders do not need a visa for tourist visits and are normally allowed up to 90 days. That allowance covers Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua together (the CA-4 agreement), so it does not reset as you cross between them. Your passport should be valid for at least six months. Rules change, so check the GOV.UK foreign travel advice for Guatemala before booking.
Getting around
Tourist shuttles link Guatemala City, Antigua, Lake Atitlán, Chichicastenango, Semuc Champey and Flores, and are the easiest and safest way to travel. Brightly painted "chicken buses" are cheap but crowded and not recommended with luggage. Driving is possible but roads are winding and slow, and you should avoid travelling after dark. Domestic flights save a long day on the road to Flores.
Money and costs
The currency is the quetzal. Guatemala is one of the best-value countries in the region: mid-range travellers can manage on about £50-80 per person per day, more in Antigua's boutique hotels. ATMs are common in towns, but carry cash for markets, boats and smaller places, and use machines inside banks or shopping centres. Tip around 10% in restaurants if service is not added, and tip guides.
Top attractions in Guatemala
Guatemala on the map
Frequently asked questions
Is Guatemala safe for tourists?
Most visits pass without problems, but crime rates are high, especially in parts of Guatemala City. Stick to well-travelled routes, use tourist shuttles, avoid travelling at night and follow local advice on volcano hikes.
How many days do you need in Guatemala?
Ten days covers Antigua, Lake Atitlán and Tikal comfortably. Add three or four more for Semuc Champey or a market day in Chichicastenango.
Can you visit Tikal on a day trip?
Yes, from Flores, and some tours fly from Guatemala City for the day. Staying nearby is far better, as you can be at the site early before the heat and the crowds.
Do I need a visa for Guatemala?
Not for a holiday on a British passport. Remember that your 90 days are shared with El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua if you continue there.
Written by
Emma City breaks & deals editor
Emma plans city breaks the way other people plan the weekly shop: on a budget, with a spreadsheet and a backup plan. She covers city guides and deal-hunting.
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