-
-
Up to 15%
OFF AsiaFind out more -
Kili Climb - Rise to
the ChallengeFind out more -
Late discountsUp to 25% OFF -
Check out our
Food AdventuresFind out more -
Check out our
Sailing AdventuresFind out more -
Check out our
Family AdventuresFind out more -
Real Food
World TourWatch it now -
Intrepid photo
competitionFind out how to enter -
Shackleton
EpicFind out more -
Au PairsFind out more -
2013 BrochuresView. Order. Download.
-
Guatemala Snapshot
The dry season is from October to April, and this is generally considered to be the best time to visit as the weather is warm and sunny. However, this is also the busiest time to travel so expect more people about, especially around Christmas and Easter.
The wet season is from May to October. During this time, some activities and roads may be restricted; however, it usually only rains for around an hour or two in the afternoon. As this is the low season for travel, you can enjoy the sites with less people around.
The wet season is from May to October. During this time, some activities and roads may be restricted; however, it usually only rains for around an hour or two in the afternoon. As this is the low season for travel, you can enjoy the sites with less people around.
Eating and Drinking in Guatemala
- Tamales: Found throughout Latin America, this is one of the most popular comfort foods in Guatemala. Tamales are a corn-dough based dish, boiled or steamed and are served wrapped in a plantain leaf. Typical fillings include chicken, pork cheese and vegetables, as well as sweet, dessert fillings like fruit or almonds.
- Spiced Mango: Most cities and markets in Guatemala will have street carts selling mango spiced with chilli and lime. The blend of sweet and bitter flavours is a treat for the tastebuds.
- Lemonadia Con Soda: This zesty soft drink is made with real lemons and makes a refreshing drink on a hot and steamy day.
- Elotes: The simplicity of this dish is what wins travellers over. Take a fresh ear of corn, roast it on a barbecue, add cheese, lime, butter and chilli, and serve it on a stick. Elotes will win you over as a delicious, cheap and easy-to-eat snack on the run!
Intrepid believes that one of the best ways to experience a country is by eating! Whether you're sampling street food, savouring a cheap eat or indulging in a banquet, there are endless options to choose from wherever you are in the world. The cuisine of Guatemala is among the best in Central America so hit the markets for some street food or a restaurant for a more formal meal.
Shopping in Guatemala
- Traditional Handicrafts: Colourful blankets, shawls, scarves and clothing, wooden carvings, woven basketry and hand-made ceramics all make great souvenir options.
- Art: Guatemalan paintings are typically colourful and uplifting. The galleries and markets of Antigua are one of the best spots to pick up unique art – from traditional paintings, to folk art and contemporary pieces by emerging local artists.
- Coffee: Guatemala produces and exports some of the best coffee in the world. Coffee lovers should stock up here where the quality and price is good.
- Chocolate: Guatemala also creates some of the finest chocolate in the world. Head to a chocolate shop and choose from bitter dark chocolate, spicy chilli and cinnamon chocolate or perhaps pick up some rich hot chocolate mix to take home.
Although Guatemala does have a few modern malls, the most interesting shopping experiences will come via the many markets featured throughout the villages and cities.
Most importantly, have fun and don’t forget to haggle for a good price! It's also a good idea to check with your local customs officials to ensure that you are able to bring certain items back into your home country. Australia and New Zealand generally have strict quarantine laws.
Accommodation
Travelling with Intrepid is a little bit different. We endeavour to provide travellers with an authentic experience to remember, so we try to keep accommodation as unique and traditional as possible.
When travelling with us in Guatemala you may find yourself staying in a:
When travelling with us in Guatemala you may find yourself staying in a:
Homestay
- Be treated to a big Central American welcome while staying with a local family lakeside in San Jorge La Laguna.
Transport
Intrepid believes half the fun of experiencing a new country is getting there, and getting around once there! Where possible, Intrepid uses local transport options and traditional modes of transport - which usually carry less of an environmental impact, support small local operators and are heaps more fun.
Depending on which trip you're on while in Guatemala, you may find yourself travelling by:
Depending on which trip you're on while in Guatemala, you may find yourself travelling by:
Local Bus
- Hop on a ‘chicken bus’ for a bumpy ride where you’ll get to mingle with locals and travel like a Guatemalan.
Boat
- Board a boat and see Guatemala from its pristine waters.
Shortlist
No trips.
Guatemala at a glance
- 37
- Guatemala City (population 1.15 million)
- 13.8 million
- Spanish
- GTQ
- (GMT-06:00) Central America
- Type A (North American/Japanese 2-pin), Type B (American 3-pin)
- +502
Connect with Intrepid for travel inspiration, competitions & offers!