As the heartland of Central America, Guatemala offers travellers a remarkable range of impressive historical, natural and cultural sights. The Maya ruins are undoubtedly the highlight of these attractions, most notably Tikal, a designated archaeological UNESCO World Heritage Site which is so remarkable as to defy belief. Maya communities continue to thrive in the lush Guatemalan rainforests where their traditional cultural and religious practices have combined with colonial traditions and modern Latin and North American influences to form a fascinatingly rich hybrid culture. Sacred Pagan temples are located alongside extravagant colonial architecture and traditional markets co-exist alongside massive state-of-the art shopping complexes. Despite its small size, Guatemala is a surprisingly geographically diverse country. From the verdant jungle-clad lowland areas to the highlands dotted with towering mountains and an abundance of volcanoes, there is plenty to keep nature enthusiasts blissfully engaged. With its warm and welcoming locals, its ancient cultural heritage and its breathtaking natural attractions, Guatemala never ceases to amaze.
Banking and Currency
Currency
Local currency: Guatemalan Quetzal
Symbol: Q
ISO code: GTQ
Subunit: Centavo
Banknotes: Q1, Q5, Q10, Q20, Q50, Q100, Q200
Coins: 1, 5, 10, 25, 50 centavos; Q1
Banking
Card Transactions: Yes
ATMs: Yes
Mastercard: Yes
Visa: Yes
American Express: Yes
Diner’s club: Yes
Banking Hours:
Weekdays: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Weekends: Closed
Public Holidays: Yes
Foreign exchange services: Yes
Travel, Transport and Getting Around
Air:
Main airlines: Avianca, TAG Airlines
International Airports: La Aurora International Airport
Domestic Airports: Mundo Maya International Airport, Quetzaltenango Airport
Road:
Driving on the: Right
Tar roads: Yes
Gravel roads: Yes
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes
Car hire available: Yes
Taxis: Yes
E-hailing services: Yes
Bus:
Inter-city bus services: Yes
Local city bus networks: Yes
Rail:
Railway system: No
Subway System: No
Water:
Ferries: No
Water taxis: No
Leisure cruises: No
Food, Drink and Cuisine Advice
Food and water safety:
Can you drink the tap water: No
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes
Ice: Yes
Meat: Yes
Street food: Yes
Local cuisine:
Guatemalan cuisine reflects the country's diverse culture, with influences from Mayan, Spanish, and African traditions. Common dishes include tamales, chiles rellenos, and pepian. Beverages like atol de elote (corn-based drink) and horchata (rice-based drink) are popular.
Tipping: 10-15%
Climate and Weather
Annual rainfall: 1,000 - 2,500 mm
Average temperature: 22°C
Summer:
Average highs: 27°C
Average lows: 18°C
Winter:
Average highs: 25°C
Average lows: 15°C
Best time to visit:
The best time to visit Guatemala is during the dry season, from November to April, when the weather is typically sunny and pleasant.
Clothing and Dress Recommendations
Spring and Summer
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes
Lightweight warm clothes: No
Winter and Autumn
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended
Heavyweight clothing and boots: No
General
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: No
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes
Walking shoes: Yes
Casual: Yes
Smart-casual attire: Yes
Internet Availability
Internet cafes: Yes
Accommodation options: Yes
Restaurants: Yes
Cafes: Yes
Shopping malls: Yes
Public parks: Yes
Libraries: Yes
Electricity and Plug Standards
Plug Type: Type A, Type B
Voltage (V): 120V
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 60Hz
*Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances.
Favourably located on the Caribbean Sea, this spectacularly diverse Central American nation is characterised by lush forests, magnificent mangroves, a gloriously green mountainous interior, and a coastline dotted with innumerable islands. Populated by a wide range of ethnic groups including the Mayan, Mestizo, Garifuna, Creole, and Mennonite people, this relatively young country offers a captivating melting pot of cultures and traditions. The crystal clear waters, decorated with a profusion of marine life, offer a jaw-dropping setting for swimming, snorkelling, and diving. In the jungle, enjoy hiking, horseriding, or ziplining past exotic plants, animals, and birds. A world of historical treasure awaits in the fascinating Mayan ruins, which feature excavated tombs, intricate hieroglyphs, and towering stone temples, often providing panoramic views.
Banking and Currency
Currency
Local currency: Belize Dollar
Symbol: BZ$
ISO code: BZD
Subunit: Cent
Banknotes: BZ$2, BZ$5, BZ$10, BZ$20, BZ$50, BZ$100
Coins: 1¢, 5¢, 10¢, 25¢, 50¢, BZ$1, BZ$5, BZ$10, BZ$20
Banking
Card Transactions: Yes
ATMs: Yes
Mastercard: Yes
Visa: Yes
American Express: Yes
Diner’s club: Yes
Banking Hours:
Weekdays: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Weekends: Closed
Public Holidays: Yes
Foreign exchange services: Yes
Travel, Transport and Getting Around
Air:
Main airlines: Tropic Air, Maya Island Air
International Airports: Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport
Domestic Airports: Belize City Municipal Airport, San Pedro Airport, Placencia Airport
Road:
Driving on the: Right
Tar roads: Yes
Gravel roads: Yes
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes
Car hire available: Yes
Taxis: Yes
E-hailing services: No
Bus:
Inter-city bus services: Yes
Local city bus networks: Yes
Rail:
Railway system: No
Subway System: No
Water:
Ferries: Yes
Water taxis: Yes
Leisure cruises: Yes
Food, Drink and Cuisine Advice
Food and water safety:
Can you drink the tap water: No
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes
Ice: Yes
Meat: Yes
Street food: Yes
Local cuisine:
Belizean cuisine reflects its diverse cultural influences, blending Maya, Creole, Garifuna, Mestizo, and European flavors. Staple foods include rice, beans, plantains, and seafood. Popular dishes include rice and beans, fry jacks, garnaches, and hudut. Notable local drinks include Belikin beer, rum punch, and seaweed shakes.
Tipping: 10-15%
Climate and Weather
Annual rainfall: 1000 - 4500 mm
Average temperature: 25°C
Summer:
Average highs: 31°C
Average lows: 24°C
Winter:
Average highs: 28°C
Average lows: 20°C
Best time to visit:
The best time to visit Belize is during the dry season, from late November to mid-April, when the weather is sunny and there is less rainfall.
Clothing and Dress Recommendations
Spring and Summer
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes
Lightweight warm clothes: No
Winter and Autumn
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended
Heavyweight clothing and boots: No
General
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: No
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes
Walking shoes: Yes
Casual: Yes
Smart-casual attire: Yes
Internet Availability
Internet cafes: Yes
Accommodation options: Yes
Restaurants: Yes
Cafes: Yes
Shopping malls: Yes
Public parks: Yes
Libraries: Yes
Electricity and Plug Standards
Plug Type: Type B, Type G
Voltage (V): 110V
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 60Hz
*Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances.