Print
Email
Bookmark & shareMountains and Mayan culture: Guatemala gives you a double shot of Central America.
Despite its past turmoil and political instability, travelers are returning to Guatemala because it offers Central America in concentrated form: its volcanoes are the highest and most active, its Mayan ruins the most impressive, its earthquakes the most devastating and its history decidedly intense.
Guatemala is the Mayan heart of Central America, though the government has touted and tortured the Maya - sticking their pictures on brochures and guns in their faces. However, indigenous culture survives in the ancient ruins of Tikal, rituals of Chichicastenango and blazing colors of Mayan dress.
Travel Warning: Safety Issues for Foreigners
Travel in Guatemala is generally safe, but a relatively high level of violent crime is committed against foreigners. Travelers, especially female travelers, are advised not to travel alone on intercity buses after sunset, as they are placing themselves at risk of attack and/or possible sexual assault. Vehicle-jackings are almost an everyday occurrence, especially in Guatemala City. Travelers should exercise extra caution on the roads in rural areas, particularly in the northern and western regions. When taking photographs in rural areas, be aware that some locals believe foreigners come to kidnap children.
severity: Mid-level alert
Fast Facts
Country Full Name
Republic of Guatemala
Population
13,100,000
Currency
Name: Quetzal
Code: GTQ
Symbol: Q
Electrical Plugs
115V-125V 60Hz
Languages Spoken
Official: Spanish
Time Zones
GMT/UTC -6
Country Dialing Code
+502
Weights & Measures
Metric
Guatemala - Free Guidebook Chapter
Download the free Getting Started chapter or buy individual chapters from our Guatemala guide, in our online Shop.
› Go to the Guatemala download page.
BLUELISTS blu,list to recommend a travel experience
-
special places to stay belize, guatemala, mexico
— 09 Dec 07 -
Best of Central America
— 27 Nov 07 -
The best volcano climbs in Central America
— 15 Jan 07 -
The Best Sunrise
— 23 Dec 06 -
Best Sense-ation Combinations
— 03 Dec 06
Advertisement
Book Your Trip
Hotels & Hostels
Booking hotels is simple with Lonely Planet. See our reviewed and recommended hotels in one place and book online. Browse hotels ›
Lonely Planet Newsletters
Updates, offers and inspiration - straight to your inbox.
Subscribe now ›
Disclaimer: We've tried to make the information on this web site as accurate as possible, but it is provided 'as is' and we accept no responsibility for any loss, injury or inconvenience sustained by anyone resulting from this information. You should verify critical information (like visas, health and safety, customs and transportation) with the relevant authorities before you travel.
