Latin America, Guatemala

Overview

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.

When To Go

The dry season verano; November to April is the most pleasant time, weather-wise, to be in Guatemala. Along with summer holidays, however, it's also the busiest. The wet season invierno; from May to October and until NovemberDecember in the north and the east may restrict some activities and make some roads difficult. It can be worthwhile planning your trip for this time of year, particularly as you'll be more likely to pick up accommodation bargains.The height of the foreign tourist season is from Christmas to Easter. Things become acute around Christmas, New Year and Easter, and in many places you need to book ahead for rooms or transportation. A secondary high season lasts from June to August when throngs of North Americans and Europeans descend on Guatemala. If you're planning to be in the area around Easter, try to make it for Semana Santa Holy Week, the highlight of the country's festival calendar.

Visas

Citizens of most countries no longer need either a visa or a tourist card to enter Guatemala. Depending on the country you come from, stays are limited to 30 or 90 days.

Weather

The Pacific coast swelters year-round, with temperatures often hovering around 38°C 100°F. The seemingly constant high humidity diminishes a little in the dry season verano; November to April. Depending on the altitude, the highlands are pleasantly warm during the day but can be freezing at night. During the rainy season invierno; May-Oct the mountain areas tend to be damp and chilly, but dry and warm during the dry season. The climate in the lowland jungles of El Petén varies only from hot and humid to sweltering and dry. In the rainy season, the mud can make roads and walking tracks very sticky.

Getting There

Currently, the only domestic flights are between Guatemala City and Flores. Buses link most places cheaply and relatively painlessly, although roads in El Petén often turn into muddy mires or disappear altogether during the rainy season. Chicken buses are the beat-up local buses that stop for anyone, and there are more luxurious long-distance buses such as the pullman class. Faster minibus shuttles operate between some of the more popular tourist sites and major towns. Some national parks, and the Caribbean town of Lívingston, are only accessible by boat. River trips, such as the Río Dulce, can be great experiences.

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