Why visit
Guatemala is Antigua's colonial streets, Lake Atitlán's volcano-rimmed villages, Tikal Mayan ruins in the jungle, and some of Latin America's most vibrant textile traditions.
Country - North America
Guatemala
historycultureadventurenature
How to use this result
Use it as a country shortlist
Guatemala works best as a first-pass travel idea. Start with the region, season, and themes on this page, then compare flights, entry rules, safety guidance, and local transport before treating it as a real option.
Compare the capital and side trips
Use Guatemala City as the administrative starting point, then check whether the strongest trip idea is actually the capital, a coastal area, a nature route, or another city in Guatemala.
At a glance
Location
15.5°, -90.3°
Coast
Has coastline
Country area
108,889 km²
42,042 mi²
Country population
18.0 million
165/km²
Subregion
Central America
Currency
Guatemalan quetzal (Q)
GTQ
Dial
+502
Language
Spanish
Demonym
Guatemalan
Internet
.gt
UN
Member state
ISO code
GT / GTM
Where in the world
15.5° - -90.3°
Guatemala
Open in Google Maps
Click the map to open in Google Maps. Outline via svg-maps/world - CC BY 4.0
Did you know
- Guatemala has 37 volcanoes: three are still active and regularly erupt.
- Antigua Guatemala is a UNESCO-protected colonial city preserved after the capital moved following 1773 earthquakes.
- Chocolate was invented by the Maya in what is now Guatemala: cacao beans were once currency.
Bordering Guatemala
Traveler notes
- Tikal at sunrise is a legendary experience
- Visa-free for most Western passports for 90 days
- Spanish immersion in Antigua is well-established
Plan checks
- Start research with the capital Guatemala City, then compare two or three other regions.
- Check passport validity, visa rules, health requirements, and travel insurance for current conditions.
- Check opening days. Major sites close on Mondays or Tuesdays in many countries.
- Bring layered clothing and verify trail/park access before arrival.
Signature travel cities in Guatemala
Explore more
Facts last reviewed June 2026 against GeoNames and national statistics sources. See the editorial policy for how destination data is maintained.
Frequently asked about Guatemala
What is the capital of Guatemala?
Guatemala City is the capital of Guatemala.
What currency does Guatemala use?
Guatemala uses the Guatemalan quetzal (Q), ISO code GTQ.
What languages are spoken in Guatemala?
The primary language is Spanish.
Is Guatemala landlocked?
No, Guatemala has a coastline.
What countries border Guatemala?
Guatemala borders Belize, El Salvador, Honduras, Mexico.
What is the international calling code for Guatemala?
The calling code is +502.
When is the best time to visit Guatemala?
Nov–Apr. Check current weather and local events before booking.
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