Guatemala City, Guatemala
Bienvenidos a la ciudad de Guatemala! The largest city in Central America by population and a bustling urban hub that surprises many visitors with its modern and cosmopolitan vibe.
Divided into "zonas," each area of the city offers unique experiences, from historical landmarks in Zona 1 to upscale dining and nightlife in Zona 10 (aka Zona Viva). Known for its cleanliness and vibrant energy, Guatemala City serves as both a cultural center and a gateway to the country's rich heritage. Visiting during All Saints Day allows travelers to witness local traditions and experience the spectacular Kite Festival.
Personal Experience
I personally loved my experience in Guatemala City. This was a trip where I worked in the morning and explored in the afternoons, so I opted not to take any day trips to Antigua or Lake Atitlan, the other popular destinations in Guatemala.
I chose Guatemala City because I’m on a mission to become fluent in Spanish and have been exploring Spanish speaking countries to get my practice in! This city was great because even in touristy areas, the amount of English spoken was pretty minimal, so I was forced to get out of my comfort zone with English to really practice my Spanish much more than I have in other tourist destinations.
What I loved the most was the modern vibe while still having clear cultural influence across the city. The greenery also made me happy! Beautiful plants incorporated into all of the interior and exterior of just about every place I went made a green thumb girlie like me so happy!
The people are very nice, patient and willing to help me learn spanish words when I was saying things wrong (LOL). I also really enjoyed hiking Volcan Pacaya. They said that was a ‘beginner’ hike, but that thing wore me out!
I would definitely return to Guatemala and explore Antigua, Lake Atitlan and the Mayan areas like Tikal.
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Travel Details
Best Time to Visit: November to April (dry season), with special festivities on November 1st for All Saints Day! I visited the last week of October into November.
Weather: Known as the ‘Land of Eternal Spring’, the weather was in the 70s each day, getting as low as 60s in the evenings.
How to Get There: La Aurora International Airport (GUA) is very close to the city center via Uber for less than $5 or via Taxis for less than $20
Duration of Stay: I stayed for 6 days because I worked everyday, but you could really make this a 3-4 day trip and still experience everything!
Currency: The currency is the Guatemalan Quetzal (GTQ). $1 USD is about GTQ 8. Credit cards and Apple Pay are widely accepted, but carry some cash for local markets and street vendors.
Language: Spanish is the official language. I highly recommend knowing some basic spanish phrases - I found that even in most touristy areas, it was about a 50/50 chance that I would be able to have a full conversation in English. This is also why its a great place to learn/practice spanish!
Safety: I never felt unsafe here, despite what the media will have you thinking about central america in general. Of course, always stay vigilant, don’t bring attention to yourself and your assets and if something feels off/sketchy, leave!
Accommodation Recommendations
I personally love modern stays and am not a fan of airbnbs. My recommendations are based on my own preferences for modern and unique hotel stays. If you enjoy modern and unique stays, I recommend staying in Zona 10 or Zona 4.
Hyatt Centric Guatemala City – Located in the Zona Viva (10), offering modern rooms and easy access to nightlife and dining
Good Hotel Guatemala City – Located in trendy Zona 4, this boutique hotel combines minimalist design with a social mission. Known for its eco-friendly practices and support for local communities, it’s a perfect choice for socially conscious travelers. Zona 4, also known as "4 Grados Norte," is filled with art galleries, cafes, and a vibrant nightlife scene, giving visitors easy access to Guatemala City's creative and modern side.
Top Things to Do
All Saints Day & Kite Festival: Plan your visit around November 1st to witness the unique Kite Festival in nearby Santiago Sacatepéquez. This festival is a colorful celebration where locals fly massive, intricately designed kites to honor deceased loved ones—a spectacular sight and an unforgettable experience.
Explore Zona 1: Discover historic buildings, churches, and museums in the heart of the city. The National Palace and Metropolitan Cathedral are must-sees.
Oakland Mall: A premier shopping destination in the city, Oakland Mall in Zone 10 offers an upscale shopping experience with a range of international brands, restaurants, and entertainment options. It's a modern space to unwind, shop, or enjoy a meal, reflecting the city’s cosmopolitan side.
Hike Volcán Pacaya: Take a day trip to hike Volcán Pacaya, one of Guatemala's most active volcanoes. ‘Roast’ marshmallows at the volcano rocks and you can even get a pizza at the top!
Local Cuisine
Shukos: Street Food known as Guatemalan hot dogs, these are loaded with toppings like guacamole, cabbage, mayo, and grilled sausages. You’ll find them everywhere!
Fiambre: A special All Saints Day dish, fiambre is a cold salad made with a variety of meats, cheeses, and vegetables. It’s a complex and flavorful tribute to family traditions.
Steak: Guatemala City has a vibrant steakhouse scene. Try local cuts grilled to perfection, often served with sides like guacamole, beans, and tortillas.
Puyazo: A popular Guatemalan steak cut known for its rich flavor, typically served grilled to perfection. Often accompanied by sides like guacamole, beans, and tortillas, it’s a must-try for steak lovers visiting the city.
Restaurants I loved:
Casa Escobar (Zona 10) -I had Tacos de Pulpo (Octopus Tacos), Lomito Importado con Arroz Panza Verde y Elotes Al Carbon (Steak Tenderloin with Green rice and Grilled Corn) and two Aperol Spritz, total was about $60
Restauraunte Fridas (Zona 10) - I had Puyazo Tacos and a margarita for about $12
Don Emiliano (Zona 10) (on the Rooftop at Oakland Mall) - I had Lomito Premium and a margarita for about $17
Goliat Burger (Zona 4)- A unique burger experience, I kept it simple and got the Mr. Burger meal for $9
Budget Breakdown
Getting There
Flight: IAD to GUA: Roundtrip $175 on United Airlines
Getting Around
Ubers: $2-$3 each (GTQ15 - GTQ23)
Taxis: $10-$20 each (GTQ80-GTQ154)
Accommodations
Hotel 1: Hyatt Centric Guatemala City (Zona 10) 2 nights @ $448.96 (GTQ 3591.68)
Hotel 2: Good Hotel Guatemala City (Zona 4) 3 nights @ $296.46 (GTQ 2832.84)
Activities
Half-Day Guatemala City Tour - $55.00
Volcano Pacaya Hiking Tour - $165.00
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