When Is The Best Time To Go To Guatemala?
Anytime is a great time to visit Guatemala! There are all kinds of places to explore and things to do any season — rain or shine.
For starters, you can visit Mayan ruins and historic sites, or go hiking and bird watching — throughout the year.
Despite having access to adventure 365 days a year, many people do prefer to come during the dry season, which lasts from November until early May. During this time of year, it's mostly dry — except on the Caribbean coast, which can see rain throughout the year. The dry season is the best time of year for outdoor exploration. The coldest months are December through February.
The rainy season usually starts near the end of May and lasts until early November. During the rainy season, the days often begin with blue skies and turn to rain during the afternoon. September and October are the wettest months of the year. The rainy season can still be a great time to visit Guatemala, as there are fewer foreign visitors, and subsequently, less expensive hotels.
The high tourist season lasts from December to Holy Week (usually in April). During this time of year there are more travelers in Guatemala and rates go up accordingly.
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Guatemala Hotels
No matter how deep in the jungle or high in the mountains you go, the perfect room is waiting for you in Guatemala. Want to save money? Dorm-style accommodations at surfing beaches and top attractions make traveling here a backpacker’s dream. Boutique, homey rooms are perfect for staying cozy in the Andes. For a more luxurious retreat, get a corner of Lake Atitlán to yourself in an upscale ecolodge. Every budget has its place, not far from some of Guatemala’s must-see landscapes, cityscapes, and Maya ruins.
Guatemala Bird Watching Tours
Guatemala has more than 700 different species of birds living within its borders. In the last few decades, the country has become increasingly well known for its fantastic birding. Among the many species that live or pass through Guatemala, the resplendent quetzal remains one of the most emblematic — the national currency is, after all, named for it. Bird watching tours take travelers to Guatemala’s best birding sites, which are usually in national parks or reserves. Naturalist guides accompany the tours and help travelers to spot a range of colorful, feathered creatures.
Historic Tours in Guatemala
Historic areas in Guatemala often have a worn look, and they have survived many years of earthquakes and political upheaval. But in some ways this adds to their beauty. Wandering the streets of Antigua you will see the remains of monasteries and convents that the Spanish built, as well as restored cathedrals. Go see Guatemala’s first capital, Ciudad Vieja, just a few miles from Antigua. It was built in 1527, although almost nothing from the original town remains. Lake Atitlán and the traditional villages that surround it will give you a feel for Guatemala’s Maya history – many of the people who live here are the descendants of the ancient Maya.
Guatemala Hiking Tours
Guatemala is a fantastic place to hike. The country's diverse terrain features mountains, volcanoes, and forests. You can enjoy relaxed strolls near the shores of Lake Atitlán or full-day treks to the top of the Agua Volcano. Professional guides lead the hiking tours, and safety is always prioritized. Hiking tours are a great way to get outdoors and experience Guatemala's beautiful landscape.
Ruins Tours in Guatemala
Guatemala has many Maya ruins you can tour with local guides. In every region of Guatemala you can visit a Maya site that used to be hub of commerce or political power. Some of these sites, like Tikal and Copán, have undergone restoration. Guided tours make it easy to get to these sites, which are often located deep in the jungle. The Maya left behind larger-than-life works of art – on a visit to these ruins you’ll see some incredible carved reliefs and statues depicting fierce Maya rulers.
Caribbean Lowlands
The Caribbean Lowlands are unlike the rest of Guatemala. The regional landscape is composed of jungle coastland, a river valley, and Guatemala’s largest lake. The Caribbean town of Lívingston is an enclave for the Garífuna people and is culturally distinct from the rest of Guatemala. What’s more, some of the finest Mayan stelae can be seen at the site of Quiriguá.
