Reasons to visit Guatemala

Guatemala may be a lesser-known travel destination, but this only adds to its charm and appeal for visitors. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by the wealth of experiences and discoveries that await you, making it easy to fall in love with the country and its warm-hearted people. Many travelers find themselves returning, and some even choose to make Guatemala their home.

Its people

Guatemalans are warm, welcoming, respectful, and kind people happy to meet foreigners. They are hardworking and have a strong service culture ready to lend a helping hand.

Its climate

Guatemala is known as the “Country of Eternal Spring” because of its average annual temperature of 21 degrees Celsius. Due to its geographical location, it enjoys a sub-tropical climate with mainly two “seasons” during the year: the dry season and the rainy season. Being a natural and geographically diverse country with lowlands, highlands, rainforests, and jungle, the temperatures will differ accordingly. You can experience lower temperatures at higher altitudes in the highlands or when climbing a volcano like the Acatenango and warmer weather at the coastlines and the jungle.

While there isn’t a definitive “best time” to visit Guatemala, being prepared for climate variations is essential. The dry season begins in November after the Hurricane season ends and goes up to May. This is the perfect time for exploring the outdoors, wildlife adventures in the jungle, visiting the Mayan sites, trips to the beaches, hiking a volcano, and boat hopping to the towns around Lake Atitlán. Nighttime temperatures can drop drastically if you are visiting the highlands, so you will need a warm jacket. The months of April and May can get hotter in anticipation of the rainy season, a raincoat would be recommended for the last part of May.

During the rainy season, the weather between June and August is variable, warm, and damp. June is decidedly rainy but it is usually hot and sunny in the mornings with rain arriving in the late afternoon or evening. For a few weeks in July and August, there is the Canícula, its exact period varies year to year, this is a dry period when it gets warmer and with no relief from afternoon showers. It makes an ideal time to visit the Mayan ruins of Tikal in the Petén Jungle, hike volcanoes, and enjoy the refreshing natural water pools of Semuc Champey. These summer months also bring the harvest of tropical fruits that grow in Guatemala and the lush scenery of the green landscapes.

September to October have variable weather. You might have sunny days with afternoon or evening showers, or what we call the chipi-chipi, that non-stop drizzle that can last all day. A raincoat and quick-drying clothes are the advice, together with waterproof hiking shoes with good tread if you plan to hike in the rainforest, jungle, or climb a volcano.

The rainy season has of course its appeal, the beauty of the storms, the smell of the wet soil, and the impressive sounds of thunder. The pleasure of the calming and soothing experience of watching it rain while in the comfort of being indoors. However, getting around Guatemala can be much slower due to deteriorating road conditions and the risk of landslides, particularly as the rainy season progresses.

Its nature

Guatemala is bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the south and by the Atlantic Ocean through the Caribbean Sea to the North. It has flatlands to the south and highlands across the center with areas of rainforest and jungle in the north.

There are 37 volcanoes of which three are active – Pacaya, Fuego, and Santiaguito. Additionally, there are 20 large lakes and 120 lagoons, with the most visited being Lake Atitlán, Lake Petén Itzá, and Lake Izabal. Then, 38 major rivers flow to the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans as well as to the Gulf of Mexico.

With over 700 bird species, including the stunning Resplendent Quetzal, Guatemala is a hidden gem for birdwatchers, attracting enthusiasts from around the globe to its diverse ecosystems

Guatemala’s rich biodiversity, which includes a wide variety of ecosystems, is the perfect setting for outdoor activities, whether the purpose is to relax or if you prefer more adventurous activities. Perhaps both. The beauty of this is that being such a “small” country, you can go from hiking a volcano in the morning to enjoying the beach in the afternoon.

Its culture

Guatemalan culture is rich and diverse, rooted in its indigenous Mayan heritage as well as influences from Spanish colonialism.

From a more contemporary point of view, there is a blend of traditional elements with modern influences. Cultural festivals, such as Semana Santa (Holy Week) and Día de Todos los Santos (All Saints Day), showcase the vibrant traditions and customs that are still celebrated today.

Local markets, such as the Mercado de Chichicastenango, provide visitors with a unique opportunity to experience Guatemalan culture firsthand, offering handmade crafts, textiles, and traditional foods.

Guatemala City, the capital, is the cultural, political, and economic heart of the country and showcases a more urban lifestyle compared to the rural areas. Here, modern amenities, shopping malls, international cuisine, and nightlife offer a stark contrast to the more traditional lifestyles in rural areas.

Globalization has also brought international music, fashion, and entertainment into the mainstream. Tourism plays a significant role in contemporary Guatemalan culture, with visitors drawn to both the ancient Mayan ruins, such as Tikal, and the natural beauty of places like Lake Atitlán. This has spurred a growth in eco-tourism and cultural tourism that respects and promotes the preservation of Guatemala’s unique heritage and environments.

Its gastronomy

Guatemalan gastronomy is a flavorful and diverse culinary tradition that reflects the country’s rich cultural heritage, combining Mayan, Spanish, and other influences.

In today’s landscape, Guatemalan cuisine is a mix of tradition and innovation, where chefs are increasingly blending local ingredients with modern culinary techniques. Some of the key trends and developments include: the revitalization of indigenous ingredients, focus on local and sustainable practices, international and regional influences as well as culinary education and outreach.

Interesting

Coffee

Guatemala is home to some of the world’s highest-quality coffee, often ranked among the best globally, thanks to its unique volcanic soil and diverse microclimates that enhance flavor profiles.

Sugar

As one of the largest sugar producers in Central America, Guatemala exports a significant amount of high-quality sugar, primarily to the United States and Europe, making it a key player in the global sugar market.

Cacao

Guatemala is recognized for its fine cacao, which has been cultivated since ancient Mayan times. The country is increasingly gaining attention in the fine chocolate movement, with artisanal producers creating high-quality, single-origin chocolates.

Cardamom

Guatemala is one of the world’s leading producers of cardamom, sought after in international culinary markets.

Rum

Guatemalan rum is celebrated internationally for its exceptional quality and unique aging process, often regarded as one of the finest rums in the world.

Jade

Guatemalan jade, particularly jadeite, is highly prized in international markets for its quality and cultural significance, with a rich history dating back to the ancient Maya, who considered it a symbol of wealth and power.

Hans Berghuis

Born in Guatemala to Dutch parents, Hans blends his multicultural heritage with a lifelong passion for hospitality.

Having spent most of his life in Guatemala, he possesses a deep understanding of the country's charm and diversity. He considers himself a true citizen of the world.