What health and safety information should travellers know before visiting Guatemala?

Ensure that you have all routine vaccinations before departing for Guatemala. Travellers should get vaccinations for hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, rabies, yellow fever and malaria. Tourists should remain vigilant while touring Guatemala. Stay safe in Guatemala by following these tips: Watch out for pick-pocketing, bag-snatching, bag-slitting in public spaces. Watch out for ATM card cloners at major tourist destinations. Do not carry large amounts of cash with you. Leave your valuables in your hotel’s safe. Do not flaunt your jewellery, cameras or cellphone in public.

What is the cost of travelling in Guatemala?

Item Cape Town Johannesburg Guatemala City Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant R100 R120 R77 Domestic Beer (0.5 litre draught) R30 R30 R22 Cappuccino (regular) R23 R24 R31 Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff) R10 R10 R11 Pack of Cigarettes (Marboro) R40 R40 R40

Cheap Flights To Guatemala: The Lowest Fares

Popular flights to Guatemala

Prices observed in the past 7 days start from N/A one-way and R19539 round trip. Fares and availability may change at any time, and additional terms may apply.

British Airways

24 Dec - 13 Jan

JNB

Johannesburg

Round-Trip

GUA

Guatemala City

R19539

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Popular airlines to Guatemala

South African Airways

American Airlines

Delta Air Lines

British Airways

South African Airways

American Airlines

Delta Air Lines

British Airways

Why visit Guatemala

Ancient Mayan Ruins

Visit the transcending historical locations, with more than 1500 Mayan ruins, Guatemala astonishes visitors with the profound ancient Mayan culture. You’ll get to see the amazing architectural skills of the ancient civilization.

Volcanoes

Guatemala is home to a large number of volcanoes with many remaining active. The volcanoes certainly contribute to this destination’s incredible landscape. Active volcanoes include Pacaya, Fuego and Santiaguito Volcanoes.

Coffee

Coffee is an important resource for Guatemala’s economy. The country produces a mild coffee that has a distinctive aroma. You’ll find mountain slopes covered in Coffee Arabica plants. Be sure to savour the aroma and flavours of the Guatemalan coffee brew.

Guatemala: the destination with a profound history and sensational views in Central America

Guatemala is the land of the ancient Mayan civilization. It is bordered by Mexico, Belize, the Caribbean and Honduras. With a population of 16.6 million people, it is the most populated country in Central America. Guatemala is known for its volcanoes, rainforests and the ancient Mayan ruins. Popular attractions in Guatemala include Tukal, Semuc Champey and Lake Atitlan.

Cheap flights to Guatemala are now available for a limited period of time, so get ready to be enthralled by this destination! Guatemala City is the home of La Aurora International Airport (GUA), which is a 25-minute drive from Guatemala City’s centre. La Aurora International Airport serves many airlines, including South African Airways, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and British Airways. Popular international flights depart from Cape Town and Johannesburg. The flight duration from Johannesburg is approximately 24 hours.

General Information

Essential details you need to know before your trip

Country

Currency

Guatemala

Guatemalan Quetzal (GTQ)

LANGUAGE

Exchange Rate

Spanish

1 ZAR = 0.464 GTQ

AIRLINE

TIME ZONE

GMT -6

HUB AIRPORT

La Aurora International Airport

Destination Review

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Weather In Guatemala

Low

High °C

Rain-mm

Average temperature (°C) & rainfall (mm) per month

Frequently asked questions

Overview

The Republic of Guatemala is nestled in Central America with its capital city being Guatemala City. The country has a vast history, beginning with its first inhabitants, the ancient Mayan civilization. Guatemala is the ideal destination for backpacking as you discover its intrinsic charm. Discover the warmth of the people and the incredible history dating back to 18000 BC. The country is still relatively considered an off-the-beaten-path destination, and this makes for an interesting journey as you uncover its beautiful gems at your pace.

Explore the epic cuisine including the national dish, pepian, which is a scrumptious thick vegetable stew. Upon your journey through Guatemala, a stop at Tikal you’ll be shown the way of life of the Mayan culture as well as learn about the fauna and flora.

Guatemala certainly does humble you as you traverse across its incredible land.

Compare several airlines and book your cheap flights to Guatemala online at Travelstart!

Best time to visit Guatemala

Guatemala is known as the “land of the eternal spring”, most of the country enjoys warm days year-round. Altitude determines the climate largely, which is great to consider for the best time to visit. The rainy season occurs from May to October, the worst of the season can be felt between September and October. Peak season runs between (December – March) and (July – August) as it is considered the best time to visit. Hotels are packed during these times.

Visa & Customs

South African passport holders do not require a visa for a stay of up to 90 days in Guatemala. Your passport must have at least 2 blank pages available for stamp entries.

Guatemalan Honorary Consulate in Johannesburg:

Address: C/O Extrade House, 745 Saddle Drive Woodmead Office Park Cnr Woodmead Drive & Van Reenen Road Woodmead, Sandton, 2199

Telephone: ( 27) 11 804 5080

Email: mrast@solo.pipex.co.za

Health & Safety

Ensure that you have all routine vaccinations before departing for Guatemala. Travellers should get vaccinations for hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, rabies, yellow fever and malaria.

Tourists should remain vigilant while touring Guatemala. Stay safe in Guatemala by following these tips: