Check the weather city by city, starting with Guatemala City.
Guatemala captures the essence of Central America: Antigua, a UNESCO-listed colonial gem; Lake Atitlán ringed by volcanoes — one of the most beautiful in the world — and Tikal, a Maya city rising from the Petén jungle. A surprising, affordable and deeply authentic country.
Antigua is one of the best-preserved Spanish colonial cities in Central America and is UNESCO-listed. Cobblestone streets, baroque arches, convent ruins and volcanoes in the background — Agua, Fuego and Acatenango. Its Holy Week (Easter) celebrations are the most impressive in the Spanish-speaking world.
Highlights : Santa Catalina Arch & volcano views, Santiago Cathedral ruins, Acatenango Volcano hike (3,976 m), Holy Week — sawdust carpet processions (Easter).
Tikal is the largest Maya site in the world: a pre-Columbian city buried in the Petén rainforest. Temples I and IV rise above the canopy, offering breathtaking views over the endless jungle. Toucans, howler monkeys and coatis inhabit the ruins.
Highlights : Temple I — Great Jaguar (70 m), Temple IV — views above the canopy, North Acropolis — royal necropolis, Wildlife: toucans, spider monkeys.
Lake Atitlán, at an altitude of 1,562 m, is surrounded by three volcanoes and still-living Maya villages. Aldous Huxley described it as "the most beautiful lake in the world." Each lakeside village has its own cultural identity and traditional market.
Highlights : San Juan La Laguna village (Maya artisans), San Pedro Volcano hike (3,020 m), Panajachel — market & local life, San Marcos La Laguna — spiritual retreat.
Chichicastenango is home to the largest indigenous market in Central America, held on Thursdays and Sundays. K'iche' Maya vendors sell textiles, masks, pottery and copal there, amid incense smoke on the forecourt of Santo Tomás Church.
Highlights : Maya market (Thu & Sun) — textiles & copal, Santo Tomás Church — Maya-Catholic syncretism, Colourful cemetery with offerings, Pascual Abaj Maya idol (sacred hill).
Guatemala is one of the cheapest destinations in Central America. Antigua is slightly more expensive but still very affordable. Markets and local transport are accessible to everyone.