Trip Planning
The TakeYourBackpack guidebooks are your all-in-one travel companion, featuring the best cities, national parks, hikes, beaches, and unique sites, along with essential tips on when to go, how to get around, exchanging money, and even local phrases to get you started — everything you need for a smooth, unforgettable backpacking adventure.
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Personal tip: I normally search on good rating for atmosphere (for meeting people) and location (for easy exploring). Cleanliness as a bonus.
Travel Essentials
Hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and routine vaccines (MMR, DPT) are recommended for Guatemala. Consider rabies if you’re doing outdoor activities. Check CDC or WHO for updates. Always consult a travel health professional.
vaccination requirementsWhen I first started traveling, I often spent part of my first day in a new country hunting for a local SIM card. While this can still be slightly cheaper, it also takes time and planning.
These days, it's much simpler to install an eSIM before leaving home. Once you arrive in Guatemala, you can activate it immediately and have mobile data from the moment you land — which is especially useful for ordering transport or navigating away from busy airports.
There are many providers nowadays, and price differences are usually small. I personally go with Airalo, as it offers excellent network coverage throughout the country and strong global coverage, so you can manage multiple countries from a single app.
Get your e-sim for GuatemalaCulture & Customs
Respecting Guatemalan culture is key to a positive experience.
- **Do** greet people with a handshake or a nod, and say ”Buenos días” or ”Buenas tardes.”
- **Don’t** point at people or objects with your index finger; use your whole hand instead.
- **Do** dress modestly, especially in rural areas and religious sites.
- **Don’t** take photos of people without permission, particularly in indigenous communities.
For LGBTQ+ travelers, discretion is advised as attitudes can be conservative. Women should avoid walking alone at night and be cautious in remote areas. Keep interactions friendly but professional to avoid misunderstandings.
Trying traditional food is always a great way to experience the culture. Here are some must-try dishes for Guatemala.
- Pepian: This is a thick, flavorful stew that blends chicken, beef, or pork with vegetables like potatoes and carrots. The real magic is in its sauce, a rich mix of roasted spices and seeds, making it a staple at family gatherings and festivals.
- Kak’ik: A traditional Mayan turkey soup seasoned with coriander, achiote, and chili peppers. Its vibrant red color and spicy kick make it an important dish in Guatemalan culture, often served during special occasions.
- Jocon: This green chicken stew gets its color from tomatillos, cilantro, and green peppers. It’s a comforting dish that’s a favorite in many households, showcasing the country’s love for fresh, herbal flavors.
- Fiambre: Typically enjoyed on Day of the Dead, this cold salad is a colorful mix of meats, cheeses, and pickled vegetables. Each family has its own unique recipe, making it a dish rich in tradition and personal history.
- Rellenitos de Plátano: Sweet plantains are mashed and filled with black beans, then fried to perfection. These tasty snacks are a symbol of the Guatemalan love for combining sweet and savory flavors.
Tap water in Guatemala isn’t safe to drink for tourists, and even many locals avoid it. Stick to bottled or filtered water to avoid any stomach issues. Always double-check if ice in drinks comes from purified water.
The main language in Guatemala is
Spanish. Backpacking is way more rewarding if you know a bit of the local language, so I'd suggest brushing up on the basics just in case your Spanish skills have become a bit rusty.
Want to understand locals better?The complete Travel Guide for Guatemala includes 52 essential words and phrases — greetings, thank-yous, ordering food, transport, numbers, and common local expressions you'll actually hear.
Get your local basic phrases 👉
Get the Travel Guide - In Guatemala,
English proficiency varies significantly depending on the location. In urban areas and popular tourist destinations like Antigua, Lake Atitlán, and Guatemala City, many locals in the hospitality industry, such as hotel staff, tour guides, and restaurant workers, speak English reasonably well. However, in rural areas and small towns, English is less commonly spoken, and Spanish is the predominant language.
While many Guatemalans understand basic English phrases, fluency is not widespread. Travelers may find it helpful to learn some basic Spanish phrases to enhance their experience and facilitate communication, especially in less touristy regions.
Overall, while English can be useful in major tourist areas, having a basic understanding of Spanish will greatly improve interactions and enrich your travel experience in Guatemala.
Money & Payments
The local currency of Guatemala is GTQ (Q).
When backpacking in Guatemala, it’s smart to carry some cash, especially in rural areas where ATMs can be as rare as a traffic light. Keep a mix of small bills for markets and street food. ATMs are mostly in cities and touristy spots, and while most accept foreign cards, stick to machines inside banks or malls for safety.
US dollars are more useful than euros if you need a backup, but exchange rates at airports are a rip-off. Exchange money at a bank or a ’casa de cambio’ in cities for better rates.
Credit cards are generally accepted in larger hotels and restaurants, but expect a fee. It’s good to have one on hand, but don’t rely on it.
In Guatemala, tipping isn’t mandatory but is appreciated. In restaurants, leaving around 10% for good service will earn you some smiles, as service charges aren’t always included. For porters or taxi drivers, rounding up the fare or adding a small tip is considered courteous.
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Best Backpacking
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Over the years, I've learned the importance of packing minimally. It's so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you're headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.