Written by Tom Hooker
For travelers, Guatemala is a delightful gem tucked away in the heart of Latin America. Bordering Mexico to the north, Honduras to the south, El Salvador to the west, and the Caribbean Sea to the east, Guatemala is home to dense rain forests with diverse wildlife, relaxing white sand beaches, majestic volcanoes, and colorful markets full of local produce. Once an unstable nation, Guatemala has spent the last decade growing economically and improving conditions to encourage travelers to make a stop at Tikal, Semuc Champey, or any one of its exceptional destinations. We’ve gathered five important tips here at ALLMYNE to ensure you have the best possible experience while visiting Guatemala!
#1. Take It as a Learning Experience
Before you start enjoying the great weather and delicious food, take a moment to consider the fact that Guatemala is not a high-income nation. This means that many parts of everyday life are different than in nations like the United States. As a traveler, it’s good to take each experience as a chance to learn about the local culture. This can help you adapt to any nuances and also stop you from making accidental suggestions that may seem condescending. Make sure to keep an open mind, ask questions for informative purposes only, and be kind to people who want to be genuinely helpful.
#2. Enjoy the Distinct Food of Every Region
From Quetzaltenango and Peten to Izabal and Zacapa, every region of Guatemala has a unique cooking style. It’s common to find the same meals prepared with slightly different ingredients in each area, which represent each municipality’s unique resources.
Some of the delicacies you should try include Tamalitos de Chipilín (corn dough wrapped in corn husks with a tomato sauce made from the edible leaf chipil), Jocon (a Guatemalan recado—which is a thicker variation of a stew—that’s typically served with chicken), and Kaq’ik (traditional soup made with dark turkey meat)!
#3. Keep Your Activities in Mind While Packing
The weather in Guatemala can vary depending on the season of the year and area you’re visiting. Ensure the best packing job by checking the weather and keeping the activities you want to do in mind while you put your bag together. If you’re going during summer, make sure to pack sunscreen and bug repellent as both tend to be overpriced—and sometimes hard to find—in the more popular areas.
#4. Give Yourself Enough Time at Each Stop
One common mistake that travelers make is packing their schedule with as many attractions and activities as possible. When you get to Guatemala, you’ll instantly want to relax and take your time doing stuff. It’s a part of the vibe there, and it works like a charm. Our advice: give yourself enough time to enjoy each area. Explore the ruins of Tikal and Yaxha over several days if possible. Swim in Semuc Champey a few different times and drift lightly through one of its many glorious pools. Your soul—and feet!—will thank you.
#5. Follow the Basic Safety Precautions
As with most countries in Central America, it’s best for travelers to avoid drinking from the tap and buy purified bottled water instead. It doesn’t matter if you’re in Cairo, London, or Santiago, you have to follow basic safety measures while traveling. Guatemala is no exception. Your best bet is to spend as little time in the capital; opt for smaller cities close to the big attractions, and keep safety in mind at all times.
Is your heart longing for a trip to Guatemala or another exotic destination? From Bangkok to Madrid, Milan to Cape Town, or wherever you go next, ALLMYNE can help you live every experience and keep each memory like never before. With certified guides at your fingerprints and itineraries to explore, ALLMYNE has everything you need for vacationing into the unknown!
