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Guatemala

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Best time to visit

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People call Guatemala ‘the country of eternal spring’ as it’s warm with chilly evenings all year round. The best time to visit Guatemala is considered from November through April when the sun is shining pleasantly, the weather is mild and bright events like Day of the Dead Kite Festival and Easter happen. However, this period is the most expensive and touristic, especially during the Semana Santa. To avoid the crowds, plan your trip during the shoulder and low season from May to October. Rainy period in Guatemala is not that bad—heavy downpours are only the afternoon's prerogative with the rest of the day being warm and peachy. Northern territories close to Beliz border get most rains, and some of the roads are impassable. This season is all about rafting and surfing.

31 things to do in Guatemala

Swimming at Finca el Paraíso

February–May Activity

The blend of a hot waterfall and a chilly river can harden your body and calm your mind

Lake Atitlán

November–May Nature

The sight of the ethereal crater basin is said to make the best of those who observe the beauty

Quema del Diablo or Burning the Devil

December 7 Event

As the clock strikes 6, the townspeople of Guatemala City leave their homes to set the devil on fire

Festival de Barriletes Gigantes or Day of the Dead Kite Festival

November 1, 2024 Event

Giant flamboyant hand-made kites embody the millennia-old tradition of communicating with the dead

Scuba Diving

December–May Activity

The underwater wealth of Guatemala's basins includes abundant flora and fauna, ship wrecks, and entire ancient​ settlements

Semana Santa (Holy Week) in Antigua

March 24–30, 2024 Event

Deemed world's greatest Easter Week Festival, local celebrations amaze with fervent and colorful ceremonies

Mayan Equinox and Solstice

March 19–March 20 | June 20–June 21 | September 22–September 23 | December 21 Event

Living Mayan history and culture can be observed during the Equinox and Solstice ceremonial celebrations

Mayan Pole Flyer Dancing or El Baile del Palo Volador

July 26 | August 15 | December 13–December 21 Event

Stunning air dancers resemble circus acrobats, but in fact,​ this is a part of Guatemala's ancient Mayan cultural heritage

Semuc Champey: Natural Pool Staircase

November–April Nature

A collection of turquoise pool stairs ar​e remarkable for their natural perfection, uniqueness, and beauty

Surfing

June–October Activity

Surf longing vacationers will enjoy Guatemalan southern swell

Tamales

December 24–January 1 Food

Guatemalan norms of etiquette allow only one of these multicolored delicacies to be eaten at a time

Maximón

March 24–31, 2024 Event

A womanizer, drunkard, and chain-smoker is worshipped in some parts of Guatemala as a saint

Nisperos

October–December Food

Apart from being eaten raw, sweet nisperos are used in syrups, jams, chutneys, jellies, tarts, and pies​

Boat Trip around Lake Izabal, Rio Dulce, and Livingston

November–April Activity

Lake Izabal provides a gateway to Rio Dulce which will carry your lazy boat to an isolated peninsula town populated by African refugees

Corn Specialties

April–September Food

Along with common yellow corn, local farmers cultivate unique multicoloured varieties that are li​kewise delicious!​

Birdwatching

February–April Nature

Guatemala's rich avifauna boasts the fairy-like quetzal and over 700 more species

Trekking and Volcano Climbing

November–April Activity

The most impressive and challenging hiking trails wind up and down Guatemala's active volcanoes

Zapote Mamey, Chico Zapote, and Mamey

November–March Food

Zapote season brings lots of delights from natural chewing gum to smoothies, fruit punch, and other fruit delicacies

Candlelit Caving

November–April | December 05 Activity

Feel the urge of a thrilling adventure? Challenge yourself to the dark waterways of Guatemala's bat-filled caves

Día de la Independencia

September 14–15 Event

Historical reenactments such as the torch relay and "La Conquista" represent the uniqueness of the independence festival

Coffee Harvest

December–March (harvest) | February 2–4 (celebration) Food

There is never too much coffee. Indulge in Guatemala's best during the harvest festivities

Ceiba Trees in Bloom

December–April Nature

Thousands of blossoms open one after another and hundreds of bats converge on the trees to collect the sweet nectar

Mayan New Year's Celebration

April 1, 2023 Event

Observe authentic indigenous traditions in the 21st century

Zompopos de Mayo

May Food

Mmm, yummy ant butts taste and crun​ch like peanuts and the season is too short to linger!

Boqueron Canyon

February–May Activity

Guatemalan wildlife literally roars just a few steps away from your lonely boat crossing the canyon

Speedy Turtles

September–February Nature

Watching recently-hatched baby turtles "rushing" towards the sea is adorable and affordable for everyone

White Water Rafting

June–February Activity

This raging river flows along tropical forests full of iguanas and toucans watching the rafters from the banks

Fiesta de Santo Tomás

December 13–December 21 Event

In honour of this Catholic Saint,​ Guatemalans perform a traditional indigenous dance

Pitaya or Dragon Fruit

June–November Food

These famous magenta-coloured Guatemalan licuados and yoghurt smoothies are made of red dragon fruit

Jocote

July–October Food

Green, yellow, and red—very sour, moderately sour, and sweet—you decide what to eat

Carnaval de Mazatenango

February 27-March 4, 2025 Event

Eggshells, confetti, and lots of fun make Сarnaval en Guatemala unique

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