Is it safe to travel around Guatemala independently?

Yes, but stick to tourist routes and avoid Guatemala City neighborhoods outside Zone 10. Use recommended shuttle companies between destinations rather than local buses. Don't display valuables and travel in daylight.

Do I need yellow fever vaccination?

No yellow fever vaccination required for Guatemala. Routine vaccines (MMR, DPT, flu) recommended plus Hepatitis A. Consider Typhoid if eating street food extensively.

Can I use US dollars?

Some tourist businesses accept dollars but you'll get poor rates. Use ATMs for Guatemalan quetzales (GTQ). Current rate around 7.8 GTQ per USD. Credit cards accepted at mid-range and upscale places.

How's the altitude affect?

Antigua sits at 5,000 feet, Lake Atitlán at 5,100 feet. Most people feel mild effects like shortness of breath. Drink water, avoid alcohol first day, and take it easy. Tikal is at sea level so no issues there.

What's the best way to get between destinations?

Tourist shuttles are safest and most convenient ($10-25 between major destinations). Internal flights save time for Tikal ($120-180). Avoid chicken buses for long distances - they're slow and higher crime risk.

How to spend 2 weeks in Guatemala

Two weeks in Guatemala gives you time to see colonial Antigua, hike active volcanoes, explore Mayan ruins at Tikal, experience Lake Atitlán's villages, and soak in hot springs. Start in Antigua for acclimatization, work your way to Tikal, then end at Lake Atitlán for a mix of adventure and culture.

Plan your route clockwise. Fly into Guatemala City, head straight to Antigua (1 hour), then north to Tikal (8-hour bus or 1-hour flight), and finish at Lake Atitlán (3 hours from Flores). This routing minimizes backtracking and saves transport time.
Book Tikal flights early. Internal flights from Guatemala City to Flores cost $120-180 but save 14 hours of bus time. Book 2-3 weeks ahead for better prices. TAG Airlines runs daily flights.
Choose your volcano hike. Acatenango (2 days, $40) for overnight volcano camping, or Pacaya (4 hours, $15) for an easier day hike. Book Acatenango tours 2-3 days ahead through Antigua operators.
Plan 3-4 days minimum for Tikal area. Stay in Flores town for budget options or El Remate for jungle lodges. Book Tikal sunrise tour ($35) and add Yaxha ruins ($25) for fewer crowds. Allow a full day for each site.
Pick your Lake Atitlán base. Panajachel for transport hub and budget stays, San Pedro for backpacker scene and Spanish schools, or San Marcos for yoga retreats and hippie vibes. Boat between villages costs $1-3.

Is it safe to travel around Guatemala independently?: Yes, but stick to tourist routes and avoid Guatemala City neighborhoods outside Zone 10. Use recommended shuttle companies between destinations rather than local buses. Don't display valuables and travel in daylight.
Do I need yellow fever vaccination?: No yellow fever vaccination required for Guatemala. Routine vaccines (MMR, DPT, flu) recommended plus Hepatitis A. Consider Typhoid if eating street food extensively.
Can I use US dollars?: Some tourist businesses accept dollars but you'll get poor rates. Use ATMs for Guatemalan quetzales (GTQ). Current rate around 7.8 GTQ per USD. Credit cards accepted at mid-range and upscale places.
How's the altitude affect?: Antigua sits at 5,000 feet, Lake Atitlán at 5,100 feet. Most people feel mild effects like shortness of breath. Drink water, avoid alcohol first day, and take it easy. Tikal is at sea level so no issues there.
What's the best way to get between destinations?: Tourist shuttles are safest and most convenient ($10-25 between major destinations). Internal flights save time for Tikal ($120-180). Avoid chicken buses for long distances - they're slow and higher crime risk.