Is it safe to drink the tap water?

No. Always use bottled or filtered water, even for brushing your teeth if you have a sensitive stomach.

Do I need to speak Spanish?

It helps, especially with taxi drivers, but English is widely spoken in the tourism industry in Antigua, Lake Atitlán, and Flores.

Planning a 10-Day Highlights Trip to Guatemala

Focus on the classic triangle of Antigua, Lake Atitlán, and Tikal to minimize travel time. Use private shuttles between major hubs to bypass the unreliable public bus network.

Map your route. Start in Antigua, move to Lake Atitlán for relaxation, and finish with a flight to Flores to see Tikal. This covers the colonial history, nature, and Mayan ruins without excessive backtracking.
Book private shuttles. Avoid 'chicken buses' for inter-city travel. Use services like Gekko Trails or Atitrans; they cost $20–$35 per seat and are significantly safer and more direct.
Secure your internal flight. Fly from Guatemala City (GUA) to Flores (FRS) via TAG Airlines. It takes 1 hour compared to a 10-hour bus ride and saves you an entire day of transit.
Pre-book your Tikal guide. Tikal is massive. Book a sunrise tour online at least two weeks before arriving to ensure you get a licensed guide who knows the specific wildlife spots.

Is it safe to drink the tap water?: No. Always use bottled or filtered water, even for brushing your teeth if you have a sensitive stomach.
Do I need to speak Spanish?: It helps, especially with taxi drivers, but English is widely spoken in the tourism industry in Antigua, Lake Atitlán, and Flores.