GUATEMALA FAQ

Your questions answered for our Guatemala trip!

Visualize the experience

highlights

Experience Guatemala

-Hike Pacaya Volcano
-Explore Colonial Antigua
-Coffee Plantation Tour
-Indigenous Cultural Experience
-Boat tour of Lake Atitlan

Guatemala is a hidden gem in Central America, offering a unique blend of rich culture, archaeological sites, Spanish colonial heritage, and lush jungles. The warmth and hospitality of the Guatemalan people make the experience even more enjoyable, making it a truly welcoming destination. You are sure to enjoy your adventure in Guatemala with Under30Experiences for all these reasons.

Step-by-Step Guide

Planning a trip to Guatemala can bring up many questions. To make your preparation easy and stress-free, we've created this guide. We'll address your most common travel inquiries, from visa requirements to the best times to visit, ensuring you feel confident in your planning. Everything you need for a smooth and unforgettable journey to Guatemala is right here.

Have a question about the Under30Experiences Guatemala trip?
What are the accommodations like?

You will stay in comfortable boutique hotel rooms throughout your trip. Solo travelers are paired with a roommate of the same gender. If you're traveling with a friend, you can request them as your roommate during checkout. Private room options are available upon request for an additional charge, subject to hotel availability.

Please contact bookings@under30experiences.com for more details.

Is laundry available?

Yes, laundry services are available at the hotel for an additional fee. Your Trip Leader can provide details.

What type of luggage is best?

We recommend bringing a backpack or a medium-sized suitcase for your main luggage. A daypack is also essential for carrying daily essentials. Please note that space is limited on our transportation, so we ask that you limit yourself to one main piece of luggage per person. You will be responsible for carrying your own luggage.

Are the outlets compatible with American plugs, or should we bring adaptors?

Guatemala uses 110-volt, 60-cycle electricity, identical to the US. Plugs are typically the two-pronged flat type, so US travelers generally will not need a converter or adapter.

Can I drink the water?

The tap water in Guatemala is not safe to drink. Bottled water is recommended. We encourage our travelers to travel sustainably, so please bring a reusable water bottle.

What kind of food can I expect in Guatemala?

Prepare to experience delicious local cuisine! You should definitely try pepián, a hearty and spicy stew often made with chicken, beef, or pork. Another popular dish is jocón, a flavorful chicken dish cooked in a green sauce made from tomatillos, cilantro, and thickened with ground sesame and pumpkin seeds, usually served with corn tortillas.

For breakfast, you can expect common dishes like black beans, fried plantains, eggs, and tortillas or bread with coffee. Dinner often includes pepián, jocón, rice, beans, and corn tortillas.

What type of transportation will we be taking?

You will be traveling by private ground transportation for all included activities.

Private ground transportation to and from the airport is also included.

Please note that some optional activities may not include transportation.

What is the physical activity level of this trip?

This trip is listed as a Moderate activity level for included activities. Participating in certain optional activities may increase the strenuousness. Some travelers may find the hikes challenging, while more athletic individuals may find them less difficult.

Be aware that weather conditions like heat, humidity, and rain can affect trail conditions and activity intensity. If your daily routine primarily involves desk work, expect a significant increase in physical activity. Our Trip Leaders are experienced in encouraging while ensuring your safety and accommodating different hiking paces.

Do I need to prepare for the volcano hike?

Volcano hiking is a highlight of visiting Guatemala! With over 37 volcanoes, Pacaya is one of the three active ones. The hike is moderately difficult and typically takes a couple of hours to complete. You do not need to train extensively beforehand, and your Trip Leader will be with you every step of the way.

What activities are optional?

We've included many activities in the trip price, offering plenty to do. We also want to help you customize your perfect trip. We've sourced excellent vendors for these optional activities:

-Antigua Guatemala Cooking Class
-Salsa Lessons
-School Volunteer
-Visit to the Chocolate Museum

While your Trip Leader will assist you with available optional activities, please remember that any optional activities you undertake are not part of the official Under30Experiences itinerary. We offer no guarantees on the safety or standard of these third-party activities.

Can I opt out of an included activity?

Absolutely! This is your trip, and you are welcome to opt out of any included activity you prefer not to participate in. Please note that opting out of included activities will not affect the price of your trip.

What languages are spoken in Guatemala?

Spanish is the official language and is spoken by 93% of the population. The remaining population speaks one of 21 recognized Mayan languages. Many people who work in tourism speak English as a second or third language.

Is tipping customary in Guatemala?

Tipping is not always expected, but it is greatly appreciated, especially since tourism and hospitality are key industries in Guatemala. A 10% gratuity at restaurants is a suitable tip.

What is the local currency in Guatemala?

The local currency in Guatemala is the Quetzal (GTQ). While USD is widely accepted in tourist areas, it's a good idea to have some quetzales for smaller purchases or in less touristy locations.

Are ATMs readily available?

ATMs are available in larger towns and cities like Antigua. However, it's always wise to carry some cash, especially when visiting more remote areas or for smaller purchases. Inform your bank of your travel plans to avoid issues with your cards.

What is the time zone in Guatemala?

Guatemala observes Central Standard Time (CST) year-round and does not observe Daylight Saving Time.

What is the weather like in Guatemala?

Guatemala has a tropical climate, but the weather can vary significantly depending on altitude.

-Highlands (e.g., Antigua): Generally mild year-round with warm days and cool evenings. The dry season is typically from November to April, and the wet season from May to October, with afternoon showers.

-Lowlands: Hot and humid. It's always a good idea to check the forecast closer to your departure date for the specific regions you'll be visiting.

Is Wi-Fi available?

Most hotels and many restaurants in tourist areas offer free Wi-Fi. Connectivity may be slower or less reliable in more rural areas.

How much should I budget for food and activities?

We recommend having at least 300 USD in cash for lunches, snacks, optional activities, souvenirs, and other personal expenses. While US dollars (USD) are widely accepted in Guatemala, especially in tourist areas such as Antigua, near Lake Atitlán, and major cities, it's highly recommended to have Guatemalan Quetzales (GTQ) on hand.

Do I need to worry about a visa?

For citizens of the United States, Canada, and most countries in Latin America and Europe, a passport is generally sufficient for stays of up to 90 days in Guatemala. You should enter the country with a valid passport that does not expire within 30 days of your arrival, as well as a valid departure ticket.

To find specific visa requirements or restrictions for your home country, please visit the embassy page of your local Guatemala embassy.

Do you have last-minute deals?

Yes! When travelers take advantage of our “Switch Your Trip” program last-minute slots open up on sold-out trips. Visit our Trips On Sale page for the latest last-minute deals. Sign up to the list to be notified.

Have a question that's not on this list?

Feel free to reach out to our all-star customer service team at bookings@under30experiences.com or by calling 1 (888) 839-2086.

READY FOR AN EXPERIENCE?

Join a community, experience the world.
BOOK NOW
testimonials

MORE THAN 1,000 FIVE STAR REVIEWS

Heather T.

yelp review

U30X is such an amazing travel community. Once your trip is over, the experience is not. They keep in touch with their alumni & provide platforms for travel questions, personal development, & community connections in your own backyard! If you're a young person looking to travel I highly recommend U30X!

There are not enough ways for me to describe how amazing this company is. After my first trip I always told people, it wasn't about the location, but the experience that u30x gave me. I have some of the best experiences of my life with u30x, and now a passion for travel. Also, their alumni community and groups are awesome too!

Traveling with U30X has been life changing for me. I've made lifelong friends with both travelers and staff. I can't come up with enough good things to say about the company, the people, and the experiences I've had!

Just returned from my second trip with Under30Experiences. My first trip was to the Costa Rica rainforest. My most recent trip was to Iceland. Both trips were such an amazing experience. I loved learning about Iceland and its origins. I enjoy the small groups and I made some great new friends! Recommend them for anyone wanting to travel alone or with a couple of friends.

I was so scared to travel abroad alone and then I came across their website and they made international travel so easy! And the people I’ve met on the trips are some amazing individuals! I’ve done 6 of their trips and plan on continuing to do even more!!

Just came back from their Egypt trip. Definitely one of my top favorite trips I’ve ever taken! I knew ahead of time that I would want to go with a tour to Egypt, and under30experiences seemed like the best fit. I met amazing fellow travelers and loved our guide Mohamed who did an amazing job! Our days were pretty packed while also having some time for rest. Expect to wake up early to beat the crowds and to overall enjoy your time at the sites! Definitely planning on doing another trip with Under30experiences in the future!

our awesome travelers