Holidays to Guatemala

Take a trip to Guatemala, the former heartland of Mayan civilisation. This fascinating country will captivate your interest from the minute you arrive, with its impressive cities, pyramids, temples and palaces still standing, dating back to approximately 200–900 AD. 

Tikal, located in the northern Petén region of the country, is one of the most iconic Mayan sites, and home to the Great Plaza, Temple of the Great Jaguar and Temple of the Masks. El Mirador, also located nearby in Petén, features massive pyramids, including La Danta Pyramid, one of the tallest pyramid structures in the world, together with plazas and causeways. El Mirador showcases some of the earliest examples of urban planning and monumental architecture on Earth.  

Guatemala’s rich historical tapestry extends beyond that. Spanish conquistadors colonised the country in the 16th century for nearly three centuries until it gained independence from Spain in 1821, following the Mexican War of Independence. In more recent times Guatemala experienced a 36-year-long civil war, until 1996.  

Today, Guatemala has a rich and vibrant culture influenced by indigenous culture, colonial rule and more modern customs and practices. These are reflected in its festivals and religious events and ceremonies, music, dance, traditional dress and artefacts. 

 

Guatemala has two main seasons with some regional variation due to altitude and topography: the dry season (also known as the high season) and the wet season (or the green season). The dry season typically runs from November to April, when the country experiences mild weather with temperatures ranging from the low 20s (°C) (low 70s (°F)) in the highlands to the mid-30s (°C) (mid-90s (°F)) in the lowlands.  

The wet season (also known as the green season) typically runs from May to October, when Guatemala experiences more rainfall, particularly in the afternoons and evenings. While the weather remains warm, the humidity levels are high, which can result in the temperatures feeling even hotter.  

You should also note that Guatemala sits in the Atlantic basin, meaning it’s a hurricane-prone location, with hurricanes typically occurring between June and November.  

 

When planning a trip to Guatemala, it’s important to factor in the weather.   

The dry season (November to April) lends itself to outdoor activities and exploring the country’s amazing historical sites. Roads and trails will be more accessible, making it easier to visit the more remote parts of the country. However, bear in mind that even in the dry season some rain showers can occur. Some of the most significant festivals also take place during the dry season, such as Christmas and Semana Santa (Holy Week).  

If you visit in the wet season, you’ll get to witness some of the country’s lush, green landscapes and see the sights with fewer crowds. Prices will also be cheaper. However, since the weather will be more unpredictable it may be harder to access some of the more remote parts of the country, and it may also be less pleasant to be outdoors.