Antigua Guatemala Guatemala Travel Guide
Days are warm and bright, evenings and mornings are cool.
Days are temperate, with predictable afternoon showers. Evenings are mild. For cultural dress, shoulders and knees cover religious sites.
Comfortable walking shoes or sneakers are a must. Cobblestone streets are charming but uneven, making appropriate footwear important for stability.
Durable hiking boots are beneficial for volcano treks. Ankle support proves useful on uneven terrain.
Waterproof shoes or sandals that handle getting wet and dry quickly are practical for rainy conditions.
Bring your original passport (valid 6+ months beyond departure). If a visa is required, all related documentation should be present. Copies of passport, visa, and IDs, stored separately, are also advisable. Digital copies in cloud storage or emailed to yourself and a trusted contact add backup.
Guatemala uses 120V, 60Hz. Plug types A and B (US standard). If coming from other regions, a Type A/B travel adapter is necessary. Most modern electronics are dual voltage.
A versatile camera for capturing Antigua's beauty. A DSLR, mirrorless, or high-quality smartphone is suitable. A wide-angle lens capture's splendor. A telephoto lens serves wildlife if visiting other parks. A waterproof camera bag is advisable.
Google Maps (download offline maps). Waze for real-time traffic.
Google Translate (offline Spanish pack). SpanishDict for phrases.
WhatsApp (local communication). Uber/InDrive (ride-sharing). Booking.com/Airbnb (accommodation).
Carry all prescription medications in their original, labeled containers. A copy of your prescription or a doctor's note for controlled substances is advisable.
High altitude means stronger UV. Use broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30+), wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses. Pack insect repellent containing PICARIDIN for mosquito-borne diseases. After-sun lotion for soothing.
For Pacaya or Acatenango treks.
For cultural visits and general exploration.
A lot of tour operators for the Acatenango trek offer rentals for warm jackets, hats, gloves, and sleeping bags. It is often more convenient to rent these bulky items than to bring them, but check the quality of rentals beforehand. Bringing your own reliable headlamp and quality hiking boots is a good idea.
Comfort items for transportation, and security items for valuables.
Reusable items curtail waste. Region-specific items cater to local experiences. Pack essential brands that can possibly be hard to find locally.
High-quality hiking boots or specialized waterproof/windproof jackets can be expensive or hard to find in specific sizes.
Specific brands of toiletries or prescription medications might not be available.
High-end electronics are available but often more expensive than in your home country.
Hypoallergenic products or particular dental floss might be hard to find.
Pack light for easy movement on cobblestone streets and potential bus travel. Use packing cubes to organize clothing and gear, maximizing space.
Roll clothes to minimize wrinkles and save space. Bring a bag for life for the market finds.
