Guatemala: main airports
Guatemala is served by La Aurora Airport, in the capital Guatemala City, the main gateway to the country of Maya ruins and volcanoes, as well as Flores (Mundo Maya), the country's second airport and gateway to Tikal.
Guatemala: recommended activities
Guatemala: visa and entry requirements
Most Western nationalities, including Italian, do not need a visa for short tourist stays (generally up to 90 days), also thanks to the CA-4 agreement that allows free movement between Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua within an overall limit of 90 days. The passport must have adequate remaining validity.
Guatemala: safety
It must be said honestly: Guatemala has a significant crime problem, concentrated especially in the outskirts of Guatemala City and in certain specific areas; the United States classifies the country as Level 3 ('reconsider travel'). The main tourist areas (Antigua Guatemala, Lake Atitlán, Tikal) are generally calmer and regularly visited by international tourists, but concrete precautions remain necessary: use official taxis or organised transfers, avoid displaying valuables and avoid walking at night, especially in the capital.
Guatemala: health situation
A yellow fever certificate is not required for those arriving from Europe. Dengue and malaria risk is present in lower-lying and rural areas: mosquito protection is advisable. The capital's private healthcare facilities are adequate for common emergencies; travel insurance with medical coverage remains advisable.
Guatemala: currency, payments and connectivity
The currency is the Guatemalan quetzal (GTQ); the US dollar is widely accepted in tourist areas. Credit cards are common in mid-to-upscale hotels and restaurants. Uber operates in Guatemala City and Antigua. For connectivity, the operators Claro, Tigo and tuenti sell prepaid SIM cards. For driving, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is generally also required alongside the national one.
