Guatemala
🏛️ Capital: Guatemala City
👥 Population: 18.4 million
💬 Language: Spanish
💰 Currency: Guatemalan Quetzal (GTQ)
✈️ Reasons to travel: Mayan ruins of Tikal, Lake Atitlán, colonial Antigua, volcanoes, rich indigenous culture
📈 High Season: November to April
📉 Low Season: May to October
☀️ The warmest month: April
❄️ The coldest month: January
🌧 The rainiest month: September
Safety
Travelers should check government safety advisories before any trip to avoid dangerous situations. These sources offer reliable updates on security risks, health alerts, and local laws.
Check out the travel advisory from at least one of these government websites:
Average safety level:
Exercise increased caution
Try our travel preparation app for free, and get an overview of safety, entry requirements, local laws, contacts for hospitals, and more.
Health
Sanitation and drinking water:
Score: 31/100
Rank: 134th/180
These are based on indicators such as types of facilities and sewage systems in households, water sources, water treatments, etc. The higher the score the safer the drinking water and sanitation (based on the Environmental Performance Index from Yale University).
A lower score may suggest a higher risk of food-borne illnesses like traveler’s diarrhea.
Vaccine-preventable infectious diseases in Guatemala:
- Dengue fever
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Meningococcal meningitis
- Rabies
- Tuberculosis
- Typhoid fever
Infectious diseases in Guatemala with no vaccine currently available:
- Chagas disease
- Cutaneous larva migrans
- Leishmaniasis
- Malaria
- Oropouche
- West Nile virus
- Zika
Yellow fever certificate requirements:
A vaccination certificate is required upon entry if arriving from a country at risk, or after transiting for more than 12 hours at a country at risk.
Would you like to learn more about Guatemala?
Use our app to find important information about relevant vaccines, what medication to pack, and how to address risks at your destination, so you can enjoy your travel to the fullest.
We’ve connected data from hundreds of scientific publications with the most recent recommendations from the world’s top authorities, including the WHO, the American CDC, and the UK’s NHS, to help you get the best preparation for the trip possible.
Try MyGlobdoc now! Guatemala is already available there.
Guatemala FAQ
Is it safe to travel to Guatemala in terms of health risks?
Yes, Guatemala is safe for most travelers, but health risks include mosquito-borne illnesses, food and water contamination, and altitude sickness in highland regions. Rural healthcare is limited, while private hospitals in Guatemala City and Antigua provide better care. With precautions, most visitors remain healthy.
What vaccinations do I need before traveling to Guatemala?
Recommended vaccines include hepatitis A and tetanus. Hepatitis B, typhoid, and rabies may be advised for extended stays, rural travel, or animal contact. MyGlobdoc can generate a personalized vaccination plan tailored to your itinerary.
Are there any common diseases in Guatemala that travelers should know about?
Yes. Dengue fever, Zika virus, and chikungunya are widespread mosquito-borne illnesses. Traveler’s diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid are common food-related diseases. In highland regions, some travelers also experience altitude-related symptoms.
How can I avoid food poisoning or traveler’s diarrhea in Guatemala?
Eat freshly prepared food from clean restaurants or busy food stalls. Avoid raw seafood, unwashed produce, and street food that looks unhygienic. Drink bottled or filtered water and wash your hands often, or use sanitizer before meals.
Is malaria a risk in Guatemala, and do I need anti-malarial pills?
Yes, malaria is present in rural and lowland areas, particularly near the Caribbean coast and in the north (Petén). Major cities and highland areas like Antigua and Lake Atitlán are malaria-free. MyGlobdoc can help assess whether anti-malarial medication is needed for your route.
What mosquito-borne illnesses are present in Guatemala?
Mosquito-borne diseases include dengue fever, Zika virus, chikungunya, and malaria in certain rural regions. Risks are highest during the rainy season (May–October). Use DEET-based repellent, wear long sleeves, and stay in screened or air-conditioned rooms.
Do I need travel health insurance for Guatemala?
Yes, travel health insurance is highly recommended. Private hospitals in Guatemala City and Antigua offer better care than public facilities, which may be limited. Insurance ensures access to quality treatment and covers emergencies, including evacuation if necessary.
What should be in a travel medical kit for Guatemala?
Pack insect repellent, sunscreen, oral rehydration salts, anti-diarrheal medicine, pain relievers, adhesive bandages, and prescription medicines. For rural or jungle travel, include a first aid kit, water purification tablets, and anti-malarial medication if recommended. MyGlobdoc can create a customized kit checklist.
How can I stay healthy while backpacking through Guatemala?
Stay hydrated in hot climates, eat carefully to avoid foodborne illness, and use mosquito precautions in rural areas. Take time to acclimatize when visiting highland destinations such as Quetzaltenango. Carry a small medical kit and always keep insurance details with you.
Is Guatemala safe for pregnant travelers or travelers with chronic illness?
Pregnant travelers should avoid areas with risk of malaria and Zika due to dangers during pregnancy. Travelers with chronic heart or lung conditions should take care in high-altitude regions. Always bring enough medication, a doctor’s note, and travel insurance that covers pre-existing conditions.
What should I do if I get sick in Guatemala?
For minor illnesses, pharmacies are available in towns and cities. For more serious issues, seek treatment at private hospitals in Guatemala City or Antigua. In rural areas, facilities are limited, so medical evacuation may be required. Keep insurance details and emergency contacts handy.
What travel health documents or certificates are required for Guatemala?
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if you are arriving from a yellow fever-endemic country. No other special health certificates are required. Always confirm the latest entry and health requirements before your trip.
Sources
Map generated with https://www.mapchart.net/index.html
Orthographic map By Addicted04 – This W3C-unspecified vector image was created with Inkscape ., https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=20240684 / CC-BY-SA-3.0 edited in Canva
Travel safety map obtained from https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/guatemala
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0
https://datatopics.worldbank.org/world-development-indicators/
Block, S., Emerson, J. W., Esty, D. C., de Sherbinin, A., Wendling, Z. A., et al. (2024). 2024 Environmental Performance Index. New Haven, CT: Yale Center for Environmental Law & Policy. https://epi.yale.edu
Disclaimer:
The information provided on this page is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any health problem. The use or reliance on any information provided on this page is solely at your own risk.
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