Post booking travel FAQs for Guatemala

4 weeks before departure, you will receive an email to notify you that your pre-departure letter has been uploaded which will include important information such as emergency contact information. At this point you will also be able to see your airline reference which will be added to your itinerary. 

You will receive all your pick-up times for tours and transfers locally when you arrive in-country, ensuring you have the most accurate and up-to-date information

No, we do not provide paper tickets. The only thing you need to check-in and fly is the airline reference which is on your itinerary (look for reference made up of 6 letters and numbers). This reference can be used to check in online or at the airport along with your passport. You may have multiple airline references if you have several flights.  

No, you do not need any vouchers for tours or hotels. Just give your names and passports on check-in and to the guides.  

The My Routes App stores your itinerary, travel documents, flight updates, recommendations, and local weather. Once downloaded, most features work offline. You can also message your Travel Specialist directly through the app.  

If you are in Guatemala and need assistance, please contact our local office in Guatemala on +502 2251 6951during the hours 8am-5pm local time.  

In an emergency outside of these hours you can call +502 4215 2617 or +502 4219 6374

UK passport holders do not need a visa for short stays in Guatemala for tourism. On arrival, you are usually granted up to 90 days under the Central America CA 4 agreement, which also covers El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua.

Your passport should be valid for the duration of your stay, and you may be asked to show onward or return travel details. Entry requirements can change, so it is always best to check the latest guidance before you travel.

At least 2 blank passport pages.

Ensure that you get an entry stamp on arrival in Guatemala or you may be fined at departure. You will also be required to complete an online immigration declaration form prior to entry and exit and have a copy of the email or QR code with you.

For your international flight we advise you to check-in online. Airlines open check-in between 24-48 hours before departure. For domestic flights, you can also check-in online or at the airport. To check-in to any flight, you need the airline reference which is added to your itinerary 4 weeks before departure.  

Seat selection policies vary depending on the airline and fare type. In most cases, you can pre-book your seats for a fee via the airline’s website once you have made the booking. Please contact your Travel Specialist for your airline reference if you wish to do this more than 4 weeks prior to departure. You can normally select seats for free at the point of check-in, usually 24-48 hours before departure.  

For international flights, clients travelling in Economy are allowed 1 checked bag up to 23kgs which is included in the cost of your holiday, unless otherwise stated. For Premium and Business class clients, 2 pieces of checked luggage up to 32kgs are included unless otherwise stated. 

For domestic flights, 1 checked bag up to 23kgs is included.

Be up to date with routine UK vaccinations. Mosquito bite prevention is important in lower altitude areas, so pack repellent and consider long sleeves in the evenings. Travel insurance that covers medical care is essential.

The local currency is the Guatemalan quetzal (GTQ). Cash is widely used, especially in markets and smaller towns. Cards are accepted in many hotels and restaurants in Antigua, Guatemala City and other popular areas, but it is best to carry small notes for day to day spending.

• Restaurants: A 10% tip is common for good service, unless a service charge is already included.
• Cafés and bars: Round up or leave small change.
• Taxis: Tipping is not expected, but rounding up is fine.
• Hotels: Small tips are appreciated for porters and housekeeping.
• Guides and drivers: Tips are welcomed at the end of a tour, particularly for private services and multi day trips.

Guatemala is 6 hours behind the UK on GMT, and 7 hours behind during British Summer Time.

Pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings, plus comfortable walking shoes. Add a light rain jacket, sun protection, insect repellent, swimwear, a small day bag, and any personal medication.

You will need a UK (type G) to type A/B travel adaptor. Guatemala typically uses 120V, so check your devices are compatible.

Most hotels, cafés and restaurants offer good WIFI. Coverage can be limited in remote areas. Check roaming costs with your mobile provider before travel.  

• Greetings matter: A friendly “buenos días” or “buenas tardes” when you enter shops, hotels and restaurants is appreciated.
• Respectful dress: Beachwear is best kept for the coast. In towns, villages and around churches, modest, neat clothing is the norm.
• Ask before photos: Always ask permission before photographing people, particularly in Indigenous communities and markets.
• Market etiquette: Bargaining can be part of the experience, but keep it polite and good humoured.
• Language: Spanish is the main language, and a few simple phrases go a long way.

Most taxes are included in advertised prices. In some hotels you may see taxes itemised on the bill, but you will not usually pay a separate tourist tax.

All transfers listed on your itinerary are included in the cost of the holiday. If you wish to take a taxi, we recommend taking official taxis booked by your hotel.  

Changes may be possible, but fees or fare differences could apply. Contact your travel specialist as soon as possible to discuss your options.  

If you are arriving at the airport, please proceed to the arrivals hall where your driver will be waiting with a Latin Routes sign displaying your name. If you cannot locate your driver, remain in the arrivals hall and call the emergency contact number provided in your final travel itinerary.  

Drink only bottled or purified water. A reusable bottle is useful for refill stations available in many hotels and restaurants. Be cautious with uncooked foods in more rural areas.  

Yes, some key places are at higher altitude. Antigua and Lake Atitlán sit above sea level, so it is worth taking it easy on arrival, staying hydrated, and planning a gentler first day if needed.

Guatemala is a welcoming destination and most trips are smooth on established routes. As with anywhere, normal precautions in busy areas are sensible, and using reputable guides and pre arranged transfers helps keep travel comfortable and straightforward.

Yes, climbing of pyramids or temples is prohibited to protect the structures and ensure visitor safety. Drone use is also restricted.