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City guide

Guatemala

Guatemala City, also known colloquially by the nickname Guate, is the national capital and largest city of the Republic of Guatemala. It serves as the municipal capital of the surrounding Guatemala Department.

Type Country

Why go

  • Capital and largest city of Guatemala.
  • Served by Rubelsanto Airport (RUV).

History

Guatemala City, also known colloquially by the nickname Guate, is the national capital and largest city of the Republic of Guatemala. It serves as the municipal capital of the surrounding Guatemala Department. Its metropolitan area is also the largest in Central America. The city is located in a mountain valley called Valle de la Ermita in the south-central part of the country.

Airports

Coban Airport (CBV) 31 km to the centre
Coban, AV, GT — Indoor waiting areas, but some gates board by bus or on foot across the apron — plan for the weather on the day.
Indoor | Outdoor
Rubelsanto Airport (RUV) 36 km to the centre
Rubelsanto, AV, GT — Indoor waiting areas, but some gates board by bus or on foot across the apron — plan for the weather on the day.
Indoor | Outdoor
Playa Grande Airport (PKJ) 59 km to the centre
Playa Grande, QC, GT — Indoor waiting area, but you walk out to the aircraft to board — bring an umbrella or a coat if the forecast is poor.
Indoor | Outdoor
Chisec Airport 11 km to the centre
Chisec, AV, GT
Outdoor
Industria Chuquibul Airport 37 km to the centre
Playitas, AV, GT
Outdoor

Where things are

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Photographs

Guatemala
Guatemala
credit: Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons · See source page

When to go

Tourist season
May – September

The warmer, longer-day half of the year is the safest bet for a first visit.

Shoulder season
April, October

Cooler and quieter, with fewer visitors and better value.

Worth avoiding
Deep winter

Short days and the coldest weather — check local conditions before travelling.

Getting there & around

Getting there. The nearest airport on record is Rubelsanto Airport (RUV); 18 other airports serve the wider area. Check rail and road links from the tourism sources below.

Getting around. Use the map above to orient yourself; nearby hotels, attractions and places to eat are listed from the live Ultimate data for Guatemala. Local transit details will be added as the guide is expanded.