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Published: 29-03-2023
Guatemala is a hidden gem in Central America known for its volcanic landscapes, magnificent Mayan ruins, and the vibrant spectacular cobblestone colonial city of Antigua. There are many spectacular towns and cities worth exploring including Coban, perched on top of a hill with some great accommodations boasting spectacular views. Discover the second largest city in the country, Quetzaltenango decorated with attractive historic buildings dotted around Parque Central. The country is covered with magnificent ruins including Tikal, the country`s highlight with magnificent temples set in the verdant jungle. Soaring volcanos can be seen all around Guatemala including Tajumulco which is the highest point in Central America offering an exhilarating climb. There are endless views offered in Santa Maria with sights as far as Mexico and Antigua out to the Pacific.
Quetzaltenango Church
The peak of Pacaya is a favorite for hikers. Laguna Magdalena boasts a tranquilizing turquoise lagoon set in the mountain ranges of Chuchamatanes. The largest and oldest Guatemalan market at Chichicastenango is filled with hundreds of colorful stalls, stunning souvenirs, vibrant authentic handicrafts, and delicious food. The country offers some great remote escapes and unique accommodations like yoga and wellness retreats at San Marcos La Laguna, swinging in hammocks on the beach at El Paredon, go surfing, or sit back at secluded jungle lodges at Rio Dulce. The magnificent sights of Guatemala are endless. But a question we are often asked here at Va Expeditions is how far you should book your Guatemala vacation in advance. Read on for some useful information!
Lake Atitlan
When is the best time to visit Guatemala?
The tropical country of Guatemala features a wet and dry season with a generally pleasant warm climate throughout most of the year. The summer runs from November through April and is usually the dry season and the best time of year to visit. Guatemala has been labeled the `land of eternal spring` with warm days and mild nights all year round. The coast of Guatemala is hot most of the year with temperatures ranging from 72-90 degrees. The highlands and elevated cities of Antigua, Guatemala City, and Copan have cooler evenings and mornings and more of a temperate climate, at this elevation temperatures can sometimes drop to freezing. May through October is the wet season when it rains a lot at the beaches. The high season tends to run from December to March when it is winter in northern countries and the dry season in Guatemala. This is a busy time of year with sold-out accommodations, packed attractions, and beaches. The weeks of Easter and Holy Week are huge national holidays in Guatemala, and in Antigua, when hotels sell out as quickly as a year in advance.
Easter Celebrations in Antigua
When to Book
You can book your Guatemala tour at any time. For most departures, 2-3 months' notice is fine, though bear in mind that Easter tours may fill up 5-6 months in advance. We usually recommend that you wait to book your international flights until after your Guatemala tour is confirmed. The sooner that we arrange your tour, the sooner that you can take advantage of flight deals as they become available. We are often able to accommodate last-minute travelers as well (some even departing in less than one month!!), so get in touch and we will do our best! For last-minute bookings, it helps to be flexible and organized. Your first choice tour may not be available for your selected dates, but your trip coordinator can probably recommend some other similar options that would be equally interesting! Many lodges in Guatemala will not hold spaces less than 30 days before departure so for last-minute bookings, so we may ask you to send your registration form and trip payment to us right away to secure your spaces.
Jungle Lodge, Peten
Advantages of booking early
Check out for special flight deals to Guatemala. Save money on airfares by booking your tickets several months before your trip.
Secure your chosen accommodation in Guatemala ahead of the crowds. Luxury hotel options in Guatemala generally book up quickly, so if you are looking to reserve a luxury accommodation book well ahead.
Securing the best deals and being able to do certain activities in Guatemala will largely come down to how much notice you leave between booking and embarking on your chosen trip. Certain tours fill out quickly so it is better to book ahead. It is especially important not to leave things to chance, especially if you’re vacationing during the peak season.
Guatemala City Airport
The Bottom Line
Here we come to the most important question of all: how soon should you begin your Guatemala vacation planning? With all the above in mind, we recommend booking your flights and hotels at least six months before you travel. Any preliminary planning – such as settling on a specific destination – should be done well before this. If you want to travel to Guatemala during the holiday season, start planning at least 12 months before if possible. This will allow you to benefit from cheaper airfares, better hotel availability, and a higher likelihood of securing spots on certain Guatemala tours and experiences. You might also want to plan your Guatemala vacation to coincide with a festival. If this is the case, pre-book tickets and consider the best places to stay nearest to the festival site.
Semuc Champey
If you’re ready to take the next step and book a Guatemala vacation, it’s well worth planning ahead. To secure the best prices and availability for your chosen dates, we recommend acting soon and getting your vacation dates and details figured out well in advance. Now that you know how to prepare for your next big Guatemala vacation, why not get in touch with our travel experts? We’ll be able to plan the Guatemala trip of your dreams from start to finish, ensuring you get the best prices for your chosen dates.
