Visiting Guatemala and wondering what to pack? You’re in the right place! Welcome to your Guatemala packing list. This packing list is suitable for any destination in Guatemala as well as any time of year. Let’s get right into your Guatemala packing list for the best trip!
At the end of this post you’ll find a free, printable Guatemala packing list!
Guatemala Travel Destinations and Weather
If you’re visiting Guatemala, there’s a large chance you’re going to one (or more) of these three locations: Antigua, Lake Atitlan or Tikal. Some people also visit Guatemala City, as this is where the airport is, but it’s a much less common tourist destination.
Antigua and Lake Atitlan are quite close to one another, about 50 miles. Because of this, their climates are pretty similar. Both Antigua and Lake Atitlan are located in the Highlands of Guatemala. Antigua is in the Central Highlands and Lake Atitlan is in the Southwestern Highlands. The weather is pretty similar in both of these locations!
Antigua sits at 5,000 feet of elevation and Lake Atitlan is at about 5,100. Similarly, Guatemala City sits at 4,900 feet. In all of these destinations, you’ll have warmer days and cooler nights.
Tikal, on the other hand, is in Northeastern Guatemala not far from the border with Belize. The region is called the Petén region, formally called the Maya Lowlands, and it’s characterized by hot temperatures year round. From May onwards, the humidity increases and Tikal becomes quite hot and humid.
Seasons in Guatemala
Guatemala has a tropical climate and this means that it’s, relatively, warm year round. Some parts of the country are referred to as having “eternal spring.” This does not mean that it’s hot year round, or that it’s “beach weather.” In fact, the weather in Guatemala changes drastically based on where in the country you are, most notably, at what altitude you’re at.
Despite this, the entire country has two real seasons. The wet season, which is cooler and, obviously, wetter. And the dry season, which is warmer with less rain. The dry season runs from November-April and the wet season from May to October.
If you’re visiting a Lowland and Coastal Area of Guatemala, like Tikal, for example, expect hot temperatures year round with an increase in humidity (and rain) during the wet season starting in May. The wet season shouldn’t, necessarily, deter you from visiting any region of Guatemala. I’ve traveled Guatemala extensively in the wet season and, while it does rain, it’s showers and not constant months of downpours.
In Tikal, Antigua and Lake Atitlan, the warmest months are March and April, just before the start of the wet season.
5 Tips: Packing for Guatemala
Pack layers
My biggest tip for visiting Guatemala at any time of year is to pack layers. This will be important no matter where in the country you’re visiting. However, if you’re ONLY visiting Tikal, and not continuing on to other popular tourist destinations, you can pack fewer warm items.
Go in a carry-on
I try to always pack only in a carry-on. One time I spent 6 weeks traveling around Mexico and only brought a carry-on – so it’s definitely possible even for longer trips. In Guatemala, if you’re going to Lake Atitlan, specifically, or traveling around the country using public transportation, you will not want to be lugging around a huge suitcase.
In places like Lake Atitlan, where you may be traveling to your hotel by small boat, a large suitcase is cumbersome and impractical. For the cobblestone streets of Antigua, coupled with the fact that many hotels don’t have elevators, you’ll also want a small, manageable suitcase.
All over Antigua and Lake Atitlan and, even the towns near Tikal, there are places you can easily and inexpensively do laundry.
Lake Atitlan, and even Antigua, will be colder than you think
On my first trip to Lake Atitlan, I made the mistake of thinking it would be warm – like “tropical beach warm”. While the days can be warm, in the upper 70s, as soon as the sun goes down it gets cool (mid-50s). It gets especially cool when there’s no sun and it’s windy, which is common. In addition to sweaters and sweatshirts, I recommend a light jacket.
I’m from Vermont, so I’m used to freezing cold weather. I still wanted a light jacket at night, especially if I was out walking around.
Bring comfortable walking shoes
In all of the major tourist towns in Guatemala, you’ll likely be walking a lot. In Antigua there’s tons to do around town and great hikes nearby. The same for Lake Atitlan. In Tikal, you’ll be on your feet all day exploring this large, ancient Mayan city.
Pack a small umbrella or raincoat
I made this mistake the first two times I visited Guatemala and I was not prepared for the rain. If you visit Guatemala during the rainy season, rain showers are common (obviously lol). A raincoat or travel umbrella are super helpful to have with you when these showers start.
I ignored this piece of advice twice and on my third trip I finally learned my lesson and was very happy I did.
Guatemala Packing List: Any Season & Any Destination
This packing list is ideal for one week. If you’re staying longer, you may need to do laundry. If you’re staying for less time, you can probably pack less.
Tops
For a week-long trip, I would bring 4-5 tops – assuming you’re also packing some dresses/matching sets. I love neutral color tops as they match all my bottoms and make outfit planning easy.
Personally, I’d go with 3 short sleeve tops and 1-2 long sleeve options. This way, you’ll have options for both warm and cooler days.
Sweaters/Jacket
If Antigua, Guatemala City or Lake Atitlan are on your Guatemala travel list, you’ll want a sweater, and likely a jacket, for the cool nights.
Some days, I also needed a light sweater during the day, especially in the morning. I would recommend packing two sweaters, not super thick ones, as well as one lightweight jacket.
Bottoms
I love a mix of pants, skirts and shorts when I travel. For Guatemala, this is the perfect combination.
A pair of lightweight linen pants are great, they pair with anything and are comfortable and cute. I also recommend a pair of jeans and a pair of jean shorts. Lastly, I’d pack a couple cute, comfortable skirts. Skirts are some of my favorites for traveling, because even though you’re comfortable, you still look very cute and put together.
Some people also like to bring leggings! If you’re doing any hikes, a pair or two of leggings, or workout shorts, are a must.
Dresses
I also love wearing dresses when traveling. They’re easy to pack and can easily go from day to night. I bring a mix of lengths when packing dresses and definitely prioritize dresses that are comfortable for a full day of exploring.
For a week-long trip, I would pack four dresses.
If you’re not a dress girl, I would recommend adding a couple more tops and maybe an extra pair of bottoms to your suitcase.
Matching Sets
Surprise, surprise, I love matching sets! They are such an easy way to look cute and put together. They also make outfit planning SO easy.
I personally like the skirts and tops version, but pants and tops versions are so cute, too. For a week-long trip I would pack 1-2 matching sets.
Shoes
For shoes, go comfortable. A pair of sneakers is a must for exploring and hiking. A pair of sandals or flats are also nice to have for less-busy walking days, going out to meals, etc.
Definitely skip the heels. You will mostly be on cobblestones when outside and heels aren’t the most practical option. The only caveat here would be if you’re attending a fancy event.
Underwear, Socks & Pajamas
I always bring more than I need, but I’d rather have too many than too few!
Don’t forget pajamas! I recommend 3 pairs for a week-long trip. Because it gets chilly at night, and many accommodations won’t have duvets, a long sleeve/pants pair is great to have.
Extras and Accessories
In addition to shoes and outfits, there’s a few accessories you’ll also need for your trip.
- Travel umbrella or raincoat
- This is especially needed if you’re visiting during the rainy season! A small umbrella or raincoat will save you when those showers come out of nowhere.
- Crossbody bag
- I always recommend a crossbody purse. Lake Atitlan, Antigua and Tikal are very safe, but a crossbody bag is the best option for keeping your wallet and phone safe when traveling.
- Portable charger
- For long days of exploring, a portable phone charger is always helpful to have.
- Reusable water bottle
- This is great to have and refill. I always prefer this over buying plastic bottles.
- Swimsuits!
- This is an extra, in my opinion, because I’ve never actually gone swimming during any of my trips to Guatemala. I’ve kayaked on Lake Atitlan, but never, personally, swam.
- Many hotels also have pools or hot tubs, so a swimsuit or two would be great for that!
- This being said, a lot of travelers love swimming and Lake Atitlan is a great place to do it. The water may be a little chilly, but on a sunny day it’s refreshing.
Printable Guatemala Packing List
So there you have it! I hope you found this ultimate year round Guatemala packing list to be helpful. If you have any questions, or anything to add to this post, please let me know in the comments.
Keep planning your trip to Guatemala with my other guides:
- The 10 Most Amazing Places to See in Antigua, Guatemala
- 10 Incredible Things to do in Antigua, Guatemala
- Antigua, Guatemala – Everything You Need to Know for Your Trip!
- The Best Things to do in Lake Atitlan, Guatemala
- Lake Atitlan, Guatemala Travel Guide: Tips and Advice for Your Trip
- Where to Stay in Lake Atitlan for the Best Experience!
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♡Kate
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