Thinking about taking a trip to sunny Guatemala? We couldn’t be more excited for you! This gorgeous country is jam-packed with so many amazing things to see and do. We want you to have the best time possible while you’re here – so we put together a list of packing essentials so you know exactly what you need to have a fun-filled stay.
A quick-dry towel
Most hostels will offer towel rental, although sometimes at an additional cost. In order to save yourself a little cash and have something to take with you on your lake or beachside adventures, we highly suggest packing a compact, quick-dry towel.
A bathing suit
Between Lake Atitlan, El Paredon, Semuc Champey, and wherever else you may go, there are plenty of spots to swim, tan, or just get wet. In saying that, a bathing suit is absolutely essential for your trip to Guatemala.
Tennis shoes and/or hiking boots
There are numerous places to hike and explore across the country. Even if you’re not planning on hiking a volcano, we highly recommend packing a pair of tennis shoes or hiking boots for your day-to-day adventures.
A battery pack
Now and then you may experience a power outage. They’re usually resolved within a few hours, but sometimes they can extend through the night. If you want to stay connected, having a sturdy little battery pack can get you out of a pinch.
Travel Adapter
If you’re heading to us from beyond North America, you’ll most likely need a trusty travel adapter. Guatemala uses the basic flat 2 pronged plug at 110 voltage.
A raincoat
Guatemala’s wet season generally runs between May and October. However, it has been known to start a little earlier or last a little longer with the occasional showers throughout the rest of the year. We highly suggest packing a raincoat because even if it doesn’t storm during your vacation, it can also double as an excellent windcheater.
Summer clothing
No matter what season it is, Guatemala’s daily temperature usually sits between 26° and 28° Celcius – that’s why they call it the land of eternal spring. We definitely recommend packing several summer outfits to keep yourself cool throughout the day.
Warmer clothes
Despite the weather being practically perfect all day long – it does get pretty chilly in the evening. Nighttime temperatures vary between 10° and 16° Celsius, so make sure to pack some pants and a sweater.
Bug repellent
Unless you head up to the jungle, the insects here aren’t really too much of an issue. If you’re out around dusk or at the beach you might get bit by some little mosquitos or sand flies. If you’re able to, it’s smart to pack a little bottle of bug spray just in case.
While this may not be everything you should be packing – these are definitely essentials for Guatemala. We guarantee that if you make space for these things in your suitcase or backpack, you’ll have everything needed for a fantastic time.
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