Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Between June and August, after the arrival of the rainy season, mornings are typically
sunny and warm, giving way to increasing cloudiness and afternoon showers almost every
day. September and October are increasingly rainy with entire stretches of cloudy or rainy
days. In November the skies clear and become increasingly windy. Many people equate
this time of year with kite flying, and indeed the giant kite festival in the nearby towns of
SumpangoandSacatepéqueztakeplaceonthefirstofthemonth.DecemberthroughFebru-
ary can be chilly here and elsewhere in mountainous parts of Guatemala with the arrival
from the north of frequent cold fronts coinciding with the northern hemisphere's winter
season. Bring some warm clothes if you're traveling to Guatemala City or elsewhere in the
highlands during this time of year, as concrete houses with tile floors are the most popular
form of architecture and aren't typically heated or carpeted, making it feel even colder.
Upon international arrival into Guatemala, most travelers eager to make their way to the
country'sfascinatinginteriorheadstraighttoAntiguaGuatemala,takingashuttlebusfrom
the airport and bypassing Guatemala City altogether. Whether at the beginning or end of
yourtrip,avisittothecountry'scapitaliscrucialtounderstandingwhatmakesthiscountry
tick. It is certainly worth spending some time here and it can be an extremely rewarding
destination after weeks spent in the countryside, offering fine restaurants, excellent mu-
seums, and all the comforts that a modern capital city has to offer. Guatemala City is also
thecountry'stransportationandbusinesshub,soifyouaretryingtogetaroundthecountry
or are in Guatemala on business, you will find yourself on its streets sooner or later.
Most of the major attractions can be seen in a day or two. If you have more than two
days to spend in Guatemala City, you might consider staying in Antigua to make better use
of your time. Exceptions to this would be those in town for business looking for things to
do after hours without taking a trip out of the city. Zona 10, conveniently near the airport,
has some fine hotels and is home to a number of highly recommended museums. It is also
one of the city's most attractive commercial and financial district. A day strolling down
pleasant Avenida La Reforma and sampling the Zona Viva's cafés, bars, nightclubs, and
restaurants is a great way to cap off your visit to Guatemala.
Guatemala City's sprawl occupies about 400 square kilometers, filling a large valley
scarred by deep ravines (known locally as
barrancos
) and surrounded by mountains and
volcanoes.Itsterraingivesthecityapatchworkkindoffeelwhenviewedfromtheair,with
parts of the city meandering fingerlike into the scarred landscape. The urban sprawl has
also started migrating east and west into surrounding mountains. A large plateau atop the
