Guatemala What to Pack

watch the rips...

by flynboxes

Previous Next

watch the rips...
by flynboxes
socks keep the bites down
by flynboxes
a bad night shot of my pack
by flynboxes
What to Pack
by euzkadi
I took my hat off for the photo!
by toonsarah

Save money, Book now !: Booking.com Excellent choice, Low rates
Book now for big savings!: hotels.com Outstanding choice of hotels all over the world at fantastic prices.

Reviews from VirtualTourist Members

Be Prepared for the Weather

by HasTowelWillTravel

The weather in Guatemala depends on where you are. The whole country is in the rainy season during the summer, so definitely be prepared for wet weather. An *umbrella* is invaluable, or a good light-weight rain jacket. Besides that, the places you travel to are very different in terms of climate. Antigua and Lake Atitlan are in the highlands, so they are cooler and more temperate. A sweatshirt of long sleeved shirt would not be amiss, even in June. However, Tikal is smack in the middle of the jungle, near sea level, and very typical jungle weather. Hot, humid.

Packing List

by vmcintee

If you are traveling by small plane make sure you do not pack in a big suitcase. I prefer a backpack and a rolling duffel. Hiking boots, Zip-off pants and raingear or an unbrella are a must. I usually prefer an umbrella since it is normally so hot. Sting ease is essential the black fly bites really itch. Electricity is only available at certain times of the day so make sure you recharge everything you need to during those times. Camera with a zoom lens is a must.

Bring a little bag.

by RSM79

30-40 L bags are plenty for Central America. One warmish outfit for night. Two options for day (yoga pants are brilliant!)RunnersSandals I was so HAPPY not to be lugging around my big pack. The little one was perfect.

Insects and Men

by Karen10019

keep it light. One bag is never enough, but try. PANTS... I prefer skirts and dresses any day... NOT IN GUATEMALA. You will find the insects and the men equally repulsive if you wear anything other than pants. ONE "GOOD" outfit. there are some VERY good restaurants and they are inexpensive by US standards. They expect tie and jacket for men and evening wear for women. I still recommend pants for the eving wear. If you aare not sure... issey miake or michell St. john are always great travel clothes..... EVEN IF YOU ARE BACKPACKING. It rolls up, it doesn't wrinkle and washes very easily.Tank tops are ok, but always keep a light covering[ sweater, cotton blouse]comfortable shoes---and PLEASE don't wear WHITE sneakers... it screams tourist---you make it difficult for the rest of us... also... leave the shorts for the mall. 1]Insect Repellent- wear it land lavish your entire body with it...

Mosquito repellent

by bkathryn

While in Guatemala City for a conference, we stayed at the lovely Westin Camino Real. The hotel has this lovely courtyard we used for our coffee breaks. But beware of the mosquitoes as they could be carriers of Dengue Fever! Note the mosquito net in the photo.

Packing List

by DianeDundee

If you're planning a trip to the jungle - and why wouldn't you be - as the Mayan ruins are there - then I suggest you pack a pretty strong mosquito repellent! When we arrived at the airport - there we were in Flores - a group of very untanned people applying copious amounts of sun tan lotion followed by copious amounts of mosquito repellent - could almost have slipped straight out of the airport - or perhaps that was something to do with the humidity causing the tiles to be wet!

Packing List

by lyttled

Don't try to ship anything into the country. If you can't check it on the plane with you, don't bother. You'll pay as much in shipping and customs as you would to buy it in country and have a lot more hassle. Travel umbrella during the rainy season, April through October. Always carry it. As a general rule we find a t-shirt to be too heavy or tight for the weather. Cotton shirts or blouses are best.

Packing List

by peace4all

If you're staying in a city or large town it doesn't matter what type of luggage you bring, although you might not want to bring anything that makes you look affluent. You'll definately want to bring some sort of backpack or daypack to hold your necessities if you plan on hiking or sightseeing. If you're going to the rainforest or undeveloped areas, you'll definately want something rugged (and waterproof). Many local artisans make colorful and study backpacks and duffel-type bags that are perfect for short trips and make a great souvineer. BRING AN UMBRELLA AND CARRY IT WITH YOU AT ALL TIMES. I was in Guatemala during June and July and it rained almost everyday, and a lot of times there was no warning. Bring a swimsuit if the place you're staying has a pool. You'll want to bring good, broken-in hiking shoes if you plan to go volcano climbing or visit sites like Tikal. The clothes you...

Packing List

by Dina_CM

If you're going to the Southern region be prepared for lots of heat and humidity. Especially in the summer, take mosquito repellent, and bug bite lotion/ointment. There is a $30 departure tax--be prepared!

Tigar Balm multiuse

by gerardust

bring some tiger balm for mosquito bites, it is the best! Rub it on that o so itchy bite and all suffering ends! You can also use it for muscle ache or colds!

Top 3 Hotels in Guatemala

Casa Santo Domingo Antigua Guatemala

19 Reviews and 205 Opinions An incredible atmosphere transports you to the colonial era, we provide everything that needs...

Hotels in Antigua Guatemala

Jungle Lodge Parque Nacional Tikal

4 Reviews and 149 Opinions We stayed two nights here, choosing it because of its nearness to the ruins. The plan was to be able...

Hotels in Parque Nacional Tikal

Posada Belen Museo Inn Guatemala City

2 Reviews and 119 Opinions I chose Posada de Belen as my accomodation for my first night in Guatemala City because of the the...

Hotels in Guatemala City

166 Hotels in Guatemala

Explore the World

The Place

Reviews and photos of Guatemala attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Guatemala sightseeing.

Experience Guatemala

3,756 Tips and Reviews
8,187 Photos
18 Videos

What to Pack: Cities in Guatemala

More Cities in Guatemala

Popular Regions in Guatemala

Departamento de Sacatepéquez What to Pack Departamento de Sololá What to Pack Departamento de Guatemala What to Pack Departamento del Petén What to Pack Departamento del Quiché What to Pack Departamento de Izabal What to Pack Departamento de Alta Verapaz What to Pack Departamento de Quetzaltenango What to Pack Departamento de Chimaltenango What to Pack Departamento de Huehuetenango What to Pack Departamento de Escuintla What to Pack

More Regions in Guatemala

Questions and Answers

Q: My husband and I want to go to Guatemala for 5 weeks starting the last week of March 2012. We had planned to travel all over and...

A: I have two good friends that travel to Guatemala frequently. One supports an orphanage, the other does general social work with kids in the area. Both find the...

Read 10 Replies

Click here for best deals for Guatemala

Save up to 50% off Hotels Everyday: Expedia.com Photos, Reviews and the Guaranteed Lowest Prices
Save money, Book now !: Booking.com Excellent choice, Low rates
Book now for big savings!: hotels.com Outstanding choice of hotels all over the world at fantastic prices.
Save up to 50% off Hotels Everyday: Expedia.com Photos, Reviews and the Guaranteed Lowest Prices

Guatemala Hotels

Guatemala What to Pack

Reviews from VirtualTourist Members

Be Prepared for the Weather

Packing List

Bring a little bag.

Insects and Men

Mosquito repellent

Packing List

Packing List

Packing List

Packing List

Tigar Balm multiuse

Top 3 Hotels in Guatemala

Explore the World

The Place

Experience Guatemala

What to Pack: Cities in Guatemala

Popular Regions in Guatemala

Questions and Answers

Click here for best deals for Guatemala