Yes, Guatemala is generally a very safe travel destination. View current travel advice at national government. Of course, it is always advisable to use your common sense while abroad, do not walk the streets alone at night and do not wear overpriced clothing and accessories in plain sight. Are you going hiking? Then you are advised to always do so with a local guide or make sure you are with more than one person. 

Tip: Antigua is considered the safest city in the country, this is therefore a very nice starting point of your tour of Guatemala. Our advice is to travel to Antigua immediately upon arrival at the airport in Guatemala City. Guatemala City, as the only destination in the country, is considered reasonably unsafe.

As a Dutch traveler, you do not need a visa for a short stay in Guatemala. Upon arrival in Guatemala, you will receive a tourist stamp in your passport that allows you to stay in the country for a maximum of 90 days. 

Keep in mind that your passport must still be valid for at least 6 months on the day of departure from Guatemala. This is a general rule used in many countries. Any visa requirements can always change, so please check before you leave current travel advice for Guatemala.

The best time to travel through Guatemala depends mainly on the weather. Guatemala has a pleasant climate all year round, but there are two seasons to consider when planning a trip:

• High season (November to April) - this is the dry season with pleasant temperatures and little rain. The ideal period for exploring the Mayan ruins, making a hike and discovering beautiful places;

• Low season (May to October) - this is the rainy season with possible intense afternoon showers. It is a more economical time to travel to Guatemala and the landscapes there are much greener and lusher because of the rainfall.

Tip: Good to know that the months of December and April are extra busy in Guatemala. This is due to religious events such as Semana Santa the week prior to Easter.

Guatemala's local currency is the Guatemalan quetzal, view here The current exchange rate EUR - GTQ.

In many restaurants, cafes, stores and hotels you can use a Dutch debit and/or credit card. Just be sure to set your debit card to world for use, often they are automatically set to use only in Europe. By the way, it is advisable to always carry cash with you. It is always possible that your debit card will not be accepted. You can withdraw cash at ATMs in larger and tourist towns.

Guatemala is known for its fascinating landscapes, historic cities and interesting culture. Therefore, there are many special highlights to discover, but these are without a doubt the highlights of a trip through Guatemala:

• Antigua: a charming colonial city with cobblestone streets, colorful buildings and historic churches;
• Lake Atitlán: a picturesque lake surrounded by volcanoes and indigenous villages;
• Quetzaltenango (Xela): the second largest city in the country where you can experience authentic city life;
• Tikal: one of the world's most famous Mayan ruins in the world.