• Where is Antigua and how Can I get there? 

Antigua is a gorgeous colonial city in the Guatemalan highlands, located 45 minutes away from the Capital of Guatemala City. It’s the most popular tourist destination in the country.

How do you get to Antigua?

You can arrive in Antigua by flying into Guatemala City (GUA). Sometimes Guatemala City is just called “Guatemala.” From there, our wedding planner will arrange private transfers to Antigua (approximately a 1-hour drive), so you don’t need to worry about transportation. Please notify our wedding planner after booking your flight when you are arriving/leaving so she may coordinate pick-up/drop-off shuttles, as well as where you are staying in Antigua. PLEASE NOTE: traffic during rush hour may take 2+ hours while driving to and from the airport. This will be taken into consideration when planning shuttles. Patricia: claudia@brideandgroomgt.com

All U.S. citizens must use a valid passport when traveling between Guatemala and the United States. Passports must have at least 6 months validity or risk getting turned away by the airline or by immigration. Dual nationals may be able to enter Guatemala on a 2nd nationality passport, but will not be permitted to board a return flight to the U.S. without a U.S. passport.

Will my cards work in Guatemala? Will I need cash?

Most visa or mastercards will work in Guatemala, along with their ability to withdraw from ATMs. Most restaurants, bars, hotels, gift shops, etc will accept your card. 

However carrying cash is a good idea in case your card encounters an issue or you find yourself in a rare cash only establishment. The standard exchange rate to US dollar is 7.5 to 1. If you want to use US dollars, they will need to be NEW and FRESH bills. If you plan to use Quetzals, our recommendation is to take money out of an ATM when you arrive in Antigua. If you exchange at the airport, you will lose a fair amount of money in the exchange rate. (REMINDER: call your debit and credit card banks before traveling to alert them of your use in Guatemala!)

TIPPING

Also on this topic: tipping! A little tip goes a long way - we recommend 10%. Please also check your bill as they will often add gratuity on the check and you don’t want to double tip!

What to pack

SHOES: I cannot stress this enough: pack comfortable walking shoes! Antigua is an old, colonial city that has not been updated over the years. The roads and sidewalks are all cobblestone...and not the tiny cute kind of cobblestone...big and cumbersome cobblestone. If you wear the wrong shoes and do not pay attention, you can easily twist an ankle. I know we all want to look cute, but please be smart. You’ll be walking quite a bit.

CLIMATE/CLOTHES: the weather is always a bit unpredictable. The real point here though is temperature: it can get as high as 80F during the day and low around 60F at night. Bring layers!

Is tap water safe to drink in Antigua?

Like most of Latin America, it won't kill you, but it can certainly give you a stomach ache. Avoid drinking tap water and stick to bottled water. You can shower and brush your teeth with tap water, but be sure not to accidentally swallow a mouthful.

Do I need to speak Spanish to visit Guatemala?

No. Antigua is a very popular destination among English speakers, so many locals know at least basic phrases in Spanish. Most servers, guides or workers in hospitality will have conversational level English. You can practice these basic phrases to feel more proficient:

Hello / Hi – Hola

Good morning / afternoon / evening – Buenos días / Buenas tardes / Buenas noches

Thank you – Gracias

You’re welcome – De nada

Please – Por favor

Excuse me / Sorry – Perdón / Disculpe

Yes / No – Sí / No

How much does it cost? – ¿Cuánto cuesta?

The check, please – La cuenta, por favor

Where is the bathroom? – ¿Dónde está el baño?

I don’t speak Spanish – No hablo español

Do you speak English? – ¿Habla inglés?

I need help – Necesito ayuda

Taxi / Uber, please – Un taxi / Uber, por favor

Aqua sem gas - Still water (sometimes sparkling is the standard)

Is Guatemala Safe?

Like most countries, Guatemala is home to safe tourist friendly areas and not-so-safe areas. The Airport, Antigua and other tourism hubs such as Lake Atitlán, are highly policed and secure areas you can feel confidently safe in by applying common sense precautions.

Like any unfamiliar city, avoid flashing valuables and keep an eye on your personal belongings. It’s always safer to use arranged transportation and walk in groups in the evening only in well lit areas. But Antigua is a very touristy city where you can feel safe walking during the day or night.

Do I need to look out for scams in Antigua?

Not really. Antigua isn’t particularly “scammy.” 

If somebody walks up to you offering a free “gift” such as a bracelet or necklace, politely decline. Check the amount you’re about to pay when using a card somewhere such as a street market, but you dont have to worry about this in formal establishments.

Tips from our wedding planner

HEALTH & SAFETY: Please be aware that standard of health and safety in Guatemala are different than in the US or Europe.

Medical Facilities: In general, private hospitals are more reliable than public facilities. Please note that immediate cash payment is expected for health services. 

Try to avoid eating street food...duh!

Always wear sunglasses and sunscreen. The sun in Central America is extremely strong, we recommend using at least SPF 30 or above and wearing a hat.

Use mosquito repellent especially when going to the Lake Atitlan, hiking up Pacaya Volcano or joining a Coffee Tour. 

Feel free to contact us or Silke our wedding planner in case you feel insecure or nervous on your activities, or if you want to report any concerns to us. info@brideandgroomgt.com