LIFE IN GUATEMALA
Come for the landscapes. Stay for the culture.
Before deciding where to invest, your team wants to know what life is like here. Here is the short answer: climate, food, community and destinations a few hours away.
01Spring-like weather all year02Remarkable landscapes03A cost of living that lets you live well04A culture that stays with you
The land of
eternal spring
eternal spring
GUATEMALA IN FOUR NUMBERS
Life, by the numbers
Source14–25 °CAverage daily low to high in Guatemala City, year-round
Early morning · 14 °CAfternoon · 25 °C
~92,000+International residents in the country
~10,000Residents born in the United States
2h45 · 3h00From Miami and Houston by air
CHAPTER 01 · CLIMATE
The Land of Eternal Spring
Why People Stay. Guatemala's highland regions hold a mild, consistent climate year-round, keeping outdoor life part of daily routine.
Stability
A stable place to build a life
A predictable currency and low inflation keep everyday costs steady for the families who move here.
6years of a stable quetzalBetween Q7.61 and Q7.93 per dollar.
2.27%inflationAmong the lowest in the region, protecting purchasing power.
+53%foreign investment2020–2023 compared with the prior period.
18.3MinhabitantsThe largest population in Central America.
Connectivity
The natural gateway to the Americas
Family visits, school breaks and head-office trips stay short: direct flights reach most of North America in under five hours.
5.1Mpassengers at La Aurora, 2025
~40cities with a direct flight
13→16airlines operating, 2023 to 2026
Direct flight times from Guatemala City
Mexico City2h10m
Monterrey2h45m
Guadalajara3h10m
Dallas4h
Washington D.C.4h10m
Ciudad Juárez4h10m
New York4h45m
Atlanta4h50m
Los Angeles5h
Montreal5h50m
New routes
Source: Aeronáutica Civil de Guatemala / La Hora, June 2026 (passengers, cities, airlines); Infobae, Prensa Libre, República and INGUAT, 2025–2026 (new routes)2025MontrealAir Canada arrives in the country
Jun. 2026MedellínWingo, 3 per week
Jul. 2026San SalvadorTAG Airlines, 4 per week
Dec. 4, 2026GuadalajaraVolaris returns, 2 per week
Dec. 2026TorontoAir Canada, year-round
Dec. 19, 2026BostonBermudAir, 2 per week
In negotiationEurope2 European airlines
CHAPTER 02 · FOOD
Heritage in Every Bite
Did you know?Guatemalan cuisine draws on roots that run deep into Maya tradition.
What sets it apart
Rooted in Mayan traditionCuisine rooted in Mayan tradition
Coffee and chocolateCoffee and chocolate among Guatemala's signature products
RumInternationally recognized rum
The World's 50 Best RestaurantsGuatemala has hosted the Latin America's 50 Best Restaurants ceremony.
Dishes that only exist here03 signature dishes
All Saints' DayFiambreMore than 30 ingredients in a single dish, served once a year for All Saints' Day. By tradition, it began by combining what each visitor brought to the table.
Cultural heritageKak'ikA ceremonial achiote turkey broth from Cobán, declared national Intangible Cultural Heritage of Guatemala by the Ministry of Culture and Sports (Acuerdo Ministerial 801-2007).
Street foodShucosThe Guatemalan hot dog, born in Quetzaltenango: sausage, guacamole and pickled cabbage on bread, then grilled.
The dining scene in Guatemala CityAward-winning kitchens that reinterpret local ingredients, a short drive from where your team will live and work.
† Restaurant details as of this writing — confirm current hours and availability before booking.
Living heritage
A culture that stays with you
Traditions that fill the calendar, and the streets, all year long.
Semana SantaIn Antigua GuatemalaOne of the most famous processions in the world: carpets of sawdust and flowers, and cucuruchos carrying floats through the streets.
Barriletes GigantesIn SumpangoEvery November 1, kites up to 20 meters tall rise as an offering and a message to the departed.
Palo VoladorIn ChichicastenangoA Maya K'iche' ritual celebrated every December: a volador descends spinning from the top of a pole.
Ceremonia Nan Pa'chIn Alta VerapazA ritual of thanksgiving passed down through generations to honor the earth.
Semana Santa: UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, 2022Barriletes Gigantes: UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, 2024Ceremonia Nan Pa'ch: UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding, 2013
Source: UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists, ich.unesco.orgEveryday life
Culture and family life close to home
CHAPTER 03 · COMMUNITY
An International Community Already Here
Guatemala's expat community includes diplomatic professionals, regional business operators, and a growing segment of remote workers. Bilingual neighborhoods and modern amenities are well established in Guatemala City and Antigua, and international schools also operate beyond the capital.
Discover Colegio Americano del Sur →
~92,000+ International residents in the country
CHAPTER 04 · YOUR WEEKEND
Getaways from Guatemala City
A country you live, not just visit: volcanoes, lakes, beaches and jungle within a weekend.
Heritage · Colonial cityAntiguaUNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979.2025 host of LATAM's 50 Best Restaurants ceremony.Colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, surrounded by the Agua, Fuego and Acatenango volcanoes.
ParaglidingLake AtitlánFormed in an ancient volcanic caldera and ringed by the Atitlán, Tolimán and San Pedro volcanoes; Maya towns keep their languages, weaving and traditions.
CoffeeCoffeeA century-old tradition across the Antigua, Huehuetenango and Cobán growing regions — only Antigua carries a registered denominación de origen.
SurfingEl ParedónOn Escuintla's Pacific coast, black volcanic sand and one of the most sought-after surf spots in Central America.
HikingVolcán AcatenangoFrom its summit, the show is overwhelming: its restless neighbor, Volcán de Fuego, erupts ash and lava into the night.
SwimmingSemuc ChampeyTerraced turquoise pools over a natural limestone bridge, deep in the rainforest of Alta Verapaz.
Boat tripRío DulceThe channel linking Lake Izabal with the Caribbean: manatees, hot springs and the Castillo de San Felipe, guarding the entrance since 1652.
CHAPTER 05 · PLAN YOUR VISIT
Explore Guatemala with the official source
The Guatemalan Tourism Institute (INGUAT) is the country's official tourism authority. Its portal brings together destinations, routes and services across Guatemala's tourism regions.
Guatemala is 2h45 from Miami and 3h from Houston. Come see it.See the full picture in our Data Hub
Schedule a site visitWe'll put together a visit agenda with meetings, tours and key contacts.Book a visit
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