FAQs

Question

Is Guatemala Safe?

Answer

While specific areas of Guatemala are deemed unsafe for travellers, the popular tourist areas are considered to be VERY safe. Crime against tourists is rare, and we can tell you first hand that Guatemalans are some of the kindest, most welcoming people you’ll meet! Guatemala has had a difficult historical past, which is where many present day issues stem from. Government advisories do a great job of fear mongering, while failing to mention all the GOOD things about the country. https://www.worldnomads.com/travel-safety/central-america/guatemala/risky-business-in-guatemala Based on our own experience traveling through Antigua, Lake Atitlan, Semuc Champey, and El Paredon - we felt safe 100% of the time. I'm saying this after scaling an active volcano led by a tour company we booked only days prior; taking advice from locals on transportation; riding a 13 hour shuttle through rugged and rural terrain etc. 
We didn't just get lucky, we used our best judgment as visitors in a foreign place. I like to think that the majority of people we meet in our day to day lives have good intentions. It's up to YOU to go with your gut and use your best judgment - especially when it comes to travel. For a list of safe recommendations, please see the 'Things to Do' tab. If you have any specific questions, or want to book other aspects of your trip through a reliable source, please contact our wedding planner via email and she can assist you: patty@brideandgroomgt.com @marilenatravels
is a Guatemalan social media creator, and an excellent resource for videos and information on all there is to know, see, do and eat in Guatemala: marielenatravels.komi.io/

Question

Where do I fly into?

Answer

You will fly into Guatemala City, LA AURORA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (GUA) We do not recommend spending time in Guatemala City. There's not much to see for tourists, and the crime rate is higher in comparison to other areas of the country. Don't worry, you're not going to get mugged leaving the airport!

Question

How do I get from (GUA) to Antigua?

Answer

You will need to book a shuttle from the airport to Antigua. We suggest you book a private shuttle through our wedding planner's company - you need to email Patty via patty@brideandgroomgt.com. Cost via Patty is $80USD for 2 people one way. Please let us know your flight details once you book, so that we can lower this cost as others may be on the same flight and can lower the shuttle cost. Transfer takes 1-2 hours, depending on traffic. Another option is to book a group shuttle through Viator - www.viator.com. Just search "Antigua Guatemala" and add your arrival date, and select one of the shuttle services. Please see the 'Travel' tab for more information on the shuttle options.

Question

What do I need to book myself?

Answer

You are in charge of your trip! Please book flights, accommodation and transportation yourself . This website is only intended for suggestions to make for smooth trip planning.

Question

When should I book my flight?

Answer

***As soon as possible!*** The earlier you book your flight, the cheaper it will be, and the more options you'll have. Please do not wait till the last minute to book your flights!!

Question

When should I arrive?

Answer

We recommend arriving at least a few days prior to enjoy Antigua and get settled before the Wedding Day (Tuesday November 18th) If you're tight on time, the latest you should arrive is Monday November 17th.

Question

Festival De Las Flores

Answer

The Antigua Flower Festival will be taking place the weekend before our wedding (Nov 15-16) This is a unique cultural event that stands out as a spectacular display of the country’s floral heritage. The festival features an array of activities, including floral exhibitions, artistic installations, and cultural performances, each creatively incorporating the beauty of flowers. Antigua will be busier than normal this weekend. If you plan on arriving a few days before the wedding, you should book your accommodation well ahead of time! https://festivalfloresantigua.com/

Question

Do I need a VISA?

Answer

Canadian & American passport holders DO NOT need a visa for under 90 days. The traveller must 1) Hold a passport valid at least six months on entry. 2) Have proof of onward travel (departure) from Guatemala. Australian and Swiss passport holders - please double check on your own accord.

Question

Do I need vaccinations?

Answer

If you haven't travelled anywhere tropical recently, it's advised to check in with your local travel clinic and make sure your vaccinations are up to date for this part of the world. Bug spray is a good idea to bring, but is also available for purchase at local shops. https://www.passporthealthglobal.com/ca/destination-advice/guatemala

Question

Do I need medical travel insurance?

Answer

Yes! Everyone should get medical travel insurance. Luckily, many credit card companies cover medical travel insurance, as long as the flights were booked on that card. Check what travel benefits your credit card has before booking your flight! If you aren't covered through your credit card, we suggest purchasing medical travel insurance for the days you are out of your home country. BCAA, your bank or World Nomads are couple good places to start looking into for this.

Question

What is the Currency?

Answer

The Quetzal (GTQ) or just (Q) is the currency of Guatemala. However, the US Dollar is widely accepted. 1 US dollar is equal to about 8 Quetzals. And 1 Canadian Dollar is equal to about 6 Quetzals. Visa is also accepted in most places around Antigua. We recommend bringing cash in small denominations both in USD and the local currency GTQ. You can also take out cash at any national bank ATM. Only use ATM's at banks.

Question

What time zone is Guatemala in?

Answer

All of Guatemala is in the Central Standard Time Zone (GMT-6) 2 hours ahead of Pacific Standard Time/Vancouver.

Question

What will the weather be like?

Answer

November is the end of rainy season in Antigua, leaving lush green jungle, and a mild climate. The average temperature at this time of year ranges from a high of 26°C (78°F ) to a low of 16°C ( 60°F). It will generally feel warm and breezy, so pack for warm weather, but with a light jacket or scarf you can throw on in the evenings when the temperature drops.

Question

Getting around Antigua

Answer

Antigua is a very walkable city - Pack your walking shoes as most of the streets are cobblestone. Tuk tuks are also in abundance, and shouldn't cost anymore than 15Q or 20Q - you’ll need to pay in local cash. The rides are a bit bumpy over the cobblestone, but they get the job done for close vicinities. Ubers & Taxi's are also available and trustworthy from what we've been told.

Question

Can I drink the tap water?

Answer

Please don't drink the tap water anywhere in Guatemala unless expressly stated. You’ll want to purchase bottled water or carry a reusable water bottle that you can refill at designated areas. Many hotels and businesses will have water jugs you can refill from.

Question

Tipping

Answer

In restaurants, the tip is already included.

Question

What languages are spoken?

Answer

The official language is Spanish, however many locals in Antigua speak English. There are over 20 different Mayan languages spoken throughout Guatemala. Since we are visitors, we encourage you to brush up on your Spanish. Making an effort to speak the local language goes a long way! https://www.solosholidays.co.uk/useful-spanish-phrases-every-traveller-should-know/

Question

Can I bring a date or plus 1?

Answer

Since our wedding venue has a limited amount of space, we cannot accommodate any plus 1's at this time.

Question

Can I bring my kids?

Answer

No kids at the Ceremony or the Reception. We think it's great to make this a family vacation, but consider bringing a grandparent or babysitter so you can enjoy the wedding festivities - kid free. Or leave the kids at home with Grandma and Grandpa so you can REALLY let loose. Guat style.

Question

Whats the Dress code?

Answer

Cocktail Attire This isn't a casual backyard wedding, or a beach wedding, so dress up please! Aim to strike a balance between formal, elegant and comfortable. Keep in mind it gets cooler in the evenings, and the cobblestone streets aren't kind to stilettos. And no shorts! If you don't know what to wear, visit this link: https://www.theknot.com/content/cocktail-wedding-attire

Question

What time does the ceremony start?

Answer

The ceremony starts at 2:30pm sharp. Please arrive early, around 2pm to meet, greet, and find a seat!

Question

Can you suggest an itinerary?

Answer

Here is a mock 10-day itinerary, to give you some ideas! Nov. 15 or 16 - Fly into Guatemala City (GUA). Take at the shuttle to Antigua (1-1.5hrs) Nov. 16 or 17 - Explore Antigua on foot, get settled. Nov. 18 - Wedding Day! Nov. 19 - Brunch in Antigua, more exploring or relaxing (Spa? Coffee or Chocolate Tour?) Nov. 20 - Travel to Panajachel, (2hr bus) to take a local boat to your accommodation on Lake Atitlan. Nov. 21-23 - Explore and relax on Lake Atitlan. Nov. 24 - Travel back to Antigua for one last night. Nov. 25 - Shuttle from Antigua to Guatemala City (GUA) airport to fly home. Consider Skipping Lake Atitlan for these two options: A) Hire a shuttle or private driver to bring you west to the Pacific beaches at El Pardon to relax and surf. B) Take a domestic flight up north to Flores Airport (FRS) to see the Mayan Ruins of Tikal? Or take a short flight to Belize after the wedding to snorkel in the crystal clear Caribbean? The options are endless!

Question

Is there a gift registry?

Answer

Traveling all the way to Guatemala to celebrate our wedding with us is more than we can ask for! We do not expect any wedding gifts from our guests. If you still feel the need to get us a wedding gift, you are too kind. You can contribute to our Honeymoon Fund, as we will be spending a few days in Mexico City on our way home from Guatemala to wind down from the wedding festivities and honeymoon! You can e-transfer us or send us a paypal to kaio.danielle2025@gmail.com.