Guatemala City

Introduction

Guatemala City - 01

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Guatemala City is the capital and largest city in Guatemala with about 1.3 million people living in the city proper but probably around 3.5 million people live in the greater metropolitan area, making it one of the bigger cities in Central America. The city is located in the central southern part of the country on an elevation of about 1,500 metres, surrounded by high mountains and volcanoes, which gives it a rather mild climate. It's the economic heart of the country and together with Antigua (the former capital) it als has a lot to offer culture-wise.

Most people flying into the country arrive here and spend at least a few days here before moving on. The city is threatened by earthquakes, mudslides and volcanoes, with the first killing thousands of people during the last century as well as damaging and destroying lots of buildings. The historical centre remains beautiful though and a visit to the city should start here.

Neighbourhoods

Sights and Activities

• Historical Centre (Centro Histórico)
• Central Market (Mercado Central)

Events and Festivals

Weather

Guetemala City has a very pleasant climate, with generally slightly lower temperatures and humidity compared to areas at lower altitudes. The wet season lasts from May to November, like most of Central America. The coolest months are December to February, the hottest April and May. Temperatures vary from 12 °C on average at night in January to 29 °C on average during the day in the month of May.

Getting there

Plane

La Aurora International Airport (GUA), located 6 kilometres outside Guatemala City, does not only serve the city but is also the main gateway to the country.

TACA has flights to Cancun, Chicago, Los Angeles, Mexico City, Miami, New York, San José in Costa Rica, San Pedro Sula in Honduras, San Salvador, Tegucigalpa and Washington, D.C.. Several other destinations are mostly within Central America or the United States. Iberia is the only European carrier that has direct flights from Madrid to the city.
Transportes Aereos Guatemaltecos has several domestic flights, from Guatemala City to Flores and charters to a few other destinations, like Zacapa and Puerto Barios.

By Train

By Car

By Bus

Litegua has connections between Guatemala City, Rio Dulce, Morales, Puerto Barrios and many other towns and cities.

By Boat

Getting Around

By Car

By Public Transport

By Foot

By Bike

Eat

Drink

Sleep

There is an area in Guatemala City that is relatively new: Quatro Grados Norte. It is a pedestrian area that has a variety of bars, restaurants and public areas.

Budget

Mid-Range

Upscale

Work

Learn

• Universidad Mariano Gálvez
• Universidad Panamericana
• Universidad Mesoamericana
• Universidad Rafael Landivar
• Universidad Francisco Marroquin
• Universidad del Valle de Guatemala
• Universidad del Istmo
• Universidad Galileo
• Universidad Rural
• Universidad de San Carlos

Keep Connected

Internet

Phone

See also International Telephone Calls

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