Guatemala is cobblestones and volcanoes, coffee farms and cloud forests, and villages where women still weave the way their grandmothers taught them.
It’s also a country where one day can hold warm sunshine, a cold morning and an afternoon downpour. Packing for Guatemala is mostly about layers, good shoes and a little respect for the communities you’ll be visiting.
We run three Guatemala trips a year: Sacred Guatemala in April, Rabin Ajaw in July and the Kite Festival at the end of October. This list works for all three, with notes on what changes by season.
Table of Contents
Guatemala weather: it depends on the month and the altitude
Antigua and Lake Atitlán sit high up in the highlands, so days are usually warm and nights are cool all year. Bring a warm layer no matter when you go.
April (Sacred Guatemala): dry season. Sunny, warm days, cool evenings and very little rain.
July (Rabin Ajaw): rainy season. Mornings are often clear and afternoons bring rain. Cobán is in the cloud forest, so expect mist, drizzle and cooler air. Pack a real rain jacket.
Late October (Kite Festival): the end of the rainy season. Mostly pleasant days, some showers and chilly nights by the lake. You’ll also spend a long day outdoors at the kite festival, so sun protection matters.
What to wear in Guatemala
Antigua is relaxed and you’ll see travelers in everything. But much of this trip is spent in Maya communities, at a family coffee farm, in a weaving cooperative and at a fire ceremony. In those places, more covered is more respectful: shoulders covered and skirts or pants around the knee or longer.
Comfortable, modest and layered is the formula.
- 3 to 4 tops, including a couple with sleeves
- 1 or 2 long-sleeve layers
- 2 pairs of comfortable pants or a midi skirt
- A warm fleece or sweater for evenings
- A packable rain jacket (essential in July and October)
- A scarf or shawl for warmth and ceremonies
- Sleepwear (hotel rooms in the highlands can be cool at night)
- A swimsuit is optional
For the fire ceremony and village visits
Wear something simple and modest. Bright colors are welcome. Some ceremonies invite guests to wear a specific color or bring something small, and your guide will tell you if so. Always ask before photographing people, especially during ceremonies.
For the coffee farm, chocolate and weaving days
Expect some uphill walking at the coffee farm and plenty of sitting at the loom. Comfortable pants you can move and sit in are your best friend.
For dinners
Evenings are casual. Bring one outfit that feels a little nicer for the welcome and farewell dinners, plus a warm layer, because restaurants in the highlands are often open-air.
Shoes: built for cobblestones
Antigua’s streets are beautiful and uneven. Leave the heels at home.
- Supportive walking shoes or trail runners with good grip
- A pair of comfortable sandals or flats for evenings
- Waterproof shoes or quick-dry sneakers for the July trip
On the Rabin Ajaw trip you’ll visit waterfalls in the cloud forest, where paths can be muddy and slippery. Shoes with grip matter more than shoes that look cute.
Toiletries and health essentials
- Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF (the highland sun is strong)
- Insect repellent
- Hand sanitizer and tissues
- Your preferred period products
- A reusable water bottle with a filter (don’t drink tap water)
- Electrolyte packets
- Motion sickness tablets for winding mountain roads and the lake boat
- Stomach meds, pain relievers and band-aids
- Prescription meds in their original packaging, plus a few extra days
Check with your doctor or a travel clinic a few weeks before you go about recommended vaccines.
Electronics and money
Good news for US travelers: Guatemala uses the same plugs as the US and runs on 120 volts, so most of your chargers will just work. Travelers from elsewhere will need an adapter.
- Power bank
- An eSIM or local SIM
- Offline maps
- A zip-lock or dry bag for your phone in the rain
The currency is the quetzal, roughly 7 to 8 to a US dollar. Cash is king at markets and with artisans, so carry small bills. ATMs are easy to find in Antigua and Panajachel and harder to find in small villages.
Leave room for the good stuff
You will want to buy textiles. Huipiles, scarves, table runners and bags woven by the women you’ll meet are some of the most meaningful souvenirs you’ll ever bring home. Pack a foldable tote or leave a third of your suitcase empty.
What to leave at home
- Heels and anything with a thin sole
- Very short shorts and revealing tops for village days
- Expensive jewelry
- Too many outfits (you’ll rewear your favorites)
- A heavy winter coat (a fleece and rain jacket are enough)
FAQ: packing for Guatemala
How cold does it get?
Days in the highlands are usually warm, but evenings and early mornings can feel chilly, especially by the lake and in the cloud forest. A fleece or sweater plus a rain jacket covers it.
Do I need a rain jacket?
In July and October, yes. In April, it’s optional but nice to have.
Can I wear shorts?
In Antigua, yes. For village visits, ceremonies and community projects, pants or a skirt around the knee or longer is more respectful.
Can I drink the tap water?
No. Use bottled or filtered water, including for brushing your teeth.
Do I need hiking boots?
No. Supportive walking shoes or trail runners with grip are enough for everything on these trips.
Is laundry available?
Yes, in Antigua and at many hotels. On a 7-day trip, most travelers don’t need it if they pack smart.
The bottom line
Pack layers, good shoes and an open mind, and save room for the weaving. Guatemala rewards the people who slow down.
Ready to go? See our Guatemala trips, or browse all our upcoming trips.
