Your Ultimate Guatemala Packing List

Hey there! This page may include affiliate links. If you click one and make a purchase, I earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support!

Planning a trip to Guatemala? Whether you’re exploring the ancient ruins of Tikal, relaxing by the shores of Lake Atitlan, or hiking up the majestic Acatenango volcano, packing smart is key. After traveling to Guatemala four times, I’ve refined my Guatemala packing list and I’m excited to share it here. Learn from the mistakes I’ve made in my previous trips and have a smoother experience.

With this packing list for Guatemala, you will have everything you need for your incredible adventure.

What’s the Weather Like in Guatemala?

Despite being a tropical country, Guatemala’s climates are actually incredibly diverse, and not all areas of the country are warm. Guatemala’s seasons are categorized by a dry season spanning from November to April and the rainy reason which starts in May and lasts through October.

Each region within Guatemala has its own unique weather, and depending on the altitude, it can get quite cold actually!

If you’re visiting the highland regions like Antigua and Lake Atitlan, you can expect some warm and sunny days followed by chilly evenings during the dry season. During the rainy season, the temperatures will be cooler during the day as well and you can expect rain showers and even a few heavy downpours.

In areas near the coast and in lower elevation, like the Tikal and Semuc Champey areas, the weather will be much warmer and humid. You’ll have sunny days during the dry season and can expect rainy weather during the rainy season.

Backpack or Suitcase?

The choice between a backpack and a suitcase depends on your preferences and itinerary. If your plans include taking public transportation to multiple destinations, a backpack may work best.

If you’re planning to stay in one location for the majority of your trip, a suitcase could work just fine.

Personally, I’m a fan of a backpack when traveling in Central American destinations for the convenience and versatility. It’s easier to tote around on your back vs. dragging a suitcase along cobblestones or dirt roads.

If you pack light and do laundry during your trip, you can even make a backpack work for longer travels.

My favorite travel backpack is the Solgaard Venture. I have the older version called the Endeavor. This one is almost the same, but they’ve improved it. The backpack now unzips fully-just like a suitcase would!

Solgaard’s customer service is outstanding. After having my backpack for two years, one of the zippers broke and they replaced my backpack at no extra cost.

The best feature of this backpack is the special hanging packing cube/organizer that comes inside. You can easily organize all your clothes for a week and hang it up once you get to your destination. It makes unpacking and staying organized so easy when traveling.

You also can choose your size with this backpack. Unzip the expander for a larger 40L carry-on size bag, or keep it compact with the expander closed and have a 27L bag. With the expander closed, the backpack fits most budget airlines’, such as Spirit and Easy Jet, personal item specifications. I’ve flown numerous times on Spirit Airlines with this bag as my free personal item.

Get yours here!

What to Wear in Guatemala

Most places in Guatemala are pretty casual, so you’ll be fine with wearing jeans or leggings and a top. A skirt or dress is also a great option.

Don’t forget about the weather when packing. Areas near the coast and lower elevations will be warmer and more humid while higher elevations can get chilly at night. Be sure to pack layers and bring rain gear in case.

Your Complete Packing List

Shop my Guatemala packing list recommendations here in my Amazon storefront.

Tops: You can see all types of weather in Guatemala during your trip. The temperature in the higher elevation areas like Antigua or Lake Atitlan can vary significantly throughout the day.

Bring a mix of short and long sleeves to give yourself some options. Lightweight fabrics are great for layering.

For a one week trip, I packed two tank tops, two short-sleeve t-shirts, two long sleeve tops, and one sweater.

Bottoms: Pack jeans, leggings, or lightweight pants. Or if you prefer, skirts and dresses can be versatile too. For a one-week trip, I brought one pair of jeans and two leggings.

Most Guatemalans don’t often wear shorts unless they’re at the beach or pool so unless you’re going to those places, you can leave the shorts at home. Aside from the lower elevation areas like Flores and the coast, the weather is usually too chilly for shorts anyway.

Dresses: This is definitely down to personal preference, but I always bring a casual dress that can be dressed up or down. It was nice to have one to use as a cover-up at the beach and then to pair with a jean jacket to wear around Antigua or Lake Atitlan.

Activewear: Depending on the activities you’re planning to do during your trip, you may need to pack some special hiking or activewear type outfits.

Shoes: Again, your choice of footwear will be determined by your choice of activities, but I recommend bring a comfortable pair of walking shoes like sneakers or boots for walking around town, a pair of hiking boots or trail runners if you’re planning to do any hiking, and some sandals or water shoes for any water activities by the lake or the beach.

For my one-week trip to Antigua and Lake Atitlan, I packed a casual pair of sneakers, my favorite Columbia hiking boots, and my Chacos sandals.

Swimwear: Unless you’re planning to spend most of your time by the beach, I’d recommend just packing one swimsuit. You can swim in Lake Atitlan, but the water can pretty chilly. I mostly used my swimsuit at the hot tub in my hotels in Antigua and by the lake.

Layers: Bring a sweater and a jacket for chilly nights.

If you’re planning to do the overnight Acatenango hike, you’ll want to bring a warm jacket like a down puffer. I like this packable one from 32 Degrees.

For hanging out in the evening in Antigua or Lake Atitlan, a light to mid-weight jacket should be sufficient. I usually layered a jean jacket over a long sleeve t-shirt or sweater in the evenings.

Even if you’re traveling in the dry season, weather can always be a bit unpredictable so be sure you pack a rain jacket just in case. 

Personal Care: Be sure to pack sunscreen, insect repellent, and of course all your basic toiletries.

I like packing insect repellant wipes instead of the spray when traveling as it packs down much smaller, and you don’t have to worry about a bottle of bug-spray leaking all over your bag.

For toiletries, especially when I stay in a hostel, having a hanging toiletry bag has been a game changer in keeping things organized and easy to carry. I’ve had mine for years and I don’t remember where I picked it up, but this Bagsmart one is very similar.

Electronics: Don’t forget to bring all your essential tech gear!

To keep all my cords and chargers organized, I use Tripped Travel Gear’s tech organizer.

Save money on cell coverage by opting for an e-sim rather than paying for an expensive international phone plan. I use Airalo every time I travel. It quick and super simple to download and install either before or during your trip.

As an avid reader, I love having an e-reader when I travel to save space vs bringing bulky books.

To keep everything charged, I never travel without my Anker powerbank. I’ve had this one over. two years now and it still works like new. This little charger will likely last you the majority of your week’s trip. I took it with me on the four-day Inca trail trek in Peru, and it charged my phone fully three times and still had half of its battery life remaining.

What to Pack for Hiking Acatenango

For the Acatenango hike, warm layers are a must. The temperature can drop significantly at higher altitudes. At night, the temperature can even drop to below freezing.

You’ll want a short sleeve shirt for the warmer temperatures at the base of the volcano, a lightweight long-sleeve base layer, a mid-weight fleece, warm puffer jacket, and a waterproof/wind-proof outer shell. Depending on the tour operator you choose, you may be able to rent or borrow some of the cold-weather gear that you’ll need.

Pack a reliable pair of hiking boots or trail runners, and don’t forget rain layers in case of a surprise shower.

What to Pack for the Beach

If you’re heading to ta beach destination like el Paredon, you’ll want to back some light beach clothes as well as plenty of sunscreen.

Guatemala’s Pacific coast beaches are excellent surf spots. If you plan on surfing or taking a lesson, be sure to pack a rashguard protect yourself from the sun.

In el Paredon in particular, you’ll want to make sure you have plenty of insect repellant. I made the mistake of forgetting to pack bug spray. Don’t be like me. Once the sun sets, if you are anywhere in the sand there are some pesky little gnats with a nasty bite. These buggers are 1000x itchier than any mosquito so come prepared!

Things to Buy in Guatemala

Guatemala has some of the most beautiful artisanal goods you can find in the world. Look out for vibrant textiles, leather goods, aromatic coffee, and rich chocolate. These make perfect gifts or mementos of your trip.

Worried you might not have enough room in your luggage to take things back? Pack one of these foldable duffle bags just in case. They’re great to use during your trip to store any dirty laundry or to use as a tote bag.

Wrap Up

I hope this guide helps you plan what to pack for Guatemala. Remember to bring layers, and you’ll be prepared for whatever weather you happen to see throughout the day.

While it’s important to be prepared with all the essentials, don’t forget to leave some room for the incredible artisanal treasures you’ll want to take home.

Guatemala has so much to offer, and each experience promises to be as unique as it is memorable. Safe travels and enjoy every moment of your trip to Guatemala!