How to Find Cheap Hotels in Guatemala City, Guatemala

Guatemala City is the capital of Guatemala. Rich with Mayan history and boasting a number of antique churches, Guatemala City has a uniquely Central American feel, despite its big city status. As the most modern city in the country, Guatemala City is the hub of business, shopping and entertainment. You'll find attractions ranging from volcanoes and water sports to museums and restaurants in and around Guatemala City. You'll also find a host of fairly cheap accommodations from which to choose.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Passport
• Internet access for booking your trip

Know Your Destination

1. Expect mild temperatures throughout the year. Temperatures tend to hover in the 60s and 70s.
2. You will need a passport to travel to Guatemala City. Depending on your citizenship, a visa may be required as well.
3. The city is divided into 21 distinct zonas. It is also divided into the old city and the new city.
4. Try out your Spanish--It's what most people in Guatemala speak.

Organize Transportation

5. Fly to Guatemala and enter through the city's airport, La Aurora. You'll find flights leaving from a number of major cities.
6. Travel by car from other Central American locations. Take highways CA1 or CA9.
7. Hop a bus from other parts of Guatemala to travel to Guatemala City.
8. Get around in Guatemala City via bus or taxi. Most people don't walk.

Choose Cheap Accommodations

9. To book accommodations, contact The Guatemalan National Tourist Institute at (801) INGUAT1 or visit their Web site (see Resources below).
10. Choose cheap accommodations in Zona 1 to be close to shopping, businesses and historical buildings. You'll find guesthouses and hotels here.
11. Stay in Zona 4 for low-cost rooms and access to the Civic Center and the Cultural Center.
12. Stay in Zona Viva for cheap accommodations and relative safety. Most tourists stay in this area.

Tips & Warnings

• There are dangerous neighborhoods in Guatemala City. Visit the Zona Viva area for a reasonable level of tourist safety.
• Watch out for pickpockets and robberies. Don't wear expensive jewelry or flash a lot of cash.
• Never take pictures of Guatemalan children without their parents' permission. If you do so, you risk being thought a kidnapper and attacked.
• Traveling to secluded places alone or at night is not recommended.
• Be careful if you choose to explore on foot. Drivers seldom give pedestrians the right of way.
• Choose taxis carefully. Taxi drivers tend to trick tourists into paying too much. Use a metered taxi service. Taxis Amarillo (Yellow Cab) is considered a safe taxi service. However, you'll have to contact the service by phone. You cannot simply hail a Taxis Amarillo cab.