Overview
Guatemala packs colonial cities, steaming volcanoes, jungle-clad Maya temples and the deep blue of Lake Atitlán into a country about the size of England. There are no direct flights from the UK, so every routing involves at least one change, but connections through Europe and North America are frequent and the trip is very manageable. This Guatemala hub covers all the airports we fly to, with guidance on when to go and how to keep fares down.
Best time to fly to Guatemala
The dry season, roughly November to April, is the most reliable time to visit, with warm days in the highlands and clear volcano views around Antigua and Lake Atitlán. The green season runs May to October: mornings are often bright with heavy afternoon showers, and September and October are the wettest months. December to February and Easter (Semana Santa) are peak periods for demand and price, so check the When to book chart above before fixing your dates.
Main gateway cities & airports
Almost all UK travellers arrive into La Aurora International Airport (GUA) in Guatemala City, which sits inside the capital and is about 45 minutes to an hour from Antigua by shuttle. For trips built around Tikal and the northern Petén region, Mundo Maya International Airport (FRS) near Flores is reached by a short domestic hop from Guatemala City.
Airlines and routes
From the UK the practical options are all one-stop. Iberia connects London with Guatemala City via Madrid, while KLM flies via Amsterdam from London, Manchester and Edinburgh. North American routings also work well: American Airlines via Miami or Dallas, United via Houston or Newark, Delta via Atlanta, plus Copa Airlines via Panama City and Avianca via Bogotá or San Salvador. Typical total journey time from London is around 15 to 18 hours including the connection, and a little more from Manchester; pure flying time is roughly 11 to 13 hours.
Popular places to visit in Guatemala
- Antigua Guatemala: cobbled UNESCO-listed streets, baroque ruins and coffee farms framed by three volcanoes.
- Lake Atitlán: a vast crater lake ringed by Maya villages and best explored by public boat.
- Tikal: towering Maya pyramids rising above the Petén rainforest, unforgettable at dawn.
- Chichicastenango: one of Latin America's largest indigenous markets, busiest on Thursdays and Sundays.
- Semuc Champey: turquoise limestone pools and river caves deep in the Alta Verapaz hills.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Guatemala
- Use the price charts on this page to compare months; shoulder dates in May or October often undercut the dry-season peak.
- Be flexible on your connecting hub, as routings through Madrid, Amsterdam or a US city can vary widely in price for the same dates.
- Book roughly two to five months ahead for the best balance of choice and fare, and earlier for Christmas or Semana Santa.
- Try midweek departures and price London and Manchester separately.
Travel essentials
British passport holders do not need a visa for tourism and can normally stay up to 90 days under the regional CA-4 agreement; carry a passport valid for the duration of your stay, with six months often recommended. The currency is the Guatemalan quetzal (GTQ), and US dollars are handy as backup. If your itinerary transits the United States you will need an approved ESTA. For timing your booking, see the When to book chart above.
