Western Highlands, Guatemala: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Western Highlands, Guatemala? If you're planning to go to Western Highlands, below is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Western Highlands, Guatemala

Based on the climate and weather in Western Highlands, Guatemala, the best time to go is April. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Western Highlands, Guatemala

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Western Highlands, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Western Highlands, Guatemala by month

January

January for Western Highlands is relatively cool. Temperatures average in the high 50s F (mid 10s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Guatemala has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Western Highlands. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to pick the right type. Many adapters currently available are just plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our favorite is this one

February

If you go to Western Highlands in February, you will notice that it is mild. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the high 50s F (mid 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Guatemala has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Western Highlands. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you find the correct type. Many adapters on sale are simply plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most countries.

  • Travel pillow

    A great choice is this one

March

If you are traveling to Western Highlands in March, you will notice that it is mild. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the low 60s F (high 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Guatemala has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Western Highlands. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you choose the right type. Many adapters available are just plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

April

April in Western Highlands is balmy. Temperatures average in the 60s F (high 10s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Guatemala has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Western Highlands. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you find the right type. The majority of adapters available are just plugs and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

May

If you are traveling to Western Highlands in May, you will notice that it is mild. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the 60s F (high 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Guatemala has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing bags these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Western Highlands. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to choose the necessary kind. Most adapters for sale now are simply plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

June

June for Western Highlands is balmy. Temperatures average in the 60s F (high 10s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Guatemala has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Western Highlands. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing luggage recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to pick the necessary type. A lot of adapters currently sold are simply plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

July

If you go to Western Highlands in July, you will notice that it is balmy. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the low 60s F (high 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Guatemala has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Western Highlands. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing bags recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to get the necessary type. Most adapters that you can buy are just plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

August

Traveling to Western Highlands in August, you will notice that it is balmy. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the low 60s F (high 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Guatemala has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing bags recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Western Highlands. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you get the necessary kind. Most adapters currently available are simply plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most areas.

  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

September

Traveling to Western Highlands in September, you will notice that it is mild. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the low 60s F (high 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Guatemala has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Western Highlands. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to pick the correct kind. Most adapters currently sold are just plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

October

October here is balmy. Temperatures average in the low 60s F (mid 10s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Guatemala has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Western Highlands. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing bags recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to get the correct type. A lot of adapters available online are just plugs and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

November

November is balmy. Temperatures average in the high 50s F (mid 10s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Guatemala has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Western Highlands. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to get the right type. The vast majority of adapters for sale now are simply plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

December

December in Western Highlands is relatively cool. Temperatures average in the high 50s F (mid 10s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Guatemala has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Western Highlands. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you find the correct type. The vast majority of adapters that you can buy are simply plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most places.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

What to do in Western Highlands, Guatemala

The Western Highlands of Guatemala is one of the country's most fascinating regions. It's characterized by picturesque landscapes, colonial towns, ancient ruins, and stunning natural wonders. Tourists who are visiting Guatemala should never miss the chance to explore the Western Highlands. Here are some of the top tourist attractions in the region:

1. Lake Atitlán - Known for its gorgeous views of the surrounding volcanoes, Lake Atitlán is one of the most breathtaking locations in the Western Highlands. Visitors can hike to the top of a volcano, swim in the crystal-clear waters of the lake, or go kayaking.

2. Chichicastenango Market - This is one of the most vibrant markets in Guatemala with a vast array of colorful textiles, wood crafts, and other handicrafts on offer. The market is particularly famous for its handmade textiles, which are produced using traditional techniques that have been passed down from generation to generation.

3. Tikal National Park - Located north of the Western Highlands, Tikal National Park is home to some of the most impressive Mayan ruins in the world. The ancient city of Tikal was once the center of the Mayan civilization and is renowned for its towering pyramids and well-preserved temples.

4. Antigua Guatemala - Antigua is one of the best-preserved colonial towns in the region that has retained its unique architecture and cultural heritage. Visitors can wander through the charming cobblestone streets and admire the colorful colonial buildings.

5. Iximché - A sacred site for the Mayan people, Iximché is another ancient ruin located in the Western Highlands. It was once a thriving city that was abandoned around 1,000 AD. Today, visitors can learn about Mayan history and see archaeological remnants of the ancient civilization.

6. Fuentes Georginas - This is a natural hot spring located in the Western Highlands of Guatemala. The hot springs are surrounded by lush vegetation, and their waters are believed to have therapeutic properties.

7. San Juan La Laguna - This is a small town located on the shores of Lake Atitlán that is home to a thriving art community. Visitors can visit local artist cooperatives and purchase handmade art and crafts.

In conclusion, the Western Highlands of Guatemala is a region that has something for everyone. History buffs will love exploring the ancient Mayan ruins and learning about the region's rich cultural heritage, while outdoor enthusiasts can hike to the top of a volcano, swim in the crystal-clear waters of Lake Atitlán, or relax in natural hot springs. Visitors will leave the region with a newfound appreciation for Guatemala's diverse culture and natural beauty.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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