Welcome to Guatemala!
Guatemala is seen as an off-the-beaten-path destination in Central America. It’s a country that seamlessly blends Guatemalan culture, archaeology, Spanish Colonial heritage, and lush jungles.
This diverse Central American country boasts some extraordinary landscapes and a culture that stretches centuries.The Guatemalan people add a friendly and hospitable touch to their country.
For all of these reasons, you will surely enjoy your adventure to Guatemala with Under30Experiences.
Duration: 5 days & 4 nights
Start: Please be ready to go at La Aurora International Airport (GUA) at 3:00 PM.
Finish: Trip ends at La Aurora International Airport (GUA) at 9:00 AM.
Airfare booking details will be sent after registration--please wait to book your flight until you receive further instructions.
Travelers are responsible for international airfare to and from Guatemala.
Public transportation and optional activities are not included.
If you are interested in Maya history, indigenous cultures and exploring nature, then this trip is for you!
Experience Guatemala authenticity. From stunning volcanoes to lush coffee plantations and one of the largest archaeological sites in Central America.
We’ve included activities that are active and adventurous, while also giving you plenty of free time to explore the colonial city of Antigua and the colorful island of Flores.
Under30Experiences will take you on a hike of the active Pacaya Volcano, teach you about coffee plantations and explore the Maya ruins of Tikal.
-Age requirement: 21+
-Group size: 16 max, average 15
-Physical rating: Moderate. Some activities include physical activity like hiking.
Travel connects us. Community keeps us connected.
Before your trip you'll have the opportunity to join a custom WhatsApp Group and connect with others members of your group. Many travelers meet in the airport, or for pre-trip drinks if they are from the same city. Others coordinate plans to stay in a location after their trip.
During your adventure, our Trip Leaders do their best to foster an open, supportive environment, where people feel safe to truly be themselves.
After your trip, you'll be an official U30X Alumni, and part of our large online Travel Community where you'll have access to our network of thousands of past travelers. We are constantly hosting meetups that range from simple happy hours to hikes, to outdoor movie nights.
More than 70% of our travelers come solo, but they all leave with friends.
Travel can be unpredictable. Our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience.
While it is our intention to adhere to the itinerary, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into it and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations.
Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
Eat like a local with delicious Guatemalan dishes such as Pepián, which is a traditional meaty, spicy stew that often contains chicken, beef, or pork.
Jocón is another popular dish with the Maya population. The chicken is simmered in a tasty sauce tinted a beautiful green by tomatillos and cilantro, thickened with ground sesame and pumpkin seeds, and served on corn tortillas.
Sample Breakfast Menu
Sample Dinner Menu
You will be traveling by private ground transportation and a domestic flight throughout your trip.
Private ground transportation to and from the airport (Included)
Some optional activities do not include transportation.
You will be staying in shared boutique hotel rooms for the duration of your trip.
Laundry is available at the hotel for an additional fee. Ask your Trip Leader for details.
Accommodations may vary but will be the same quality.
Solo travelers are paired with someone of the same gender.
Private room options are available upon request subject to hotel availability for an extra charge.
Medical insurance is required for USA trips and travel insurance is not mandatory in order to participate in our USA trips, though recommended.
Please note that travel insurance covers trip related issues such as trip interruption, lost luggage, theft, etc.
If selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all travelers should have medical coverage and that we suggest a minimum coverage of $200,000 USD for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Please ensure that all the activities you plan on participating in are covered by your travel insurance.
We recommend using either Wanderwell or World Nomads to purchase your policy. The Wanderwell “Preferred Plan” or the World Nomads “Explorer Plan” will cover all included activities on U30X trips. Wanderwell donates at least one percent of your insurance purchase to Explore Austin, a sustainable youth outdoor education program, via 1% for the Planet, thoughtfully selected by Under30Experiences.
If you have travel insurance with your credit card we require proof of purchase of the trip in the form of a receipt or credit card statement on a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage, and emergency contact telephone number.
Travel insurance with at least $200,000 USD in medical coverage is required to participate on our trips. This must include coverage for repatriation.
Please note that travel insurance covers trip related issues such as trip interruption, lost luggage, theft, etc. Travel medical insurance covers things like repatriation, medicine, ambulance rides, and hospital visits/stays.
We strongly suggest that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Please ensure that all of the activities you plan on participating in are covered by your travel insurance.
Here are a few options for travel insurance that meet our minimum medical coverage requirements: Wanderwell, SafetyWing, and World Nomads. Some plans do not cover certain “high-risk” activities. Please make sure to read your plans coverage and make a selection based on your planned trip.
Wanderwell donates at least one percent of your insurance purchase to Explore Austin, a sustainable youth outdoor education program, via 1% for the Planet, selected by Under30Experiences.
We receive a fee if you purchase products through links on this page, at no extra cost to you.
We receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using our affiliate links. We do not represent World Nomads. This is not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.
Flexible.
Give us at least 60 days notice and you can switch your trip for free, or we'll hold your Experience Credits for future use.
If you have an emergency cancellation that is less than 60 days before your trip, please refer to your travel insurance company as they may cover you for some expenses.
We are not able to transfer trips or hold experience credits within 60 days of the trip because we have already secured reservations on your behalf.
All Under30Experiences trips are accompanied by experienced Trip Leaders.
The goal of the Trip Leader is to facilitate an awesome experience and help our travelers have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are traveling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eateries, and introduce you to our local friends.
You can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the regions visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects.
We recommend using a travel backpack for your convenience, or a medium-sized suitcase if you prefer. A daypack is also essential for carrying everyday items. Space is limited on transportation, so there is a limit of one main piece of luggage per person. You will be responsible for carrying your own luggage.
Below includes our staff picks of the best items on the market that we travel with! All products selected are 3 ounces or less to comply with TSA carry-on size and organically inspired when possible.
Do not forget: water bottle, sunscreen, sandals, beach towel, waterproof rain jacket, sunglasses and a hat!
Some links on this page are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you Under30Experiences will earn a small commission if you make a purchase.
Guidelines for U.S. Passport Holders:
Make sure you have an updated passport with you. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the last date of your trip. Please consult the U.S. Department of State with any more questions.
Make sure there is no damage to your passport. Conditions that may constitute damage requiring you to replace your passport include water damage, a significant tear, unofficial markings on the data page, missing or torn out visa pages, a hole punch, or other injuries.
Check out our Travel Alerts Page for up-to-date COVID requirements.
The tap water in Guatemala is NOT safe to drink. Please bring a reusable water bottle and join us in our efforts to be environmentally friendly and keep Guatemala beautiful.
Please consult with your doctor before traveling regarding physical activity and vaccinations.
No inoculations are required to enter Guatemala from the United States but the Center for Disease Control suggests vaccinating for routine vaccines.
Mosquito borne viruses exist in most of Latin America. Please cover exposed skin and use mosquito repellent.
We suggest bringing $150 USD in cash to be used at establishments that do not accept credit cards and in case of emergencies
This is not a total cash amount that you should expect to spend on your trip. Please consider your own spending habits for additional expenses such as snacks, souvenirs, and optional activities.
The official currency of Guatemala is the Quetzal (GTQ)
Remember to call your bank and credit card company to let them know you will be traveling overseas.
For an up-to-date exchange rate, download the XE Currency Exchange App.
Please be advised that US Dollar notes that are slightly torn, heavily marked, or faded may be difficult to exchange. It is best to bring notes in fairly good condition, in denominations lower than $100.
Always carry a copy of your travel insurance, health insurance and passport with you. A photo of these items on your phone is also a good backup.
Keep your passport and any valuables locked in the safe at the hotel.
Don’t leave valuables unattended.
Leave flashy jewelry at home.
US Citizens please consider registering with the US State Department's “SMART Traveler Program” who can contact your family in case of emergency.
Make sure you have the address of your hotel in the event that you're separated from your Trip Leader.
There are two seasons in Guatemala. The dry season is from November to April. The green season is from May to October.
The average high in Guatemala is 80°F and the average minimum is 50°F.
The diversity of this country emerges from the mixture of two worlds. Guatemala's culture is a combination of Maya and Spanish influences. The Maya in the rural areas are trying to keep their traditions, language, and culture alive. You will also see a more urbanized and wealthy mestizos population in the cities.
It is considered rude not to greet one another, even slight acquaintances.
Key Phrases
Tipping Customs
While tipping isn’t customary, it is certainly appreciated especially when you have received great service. Be sure to tip in the local currency (GTQ - Quetzal guatemalteco) to ensure the recipient does not have to pay additional fees when exchanging. Here are some common guidelines to follow:
While your Trip Leader will assist you with optional activities available, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of the Under30Experiences itinerary. We offer no guarantees on the safety or standard of the activity.
Respect the people around you and the environment in which you’re traveling. This includes, but is not limited to fellow travelers, Trip Leaders, the local community, nature, wildlife, and yourself.
Do your best to keep yourself and fellow travelers out of harm’s way.
It’s important to obey local laws and customs while on our trips. This includes, but is not limited to wearing appropriate clothing while visiting certain communities, refraining from taking photos of people without asking, avoiding the use of illegal drugs, having weapons, and soliciting prostitution. If you’re not sure about something, take time to educate yourself, or ask.
Travel involves contact with new cultures. When confronted with a different way of living than you’re used to, do your best to understand that neither way is better or worse. They’re simply different ways of life.
Know your limits! This applies to physical ability, emotional space, social situations, and alcohol consumption. If you can’t participate in something, be upfront about it. If you need a break from people, take it. Stop drinking before you get too drunk.
Trip Leaders are working in the travelers’ best interest. If they say something or ask you not to do something it’s not because they’re tyrants, but because they want you to have a good time!
Lying or withholding information about any physical or mental condition that might affect your ability to participate in any of the activities may be grounds for removal from your trip with no refund.
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U30X is such an amazing travel community. Once your trip is over, the experience is not. They keep in touch with their alumni & provide platforms for travel questions, personal development, & community connections in your own backyard! If you're a young person looking to travel I highly recommend U30X!
There are not enough ways for me to describe how amazing this company is. After my first trip I always told people, it wasn't about the location, but the experience that u30x gave me. I have some of the best experiences of my life with u30x, and now a passion for travel. Also, their alumni community and groups are awesome too!
Traveling with U30X has been life changing for me. I've made lifelong friends with both travelers and staff. I can't come up with enough good things to say about the company, the people, and the experiences I've had!
Just returned from my second trip with Under30Experiences. My first trip was to the Costa Rica rainforest. My most recent trip was to Iceland. Both trips were such an amazing experience. I loved learning about Iceland and its origins. I enjoy the small groups and I made some great new friends! Recommend them for anyone wanting to travel alone or with a couple of friends.
I was so scared to travel abroad alone and then I came across their website and they made international travel so easy! And the people I’ve met on the trips are some amazing individuals! I’ve done 6 of their trips and plan on continuing to do even more!!
My Hike the Inca Trail trip was beyond amazing, and I couldn't have asked for anything more from a trip. Our leaders made us all feel instantly comfortable, and the group was fantastic. The trip was well planned and the hike was unforgettable. Memories to last a lifetime.
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