Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to questions that Rotary visitors ask about coming to Guatemala.
Guatemala is in Central America, just south of Mexico. You can see a list of projects on this page.
Rotary partners with NGOs to implement safe water, drainage, reforestation, and education projects.
The tourist areas of Guatemala, including Antigua and Lake Atitlan, are quite safe.
Just like in any big city, there are parts of Guatemala City that can be dangerous, especially at night.
Guatemala is called “the land of eternal spring.” The weather depends on the altitude. While low elevations such as the jungle or coastal areas are usually hot and humid, Guatemala City, Antigua, and Lake Atitlan are all at an elevation just over 5000 feet (1500 meters). We have some of the nicest weather in the world.
Temperatures typically range between 50 and 80 degrees F. If you go up into the higher mountain areas, it can be cold.
Spanish is the primary language here, though Guatemala has 25 recognized languages, most of them Maya. You will find many people who speak English in the tourist areas, and most Lake Atitlan Rotary Club members are bilingual. However, when you go to the villages where our projects are located, most people speak the local indigenous languages.
Guatemala uses the same type of plug used in the US.
While some places in tourist areas accept US dollars, most do not. The local currency is the quetzal. You can exchange dollars for quetzales at many banks (you must have your passport with you!), but most people find it easiest to get quetzales at an ATM. Remember to tell your bank that you’re traveling so they don’t put a hold on your debit card withdrawals or credit card transactions.