Guatemala is an attractive option for digital nomads looking to experience a rich culture and stay on the low-budget end of the scale.
Most people will be able to visit Guatemala visa-free for 90 days. However, it is important to keep a few things in mind when considering Guatemala for work, such as safety and security!
We will discuss all these factors and more.
But first, let’s take a look at Guatemala’s main perks as well as the potential downsides:
- Visa and Legal Requirements
- Cost of Living in Guatemala
- Internet Facilities in Guatemala
- The Weather in Guatemala
- Finding a Places to Stay in Guatemala
- Where can you meet other digital nomads in Guatemala?
- Diverse and Delicious Food in Guatemala
- Guatemala's Endless Entertainment Options
- How safe is Guatemala for digital nomads?
- Health and medical considerations
- Conclusion
Guatemala for digital nomads at a glance
Pros
- Thriving digital nomad community and culture in the country
- Easy and cheap visa options
- Guaranteed a lot of coworking and co-living spaces in large cities
- Good Wi-Fi accessibility
- Easy transport, including on foot
- Affordable
- Rich culture, heritage, and breathtaking architecture
Cons
- Some safety concerns in some areas
- Internet connection may not always be reliable
- Regular power interruptions in rural areas
Visa and Legal Requirements
Guatemala doesn’t have a specific visa for digital nomads just yet.
There are many countries that are visa-exempt, with some of the most popular countries including the US, Canada, Australia, and most European countries.
A Full list of visa-exempt countries can be found here. If you are from any of these countries, you can stay for 90 days with only your passport. If you wish to stay more than 90 days, you will then need a visa.
Simple Visas and tourist visas cost $25 per entry. There is also an option for a multiple visa, which allows you to come in and out of the country for 90 days, for $50.
If you need to apply for a Visa, you’ll need:
- A valid passport
- Completed application form
- Passport size photographs
- Travel and health insurance
- Proof of accommodation, such as hotel bookings
- A cover letter with details about the nature and purpose of the visit
- Police verification certificate
- Travel itinerary, such as the flight bookings.
Cost of Living in Guatemala
Guatemala is considered an affordable travel destination for digital nomads, thanks to its relatively low cost of living compared to most Western countries.
In terms of housing, renting a one-bedroom apartment in cities like Guatemala City or Quetzaltenango is often reasonably priced.
Meanwhile, some more popular tourist destinations such as Antigua, Guatemala can be slightly more expensive.
In terms of food, local markets offer fresh and affordable produce – making it nice and cheap for nomads to prepare delicious meals at home!
Dining out is also surprisingly budget-friendly, with a variety of local eateries offering delicious meals at reasonable prices.
Transportation costs are also relatively low, particularly if you use public transportation such as buses or shared taxis.
| Location | Rent (1 Bed Room Apartment) | Utilities | Food | Transport | Others |
| Guatemala City | $400 – $600 | $50 – $80 | $200 – $300 | $30 – $50 | $50 – $100 |
| Quetzaltenango (Xela) | $300 – $500 | $40 – $70 | $150 – $250 | $20 – $40 | $40 – $80 |
| Antigua Guatemala | $500 – $800 | $40 – $60 | $200 – $300 | $20 – $40 | $50 – $100 |
| Escuintla | $250 – $400 | $30 – $50 | $150 – $250 | $20 – $30 | $40 – $70 |
| Petén (Flores) | $300 – $500 | $30 – $50 | $150 – $250 | $20 – $40 | $40 – $80 |
| Cobán | $200 – $400 | $30 – $50 | $150 – $250 | $20 – $40 | $30 – $60 |
Internet Facilities in Guatemala
The Internet is naturally a big concern for digital nomads. While some cities in Guatemala have great internet coverage, others aren’t as well-equipped.
| Location | Average speed (Mbps) | Cost (USD/month) |
| Guatemala City | 10-30 Mbps | $30 – $50 |
| Antigua Guatemala | 5-20 Mbps | $20 – $40 |
| Quetzaltenango (Xela) | 5-20 Mbps | $20 – $40 |
| Flores (Petén) | 5-15 Mbps | $20 – $40 |
| Cobán | 3-10 Mbps | $20 – $30 |
The Weather in Guatemala
Guatemala has a tropical climate with 2 main seasons: wet and dry.
The dry season lasts from November to April or May, and the wet season from around April or May to November. The dry season is filled with festivals that the country celebrates, making it a great time to visit.
What you need to take note of with Guatemalan temperature though is that it’s pretty much altitude-based. That means that as you get to higher places, the temperature would also consequently drop.
| Location | Average annual temperature | Average annual humidity | Average annual precipitation |
| Guatemala City | 22°C | 75% | 1,500 mm |
| Quetzaltenango (Xela) | 18°C | 77% | 1,100 mm |
| Antigua Guatemala | 20°C | 75% | 1,000 mm |
| Flores (Petén) | 25°C | 80% | 1,800 mm |
| Cobán | 20°C | 90% | 2,500 mm |
Finding a Places to Stay in Guatemala
The digital nomad scene of the country is centered on their larger cities or Guatemala City, Antigua, and may even extend to Lake Atitlan. These are all good bases if you want to explore the rest of the country.
A lot of the attractions will be accessible to you if you stay on any of these three. Peten is a bit far and Flores or maybe even Tikal does not have a reliable internet connection.
Here are your top destinations and brief guides to your stay in these wonderful and historical cities:
Guatemala City
Despite its turbulent past, parts of the city, especially Zona 1 and 4 are becoming a hub for digital nomads. It’s now filled with coworking spaces and accommodations meant for backpackers, expats, and digital nomads with a reliable internet connection, so your work won’t get disrupted.
| Pros: | Cons: |
| Good internet accessibility | Turbulent past gives it a bad reputation |
| Hub for digital nomads | Higher cost of living |
| Great food options | |
| Many work spaces |
Coworking in Guatemala City
Right at the center of the capital city, Serendipity Lab is located in Zona 14 which is considered as the upscale part of the neighborhood. It’s actually located inside a mall called Plaza la Noria so from that, you already know that you will have everything that you need should you decide to work in it.
There’s food, there’s a gym, and the aesthetic that’s relaxing and stimulates creativity.
Antigua
There’s nothing better than being a digital nomad in a UNESCO World Heritage town. The fully preserved capital of the Kingdom of Guatemala is a delight to live in, even if only for a while.
The architecture is breathtaking, and just imagine if you wake up on its streets day in and day out. Antigua can also be traveled on foot and its proximity to Guatemala City and the airport, making it a very convenient location.
It’s got a pretty moderate climate with quirky cafés plus coworking spaces all-around. Bars and restaurants all over are also a few of the reasons why it’s got such a budding digital monad scene.
| Pros | Cons |
| UNESCO World Heritage town | Can get cold at night |
| Proximity to Guatemala City and airport | Can get noisy on weekends and during festival seasons |
| Good workspaces for digital nomads |
Coworking in Antigua
This coworking hub is in the city and is only a few blocks away from Central Park.
It’s got a spacious courtyard and roof terrace, and with a diverse and multicultural vibe, it’s one of the most popular spots in the country.
Lake Atitlan
Located in the Guatemalan highlands, Lake Atitlan is known as the deepest lake in Central America. It’s surrounded by many villages and has since been a destination for digital nomads, well, for obvious reasons.
The internet connection may be a bit spotty, so be sure to subscribe for your own Wi-Fi connection if you can.
| Pros | Cons |
| Beautiful charm | Can have limited internet access |
| Quieter than big cities | |
| Cheap |
Coworking in Lake Atitlan
Ways to find a place in the country
If you’re looking for a place to stay, you can go to hotels, hostels, Airbnb, and even live in co-living spaces that are abundant within its major cities.
Bookings.com still going to be a valuable tool for you as you find and book the best hotel and accommodation deals you can find for this awesome country. And, as always, there is a small couch surfing community in Guatemala.
Top hotels to stay in Guatemala for $30 upwards should be Barcelo Guatemala City, Grand Tikal Futura Hotel, Hotel Clarion Suites Guatemala, Holiday Inn Guatemala and IHG Hotel, and AC Hotels by Marriott Guatemala City.
Where can you meet other digital nomads in Guatemala?
There are many ways to meet like-minded people in Guatemala, expand your social circle, share information, and find people to travel with! Some of the most popular options include:
- Working in Coworking spaces
- Facebook groups such as Guatemala Digital Nomads and Digital Nomads
- At the bar- old school!
- Through Meetup.com/guatemala.
Diverse and Delicious Food in Guatemala
Guatemala’s diverse food is heavily influenced by indigenous Mayan traditions and colonial inputs, all made from local ingredients.
Most dishes are made with indigenous staples such as maize and beans and are combined with Spanish-inspired dishes along with beautiful tropical fruits.
Some of the must-try dishes include:
- Pepián: A hearty stew made with local meat, vegetables, and spices. It is often considered Guatemala’s national dish.
- Kaq’ik: This meal is the best representative of the country’s Mayan traditions. Kaq’ik is a turkey soup infused with achiote and chili.
- Rellenitos: A local sweet treat of plantain patties stuffed with black beans and fried until golden, topped with powdered sugar.
- Tamales: Another staple in Guatemalan cuisine. Tamales consist of masa (or corn dough) filled with various ingredients. They are then steamed in banana leaves.
Guatemala’s Endless Entertainment Options
There are many options to immerse yourself in Guatemala’s rich cultural and natural wonders.
From the tranquil shores of its Pacific and Caribbean beaches to the vibrant rhythms of its nightlife, you’ll never be bored in Guatemala!
Some of our favorite options include:
- Golden beaches and clear waters, especially Monterrico
- Trendy bars
- Clubs with salsa dancing
- Tikal National Park
- Kite festivals in Santiago Sacatepéquez.
How safe is Guatemala for digital nomads?
Safety is a big concern for digital nomads and travelers alike. The country has experienced issues such as robbery, assault, and theft, particularly in urban areas.
However, most of the major crimes are linked to gang-related activities, drug trafficking, and other organized crime.
The most worrying safety concern for digital nomads is property crimes such as burglary and theft. Nomads should be vigilant and take precautions to safeguard their belongings and should consider content insurance.
According to their government website, the most common crimes are extortion and theft. However, with the right precautions, most people live happily.
Health and medical considerations
When you move to a new country, it is important to keep your healthcare options in mind.
Guatemala’s health has both public and private services. In urban areas like Guatemala City and Antigua, there are modern hospitals and clinics with fully trained medical professionals.
In smaller, more rural areas, there may be limited availability of healthcare services.
It is best to invest in comprehensive healthcare coverage such as emergency medical services, hospitalization, and medical evacuations.
Vaccinations we recommend:
- MMR
- DTP
- Polio
- Hepatitis A
- Typhoid
- Yellow fever
- Rabies
- Malaria.
Conclusion
Deciding where to stay for your digital nomad adventure is one of the most exciting parts of the journey!
We hope you consider Guatemala as one of your must-see spots. Its beauty, charm, and rich culture will make you fall head over heels!
Plus, your bank account will have a much-deserved break! The country is cheap to live in and offers an easy-to-acquire 90-day visa.
We recommend Antigua as our must-stay city in Guatemala. With all the perks of a bigger city without the hectic environment, you’ll adore the beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage town.
If you do decide to come to Antigua or Guatemala in general, we recommend budgeting around $1,500 – $2,300 each month for living costs. This should even leave you with enough cash to enjoy the bustling social scene!
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