Where is Guatemala Located?

by countryaah · Published December 10, 2020 · Updated May 30, 2025

Where is Guatemala located on the map? Guatemala is an independent nation located in North America. Check out the following images to see location of Guatemala on maps.

Guatemala Location in World Map

Location Information of Guatemala

Guatemala is a country located in Central America, bordered by Mexico to the north and west, Belize to the east, Honduras to the southeast, and El Salvador to the south. It is a diverse country with rich cultural, historical, and natural landscapes, from its volcanic mountains to its tropical rainforests. The country’s geographical location and natural resources make it a key player in the region, with an economy largely driven by agriculture, tourism, and trade.

Latitude and Longitude

Guatemala is located between 13.5° N latitude and 90.25° W longitude. This positions the country in the tropics, which contributes to its warm and tropical climate. Its location also places it in close proximity to the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, making it a strategic location for international trade and tourism.

Capital City and Major Cities

Guatemala City (Capital City)

The capital city of Guatemala is Guatemala City (known locally as Ciudad de Guatemala), which serves as the political, cultural, and economic hub of the country. Guatemala City is located in the central highlands of the country, at an elevation of about 1,500 meters (4,920 feet) above sea level. The city has a population of around 2.5 million people, making it the largest city in Central America.

Historical Significance: The city was founded in 1776 and became the capital of the Captaincy General of Guatemala under Spanish rule. The city’s old town still features remnants of colonial architecture, with notable landmarks such as the Plaza Mayor, National Palace, and the Metropolitan Cathedral.
Modern Development: Today, Guatemala City is a bustling metropolis with a wide array of shopping centers, restaurants, and cultural institutions. The National Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology and the Popol Vuh Museum house some of the country’s most important artifacts from its Mayan past.
Transport Hub: The city is also home to La Aurora International Airport, which serves as the main international gateway to Guatemala. It is the primary entry point for tourists and business travelers alike.

Other Major Cities

Antigua Guatemala: Located approximately 45 kilometers (28 miles) west of Guatemala City, Antigua is one of the most famous cities in the country due to its historical and architectural significance. It was once the capital of Guatemala during Spanish colonial times, but after a series of earthquakes in the 18th century, the capital was moved to Guatemala City. Today, Antigua is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its colonial buildings, cobblestone streets, and vibrant cultural scene. Key attractions include La Merced Church, Santa Catalina Arch, and the Central Park.
Quetzaltenango: Often referred to as Xela, Quetzaltenango is the second-largest city in Guatemala, located in the western highlands. With a population of around 150,000, it is known for its indigenous culture, its proximity to volcanoes such as Volcán Santa María, and its historical significance as a center of trade and politics. Xela is also an important hub for education, with numerous language schools offering courses in Spanish and Mayan languages.
Escuintla: Situated on the Pacific coast, Escuintla is one of Guatemala’s key agricultural centers, with large production of sugar, coffee, and bananas. The city is also a gateway to several volcanic areas and is a popular stop for travelers heading to Pacaya Volcano, one of the most active volcanoes in Central America.
Flores: Located in the Petén region in the northern part of the country, Flores is a small but significant city, known as the gateway to the Tikal archaeological site. It is an island city situated on Lake Petén Itzá and offers stunning views and a relaxed atmosphere.
Puerto Barrios: A port city on the Caribbean coast of Guatemala, Puerto Barrios serves as an entry point for trade with the Caribbean region. It is near Izabal, a large lake in the region, and offers access to the Rio Dulce, a river that connects to the Caribbean.

Time Zone

Guatemala operates in the Central Standard Time (CST) zone, which is UTC -6:00. The country does not observe Daylight Saving Time, meaning the time remains consistent throughout the year. This time zone is shared by several other countries in Central America, including Honduras, El Salvador, and Belize.

Climate

Guatemala experiences a variety of climates due to its diverse geography, ranging from tropical on the coasts to temperate and cooler in the highlands. The country’s climate is mainly classified as tropical in the lowlands and temperate in the highlands. There are two distinct seasons: the rainy season and the dry season.

Wet Season (May to October)

The wet season in Guatemala lasts from May to October, with the heaviest rains typically falling in June, July, and August. The rains are particularly intense on the Caribbean coast and in the Petén jungle region. The highlands also experience frequent afternoon thunderstorms, but the rain tends to be less persistent than in the lowlands.

Dry Season (November to April)

The dry season runs from November to April, with the months of December to March being the driest. The weather is generally sunny, with cooler temperatures in the highlands and warmer conditions in the lowlands. In coastal regions, particularly on the Pacific side, temperatures can rise to over 30°C (86°F), while in the highlands, temperatures may drop to as low as 10°C (50°F) in the evening, especially at higher altitudes.

Economic Status

Guatemala’s economy is one of the largest in Central America, driven by agriculture, services, manufacturing, and remittances from Guatemalan nationals abroad, particularly in the United States.

Agriculture

Agriculture remains the backbone of the Guatemalan economy, employing a significant portion of the population. The country is one of the top producers of coffee (its primary export), bananas, sugar, vegetables, and flowers. It is also a key exporter of cardamom and rubber. However, small-scale agriculture often struggles due to limited access to technology, infrastructure, and financing.

Services and Industry

The service sector, particularly tourism, has become increasingly important to the Guatemalan economy, contributing significantly to GDP. The country’s rich cultural heritage, with remnants of the ancient Mayan civilization and vibrant colonial cities like Antigua, attracts tourists from around the world. The growing tourism sector includes visits to historical sites, national parks, and eco-tourism locations.

The manufacturing sector in Guatemala is diversified, with textiles, chemicals, food processing, and construction materials playing a key role. The country is also a hub for the free trade zone industry, where assembly and manufacturing for export are common.

Remittances

A large portion of Guatemala’s economy is supported by remittances from Guatemalans living abroad, especially in the United States. These remittances represent a significant percentage of the country’s GDP and contribute to family income and consumption.

Challenges

Despite economic growth, Guatemala faces significant challenges such as poverty, income inequality, corruption, and lack of infrastructure in rural areas. These issues hinder overall development and exacerbate inequality, particularly among the indigenous populations and rural communities.

Tourist Attractions

Guatemala is known for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and unique cultural experiences. Its primary attractions draw visitors to its ancient Mayan ruins, volcanic landscapes, and colonial towns.

Tikal National Park

Located in the Petén region, Tikal is one of the most famous and expansive ancient Mayan cities, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The ruins are set amidst a lush rainforest filled with wildlife such as howler monkeys, toucans, and jaguars. The park is home to impressive pyramids, including Temple I and Temple II, which rise above the jungle canopy.

Lake Atitlán

Lake Atitlán is often considered one of the most beautiful lakes in the world, surrounded by towering volcanoes and picturesque villages. It is located in the highlands of Guatemala, and its serene waters are perfect for boat tours. The towns around the lake, including Panajachel, San Pedro La Laguna, and Santiago Atitlán, offer cultural experiences, hiking opportunities, and vibrant markets.

Antigua Guatemala

Antigua, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a well-preserved colonial town with cobblestone streets, churches, and historic architecture. Visitors can explore sites such as the Santa Catalina Arch, La Merced Church, and the ruins of the Cathedral of Santiago. Antigua is also a base for volcano hikes, including Pacaya and Acatenango.

Volcán Pacaya

One of Guatemala’s most active volcanoes, Pacaya is a popular hiking destination. Visitors can walk up the volcano’s slopes and observe the flowing lava or view the expansive crater.

Visa Requirements for U.S. Citizens

U.S. citizens do not need a visa for tourism or business trips to Guatemala for stays of up to 90 days. Travelers must have a passport valid for at least six months from the date of arrival. If U.S. citizens wish to stay longer than 90 days, they must apply for a residency visa or extension.

Entry Requirements

Passport: U.S. citizens must present a valid passport.
Return Ticket: Proof of onward or return travel is required.
Yellow Fever Vaccination: If traveling from a country where yellow fever is present, a vaccination certificate is necessary.

Distance to New York City and Los Angeles

New York City to Guatemala City: The distance from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to La Aurora International Airport (GUA) in Guatemala City is approximately 2,400 miles (3,860 kilometers). The flight typically takes around 4.5 to 5 hours.
Los Angeles to Guatemala City: The distance from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to La Aurora International Airport (GUA) is approximately 2,100 miles (3,380 kilometers). The flight duration is usually around 4.5 to 5 hours.

Guatemala Facts

Size	108,889 km²
Residents	17.24 million
Languages	Spanish (official language), also 53 indigenous languages
Capital	Guatemala City
Longest river	Río Motagua (486 km)
Highest mountain	Tajumulco (4,220 m)
Currency	Quetzal