Guatemala's main international gateway is La Aurora International Airport (GUA) in Guatemala City, about 6 km from the city center. From there it is roughly 45 minutes by shuttle to Antigua. The smaller Mundo Maya International Airport (FRS) near Santa Elena/Flores serves travelers heading directly to Tikal and the Petén jungle.
By air
Most international flights arrive at La Aurora. Direct routes from the United States include Miami, Atlanta, Houston, Dallas/Fort Worth, New York/Newark, Los Angeles, and Charlotte, served by American Airlines, United, Delta, Copa, and Avianca. From Europe, only Madrid has a direct connection (Iberia); other European travelers connect through Miami or Bogotá. From Central America, Copa and Avianca connect Guatemala City to San José, Managua, Panama City, and other hubs.
For Tikal, domestic flights from Guatemala City to Flores (FRS) run several times daily and take about an hour — far preferable to the 8-hour overland trip.
By bus
International coaches connect Guatemala City with Mexico (via Tapachula and Comitán), Belize City, San Salvador, Managua, San José, and Panama City. Tica Bus and other operators run comfortable long-distance services, though border crossings can be slow. Budget on an extra hour or two at any border.
Local "chicken buses" (brightly painted former US school buses) cross land borders with Mexico and El Salvador, but they are not recommended for these longer routes.
By sea
Cruise ships call at the Pacific coast port of Puerto Quetzal and the Caribbean port of Puerto Santo Tomás de Castilla. Water taxis connect Livingston on the Guatemalan Caribbean coast with Punta Gorda in Belize.
Entry requirements
Citizens of the US, Canada, EU, UK, and most other Western countries do not need a visa. Stays are automatically granted for up to 90 days. All travelers must complete an electronic immigration and customs declaration before arrival. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure date.