25 Top Tips for Driving in Guatemala Safely

If you’re planning on driving in Guatemala during your vacation, it’s important to be aware of the rules of the road and what to expect.

I spent over six weeks driving around Guatemala with my family on our Pan American Highway adventure through the Americas.

So I speak from experience when I say that the roads in Guatemala can be quite challenging. It’s important to be prepared.

In this blog post, I will discuss the top 25 tips for driving in Guatemala. Keep these tips in mind and you’ll be able to navigate the roads safely and enjoy your vacation!

Pro Tip: There are a lot of really cool things to do in Antigua, Guatemala!

Driving in Guatemala: Tips to Know

When driving in Guatemala, the most important thing to keep in mind is that the road rules are a bit different than in your home country. At times, navigating them can be a bit challenging.

There are a few things you can do to make the experience more enjoyable and safe:

1. Have a 4×4 or 4WD Vehicle

Rent or bring a car with four-wheel drive. This will give you more control over Guatemala’s often unpaved and pot-holed roads.

Only about half of the roads in the entire country are paved. While the paved roads are generally in pretty good condition, the unpaved roads may not be.

2. Toll Roads

Some of the highways are toll roads. The fees are not very expensive, but it’s important to be aware of this before you get on the road. Have some cash on hand.

They accept Quetzales only. The toll booths do not accept foreign currency (including USD) or credit cards.

They’ll turn you away if you can’t pay so you’ll have to find your own way around the toll road which will cause a significant delay.

3. Don’t Drive at Night

Drive during the day. It can be more difficult to navigate the roads at night, so it’s best to stick to driving during the daylight hours. Especially in more rural areas, there are no street lights.

People and animals walk on the road in the dark so you are likely to injure yourself, your car, and/or others if you drive outside the cities after sunset.

Be very aware of pedestrians and animals, even before sunset actually.

In Guatemala, it’s also not uncommon for people and animals to cross the road without looking. Even at night! Be sure to keep an eye out for them at all times.

4. Traffic Laws

Obey the traffic laws. This may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s important to remember that driving in Guatemala is not like driving in the United States or your home country.

The traffic laws are different, so it’s important to obey them. For example, in Guatemala, you must yield to oncoming traffic when turning left.

5. Beware the Tumalos

Watch out for speed bumps. While they are called topes in Mexico, speed bumps are called tulumos in Guatemala. And they are everywhere!

Tumalo means tomb or burial mound, which is ironic because that can be the size of the speed bumps! Plus they are often unmarked, so it’s important to be alert and drive cautiously.

6. Use your Horn

In Guatemala, it’s considered impolite not to honk your horn when driving. It’s a way to let other drivers know you are there and to be cautious.

Just use it more like a beep, though, instead of laying on it for several seconds. Then that’s considered rude.

A light honk as you pass someone on a highway is considered helpful so they know you are there.

7. Road Conditions

Be aware of road conditions. The roads in Guatemala can be in poor condition. Even the paved ones may not be well maintained.

During the rainy season in rural areas it can be impossible to do road maintenance until the dry season begins.

Be sure to take this into consideration when driving. If possible, avoid driving on unpaved roads when you can. They can be full of potholes and/or washed out from the rain.

In addition, the rain could have washed away sewer covers in the middle of the street. We watched it happen once in a heavy rainstorm. Always be aware of your surroundings when driving.

What side of the road do they drive on in Guatemala?

The Guatemala driving side is on the right side of the road, like the rest of North and Central America. This means that when driving on Guatemalan roads, you should stay to the right.

8. Mudslides and Washouts

Keep an eye out for mudslides and washouts. Guatemala is prone to them during the rainy season.

Both washouts and mudslides can happen without warning, so it’s important to be aware of the conditions.

If you see a mudslide, do not attempt to drive through it. The same goes for washouts. You just don’t know what is beneath all that water and mud.

Or if it’s even sturdy enough to support the weight of your vehicle. Turn around and find another route.

9. Paperwork

Have your paperwork in order. When driving in Guatemala, it’s important to have your driver’s license and registration with you.

If you are driving your own, foreign-plated vehicle in Guatemala, you must have your Temporary Import Permit (TIP) with you at all times in the vehicle when you’re driving.

The police may ask to see these documents, so it’s best to have them on hand. You do not need an international driving permit to drive in Guatemala. Nor do you need a Guatemala driver’s license.

Can I drive in Guatemala with US license?

Yes, you can drive in Guatemala with a US license. Guatemalan police officers may ask for additional documents such as a passport or local identification, so make sure you have those documents easily accessible.

10. Carry Cash

There are ample ATMs in touristy parts of Guatemala and Guatemala City. We also has no trouble using our credit card pretty much everywhere in Antigua and Guatemala City.

However, ATMs are not always around or reliable in rural areas. Even some of the towns further from the capital, like the Rio Dulce area and Flores, may have this issue. It’s best to carry cash with you in case you need it.

11. SIM Cards

Get a SIM card. This will allow you to use your phone for navigation and emergencies. Be sure to get an affordable data plan so you don’t have to worry about going over.

Even better, get a local SIM card for Guatemala when you arrive. Unlike in the US, cell phone data plans are cheap. You can get several GB of data for less than $10 per month.

Any tienda that has a Claro or Tigo sign will sell you a SIM card. All you need is your passport.

12. Download Offline Maps

This is a good idea in case you find yourself driving in an area with poor or no cell service.

Google Maps allows you to download maps for offline use, which can be very helpful. We have used their offline maps several times.

In Guatemala City, use Waze. The notifications about Guatemala City traffic reroutes and police ahead come in very handy when you’re navigating the confusing city streets.

13. Plan Your Route

Before Guatemala driving, it’s a good idea to plan your route and make sure you know where you’re going. This is especially important if you’re driving in a rural area where there are no street signs or addresses.

Even if you have cellular reception when you leave for your destination, you may lose it along the way. Having a general idea of your path will alleviate a lot of stress.

14. Check Your Gas Tank Regularly

Check your gas tank each time you get in your vehicle. Be sure to fill up your gas tank before driving long distances in Guatemala. There are usually gas stations at regular intervals along the highways.

However, they may be few and far between in more rural areas. When you find one, it may not be open or it may be sold out. We always keep our gas tank at least half full, just in case.

15. Prepare for Delays

In Guatemala, it’s not uncommon for driving delays to occur. This could be due to road conditions, traffic, or even an animal crossing the road.

When we entered Guatemala City, we had almost a two-hour delay because part of the highway, not far from the Pacaya volcano, just outside the city limits collapsed into a sinkhole earlier that day.

Be prepared for these delays by allowing extra time in your schedule.

16. Checkpoints

Stop for checkpoints whenever you see one. There may be military checkpoints along the highways in Guatemala or on rural roads.

We experienced one just past the border crossing between Mexico and Guatemala on CA-1 (the Pan American Highway).

It’s best to just stop and show your documents when they ask. They may want to see your driver’s license and registration. You don’t need proof of car insurance Guatemala.

If you’re driving your own car, they will ask to see your temporary import permit (TIP).

If you’re driving a rental car, they will need to see your rental car agreement. Sometimes they’ll just wave you through without even asking for anything.

17. Parking Security

Prioritize paid, secure parking whenever possible. When driving in Guatemala, it’s best to park in paid, secure parking whenever possible. This will help protect your car from theft and vandalism.

We always make sure to park in a garage or lot with security guards when we’re visiting cities.

In more rural areas, we try to find a hotel or guesthouse with secure parking. When that’s not possible, we make sure to park in a well-lit area.

18. Valuables

Do not leave valuables in your car. This is just asking for trouble. If you must leave something in your car, hide it out of sight and try to secure it so it can’t be easily stolen.

We travel with a dark blanket to put over items we have to leave in the trunk of our SUV. In addition, we use a windshield screen to protect our car from the sun.

It doubles as a theft deterrent because opportunists have a harder time seeing in our windows. Everything but the windshield is tinted on our vehicle.

19. Gas Stations

Don’t pump your own gas. Wait for a gas attendant at the gas stations. And before they start pumping, check for the amount to be zeroed out.

It should be zeroed automatically, but we discovered this was a scam in Mexico so we now always check everywhere we go.

We always give the gas attendant a small tip (Q.5-Q.10 is about $0.65-$1.30 USD) for their services. They don’t make much and it is greatly appreciated.

20. Doors and Windows

Keep your doors locked and windows up while driving. This is just a good safety measure to take, regardless of where you’re driving.

Never leave your windows down in slow traffic. We were warned about this in Mexico City by our Uber driver.

It’s a common scam in Mexico and Central America for thieves to come up to a rolled-down window in slow traffic and grab your phone, day bag, or other small items.

The thief may be on foot or on a motorcycle so they can escape quickly and easily before you can try to follow them.

21. Car Tools

Have a spare tire and some tools in your car. This is just a good precaution to take, especially when driving in more remote areas. We keep a spare tire, jack, and lug wrench in our SUV at all times.

We also have a battery jumper with cables as well as a small bag with some basic tools, including a flashlight, multi-tool, and first-aid kit.

22. Stay Off Your Phone

Don’t use your phone while driving. This is a good rule to follow anywhere, but it’s especially important in Guatemala. We’ve seen so many people driving while using their phones and it’s just not safe.

Once we even saw a guy driving his motorcycle on the highway WHILE TEXTING!

Don’t be like that guy. If you need to use your phone, pull over to the side of the road in a safe spot first.

23. Understand Local Customs

The local drivers do not always conform to the normal rules of the road. They may go far too fast for the condition of the road.

They might not use turn signals and they may not always stop at red lights or stop signs.

In Guatemala City especially, stop signs certainly seem to be optional. It was weird to think that stop=yield but that’s how they roll there (literally!).

24. Don’t Drive Under the Influence

There are harsh penalties for drunk driving and being in possession of illegal drugs in Guatemala. If you’re caught driving under the influence, you will be taken to jail and your driver’s license will be confiscated.

The same goes for being caught in possession of drugs. It’s just not worth it.

25. Handling an Accident

Accidents happen at the most inconvenient times. Foreign drivers should be more cautious since some local drivers flout the rules casually and you don’t want to get caught up in an issue that may jeopardize your travel plans.

Safety Note: The emergency phone numbers in Guatemala are 110 or 120.

Do not try to flee from the accident if you get involved in one. It is best to wait for the police or an insurance company representative to arrive and investigate.

Some collisions might result in injuries or even death. People involved in the collision will be arrested until the authorities determine who is at fault if that happens.

Is Driving in Guatemala Safe?

Is it safe to drive in Guatemala? Well, if you have Google Guatemala, you may have read that you’ll be driving in Guatemala at your own risk. That’s not entirely accurate but it sort of is. What does this mean?

Guatemalan drivers tend to drive faster, regardless of the road type and how bad the traffic is.

Some tourists who tried commuting held their breaths while riding chicken buses. On the contrary, other tourists find it as part of their travel experience.

We have found a lot of similarities between driving in Guatemala and navigating traffic in the city of Chicago during rush hour.

Ultimately, while driving in Guatemala may not be for everyone, as long as you are aware of the risks and take some safety precautions, it can actually be a safe and fun experience.

Alternatives to Driving in Guatemala

Of course, driving in Guatemala is not the only way to get around. There are plenty of other options, including taking the bus, using Uber or taxis, and even renting a bicycle.

The bus system in Guatemala is extensive and relatively cheap. Buses are called chicken buses because you’ll quite literally see everything on them from luggage to chickens. They are all old, repainted school buses from the US.

You’ll see them everywhere you go in Guatemala. The chicken buses can be a bit confusing for foreigners to figure out.

The best way to find out which bus to take is to ask a local, who can tell you which bus line goes to your destination and when it leaves.

I don’t recommend taking them, though, because there has been a rash of thefts on them in recent years and they have become targets for robberies when traveling between cities over longer distances.

Uber is becoming increasingly popular in Guatemala, especially in Guatemala City and Antigua.

It’s a great option if you’re not comfortable driving yourself or if you want to avoid the traffic. Taxis are also widely available and are usually a bit cheaper than Uber.

👉 You can even hire a driver in Guatemala.

This is very popular with traveling families who don’t want to deal with car rental in Guatemala. It’s the best way to get you, your kids, and all your stuff to your destination with the minimum amount of hassle. It’s also the most expensive.

Renting a bicycle is a great option if you’re staying in a small town or if you want to get some exercise.

Just be sure to wear a helmet and obey the Guatemala traffic laws. And lock up the bike when not in use. Otherwise, you won’t have a bike to return when you’re done.

Driving in Guatemala with a Rental Car

If you do decide to rent a car, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, driving in Guatemala is not for everyone.

Second, be sure to research the car rental company thoroughly before booking. Choose a well-known rental car company because the lesser known ones sometimes get a bad reputation for improperly maintaining their fleet.

👉 I recommend using Discover Cars for renting a car on your trip!

Avis, Budget, Hertz, National, Thrifty, and Tabarini all operate in Guatemala. Read reviews and make sure they have a good reputation.

Third, it’s not required but always get Guatemala car insurance when renting a car. I cannot stress this enough. Accidents happen, even to the best drivers. And if you’re involved in an accident, you will be glad you have insurance.

Pro Tip: Keep your rental car agreement with you at all times while driving. You’ll need to show it if you get stopped or pass a checkpoint.

Fourth, make sure you understand the contract before signing it. Ask about things like mileage limits, drop-off charges, and fuel policies. You don’t want any surprises when it comes time to return the car.

While you must be 18 years old to drive in Guatemala, there are separate rules for renting cars and driving on highways.

You must be at least 21 years old to rent a car in Guatemala and 25 years old to drive on the highways.

Finally, have all of your documents in order before driving off. You will need your driver’s license, passport, and rental car contract.

The rental car company will also need to see proof of insurance. You can also buy insurance through the agency as part of your rental rate. That’s usually easier.

Is it safe to rent a car in Guatemala?

Yes, it is generally safe to rent a car in Guatemala. Most rental car companies will provide well-maintained vehicles with a necessary insurance policy.

However, the roads in Guatemala can be unpredictable and more challenging than those of many other countries. The real question you should consider is, “Should I rent a car in Guatemala?” It may be easier to use Uber in Guatemala or hire a shuttle.

To ensure safety when renting a car in Guatemala, you should always check the vehicle before signing any documents or taking possession of the keys. And follow all the safety tips I mention in this article.

👉 I recommend GetTransfers for booking transfer shuttles.

Driving in Guatemala with a Foreign Plated Vehicle

If you stumbled onto this post because you’re driving the Pan American Highway like us, then you may be driving to Guatemala in your own car, truck, SUV, or RV toward Costa Rica, Panama, or even South America!

While driving within the country essentially is the same as everything written above, there are some key things you’ll need to know when entering the country in a vehicle with license plates from another country.

Specifically, you’ll need to get a Temporary Import Permit (TIP) for your vehicle. You can do this at any Guatemalan border crossing. Just visit the Aduana after clearing Immigration.

Pro Tip: The Guatemala TIP fee for cars is currently 160Q ($20.75 USD) for a 90-day permit, payable in cash only.

Car insurance is not required in Guatemala for private, foreign-plated vehicles. You’ll also need to present your driver’s license, car registration, car title, and passport.

You will need double-sided copies of your driver’s license, car registration, and car title as well as your ID page and the exit stamp page of the country you’re departing (Belize, Honduras, Mexico, or El Salvador).

While you can do almost all of the copy preparations in advance, you’ll need to find a local copy shop to make that coveted exit stamp copy before heading to the Aduana.

The process should be quick and easy but there’s a lot of waiting in line for each step.

We were happy to start the exit process in Mexico and finish entering Guatemala within two hours. Other people take longer and some a bit less. You just never know. So don’t make too many plans on border crossing days.

Is it safe to drive through Guatemala?

Yes, it is generally safe to drive through Guatemala, but you should always exercise caution and common sense. We had no issues when we drove through Guatemala. People were friendly and helpful.

The country has seen a decrease in violent crime over the last decade, which has made it much more hospitable for travelers. However, certain regions may still be dangerous due to poor infrastructure and low levels of law enforcement.

It’s important to research specific routes before setting off and to respect local laws and customs while on the road.

Always plan ahead, be aware of your surroundings, and trust your instincts when driving through Guatemala.

What are the Travel Times For Driving in Guatemala?

Travel times vary depending on where you are going. Along well-traveled tourist routes, the Guatemala roads will be better and the travel will be smooth. In more rural areas, the roads may be worse and make the driving time take longer.

The speed limits are usually 50 km/h in cities and 80 km/h outside the cities. Sometimes if the highway is actually a two-lane road with semi trucks on it, then you won’t be able to go the posted 80 km/h.

The following lists general travel times between Guatemala City (aka Guatemala, Guatemala) and popular destinations:

🚙 Antigua (45 minutes)
🚙 Panajachel (2 hrs)
🚙 Chichicastenango (2.75 hrs)
🚙 Monterrico (2.5 hrs)
🚙 Quetzaltenango (3.5 hrs)
🚙 Coban (4.25 hrs)
🚙 Lanquin (5.75 hrs)
🚙 Flores (8.75 hrs)
🚙 Tikal Ruins (9.5 hrs).

The following lists the general travel times between Antigua and popular destinations:

🚙 Guatemala City (45 minutes)
🚙 Panajachel (2 hrs)
🚙 Chichicastenango (2.25 hrs)
🚙 Monterrico (1.5 hrs)
🚙 Quetzaltenango (2.25 hrs)
🚙 Coban (5 hrs)
🚙 Lanquin (6.5 hrs)
🚙 Flores (9.5 hrs)
🚙 Tikal Ruins (10 hrs).

The following lists general travel times between Panajachel, on Lake Aititlan, and popular destinations:

🚙 Chichicastenango (1.5 hours)
🚙 Quetzaltenango (2 hrs)
🚙 Guatemala City (2 hrs)
🚙 Antigua (2 hrs)
🚙 Monterrico (4.25 hrs)
🚙 Coban (6 hrs)
🚙 Lanquin (7.5 hrs)
🚙 Flores (11.25 hrs)
🚙 Tikal Ruins (12 hrs).

Asking for Directions When Driving in Guatemala

Pretty much every local in Guatemala speaks Spanish, as it’s the national language.

When the Spaniards took over the land, Guatemala has been dramatically influenced by their culture, and the Spanish language is one of the influences they broadly adopted.

When driving in Guatemala, your maps may stop working or be inaccurate. However, you can ask the residents or the police if you find one.

Guatemala has a cellular network service reaching most of the country’s cities and towns, and you can use Google for translations and direction tips.

To simplify it for you, though, here are some commonly asked questions by the tourists and the corresponding translation:

📣 Could you tell me where the bus station is?
Translation: Me podría decir dónde está la estación de buses?

📣 How do I get to the main road?
Translation: ¿Cómo llegó a la calle principal

📣 Could you help us locate where we are on the map?
Translation: Nos podrías ayudar a ubicarnos en el mapa?

📣 What is the quickest way to…
Translation: Cuál es la forma más rápida de llegar a…

📣 Could you tell me the way to go to…
Translation: Podría decirme cuál es la mejor manera de llegar a…

Is Guatemala safe?

Yes, Guatemala is generally safe. Especially if you stick to the more touristy areas, like Tikal and Antigua. In terms of overall crime rates, it has roughly the same rating as Chicago (my hometown).

However, it’s important to be aware of local conditions and take appropriate safety precautions to minimize any potential risk when traveling in any foreign country.

For example, avoid walking around after dark and don’t carry large amounts of cash or valuables with you.

Also, familiarize yourself with local customs to make sure you don’t inadvertently offend anyone or become a target for crime.

Can you drive to Guatemala from the US?

If you’re wondering “Can I drive to Guatemala” the answer is yes. You can drive to Guatemala from anywhere in North America or Central America. In fact, I did just that with my family!

It’s a long drive from the US – around 3,000 miles in total (depending on where you’re driving from) – but it is doable.

The main roads in Mexico and Guatemala are generally fairly well-maintained, especially the toll roads, and it’s a great way to get up close and personal with the landscape as you make your way down Central America.

You can even visit Belize along the way if you want some extra adventures! I highly recommend taking your time and stopping off at various points along the way if you have the opportunity.

How long does it take to drive to Guatemala?

I hate to say this but how long it takes to drive to Guatemala will depend on how many sightseeing stops you want to make on the way.

We entered Guatemala almost six months after leaving the US because we wanted to explore Mexico for a while.

If you drive straight from the US to the Guatemala border on the most direct route, from McAllen, TX to La Mesilla, Guatemala, then you can do it in about 23 hours.

Take it from me, you’ll miss a lot of amazing sights in Mexico if you do this drive that quickly.

Can you drink and drive in Guatemala?

Nope, you definitely should not drink and drive in Guatemala. Technically, the maximum allowed blood alcohol level is 80mg per 100ml of blood, which could result from just one drink for most folks.

So, my advice is to steer clear of drinking and driving all together in Guatemala. If you’re caught Guatemala drunk driving, the penalties can be quite stiff.

It’s better to be safe than sorry, right? No one wants to spend time in a Guatemalan jail!

Conclusion: Driving in Guatemala

Now that you know a little bit more about driving in Guatemala, you can make an informed decision about whether or not it’s right for you.

If you do decide to drive, then you’re in for a fun road trip Guatemala adventure!

Be sure to follow the tips in the guide above to ensure a safe and enjoyable Guatemala road trip.

Safe travels! 🚗

👉 While we have global health insurance for our day-to-day lives, we also elect travel insurance with SafetyWing for our spurts of fast travel adventure!