Guatemala boosts its appeal to travelers in 2025

Guatemala popularity is growing as the country experienced an 8% increase in visitor numbers in the first half of 2025.

Guatemala welcomed a total of 1,610,904 international visitors between January and June 2025, up 8% compared to the same period in 2024. From that number, 1.22 million were tourists spending at least one overnight. It represented also an increase of 7.01% compared to the first half of 2024.

Top inbound markets were El Salvador with 0.727 million travelers, followed by the USA with 0.733 million and Honduras with 0.112 million. Mexican tourists came in fourth position at 0.055 million, closely followed by Costa-Ricans at 0.053 million.

Europe generated during the first half of 2025 over 93,500 arrivals to Guatemala. With a surprise: France is the largest European inbound market at 14,038 arrivals followed by Germany at 13,739 and Spain at 12,394.

Better accessibility boosts arrivals

This figure confirms Guatemala’s growing appeal as one of the most popular and safest destinations in Central America.

Improved accessibility continues to play a key role in this dynamic. New air links are making it easier to connect the country with its main source markets. In April 2025, JetBlue launched a daily flight between Fort Lauderdale (FLL) and Guatemala City (GUA), complementing its existing route from New York (JFK).

In October, Air Canada will inaugurate a direct route between Montreal and Guatemala City, further facilitating access for Canadian travelers.

According to the Guatemalan Tourism Institute (INGUAT), this growth reflects the success of targeted initiatives. They include improved connectivity. But also the diversity of experiences on offer, which appeal to adventure, culture, and nature lovers.

“This remarkable growth perfectly illustrates Guatemala’s growing appeal as a world-class, safe, and welcoming destination,” said Harris Whitbeck, Guatemala’s Minister of Tourism and Director General of INGUAT.

“By strengthening our presence in strategic markets, developing direct connections, and sharing Guatemala’s unique history through international partnerships, we are achieving very encouraging results. This increase also reflects travelers’ growing confidence in our country as a safe, welcoming, and dynamic destination. We are on track for sustainable and promising tourism growth.”

Nature, history and gastronomy

Guatemala continues to attract visitors with its rich and diverse tourist attractions. The ancient Mayan city of Tikal, nestled in the jungle, offers a fascinating glimpse into pre-Columbian history. Lake Atitlán, surrounded by volcanoes and traditional indigenous villages, is famous for its colorful markets and handcrafted textiles. Waterfalls, tropical forests, and abundant wildlife also offer ideal opportunities for nature and tropical bird watching.

Antigua Guatemala is also renowned for its well-preserved colonial architecture, cobbled streets, and rich cultural heritage. Visitors can sample local coffee, visit historic churches, or participate in craft workshops such as weaving or pottery.

Guatemalan cuisine is also increasingly gaining traveler’s recognition. Traditional dishes such as pepian (spicy meat stew), tamales wrapped in banana leaves, and rellenitos (plantains stuffed with black beans) offer a taste of the country’s authentic culinary identity. Local markets are also popular for their artisanal chocolates.

To support this growth and facilitate the organization of trips, INGUAT has set up a WhatsApp helpline dedicated to travel. Visitors can send a message to +502 5188-1819, call 1500 (locally) or +502 2290-2810 (internationally).

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