Major city · Guatemala
Chimaltenango
Spend a half‑day in Chimaltenango as a transit hub; use it for day trips to Iximche, Acatenango or Pacaya, then continue onward.
Chimaltenango is a mid‑size town of about 100 000 people in Guatemala's Central Highlands. It has few attractions itself but offers cheap bus links and several budget hotels, making it a practical stop for day trips to nearby volcanoes and the Iximche ruins. One morning or afternoon is enough before moving on.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- GTQ
- Best months
- Nov–Apr (dry season, cooler temps)
- avoid May–Oct (rainy season, road landslides)
- Airport
- GUA
- Nights
- 0.5
Not a trip line yet
Rules in force · 6Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua (CA-4) giv…
- Central America ↗Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua (CA-4) give one shared entry allowance, usually 90 days in total; leaving for Belize, Costa Rica or Mexico and coming back does not always reset it — check with immigration before a long stay.
- Central America ↗Cross land borders in daylight and early in the day; many posts close or empty of transport by late afternoon, and the approaches are where robberies happen.
- Central America ↗Several borders charge entry, exit or municipal fees in US dollars (Belize exit, Nicaragua entry and exit, Honduras entry); carry small, clean US notes and ask for a receipt.
- Guatemala ↗Check entry rules for your passport with Guatemala's Migration Institute or a Guatemalan consulate. Guatemala shares a Central America border agreement (CA-4) with El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua, so your permitted stay may count across all four.
- Guatemala ↗Hike volcanoes (Acatenango, Pacaya) only with registered guides and check eruption alerts; Fuego is highly active.
- Guatemala ↗Avoid public chicken buses between cities: they are frequent targets of robbery. Use tourist shuttles or private transport.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Chimaltenango110 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Chimaltenango, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Guatemalan quetzal (GTQ, Q).Guatemala-wide
- SIM or eSIMTigo and Claro sell SIMs at the airport and shops; bring your passport.Guatemala-wide
- Tap waterNot drinkable from the tap; refill stations in Antigua and lake hotels.Guatemala-wide
- TippingcheckRestaurants: 10% — check if 'propina' is already on the bill.Guatemala-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Guatemala-wide
- SafetyGenerally safe for daytime travel; stay alert on poorly lit streets after dark and keep valuables secure on buses.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsPaper in the bin; public toilets charge Q1–5.Guatemala-wide
- Emergency numbers110 police · 122 fire and ambulance · 1500 Tourist assistance (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysAntigua's streets close for processions on Lenten Sundays and Semana Santa; museums may close on Mondays.Guatemala-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportGUA La Aurora International Airport (Main international gateway; about 45 km (28 mi) north, 1 h drive to Chimaltenango).GUA La Aurora International Airport (Main international gateway; about 28 mi (45 km) north, 1 h drive to Chimaltenango).
- Getting aroundChicken buses are the cheapest option; they depart from Guatemala City’s Trebol hub at least twice daily, 1 h ride, Q15.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi from market to town centreQ20–30
- Metro or bus rideChicken bus fare (city‑to‑city)Q15
- Museum or sight ticketIximche entryQ50
- Budget bedDormitory bed, a night, per personGTQ 80
- Mid-range bedDouble room, a night, per roomGTQ 350
- High-end bedDouble room, a night, per roomGTQ 500
A day, not counting the bed: Budget GTQ 120 · Mid GTQ 250 · High GTQ 400
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- GUA La Aurora International Airport (Main international gateway; about 45 km (28 mi) north, 1 h drive to Chimaltenango)GUA La Aurora International Airport (Main international gateway; about 28 mi (45 km) north, 1 h drive to Chimaltenango)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Feb
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Mar
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Apr
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
May
Avoid
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Jun
Avoid
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Jul
Avoid
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Aug
Avoid
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Sep
Avoid
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Oct
Avoid
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Nov
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Dec
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Best: Nov–Apr. Avoid: May–Oct. Month by month →
Warmest May (28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)), coolest Jan (12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C) low), wettest Jul (15 rain days), driest Jan (5). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Chimaltenango: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
5 rd
Feb
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
5 rd
Mar
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
6 rd
Apr
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
7 rd
May
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
12 rd
Jun
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
14 rd
Jul
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
15 rd
Aug
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
15 rd
Sep
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
13 rd
Oct
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
8 rd
Nov
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
6 rd
Dec
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
5 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Chicken buses are the cheapest option; they depart from Guatemala City’s Trebol hub at least twice daily, 1 h ride, Q15. Taxis from the market cost ~Q100 for the 30‑min city‑to‑city trip.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Iximche ruins
goDoor to door: ≈45 min round trip
Taxi from town, ~30 min
Entry Q50 per adult, open 08:00–16:00.Entry Q50 per adult, open 8:00 AM–4:00 PM.
Acatenango volcano
goDoor to door: ≈6 h (full day)
Guided tour from Chimaltenango, bus + hike
Overnight hike possible; check tour operator schedule.
Pacaya volcano
goDoor to door: ≈5 h
Guided tour, bus from town
Popular for night‑time lava viewing; bring warm clothes.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Finca la Loma
Rural guest ranch, cabins and rooms, on‑site restaurant.
La Mansion de las Cascadas
Small downtown hotel, Q255 per night.
Hotel Santa Emilia
Moderate hotel, Q400 per night, seasonal pool.
Bosque Macadamia
Mountain retreat, Q660 per night, limited road access.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- Q150–250 excl. bed
- Mid
- Q250–450 excl. bed
Trip budget
| Dormitory bed1 × 1 night × GTQ 80 | GTQ 80 |
| Food, local transport, entries1 × 1 day × GTQ 120 | GTQ 120 |
| Chicken bus Guatemala City → Chimaltenango (one way)1 × GTQ 15 · check | GTQ 15 |
| Taxi to Iximche (round trip)1 × GTQ 50 · check | GTQ 50 |
| Volcano tour (Acatenango or Pacaya)1 × GTQ 120 · check | GTQ 120 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | GTQ 39 |
| Trip total≈ GTQ 424 per person per day, bed included | GTQ 424 |
2026 estimate; flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Chicken bus fare (city‑to‑city) | Q15 |
| Taxi from market to town centre | Q20–30 |
| Meal at local restaurant | Q30–60 |
| Iximche entry | Q50 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Bus departure points in Guatemala City are informal; ask locals for exact pick‑up location.
- Roads to volcanoes can be affected by landslides in the rainy season – check conditions before travel.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 110
- Fire and ambulance
- 122
- Tourist assistance
- 1500
Pocket card
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ChimaltenangoChimaltenango
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
A esta dirección, por favorTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police110
- Fire and ambulance122
- Tourist assistance1500
Embassy
US consulate in Guatemala City; other embassies in Guatemala City.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Guatemala City → Chimaltenango (chicken bus): about Q15, 1 h (check)
- Taxi to Iximche: about Q50 round trip (check)
Say or show
- Disculpe — Excuse me / Sorry (dis‑koo‑lpe)
- Gracias — Thank you (grah‑see‑as)
- ¿Cuánto cuesta? — How much is it? (kwan‑toh kwes‑ta)
- ¿Dónde está el baño? — Where is the bathroom? (don‑deh es‑ta el ba‑nyo)
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Chimaltenango. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Nov–Apr (dry season, cooler temps) · avoid May–Oct (rainy season, road landslides) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 4 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 2 bands
- 3 day-trips, door to door
- 2 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Use Chimaltenango as a hub for volcano day trips before heading to Antigua or Lake Atitlán.
- Combine with a visit to Iximche for a cultural stop.
Sources
Ask about Chimaltenango
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