Walking Around Town – When exploring Guatemala’s colorful towns and cities, casual but well-composed outfits are your best bet. The locals always dress nicely, so you should do your best to look put together as well. Comfortable shoes are ideal because the streets are often dirt or cobblestone. If you’re planning to visit religious sites, take care to dress conservatively — skirts to the knee for women, and shoulders covered. A pashmina comes in handy for transforming a sleeveless outfit into a conservative one.
Hikes & Ruins – Guatemala is famous for the Mayan ruin at Tikal. This extraordinary archaeological site features numerous ancient structures which jut out from the top of the jungle canopy. You will spend much of the day in the direct sunlight while visiting Tikal, and you will do lots of walking (and climbing of ruins). Be sure to wear lightweight clothing, and take a daypack equipped with a water bottle and extra sunscreen. Secure sandals or running shoes will keep your feet comfortable as you walk around all day. The same attire is fitting for volcano hikes.
Semuc Champey – This famous national park in Guatemala’s mountains consists of a renowned limestone bridge dotted with crystalline pools with delightfully refreshing water. Underneath the bridge is an underground river and plenty of caves to explore. You’ll want to wear water shoes, a swimsuit, and synthetic clothing for your day at Semuc Champey, as you’ll be in and out of the water a lot. A waterproof camera is ideal for helping you capture the experience.
Chichicastenango Market – Every Sunday and Thursday people from the surrounding area gather in the town of Chichicastenango and hold a massive market. You buy everything from textiles to leather goods, and, of course, food. When browsing the market women should carry a small, crossbody purse on the front of their body, as crowds are a feeding ground for pickpockets. Sensible shoes are also in order, to protect your feet from being trampled by strangers. If you take a daypack to carry your purchases home, be sure to keep your money in an inside pocket.
