Culture, Customs and Etiquette in Guatemala: A Traveler's Guide

A land of living Maya culture

Guatemala is the heart of the Maya world, and its traditions are not museum pieces but daily life. More than 20 Indigenous languages are spoken alongside Spanish, and in highland towns like Chichicastenango, Sololá and Todos Santos you will see hand-woven huipiles and cortes whose patterns identify a wearer's home village.

Greetings and social etiquette

Guatemalans are warm but formal with strangers. A handshake is standard; once friendly, women often greet with a single kiss on the cheek.

• Use usted with elders and people you have just met; switch to tú only when invited.
• Address people as Don or Doña plus their first name as a sign of respect.
• Greet everyone in a room individually with buenos días or buenas tardes.
• Punctuality is relaxed socially, but be on time for business and tours.

Dos and donts

• Do ask permission before photographing people, especially Maya women and children; many will request a few quetzales.
• Do dress modestly when visiting churches and villages.
• Dont discuss the 1960 to 1996 civil war casually; it remains a painful subject.
• Dont point with a finger; gesture with your whole hand or lips, as locals do.
• Do remove hats inside churches and respect Maya ceremonies at sites like Pascual Abaj.

Tipping norms

Tipping is appreciated but modest.

• Restaurants: a 10 percent service charge is often included; if not, leave around 10 percent.
• Hotel porters and housekeeping: 5 to 10 quetzales.
• Guides: 50 to 100 quetzales per day for a good private guide; tip shuttle drivers a few quetzales.
• Taxis are not tipped, but round up the fare.

Markets, food and bargaining

Gentle haggling is expected in craft markets but never aggressive. At a comedor try pepián, kak'ik or a chuchito. Saying provecho to fellow diners is a kind touch. Sundays in Chichicastenango bring one of Latin America's most famous markets.

Religion and festivals

Catholicism blends with Maya spirituality. During Semana Santa in Antigua, residents create vast sawdust carpets called alfombras; never step on them. On November 1, giant kites fly over Sumpango for the Day of the Dead.

Stay connected in Guatemala

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