Guatemala is rising in prominence as a travel destination thanks to its rich Mayan heritage, lush landscapes and adventure-travel appeal.
In 2024, Guatemala welcomed over 3 million international tourists, marking a 15 % increase compared to 2023.
The country’s tourism industry also generated more than USD 2 billion in receipts, as the government launches global promotional efforts and new flight connections.
Key stats: Guatemala Tourism
- Over 3 million international visitors in 2024 — Guatemala hit a major milestone as arrivals surged by ~15%.
- In the first half of 2025, tourism remained strong with 1.61 million visitors (+8%) compared to the same period in 2024.
- Tourism receipts in 2023 reached about US $1.35 billion, making up around 3% of national GDP — underlining the sector’s growing economic significance.
- Visitors in 2023 spent on average US $101.87 per day, highlighting rising value per traveller.
- Back in 2022, arrivals were still at ~1.49 million, showing how much the market has accelerated.
How Many Tourists Visit Guatemala Each Year?
The official data show that Guatemala had approximately 3.0 million international tourist arrivals in 2024, up from around 2.6 million in 2023.
Domestic tourism remains significant, and total travel & tourism contributions to GDP are estimated at USD 6.1 billion in 2024 (an 11 % increase from 2019) according to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).
How Much Do Visitors Spend in Guatemala?
Visitor spending in Guatemala is poised for growth. International visitor receipts are projected to increase from USD 1.5 billion in 2019 to USD 2.6 billion by 2035, representing a 72 % rise. Annual growth in spending is forecast at about 4.1 %.
In 2024 domestic tourism accounted for about 66 % of total tourism spending, while international visitors contributed 34 %.
Which Countries Visit Guatemala the Most?
Guatemala’s tourism is heavily regional, with major source markets being neighboring Central American nations and increasing volume from North America. In the first half of 2025 the country registered 1,610,904 international visitors, an 8 % increase compared to the same period in 2024. Key markets included the United States (~0.73 million), El Salvador (~0.73 million) and Honduras (~0.112 million). European arrivals were still modest (France ~14,000, Germany ~13,700).
What Are the Most Visited Attractions in Guatemala?
Guatemala’s attractions blend nature, culture and heritage. Some of the leading destinations include:
| Attraction | Region | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Tikal | Petén | Ancient Maya city, UNESCO site |
| Lake Atitlán | Highlands | Scenic lake surrounded by volcanoes |
| Antigua Guatemala | Central Highlands | Colonial architecture, UNESCO heritage |
| Pacaya Volcano | Near Guatemala City | Active volcano hikes |
| Maya Biosphere Reserve / El Mirador | Petén | Jungle archaeology & eco-tourism |
When Is the Best Time to Visit Guatemala?
The dry season (November to April) is generally the best time to visit for hiking, cultural tours and outdoor activities. The wet season (May to October) brings lush scenery but also more rain and higher river levels. Some of the visitor growth is now seen in shoulder-months as Guatemala promotes year-round access.
How Much Money Does Guatemala Make From Tourism?
According to WTTC, the travel & tourism sector in Guatemala supports over 541,000 jobs in 2024, up 33 % from 2019, and the industry generated about USD 1.2 billion in taxes in 2023 (around 10 % of government revenue).
FAQ – Guatemala Tourism Insights
How many tourists visit Guatemala each year?
In 2024 Guatemala welcomed about 3 million international visitors, marking a significant growth from the previous year.
What is Guatemala’s most visited attraction?
One of the most visited and iconic sites is Tikal, the ancient Maya city in the Petén region.
When is the best time to visit Guatemala?
The dry season (November to April) is the ideal period for travel in Guatemala due to better weather and more accessible outdoor activities.
Which countries send the most tourists to Guatemala?
The largest inbound markets include the United States and El Salvador, with growing interest from North America and Central America in general.
How much money does tourism make for Guatemala?
Tourism spending in Guatemala is expected to reach over USD 2.6 billion by 2035, with around USD 1.5 billion recorded in 2019 and significant job support (541,000 jobs in 2024).
Sources
- TourismAnalytics — Guatemala tourism performance statistics 2023-2025 (overview)
- Vinetur — Guatemala welcomed over 3 million visitors (+15 %)
- TravelMole — Guatemala: 1.61 million international visitors (+8 %)
- WTTC — Guatemala tourism spending projected to rise 72 % to USD 2.6 billion by 2035
- BreakingTravelNews — Guatemala unveils global strategy to attract international tourists
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