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Guatemala has two international airports: La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City, and Mundo Maya International Airport in Santa Elena. La Aurora is the country's main airport, and the fourth biggest airport in Central America. It is easily accessible and has good Wi-Fi. However, travellers should be aware that illegal roadblocks frequently occur on the roads leading to the airport. Mundo Maya, on the other hand, only serves domestic flights and two international routes to Cancún and Mérida in Mexico. It is possible to arrive in Guatemala by cruise ship or by driving from a neighbouring country.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airport Name | La Aurora International Airport (GUA) |
| Location | Guatemala City |
| Airport Type | International |
| Airport Size | Fourth biggest airport in Central America |
| Airlines | Tag Airlines |
| Airport Safety | Safe |
| City Safety | Not generally considered safe for tourists |
| Transport to City | Shuttle, rental car, bus, taxi |
| Currency Exchange | Available at the airport, but may not get the best exchange rate |
| Immigration | QR code and passport required |
| Natural Disasters | Risk of tsunami and volcanic eruptions |
| Road Conditions | Illegal roadblocks and unsafe local buses |
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What You'll Learn
- La Aurora International Airport is the main airport in Guatemala
- Mundo Maya Airport is the other international airport with limited routes
- You must fill out an online form and get a QR code before landing in Guatemala
- Illegal roadblocks and natural disasters may cause delays on roads to the airport
- You can arrive in Guatemala by cruise or drive from neighbouring countries
La Aurora International Airport is the main airport in Guatemala
La Aurora International Airport, also known as Guatemala City Airport, is the main airport in Guatemala. It is one of only two international airports in the country, the other being Mundo Maya International Airport in Flores, which serves domestic flights and two international routes to Cancun and Merida in Mexico. Guatemala City Airport is the fourth biggest airport in Central America and is home to Guatemala's own airline, Tag Airlines. It is also the closest airport to Antigua, Guatemala.
La Aurora International Airport has a rich history, dating back to World War II when it was used by the United States Army Air Forces Sixth Air Force defending the Central American coastline against Axis powers submarines. The airport was improved and expanded by the United States' 805th Engineer Aviation Battalion in 1942. After the war, a small number of Americans remained at the airport, performing training duties with the Guatemalan Air Force and operating a weather station. The airport was turned over to Guatemalan authorities in 1949 and has since undergone various renovations and expansions to accommodate increasing air traffic.
The airport features two exclusive VIP lounges: Los Añejos Business Lounge and Copa Club, catering to passengers traveling on Copa Airlines and United Airlines. It also handles cargo operations alongside passenger services, with facilities located beside the passenger terminal building. The airport's runway currently measures 2,987 meters by 60 meters, and efforts have been made to expand it further. However, these plans have been challenging due to the surrounding commercial area and a small ravine nearby.
La Aurora International Airport provides essential connectivity for travelers visiting Guatemala and those transiting through Central America. It offers various amenities, including ATMs, currency exchange booths, and a comfortable waiting area. The airport's website provides detailed information on check-in, arrival, and reservation procedures, ensuring a smooth experience for passengers passing through.
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Mundo Maya Airport is the other international airport with limited routes
Mundo Maya International Airport, formerly known as Flores International Airport, is located in the suburb of Santa Elena in the city of Flores, Guatemala. It is one of only two international airports in Guatemala, the other being La Aurora Airport. Mundo Maya Airport serves both domestic and international flights, but its international routes are limited to just two destinations in the south of Mexico: Cancún and Merida. It is the second busiest airport in Guatemala and one of the busiest in Central America, receiving local flights from across Guatemala, Central America, Mexico, and occasionally the United States.
The airport has a single cafe before security, and a large seating area and shop after security. It lacks certain amenities compared to other airports of its size, such as jet bridges and lounges. However, it boasts the longest runway in Guatemala, capable of accommodating 23 planes simultaneously. The runway is equipped with lighting systems for aircraft landing and takeoff, including VASIS, ALS, and runway lights.
Mundo Maya International Airport is undergoing expansions to enhance its capacity to handle more flights and larger aircraft, improve services, and provide better facilities for passengers and airlines. The airport is protected by a 4.7-kilometer perimeter wall with 14 checkpoints staffed by army personnel, and the Ports and Airports Protection Division of the National Civil Police conducts constant patrolling.
When travelling through Mundo Maya International Airport, it is recommended to arrive early. For domestic flights, arriving two hours early is suggested, while for international flights, three hours early is advised.
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You must fill out an online form and get a QR code before landing in Guatemala
If you're planning to travel to Guatemala, there are a few things you should know about the airport procedures. Here are some detailed instructions to ensure a smooth arrival:
Filling Out the Online Form:
Before landing in Guatemala, it is mandatory to fill out an online form. This form can be accessed and completed up to several days before your flight. The form will be in English or Spanish, and you should specify that your reason for visiting is "tourism." It is important to avoid selecting "study" as your purpose, as this may lead to confusion and the assumption that you require a student visa. Once you have completed and submitted the form, you will receive a QR code and a declaration number via email. Be sure to save this email and take a screenshot of the QR code, storing it in an easily accessible location on your phone.
Presenting the QR Code:
Upon your arrival in Guatemala, you will need to present the QR code to the immigration officials along with your passport. They may also ask to see the declaration number, so have that readily available as well. Keep in mind that you will go through a similar process when exiting the country, so ensure you fill out the form again with your return flight details.
Luggage and Customs:
When you arrive at the airport, there will be restrooms and a place to exchange money before you reach the immigration area. It is recommended to exchange at least $40-100, as many places in Guatemala may not accept US dollars, and using a bank for exchange can be challenging. After immigration, you will proceed to the baggage claim area, where it may take some time for your luggage to arrive. Be sure to verify that the bags you collect belong to you or your travelling companions. In the unfortunate event that any luggage is missing, you will need to file a claim with the airline and provide their delivery address and contact information.
Airport Safety:
Guatemala City Airport (La Aurora Airport) is the main international airport in the country. While the airport itself is considered safe, be cautious when exiting onto the street as it can be chaotic. Keep a close eye on your personal belongings, as opportunists may take advantage of unsuspecting tourists. If you are travelling with a group, ensure everyone has their luggage and stay together in a designated area until you can board your transport.
By following these instructions and being mindful of the QR code requirement, you can ensure a smooth arrival and departure process at Guatemala's airport.
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Illegal roadblocks and natural disasters may cause delays on roads to the airport
Guatemala is a country prone to natural disasters and severe weather events, ranking fifth among countries with the highest economic risk exposure to three or more hazards. The country is also in the top five countries most affected by floods, hurricanes, and earthquakes, with almost half of its population exposed to five or more threats. These threats include both low-frequency, high-impact events such as earthquakes, volcanoes, and hurricanes, and high-frequency, low-impact events like floods and landslides.
In addition to natural disasters, illegal roadblocks are frequent in Guatemala and can occur on the main roads leading to Guatemala City's La Aurora International Airport. Armed gangs often set up roadblocks in the northern and western departments of San Marcos, Huehuetenango, El Quiche, Alta Verapaz, El Peten, and Escuintla. Other dangerous areas for road travel include the route between Cocales and San Lucas Toliman, the isolated dirt roads near Lake Atitlan, and the Godinez bypass via Patzun between Guatemala City and Panajachel.
To ensure a smooth journey to the airport, it is advisable to check for updates on road conditions and to avoid traveling alone or through dangerous areas. The government roadside assistance agency, PROVIAL, patrols most major highways and provides real-time information on road conditions. It is also important to keep in mind that violent crime, including homicides, is common in Guatemala, and foreigners are often targeted due to the perception that they are wealthy. Therefore, it is crucial to take necessary precautions, such as avoiding non-essential travel to high-risk areas and not traveling at night or with valuable belongings.
Overall, while natural disasters and illegal roadblocks may cause delays on roads to the airport in Guatemala, being well-informed, vigilant, and taking necessary safety precautions can help mitigate these potential delays and ensure a safer journey.
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You can arrive in Guatemala by cruise or drive from neighbouring countries
While flying is a common way to get to Guatemala, there are other options if you are unable to land at La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City. One alternative is to arrive by cruise ship. There are several cruise itineraries that include a stop in Guatemala, typically at the port of Puerto Quetzal. These cruises usually depart from the west coast of the United States and include other ports of call in Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. They range in duration from 15 to 29 nights and offer a leisurely way to explore the region.
If you prefer to travel by land, it is possible to drive to Guatemala from neighbouring countries such as Mexico. However, it is important to note that driving in Guatemala can be challenging due to congested traffic, erratic driving, and poor road conditions. When driving in Guatemala, it is recommended to use toll roads whenever possible, avoid driving at night, and be aware of local driving customs and laws. It is also important to have all the necessary documentation, including a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours if crossing from Mexico.
For those driving their own vehicles, there are a few routes that are considered safer. One option is to take the easternmost route through Mexico, avoiding the main route. Another recommended path is from Progreso, Texas, along the Gulf Coast through Tampico, Veracruz, Matias Romero, and Tapachula, before entering Guatemala along the Pacific Coast Highway. This journey can take upwards of 48 hours, and it is advised to join a caravan of vehicles for added safety.
Alternatively, you can hire a private driver or use public transportation once in Guatemala. In cities like Antigua, walking, tuk-tuks, and shuttle services are more convenient than driving yourself. For longer distances, buses, boats, and even chicken buses offer a unique local experience.
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Frequently asked questions
You can get to Guatemala by air, cruise, or drive from a neighbouring country. The main airport in Guatemala is Guatemala City Airport, also known as La Aurora Airport.
After landing at the airport, you can use the restrooms and then exchange money before proceeding for immigration. You will need to fill out an online form and get a QR code before landing, which will be scanned by the immigration officers.
Guatemala City is not considered safe for tourists. Illegal roadblocks are frequent on roads leading to the airport. The local public buses, known as "chicken buses", are also unsafe due to unreliable drivers and overcrowding.
Guatemala is prone to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, which can cause tsunamis and flight disruptions. It is important to monitor local media and follow evacuation orders when necessary.
