Affordable Airports For Guatemala Trips: 8 Cheaper Options

Guatemala City's La Aurora International Airport (GUA) is located just 2-3.9 miles from the city centre. There are around 137 direct flights from within the United States to Guatemala City each week, with flights departing from multiple airports including John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), Fort Lauderdale International Airport (FLL), and Miami International Airport (MIA). The cheapest flights to Guatemala City can be found on various platforms such as KAYAK, Skyscanner, Expedia, Orbitz, and United Airlines. On average, a flight to Guatemala City costs $305, but cheaper flights can be found by being flexible with travel dates, booking in advance, and comparing prices across different websites and airlines.

La Aurora International Airport (GUA)

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 has undergone several renovations and expansions over the years, including the addition of new gates, a parking garage, and ticket counters. The airport currently features two concourses, with the northern concourse offering 12 traditional gates and three remote gates, while the central concourse is designed for larger aircraft, providing 4-6 gates.

The airport provides a range of amenities for travellers, including ATMs, currency exchange services, duty-free shopping, and lounges. The currency exchange counters can be found in the International Arrivals Area and on the Third Floor of the International Departures. La Aurora International Airport also offers two exclusive VIP lounges: Los Añejos Business Lounge and Copa Club. The Copa Club lounge is located adjacent to Gate 14 in the International Terminal and offers beverages, disabled access, fax, Wi-Fi, local calls, TV, and newspapers.

Several major airlines service La Aurora International Airport, including American Airlines, United Airlines, Air Canada, Avianca, Spirit Airlines, Delta, Avianca Costa Rica, and Avianca El Salvador. These airlines offer non-stop flights to Guatemala City from various destinations. The average flight time to Guatemala City is approximately 4 hours and 21 minutes.

Flights from the US

La Aurora International Airport (GUA) is the main airport in Guatemala City, located just 2 miles from the city centre. The airport is served by several international airlines from North, Central and South America, as well as some from Europe, Japan and Israel.

When it comes to flights from the US, there are plenty of options. Major airlines offering flights to Guatemala include American Airlines, JetBlue, Spirit Airlines, Frontier, Delta, Avianca, United, Air Canada, and Avianca Costa Rica. Flights are available from many airports across the US, including:

• John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), New York
• Fort Lauderdale International Airport (FLL), Florida
• Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), Georgia
• Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD), Illinois
• Miami International Airport (MIA), Florida
• Dulles International Airport (IAD), Washington

The cheapest flights to Guatemala City are usually found from 21 to 45 days before your departure date. Sunday is also the best day of the week for booking cheaper fares. It's worth noting that choosing a non-stop flight can sometimes be more expensive, while routes with connections may be available at a lower rate.

Direct flights

Guatemala is an exotic yet affordable vacation destination, with ancient Mayan ruins, scenic wonders, and friendly locals. The cheapest direct flights to Guatemala will bring you to either La Aurora International Airport (GUA), 16 miles south of Guatemala City, or Mundo Maya International Airport (FRS), situated just outside of Flores.

La Aurora International Airport is the fourth-busiest airport in Central America. It has two terminals, two concourses, 15 gates, and a spacious parking garage. Airlines that fly in and out of La Aurora include budget carriers Spirit Airlines and Interjet, as well as American Airlines, Delta Airlines, United Airlines, and Aeroméxico.

Mundo Maya International Airport, also known as Flores/Tikal International Airport, is a much smaller terminal. Flights to this airport mainly arrive from Guatemala City, Cancún, and Belize City.

If you are looking for direct flights to Guatemala, there are around 12 to 137 direct flights from the United States to Guatemala City each week. The most common day for departures is Saturday, with 16% of flights taking off on this day. The average flight time between the United States and Guatemala City is 4 hours and 25 minutes, calculated based on journeys departing from Washington.

Some of the cheapest direct flights to Guatemala City can be found on KAYAK, with prices starting from $67. Flights depart from various US cities, including Newark, Chicago, and Los Angeles. United Airlines also offers direct flights to Guatemala City from over 200 airports within the United States and an additional 100 airports internationally, with prices starting from $212.

Flexible travel dates

If you're flexible with your travel dates, you're in luck! There are a few ways to find cheap flights to Guatemala City. Firstly, consider the time of year you're travelling. The cheapest month to fly to Guatemala City is usually September. Booking in advance is also a great way to save money, with the cheapest tickets usually found from 21 to 45 days before your departure. You're also likely to find good deals when tickets are first released.

Being flexible with your travel dates allows you to compare prices across a wider range of dates. You can use tools like the 'Flexible Dates' calendar on Expedia to see prices on surrounding dates and pick the cheapest days to fly. Skyscanner also allows you to find the cheapest month or day to fly to Guatemala City.

You can also save money by being flexible with your arrival and departure airports, as well as the number of stops on your route. For example, a flight from Fort Lauderdale Airport to Guatemala City was recently found for $62 on KAYAK. Flights with multiple stops or layovers may also be available at a cheaper rate than non-stop flights.

When searching for flights, keep an eye out for low-cost carriers like Spirit, which offers flights to Guatemala City from various US cities with prices starting at $224. You can also use Google Flights to track prices for specific travel dates.

Travel restrictions

When flying to Guatemala, you will arrive at La Aurora International Airport (GUA), which is located approximately 2-4 miles from downtown Guatemala City. The cheapest flights to Guatemala City are usually found from 21 to 45 days before departure, with Sundays being the best day of the week for booking.

Guatemala has a rich indigenous culture and heritage dating back to the Maya period, which attracts many visitors to the city. However, there are several safety concerns and travel restrictions to be aware of when travelling to Guatemala. Here are some important instructions and guidelines to follow:

• Transportation: Local public buses, often known as "chicken buses", are considered unsafe due to poor maintenance, reckless driving, and frequent attacks by armed robbers. Avoid using these buses, and opt for privately-owned bus lines such as Transmetro and Transurbano instead. When travelling by taxi, only use hotel-associated taxis, yellow cabs (Taxi Amarillo), INGUAT-approved taxis from the "SAFE" stand at the airport, or vetted private drivers. Uber is also considered safe in Guatemala City and Antigua.
• Personal safety: Keep a low profile and avoid displaying signs of affluence, especially at the airport and while travelling to Guatemala City or Antigua. Keep valuable items, such as laptops, mobile phones, and other electronic devices, out of sight and refrain from using them in public. Always keep your belongings, travel documents, and passports secure. Carry only a copy of your passport's identification page and enough cash for the day. In the event of a robbery, do not resist and hand over your valuables immediately.
• Road safety: Avoid travelling outside Guatemala City at night due to poorly lit roads and a high risk of serious traffic accidents. If you plan to visit Lake Atitlán, use certified tour guides and travel between villages by chartered boat. The paths around the lake can be dangerous and challenging to access, and emergency services may not be able to respond quickly.
• Swimming: Do not swim in the Pacific Ocean due to strong currents and undertows, and the lack of lifeguards.
• Socialising: Never leave your drinks unattended in bars or restaurants, and decline invitations from strangers to private parties.
• Accommodation: Stay in hotels that have secure parking, doormen, and professional security staff.
• Legal restrictions: Some violations of Guatemalan law, such as crimes against minors and the purchase of counterfeit goods, may also be prosecuted in the United States. If you are arrested or detained, request that the police or prison officials notify the U.S. Embassy immediately.

Frequently asked questions