Time difference Guatemala
Between the end of March and the end of October, there is an eight hour time difference with Guatemala. Thus, when it is 2 pm in France, it is 2 pm there. The rest of the year, being set on winter time, there is only a seven hours difference.
Opening hours Guatemala
To see / To do Guatemala
Generally speaking, museums, monuments and religious buildings are open from 8 or 9am to 5 or 6pm... At least, in theory. At the risk of repeating ourselves, Guatemala is relatively unpredictable when it comes to opening hours. What's more, it's not uncommon for a tourist attraction to close earlier than planned due to lack of visitors, especially in low season and in small villages. In any case, it's best to visit when it's daylight, especially in Guatemala City, where Zone 1 - home to the historic center - is not recommended after 6pm.
Enjoying yourself Guatemala
Although it's hard to find a kitchen open after 9 p.m., you don't need to make a reservation, except at certain chic addresses in the capital.
Take a break Guatemala
Cafés and tearooms abound in Antigua and are becoming increasingly popular in Guatemala City, Quetzaltenango and the villages on the shores of Lake Atitlán. They generally open in the morning and close at around 6pm, and are equally suited to breakfast and snacks. As well as a few travelers with a book, they're mainly populated by digital nomads at work and groups of friends sharing a moment of conviviality.
Bars, meanwhile, are still suffering the consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic. While all health restrictions have been lifted, the sale and consumption of alcohol remains prohibited in public places between 1am and 6am. Establishments in all cities are busier from Thursday onwards.
(To) please yourself Guatemala
Typically, businesses are open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. or 7:00 p.m., or even 9:00 p.m. Occasionally, businesses close one day a week, which varies from case to case - it could be Monday or Wednesday. Guatemala also has 12 public holidays: January1; Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays of Semana Santa (in March or April); May1, Día del Trabajo; August 15, Fiesta de la Asunción; September 15, Día de la Independencia; October 20, Día de la Revolución; November1, Día de Todos los Santos; and December 24, 25 and 31. On these dates, stores change their hours or close their doors.
Get out Guatemala
Guatemala doesn't have a reputation for being a particularly festive country, even less so since the Covid-19 pandemic. Addresses known for their affluence have been deserted, while a number of nightclubs have revised their opening hours downwards, sometimes illegally welcoming customers until 2am. To find out where the hot spots are at the moment, it's best to ask at the reception desk of your hostel or hotel, while the more festive will opt for a stay in a party hostel. Like the bars, the clubs generally come alive from Thursday onwards. Apart from those in Guatemala City, cultural and entertainment venues are not very popular.
