During the year 2024more than A million and a half of Guatemalans They left the country for tourism reasons, according to data from the Guatemalan Institute of Migration (IGM).
This figure marks an important recovery of the tourism sector after the most critical years caused by the pandemic of Covid 19and reflects the growing interest of Guatemalans for traveling abroad.
During the first months of this 2025 two direct flight routes were added, strengthening the international air connectivity of Guatemala.
It may also be interested: Why every day more Guatemalans travel abroad and on what dates they do
Guatemala has direct flights to 12 countries
The air connectivity Guatemala has improved in recent years, facilitating travelers’ mobility to various destinations in America and Europe.
Currently, the country has direct flights to 12 countries More than 24 international citiesdistributed as follows:
- Canada: Montreal.
- Belize: Belize.
- Colombia: Bogotá.
- Costa Rica: San José.
- El Salvador: San Salvador.
- Spain: Madrid (only return flight, a compulsory stop in San Salvador).
- USA: Los Angeles, New York, Orlando, Washington DC, Houston, New Yersey, Miami, Dallas, Atlanta
- Honduras: San Pedro Sula and Roatán.
- Mexico: Cancun, Mexico City and Mérida.
- Nicaragua: Managua
- Panama: Panama City.
- Dominican Republic: Santo Domingo
These flights leave mainly from the La Aurora International Airport And they are operated by 15 airlines:
- Alaska Airlines
- American Airlines
- ARAJET
- Avianca
- Canada Airlines, from August 2025
- Airlines Copa
- Delta
- Frontier Airlines
- Iberia
- Jet Blue
- Spirit Airlines
- Tag Airlines
- United Airlines
- Fly
What were the most visited destinations by the Guatemalans in 2024?
According to migratory data, in 2024 the Guatemalans who traveled abroad for tourism reasons chose mainly the next five destinations:
- USA
- El Salvador
- Mexico
- Panama
- Costa Rica
These countries stand out for their proximity, family connections, ease of income, competitive prices in air tickets and varied tourist offer.
In the case of USAIt remains the favorite international destination due to the wide Guatemalan community based in that country, which motivates trips by family reunions, tourism and purchases.
It is followed by Central American countries such as El Salvador and Costa Rica, with which Guatemala shares cultural ties and migratory treaties that facilitate admission just by presenting the personal identification document (DPI).
POSTPANDEMY TOURISM: New priorities and challenges
The Iies-Useac Economy Bulletin explains that since the reopening of the borders after the health emergency, tourism has shown an evolution in consumption habits.
As detailed in the industry, the Guatemalan tourist Postpandemics is more aware of cost-benefit and prioritizes aspects such as securitythe adequate infrastructure and the Personalized experiences.
Among the main ones Tourism trends in Guatemala and abroadaccording to experts, they stand out:
- Increase in family tourism During school holidays and holidays.
- Increase in the use of tourist memberships and loyalty programs to reduce costs.
- Search for destinations with less crimegood medical care and safe services.
- Greater interest in low seasonswhere prices are more accessible.
- Hiring of tourist packages in installmentsoffered by travel agencies or digital platforms.
Tips for Guatemalans who want to travel in 2025
If you are planning a trip abroad, either for vacations or to visit relatives, it is important to take into account the following aspects:
- Verify immigration documentation In force: passport, visas or special permits.
- Consult the entry requirements to the destination country (vaccines, forms, insurance).
- Buy tickets in advance and compare prices between airlines.
- Take advantage of low seasons To find cheaper rates.
- Evaluate the security of destiny and current political or health conditions.