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Trying to figure out where to live in Guatemala? Despite it being a relatively small country, there are plenty of options for purchasing or renting a home here, so you’ll need to narrow things down first.

What Type of Climate Do You Enjoy?

Guatemala’s climates range from temperate to desert-like to downright hot and humid. What do you prefer?

If you want to live somewhere tropical, then either coast is a good place to look. The Pacific coast has more of a surfer vibe and is popular with travelers and short-term visitors. The black sand beaches are beautiful, but the waves and riptides can be vicious. You’ll also contend with more tourists than the Caribbean side, where white sand beaches are the norm.

Prefer cooler weather? The highlands are where you want to be. While Antigua and the surrounding area is pretty popular, you can also look at San Marcos and Quetzaltenango for cooler climates. And if it’s the desert you want, with the dry heat, then the interior near Alta Verapaz is perfect.

Is Water a Requirement?

Need a body of water? Aside from the coasts, there are a few great places to consider settling down. First, you have Lake Atitlan, one of the most popular places to live for expats. The lake is stunningly beautiful and surrounded by villages which each have their own vibe.

You may also be interested in Flores, which is an island town on a lake in Peten. This area is hot and tropical, so it’s not for everyone. However, you’ll be near Tikal and several other amazing Mayan ruins.

Want an Expat Friend Group?

For those who prefer to stick around other foreigners, your choices are a bit more limited. You’ll want to look at Lake Atitlan, Antigua, and Quetzaltenango, as these are where most expats tend to congregate. In reverse, if you want to move away from foreigners and prefer to have more local friends, avoid these areas.

Are You Loyal to Brands and Products?

One of the issues that many people find frustrating when moving to Guatemala is the lack of products they’re used to. If you want imported items, you need to stay near Guatemala City, as this is the most likely place to find those sorts of things. Smaller towns will be devoid of most foreign products, so choose carefully.

Where Do You Want to Live in Guatemala?

What we recommend is trying out a few places to live before making a decision. If you’ve never been to Guatemala before, you’ll want to get a feel for the places on this list before you choose a spot to stay. Airbnbs are a good way to spend a few weeks in each location and to get a feel for it.

When you’re ready to make a permanent move, Jacaranda Properties is here to help!