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Latin America

Guatemala Travel Health

Reviewed by Alexander Webber, Chief Epidemiologist · Updated 2026-08

Guatemala has a moderately high health risk profile with significant geographic variation. The tropical Pacific and Caribbean coastal lowlands carry risk for malaria, dengue, Zika, and chikungunya. The highland regions around Antigua and Lake Atitlan have lower vector-borne disease risk due to altitude but are not risk-free. Food and waterborne disease including traveler's diarrhea, typhoid, and hepatitis A are common risks throughout the country.

Food Safety: High Risk Tap Water: Unsafe Malaria Risk Present

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Vaccines for Guatemala

CDC Recommended

  • Hepatitis A
  • Typhoid
  • Hepatitis B
  • Rabies (for rural travel or animal exposure)
  • Malaria prophylaxis (for lowland areas)

Source: CDC Travelers' Health — Guatemala

Malaria Risk

Present below 1,500 meters in departments including Alta Verapaz, Baja Verapaz, Peten, San Marcos, Huehuetenango, and coastal Pacific and Atlantic zones. Predominantly P. vivax. No malaria risk in Guatemala City, Antigua, or other highland areas above 1,500 meters.

Food and Water Safety

High Risk Tap water: not safe to drink

Tap water is not safe for drinking anywhere in Guatemala. Avoid raw vegetables, salads, unpasteurized dairy, and street food prepared under unclear sanitary conditions. Traveler's diarrhea rates are among the highest in Latin America for visitors.

Key Health Tips for Guatemala

  • Traveler's diarrhea risk is very high — pack oral rehydration salts and discuss a prescription antibiotic standby with your physician before departure.
  • Use bottled water for drinking and brushing teeth throughout the country, including in Antigua.
  • Malaria prophylaxis is recommended for travel outside highland cities, including visits to Tikal and other lowland archaeological sites.
  • Rabies is present in dogs and bats — avoid contact with stray animals and seek immediate post-exposure prophylaxis if bitten or scratched.

Disease Risks in Guatemala

Official Resources

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