Pros and Cons of Living in Guatemala

"Expats in Guatemala appreciate the warmth and hospitality of the local people, the vibrant culture and the beautiful landscapes. They also enjoy the variety of traditional foods, the colorful markets, and the unique architecture. Additionally, they appreciate the country's rich history and the opportunity to explore the many archaeological sites. Finally, expats enjoy the relaxed pace of life and the opportunity to immerse themselves in the local culture," remarked one in Guatemala.

"Weather is nice. There are some nice places to visit (lakes, vulcanoes, coastal area)," explained one expat.

"If anything the rebelliousness towards their corrupt government and their acceptance of a day to day optimism of life. I found that the poorest of people generally seemed to be the happiest," said one person in San Pedro La Laguna.

"The people's willingness to SMILE. Old people who are still active and friendly. The busy cultural norm of walking. The noise of vehicles can be annoying to me as its constant... from morning until night....," remarked one expat in Quetzaltenango.

"The chronic noise of vehicles... grinding gears, horns and just general loudness not of the people but the blaring speakers and vehicles....non stop chaos.....! Arrgh! The other challenge in Guatemala is finding a decent WIFI signal. Not common like up in USA or Canada...at all," remarked one in Quetzaltenango.

"Expats in Guatemala often find the local culture to be quite different from what they are used to. Many find the language barrier to be a challenge, as Spanish is the primary language spoken in Guatemala. Additionally, the local customs and traditions can be difficult to understand and navigate. Expats may also find the pace of life to be slower than what they are accustomed to, as well as the lack of modern amenities and infrastructure. Finally, the safety and security situation in Guatemala can be a concern for expats, as crime and violence are prevalent in some areas," explained one expat.