What if you set off to explore Guatemala with your dog? What to do in Guatemala with a dog? How to organize yourself? Elodie takes you on a two-week adventure with Nana, her globetrotting dog, in a country as surprising as it is welcoming!

Traveling with your dog through Central America is possible… and even magical! Guatemala is the destination that Elodie and Nana chose for a unique trip with stunning landscapes and a very distinctive culture.

After the great North American parks and Mexico , Guatemala offered them much more than they could have imagined: warm inhabitants, breathtaking nature… and above all, great tolerance towards dogs!

For two weeks, Elodie and Nana crisscrossed the country in a van, exploring forests, volcanoes, and colorful villages. If you're wondering how to plan such a trip with a dog, what the right habits are, or simply whether Guatemala is dog-friendly, this article is for you! Let's go!

Summary

Guatemala with a Dog: Regulations and Travel Guide

As a logical continuation of our exploration of the North American continent, Guatemala was the next country on our list. And what a country it was! A land where the sea and volcanoes meet, a land where the poorest people are always ready to give. A land where palm trees grow deep in the jungle…

Due to lack of time, we only stayed two weeks in Guatemala, but this country is full of riches that would have deserved a longer stay. After crossing Mexico, we thought everything would be the same, but even poorer. We were wrong.

To be completely honest, Guatemala was the country we had planned the least. We knew there were a few iconic places we didn't want to miss, but everything happened day by day, without planning ahead.

We had some concerns about road quality and safety , but we were pleasantly surprised. Generally speaking, the roads were in better condition than in Mexico , allowing us to drive more confidently. As for safety, Guatemalans are incredibly welcoming and friendly, always ready to help. We felt comfortable everywhere we went, although finding free, uncrowded places to sleep was considerably more challenging.

Regarding the border crossing with Nana, we had to obtain a veterinary certificate of good health from a veterinarian in Mexico, as well as proof of internal and external deworming, which was specified on the certificate. Her rabies vaccination was, of course, still valid. Again, nothing insurmountable or complicated.

However, it's important to know that Guatemala is considered a high-risk country for rabies , and theoretically, a quarantine period in a transit country like Mexico is required before returning to the US or Europe. A rabies antibody titer test certifying that the dog has developed an immune response against rabies is also necessary. We, however, were not questioned by US customs officials upon our return, so we didn't pursue the matter further.

Guatemala, a dog-friendly country?

Dogs are generally well accepted in Guatemala, but, as in all countries, some national parks do not allow them . This is particularly true of Tikal , and it quickly becomes clear why when you discover the area's rich wildlife, which can be dangerous for dogs (jaguars, alligators, etc.).

However, dogs are accepted in all modes of transport (boats, tuk-tuks, buses, lanchas, taxis, etc.). Nana followed us almost everywhere.

Compared to North America, I would say that dogs are even more accepted simply because dogs are part of the landscape in Guatemala. There are stray dogs everywhere, so no one is shocked to see a dog enter a market, a home, a hiking trail... It is even almost shocking for a Guatemalan to see a dog on a leash, so if your companion listens carefully, you can unleash it without the slightest hesitation.

Stray dogs can pose a threat to dogs that are reactive and poorly coded. For our part, we had no problems and let Nana play with dogs who came to see her. She showed excellent adaptation.

We didn't visit many cities in Guatemala because that wasn't our goal. Instead, we focused on natural sites.

The most amazing experience we had during our trip to Guatemala was climbing Acatenango over two days . Climbing to the summit of a volcano, at 4,000 meters altitude, sleeping up there, continuing the ascent in the early morning while it was still dark, and witnessing one of the most beautiful sunrises of our trip with a view of two other volcanoes, all with our dog…it was unforgettable for all three of us.

We were worried that the altitude might affect Nana's health as it did ours, but we didn't notice any changes in her behavior. The temperatures are a little milder in Guatemala due to the altitude, so we all enjoyed it.

During the ascent of Acatenango , we had been warned that there were quite a few stray dogs at the campsites up high and that some of them could be territorial and therefore not take kindly to our Nana. Once we reached the top, after introductions were made, they started playing and everyone watched them play.

Another anecdote: it gets very cold at the summit of Acatenango at night . We shared our cabin with two other people, and they were delighted that Nana warmed their feet during the night despite the lack of space. After talking about it the next morning, it seemed we were the only ones who had stayed warm during the night.

A dog with his mistress on a volcano in Guatemala.

Musher and Sophie: Are you interested in Nana and Elodie's adventures in America? Don't miss their journey through the Great North American Parks with a dog!

Traveling to Guatemala: How to organize yourself with a dog

These countries can be hostile to dogs in terms of wildlife. It is therefore strongly recommended to always keep an eye on our companions and not let them wander. We were lucky on our side. We didn't have any unpleasant encounters. However, we weren't entirely at peace during a walk in the jungle near Tikal.

We experienced a whole host of new types of accommodation in Guatemala. We slept in gas station parking lots, in private gardens that people opened for us, and even in the garden of the Antigua Tourist Police! And each time, Nana was welcomed without the slightest problem.

We had all the food Nana needed for the 15 days we spent there. But like anywhere else, a trip to a big city would have allowed us to find what we needed if we had needed it.

I highly recommend climbing Acatenango, which is an exceptional and dog-friendly experience! However, it's a real physical challenge that's not for everyone, neither owner nor dog. On the other hand, Santiaguito offers the opportunity to easily observe an erupting volcano with your dog. Lake Atitlán also offers plenty of beautiful hikes.

I recommend that you go to Guatemala with a sporty, comfortable and non-reactive dog. This fellow dog will offer you an unforgettable experience.

What an adventure, Elodie! Musher's post makes us want to go too… Traveling to Guatemala with your dog guarantees an intense adventure, full of surprises and emotions! This country welcomes you, whether you want to discover its isolated villages or climb to the summits of its volcanoes. Of course, a few precautions are necessary: ​​remain vigilant around wildlife , anticipate administrative aspects , and have a dog well-prepared for the adventure . But if your dog is sociable, athletic, and curious, it will thrive in this incredible setting! So, ready to climb the volcanoes of Guatemala with a dog?

Don't miss Nana and Elodie's other adventures in Mexico, in Mexico with a Dog!

And you can follow Nicolas, Elodie and Nana's entire journey on their Instagram page: un_voyage_de_woof