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Guatemala is a country with great geographical diversity and rich cultural elements, and it has a history of establishing air travel connections for its citizens. It has a multitude of airports in Guatemala that provide both local and international jet services to travellers. If you are looking to visit the ancient Mayan ruins of Tikal, the charming colonial city of Antigua, or the stunning Lake Atitlán, the airports allow easy access to various destinations throughout the country. This is a thorough guide that can help you with the major airports. Make it one of the best travel experiences for you.
Major Airports In Guatemala
Below, you will find a comprehensive guide to the major airports in Guatemala, ensuring a smooth travel experience.
1. La Aurora International Airport
Photo: Rene Hernandez2 / Wikimedia Commons
La Aurora International Airport is located in Guatemala City. It is the largest and busiest airport in Guatemala and accommodates more than three million passengers annually. It serves as the main hub for Avianca Guatemala and TAG Airlines, offering nonstop flights to cities like Los Angeles, Mexico City, and Madrid. The airport has two runways, the primary one being 9,800 feet, for the landings of big planes like Boeing 787s. Inside are VIP lounges, duty-free shops, and various restaurants offering traditional Guatemalan dishes. The immigration and customs process is well-handled and quite efficient.
Nearby Attractions: National Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology, La Aurora Zoo, Oakland Mall
2. Mundo Maya International Airport
Photo: Gobierno de Guatemala / Wikimedia Commons
Being the main air gateway to the Petén region and situated just outside of Flores, Mundo Maya International is strategically important to tourism as it is the place where travellers can access Tikal, the most important archaeological station of the ancient Mayan civilisation. Operations at the airport are extremely efficient, with a modernised terminal and fast processing of customs, and it is also the ideal airport for travellers, whether they are coming from Guatemala City or elsewhere in the region. This airport is frequented by archaeologists, researchers, and adventure seekers, for the fact that it is located near the jungle-covered ruins of Yaxhá and Uaxactún.
Nearby Attractions: Flores Island, Ixpanpajul Natural Park, Santa Elena
3. Quetzaltenango Airport
Photo: QuetzaltecodeCorazon / Wikimedia Commons
The Quetzaltenango or Los Altos Airport is one of the most important centres of transport in Guatemala’s Western Highlands. Situated at 2,330 m / 7,740 ft, it offers stunning aerial views of the surrounding volcanoes, namely Santa María and Santiaguito. Quetzaltenango Airport mostly offers domestic flights, thus acting as a lifeline mainly for business folks and visitors who want to see the history of Quetzaltenango. Visitors can at that time explore the renowned Spanish schools, the lively markets of the city, and such architectural landmarks as the neoclassical Espiritu Santo Cathedral.
Nearby Attractions: Municipal Theater of Quetzaltenango, Central Park (Parque Centro América), Cerro El Baúl
4. Puerto Barrios Airport
Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Puerto Barrios Airport, located in the department of Izabal, is one of the important airports, serving the Caribbean coastline of the country. It mostly handles domestic flights and private charters, offering one of the best ways to link the busiest port city of Puerto Barrios. This airport is significant for trade and tourism since Puerto Barrios is one of the major gateways for cargo shipment and visitors heading for the beautiful town of Livingston which can only be accessed by boat. It is possible to visit the beautiful beaches of Punta de Manabique, a protected wildlife refugee florid with marine life, quickly from here.
Nearby Attractions: Punta de Manabique Wildlife Refuge, Livingston, Playa Blanca
5. Cobán Airport
Photo: Ralf Roletschek / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Cobán Airport (MGCB/CBV) is a key access point to the lush landscapes of Alta Verapaz, providing easy access to Guatemala’s renowned natural wonders. Located near the city of Cobán, this airport is mainly for domestic flights catering to travellers anxious to explore the region’s breathtaking scenic beauty. It is the closest airstrip to Semuc Champey, a series of turquoise limestone pools hidden in thick tropical cloud forests, thus creating competitive tourism in favour of eco-tourists. For coffee lovers, Cobán Airport connects them with the country’s best coffee plantations, all with the interesting opportunity to see the entire process from bean to cup.
Nearby Attractions: Parque Nacional Las Victorias, El Calvario Church, Orquigonia Sanctuary
6. Retalhuleu Airport
Photo: TheDigitalWay / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Situated in southern Guatemala, Retalhuleu Airport is an important transport hub serving the charter and private aviation industries. Located near the splendid and beautiful city of Retalhuleu, it is the best jump-off point for those heading to local tourist attractions in the region. Located nearby is the famous amusement park IRTRA, which provides fun-filled enjoyment with many rides and water parks to offer, making it one of the most appealing tourist attractions for domestic visitors. History lovers would also want to visit Tak’alik Ab’aj, an ancient Mesoamerican archaeological site, which presents the early ties between the Maya and Olmec forms of civilisation.
Nearby Attractions: Xetulul Theme Park, Tak’alik Ab’aj Archaeological Park, Xocomil Water Park
7. Huehuetenango Airport (MGHT/HUG)
Photo: Gobierno de Guatemala / Wikimedia Commons
Huehuetenango Airport (MGHT/HUG) is a vital regional airport in western Guatemala, facilitating travellers to the culturally rich mountainous Huehuetenango department. Placed at around 1,900 meters altitude, it mainly receives domestic flights and allows fast access into this highland. It is the closest airstrip to the City of Huehuetenango cultural hub for Indigenous Mayan activities and business. The airport acts as a medium for the travel of business professionals, tourists intending to explore the Cuchumatanes mountain range, and those wishing to visit the ancient Mayan ruins at Zaculeu.
Nearby Attractions: Zaculeu Archaeological Site, Mirador Juan Diéguez Olaverri Chiantla Basilica Church
8. Carmelita Airport
Photo: ClickerHappy / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Carmelita is located within the Maya Biosphere Reserve in Guatemala. Here are some important details regarding the airport. The airport has a single runway, aligned 6/24, with a length of approximately 823 meters. Carmelita Airport serves the local community and is especially useful for reaching the Maya Biosphere Reserve’s natural wonders. Notably, a segment of the runway serves as a street within the village, demonstrating its dual use for aviation and local transportation. The airport is located about 34.1 nautical miles (63.2 kilometres) from the Tikal VOR-DME navigational assistance, which aids in aviation operations in the region.
Nearby Attractions: Tikal National Park, Yaxhá National Park, Maya Biosphere Reserve, El Mirador
The network of airports in Guatemala across the country connects easily to different terrains and attractions. Whether you are heading to the jungles of the Petén region, the beaches of the Pacific, or the historic town of Antigua, with these airports, you have very convenient and very good travel options. Plan a trip with TripXL and explore the wonders of Guatemala!
Cover Photo: Roberto Zuñiga / Wikimedia Commons
