Packing for Two Weeks in Guatemala

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For my first trip of 2017, I spent two weeks gallivanting around Guatemala, my first Central American country. I knew I would be going carry on only since I was flying Spirit. It would also be easier to get around that way. I brought a backpack smaller than the one I took around Southeast Asia, the Outdoor Products Artemis 35L, reviewed on Her Packing List.

I also brought my PacSafe Slingsafe as my day pack/personal item.  I would be dealing with a few different climates, from the humid weather of Tikal to the cold nights atop the volcanoes in Antigua, so it was important to bring layers and items that could be worn multiple ways.

I also didn’t want to purchase items just for this trip, so I brought clothes that I hadn’t worn in a while. I did need one pair of athletic shorts, however, and ended up buying a pair of Brooks running shorts from my local Goodwill for $4. If they end up getting trashed, I won’t feel bad about it. And lastly, I knew Guatemala was fairly conservative, so I wanted my clothing to be respectful to the culture. I’ve also noted whether these items were necessary.

What to Pack for Guatemala

Clothing

• 1 casual midi dress
• 1 Encircled Chrysalis Cardi *served as a blanket on a night bus!
• 2 basic tanks
• 2 basic tees
• 1 ExOfficio long sleeved hoody
• 1 Eddie Bauer waterproof jacket *not needed, but good to have
• 1 secondhand jean jacket
• 1 pair of Madewell black jeans
• 2 pairs of leggings, one long and one short
• 1 pair of secondhand athletic shorts
• 1 swimsuit
• 3 bras and 7 undies

Accessories

• 3 pairs of shoes: Tevas, Birkenstocks, running shoes *I only wore the Tevas at Semuc Champey, but was glad to have them for this. My running shoes were worn out and uncomfortable, but necessary for Pacaya and Tikal.
• 3 hats: baseball, beach, cold *Cold only necessary on Pacaya.
• 1 Turkish towel
• 2 pairs of sunglasses *Both were broken or lost, but I bought another pair for $5. 
• 1 Buff and 1 headband

Toiletries

• contacts/glasses
• medicated lotions
• 1 travel hairbrush and hair ties
• small amount of makeup
• meds (including Pepto Bismol, rehydration salts, Ambien, ibuprofen, antihistamines, bandaids, sunscreen)
• face wash
• razor
• deodorant
• tweezers
• nail clippers
• Trekr washcloth
• Aroamas solid perfume
• mosquito wipes
• Epic Wipes

Tech

• Canon DSLR camera
• GoPro
• iPad (in place of laptop)
• Kindle Fire
• unlocked phone (that may or may not work) *I didn’t end up using it.
• personal alarm
• surge protector
• headphones *Conveniently broke on the way home.
• iPhone

Etc.

• 2 water bottles
• travel insurance
• poncho
• locks
• jewelry
• Cabeau travel pillow
• snacks
• dry bag waist pouch *A great purchase!
• diving card
• electrical tape (for frayed cords)
• door stopper
• passport

Could you go carry on only for two weeks in Guatemala?

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