Guide to the Airport La Aurora in Guatemala, Easy Guide

Arriving at the La Aurora International Airport (GUA) is, for many, the start of an epic adventure. But let’s be honest: the first time you land here, the chaos can be a bit overwhelming. As someone who goes in and out of this airport with frequency and that has helped tens of foreign friends to follow it, I have prepared this guide to ‘without filters’ for your arrival to Guatemala to be as smooth as a freshly-roasted coffee from Antigua.

Here’s everything you need to know for this 2025, from that low of a plane until you get to the transport that will take you to your destination.

1. Immigration and Customs: Digital is King

Unlike A few years, Guatemala has digitized their processes. If you are traveling from the united States or the European Union, you probably don’t need a visa, but you do need the Affidavit Regional Traveler.

• The Digital Form: no longer are filled with pieces of paper on the airplane. You must fill out the online form on the official website of the SAT (Superintendence of Tax Administration). You can do this up to 24 hours before or upon landing, using the Wifi of the airport (although it is slow, better to do it before).
• The process: When you get off the plane, go through Immigration. You seal your passport (normally give you 90 days to the region CA-4). After you collect your luggage and pass through the traffic lights of Customs. If it goes green, raisins; if it goes red, will check your luggage.

2. Money and Connectivity: don’t fall into the traps

No more out of the luggage area, you will see counters and currency exchange booths phone.

• Change Currency: ¡Huye of the houses of change of the airport! The rate is terrible. If you need Quetzal (GTQ) immediately, using automatic teller machines (ATM). Searches for an Industrial Bank (IB) , or BAC, tend to have higher commissions than the teller yellow ‘5B’.
• Internet: There are stands of Tigo and Claro. Are reliable, but the prices at the airport are ‘tourist’. If you can stick with the hotel Wifi, a-chip (SIM card) in the city will cost you half. If not, purchase a basic package of navigation there for about $15.

3. Transport: How to get out of here safely?

The Aurora is literally within the city, which is great, but it generates a lot of traffic. Here your real options:

Uber: The preferred option

It is legal, safe and much cheaper than a taxi. A trip from the airport to the Zone 10 (Zona Viva) will set you back about $5 – $7.

• Meeting point: The Uber may not pick up people at the door of outputs. You must climb to the second level (Departures/Departures), and coordinate with the driver.

Yellow Cabs

They are safe and are metered. If you don’t have the app of Uber, this is your best option. Avoid white taxis’ or individuals who offer transport within the corridor; often charge excessive fees.

Shuttles to Old

If your destination is Antigua Guatemala (approximately 45-60 minutes), there are vans shared that come out frequently.

• Cost: Between $15 and $25 per person.
• Tip: If you travel in group of 3 or more, it is cheaper and faster to order an Uber XL.

Comparative table of Carriage (Price 2025)

4. Tips from ‘Insiders’ to avoid the stress

1. The Traffic is Real: If your flight departs between 6:00 AM and 9:00 AM, or you land between 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM, get ready. The traffic from Guatemala City is legendary (in the bad sense). Always calculates an extra hour.
2. Beware of the ‘Helpers’: When you go out, many people will try to help you with your luggage to bring them to the taxi. It is not that dangerous, but they will expect a tip in dollars. If you do not want to give, just say ‘No, thank you’ firmly and continues to walk.
3. Safety at Night: If you land after 9:00 PM, don’t walk out of the airport looking for transport. Stay within the facility and ask for your Uber or Taxi from there.

The Aurora is not the airport most modern in the world, but it has a particular charm and the people are usually very friendly, if you ask for help. Welcome to the land of the eternal spring!