Mission guide
Guatemala Guatemala City East Mission
A Spanish-speaking mission in Guatemala’s highland capital, shaped by Maya roots and a long Latter-day Saint history.
- Spanish
Guatemala Guatemala City East Mission shirts
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Guatemala Guatemala City East Mission Heart Map Shirt
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Guatemala Guatemala City East Mission Flag Map Shirt
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Choose size & color →I Glory in My Jesus, in the language of this mission
2 Nephi 33:6 as it reads in the Book of Mormon for each language spoken here.
Weak Things Become Strong, in the language of this mission
"I make weak things become strong" (Ether 12:27) as it reads in the Book of Mormon for each language spoken here.
About the mission
Spanish is the mission’s main language. Missionaries serve in a city known for its highland climate, historic churches, Maya heritage, and nearby volcanoes.
At a glance
- Country
- Guatemala
- Main city
- Guatemala City (1,221,739 people, 2023 projection)
- Language
- Spanish
- Time zone
- Central Standard Time (UTC-6)
- Climate
- Warm highland climate, with a rainy season from May through October and a dry season from November through April
- Church in Guatemala
- 292,639 members, 51 stakes, 437 congregations
A short history of the area
After earthquakes destroyed Antigua Guatemala in 1773, the capital moved to the present location in 1776. Guatemala City later witnessed the ratification of the Act of Independence of Central America on September 15, 1821. Major earthquakes in 1917 and 1918 led to widespread rebuilding with wider streets and a grid layout.
The Church here
- 1942John F. O’Donnal, a Church member from the United States, moved to Guatemala and looked forward to the gospel being preached to the country’s native peoples.
- 1947Missionaries arrived in Guatemala and, with help from John F. O’Donnal, began organizing the Church.
- 1948The first official meeting was held in a rented building on August 22, with 66 people attending. Later that year, John F. O’Donnal baptized his wife, Carmen Galvez O’Donnal, the first Guatemalan to be baptized.
- 1952The Church organized the Central America Mission, headquartered in Guatemala City.
- 1956Missionaries began studying Mayan languages.
- 1967Elder Marion G. Romney organized the Guatemala City Stake on May 21, the first stake in Guatemala.
- 1976The mission was divided, creating separate missions in Guatemala and El Salvador.
- 1984Saints filled 11 dedicatory sessions for the Guatemala City Guatemala Temple.
Temples nearby
Guatemala City Guatemala Temple
Dedicated December 14, 1984 · Near Guatemala City
Miraflores Guatemala City Guatemala Temple
Opening soon · Near Guatemala City
Cobán Guatemala Temple
Dedicated June 9, 2024 · About 55 miles from Guatemala City
Santa Ana El Salvador Temple
Announced · About 70 miles from Guatemala City
The Book of Mormon here
Missionaries in this mission share the Book of Mormon in these languages. Tap a cover to read it free.
Cover art is an illustration. Links open the free edition on ChurchofJesusChrist.org.
Before you go
Phrases to learn
- HolaHello
- Buenos díasGood morning
- ¿Cómo está?How are you?
- GraciasThank you
Foods to try
- Pepián (a thick, spiced stew often served with meat and vegetables)
- Kak'ik (a traditional turkey soup flavored with chilies and herbs)
- Tamales (seasoned masa and fillings wrapped in banana leaves)
- Rellenitos (sweet plantain pastries filled with beans)
Fun facts
- Guatemala City is built around Kaminaljuyu, a major Maya ceremonial center and one of the largest settlements outside the Maya lowlands.
- Four stratovolcanoes can be seen from the city: Agua, Fuego, Pacaya, and Acatenango. Pacaya is the nearest and most active.
- The city is divided into 22 zones, although zones 20, 22, and 23 do not exist because they would fall within other municipalities’ territory.
Just got the call?
Turn the opening into a game: family and friends guess where the missionary is going before the reveal.