The Zona Viva in Zona 10 is where the wealthy go to have fun, though it's anything but an egalitarian experience. House music is now firmly established in Guatemala, though you'll be lucky to get anything other than the standard, commercial "handbag" strain. Most city DJs spin a mix of pan-Latin sounds and pop-rave hits, with the merengue of the Caribbean often being spiced up with raggamuffin vocals. There are also specialist clubs for salsa fanatics. The city's premier reggae bar is La Gran Comal on Via 4 between 6 Av and Ruta 6, Zona 4. Radiating rhythm, it's relaxed, but not as worn-out as the clubs of Zona 1, and a favourite haunt of black Guatemalans from Lívingston and the Caribbean coast - well worth a visit.

Guatemala City's gay nightlife is mostly underground and concentrated around two (almost entirely male) clubs: Pandora's Box , Via 3 and Ruta 3, Zona 4, and Eclipso at 12 C 6-61, Zona 1. There are no specifically lesbian clubs or bars in the city.