Guam, with an area of 549 km², is the largest island in Micronesia. However, there are also two US military bases on Guam, which means nearly one third of the island is restricted for military use. Despite that, Guam is very diverse. The north of the island is relatively flat, while the south is much more mountainous, and overall there is plenty to discover.

Map of the highlights

How to get to Guam?

Guam has the international airport “Antonio B. Won Pat” with the code GUM. Of all islands in Micronesia, Guam is the best connected to the outside world.

There are daily connections to:

1. Tokyo
2. Nagoya
3. Osaka
4. Busan
5. Seoul
6. Hong Kong
7. Manila
8. Honolulu
9. Saipan
10. Palau

In addition, there are regular flights to Taipei and Cebu. Guam is also the starting and ending point of United’s Island Hopper. If you want to learn more about the Island Hopper, check this out: 7 Islands in one Flight: United Island Hopper

Do you need a visa?

Guam is a US territory. Anyone with a valid US visa, including ESTA, can also travel to Guam with it. In addition, there is the Guam CNMI Visa Waiver Program, which covers 12 nations. You can find more information about entry requirements here.

Climate in Guam

Guam’s climate is humid and tropical. There is a rainy season from June to September and a dry season from December to May. During the rainy season, the risk of typhoons increases, although this is relatively rare. However, even during the dry season, there can be heavy rain showers.

Temperatures remain fairly constant year round, usually between 28 and 30°C.

How to get from A to B?

Buses

Guam has nine public bus lines that serve almost all villages on the island. Buses run between 06:30 and 19:30. Depending on the route, frequency ranges from 30 minutes to 2 hours. A bus ticket costs 3 USD per day.

In Tumon, there is also a tourist shuttle that runs from the biggest hotels in Tumon to shopping malls.

Taxis

Taxis operate across all of Guam and use standardized taximeters. A taxi ride costs 4 USD for the first mile and 0.8 USD for each additional quarter mile, plus a base fee of 2.4 USD.

Rental car

Rental cars are the best way to discover Guam. Cars can be rented at the airport or at most hotels.

What can you do?

Two Lovers Point

Two Lovers Point is the most famous viewpoint on Guam. It is connected to a love legend about a Chamorro woman and a man of lower status. The viewpoint is located on a cliff about 120 meters high. Looking south, you get a view of Tumon. In the coastline, you can also make out a face in profile.

Hagåtña

Hagåtña, Guam’s capital, has a lot to offer and everything is within walking distance.

Statue of Liberty

Not nearly as big as its New York original, but still a great photo spot.

Guam Museum

We are not usually big museum people, but the Guam Museum is definitely worth visiting. Guam has a long history, and the museum teaches you a lot about the Chamorro, the island’s indigenous people.

Plaza de España

Across from the Guam Museum is the Plaza de España. During the Spanish colonial period, the site played a central role. The Governor’s Palace once stood here, among other buildings. Since 1974, the site has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral

The Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral is Guam’s largest church. Its origins date back to the Spanish colonial era of the 17th century.

Fort Nuestra Señora de la Soledad

Fort Nuestra Señora de la Soledad is one of the most important Spanish fortifications on Guam. It sits on a cliff above Umatac Bay, at the place where Ferdinand Magellan reached Guam in 1521. The fort was built in 1801 but was heavily damaged during World War II. Today’s site is a reconstruction based on historical plans.

Bay of Umatac

Umatac Bay is the bay where Ferdinand Magellan arrived in Guam in 1521. That is why the Magellan Monument is located here. During the Spanish colonial period, the bay was an important anchorage for ships that stopped on Guam for supplies on the route between Manila and the Americas. Above the bay, Fort Nuestra Señora de la Soledad also towers over the coastline.

Merizo Bell Tower

Merizo is a small village in the south of Guam. The bell tower was built in the 1910s. Right next to it stands the Coconut Christmas Tree, a tree decorated with hundreds of painted coconuts.

Bear Rock

In Inalåhan you can find Bear Rock, a striking rock formation that resembles a bear.

Memorials

Gold Star Families Memorial

This memorial was built for families who lost a loved ones in service. It is located in Hagåtña between Chamorro Village and the Guam Museum.

Veterans Memorial Humatak

This memorial is dedicated to fallen Chamorro soldiers in the Vietnam War. It is located in the south of Guam and also serves as a viewpoint over Umatac Bay.

Hasso Inalåhan

Hasso Inalåhan is not a war memorial, but a Chamorro cultural monument. It is located right next to the viewpoint for Bear Rock. In the center stands a Latte Stone, a traditional Chamorro stone pillar. These pillars formed the foundation of Chamorro houses.

Peace Memorial

The Peace Memorial is located in the parking area of Two Lovers Point. It was built in memory of the September 11 attacks.

Pagat Cave

In the north of Guam is Pagat Cave, an impressive cave in the middle of the rainforest. Inside the limestone cave is a small freshwater pool. Visiting it involves a hike. You can find the trailhead on the map.

There is no official parking lot, you simply park along the road. The hike takes about 30 minutes each way. In some sections it is quite steep and you have to climb over roots. There are ropes installed that you can hold onto.

Inside the cave we spotted a coconut crab, a huge crab.

Talo’fo’fo’ Falls

The Talo’fo’fo’ Falls are the most famous waterfalls on Guam. They are located on private property. The area also includes a cable car from which you can take photos of the falls.

Monster Trucks

In the far south, in Merizo, there are two monster trucks next to a house. You can find the exact location on the map.

Pacific War Museum

We can imagine the Pacific War Museum would be a real must see on Guam. However, when we were there in 2024, it was closed, and we only saw a few old american trucks parked outside.

How much time should you plan?

Guam offers many hiking options. Depending on how many hikes you want to do, you should plan more time accordingly. But to see the most important highlights, two full days are enough.