Guatemala Travel Guide

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Welcome to my Guatemala Travel Guide, where I will share with you everything you’ll need to know before starting your adventure through one of my favourite countries in the world. Guatemala is in Central America and is full to the brim with adventure, fascinating ancient ruins, beautiful architecture, and kind-hearted locals. 

Guatemala has incredible nature, and travellers who visit this country often find themselves doing many activities that allow them to get up close and personal with it. This country is colourful, full of culture, and is reasonably inexpensive, making it a backpackers ideal destination. 

Getting There

Firstly, you should be aware that most travellers who arrive by plane will skip Guatemala City and instead head straight to Antigua. That isn’t to say that everyone must skip Guatemala City as there could be something interesting for you there. I spent a few hours exploring the city on my way out of the country and it was great to be in the middle of all the hustle and bustle. Like any big city, it’s best to keep your wits about you and stick to the safer areas. 

It’s a 48-50 minute drive from La Aurora International Airport to Antigua. You can book an Uber from the airport to your accommodation in Antigua, which is best if you are travelling with friends as it’s cheaper when splitting the cost. Another option is to contact your hostel to organise a shared shuttle, which is the preferred option for most travellers.

Guatemala Travel Itinerary

You may find that the most popular areas to visit can be quite far from one another. I would highly recommend giving yourself three weeks or more to comfortably travel this amazing country. The following section describes the attractions you can visit in each area. You can decide what sounds more enticing to you based on your personal preferences and how much time you have. 

Best Things to do in Antigua

Antigua is for many people the first place they visit in Guatemala. This town and surrounding area undoubtedly sets the bar high for the rest of the country. The cobblestone streets, brightly coloured buildings, and towering Volcano Acatenango all really make it a stunning place to start your trip. Some travellers even choose to enrol in a Spanish language school and spend a couple of months living in Antigua. I really enjoyed my time here and could easily see myself doing this one day too. 

• Free walking tour: A great way to orient yourself and get a deep dive into the history of Antigua is to do a free walking tour. Ask at your hostel for recommendations on the best walking tour to take. 
• Santa Catalina Arch: A very noticeable feature of this town is the Santa Catalina Arch – a frequently photographed yellow arch, popular for the volcano nicely framed in the backdrop. 
• Cerro de La Cruz: This lookout point is easy to reach by foot from town and offers incredible views of the whole of Antigua, featuring the volcano in the background. You will be amongst the locals here as it’s a popular hang out spot.
• Central market and the second-hand market: You should definitely visit the central market on your trip to Antigua, as there is a huge selection of fresh fruit and vegetables. For me, the star of the show is actually situated behind the main market: the huge second-hand market. Give yourself a decent amount of time to check this out as there’s a lot of great stuff to sift through. 
• Spanish lessons: Regardless of how long you intend on spending in Guatemala, taking Spanish lessons in Antigua is a fantastic way to get your Spanish skills up to scratch. You will find this super useful on your travels and a great way to meet other travellers.
• Plaza Mayor: Right in the centre of Antigua is the main plaza, which holds live music and locals with street food stands. There are plenty of benches to do some people watching and absorb the charming ambience.

Your Acatenango Survival Guide

Possibly one of the best experiences you will ever have is climbing Volcano Acatenango. Before you begin this huge venture there are a few very important things you must know. Firstly, it’s cold up there. Additionally, as the elevation is high, it is possible to encounter thin air due to the altitude. Standing at 3976 metres high, and with a constant steep elevation, this hike is not easy. However, the reward of reaching the top outweighs these factors massively. 

You will climb Acatenango to camp overnight, enabling you to watch the magic of Volcano Fuego erupting every 15 minutes or so. Seeing these small eruptions are truly one of the most surreal experiences, especially after it gets dark. 

Typically, climbers will go with the tour company their hostel offers, so that may be an important factor to consider before booking accommodation in Antigua. The hostels should allow you to empty the contents of your backpack into a locker so that you can take only what you need up the volcano. The tour will have transport, food, and the tents all included. On the day of the hike you will be taken to the tour operator’s building where you will select what you need to hire.

Items that are available for hire include:

• Jackets
• Beanie
• Gloves
• Hiking sticks
• Sleeping bag
• Hiking boots
• Head torch 
• Backpacks

Essential items to bring yourself:

• Thick, long socks x2 pairs
• Plenty of water
• Comfortable footwear
• Power bank
• Warm clothes (thermal layers are a good idea)
• Backpack (ideally 40 litres or more)

You will start your hike to base camp around midmorning, which should take around five hours. Base camp will have your tents already set up as well as a small kitchen area where the guides will make your food and light a fire. My advice is to also bring a power bank, wet wipes, and perhaps a change of clothes to freshen up after your hike. 

The next morning you will be woken up at 4:00 am to start the hike to the summit of Acatenango and watch the sunrise. I hope that for you it’s a clear morning so you can see the sunrise over Fuego. On my trip there was a blizzard that morning and we almost got blown off the side of the volcano, with no visibility of the sunrise at all. No doubt, this was still a once in a lifetime experience and something I will never forget!

Enjoy your time hiking Acatenango. Even if it’s a difficult climb, take it step by step because it is 100% worth it.

The Magic of Lake Atitlan

This stunning lake is 18 kilometres long and is the deepest in all of Central America. Lake Atitlan is great because it’s the type of place where you could easily spend a week or longer, just relaxing in nature. Language school is another great excuse to spend a few weeks in Lake Atitlan and to take a break from continuous travel. Much like Antigua, you will have the view of some stunning volcanoes during your time at Lake Atitlan. The surrounding volcanoes are San Pedro, Atitlan, and Toliman, which all sit on the shores of the lake. 

Lake Atitlan is also a great place to go for some rest and recuperation after your Acatenango hike. You can catch a shuttle from Antigua to Panajachel, the main town at Lake Atitlan. You may stay here in Panajachel, or take a ferry to one of the other towns that sit across the lake, each of which has their own vibe and character. See below some descriptions of what to do at each town to help you decide where you’d like to stay or visit.

• Panajachel: Panajachel is the largest and most developed town on the lake. It’s located on the northern shore and offers a wide range of accommodation options, restaurants, and shops. It’s also a popular spot for boat tours and other lake activities. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the town’s colourful market, which is open every day.
• San Pedro La Laguna: San Pedro is a smaller town located on the southeastern shore of the lake. It’s known for its laid-back vibe and lively nightlife, with plenty of bars and restaurants catering to backpackers and other budget-minded travellers. The town also offers opportunities for hiking, kayaking, and other outdoor activities.
• Santa Cruz La Laguna: Santa Cruz is a quieter and more secluded town located on the northern shore of the lake. It’s a great spot for travellers looking for a more peaceful and off-the-beaten-path experience. 
• San Marcos La Laguna: San Marcos is a small town located on the eastern shore of the lake. This town is a popular spot for travellers looking for a more holistic experience. It’s known for its spiritual and wellness-focused community, with plenty of yoga studios and meditation centres.

In most towns around the lake you can find a hiking trail to a ‘mirador’ which is Spanish for lookout. There are countless lookout spots around the lake that offer great views of the water, the three volcanoes, and the towns that are settled in the valleys below. The Indian Nose is one of the most popular hikes, and can be completed in full with a guide who will get you to the summit for sunrise and incredible views of the lake below.

Where to stay in Lake Atitlan: Free Cerveza in Santa Cruz ​​is one of the most popular hostels in Lake Atitlan. It’s important to know that Santa Cruz can only be reached by boat as there is no direct road access. To reach Santa Cruz, you’ll need to travel to Panajachel and take a public boat across the lake. The public boat schedule runs until 7:00 pm, and the fare is approximately Q25 per person from Panajachel to Free Cerveza in Santa Cruz. It’s important to have the exact change ready when purchasing your boat ticket.

Stunning Semuc Champey

Head deep into the jungle and mountains to a town called Lanquin and marvel at the natural wonder of Semuc Champey. My day at Semuc Champey was full of adventure and fun, and still to this day one of my absolute favourite travel memories.  

You will start the day by being picked up by trucks that you will stand on the back of, holding onto a metal frame. And boy, you better hold on because the ride there is steep and bumpy! The ride takes about 35 minutes (from our accommodation at Zephyr Lodge) with amazing views along the way.

Once you arrive you will see the river and its vibrant blue colour. The tour guide gets you suited up with rock shoes, life jackets, and candles… yes, candles. You will be led up a path into Kan’Ba Caves, a dark, water-filled cave. This part of the tour is optional, so if you aren’t comfortable with small spaces you can sit it out.

After the cave excursion, you can do a rope swing into the river (which myself and the others in our group did multiple because it was so fun). A little further up the river is a big waterfall that you can swim up to. The water is quite powerful so if you are not a confident swimmer, maybe assess whether it’s safe for you to get in or not. 

Next you will start your hike to the viewing platform, which has an incredible birds eye view of the cascading pools that are Semuc Champey. Carry water with you as it’s pretty hot, and you will be walking up a steep hill to get to the view point. 

You will be rewarded with a swim in the natural pools once you hike down from the view point. There are also natural rock slides from one pool down to the next. The water is so clear with such an amazing colour and surrounded by complete greenery. This experience is truly one of a kind.

Where to stay in Lanquin/Semuc Champey:

Zephyr Lodge was hands down one of the best hostels I stayed in during my time in Guatemala; I can’t recommend this place enough. You get an incredible pool overlooking a beautiful valley, social common area, bungalow type rooms, and a Semuc Champey day trip organised for you. If you have an extra day here, you can enjoy the lazy river day out, which entails drinking beer and floating down a river on tubes. 

Flores

Situated on Lago Peten Itza is the town of Flores. Travellers who are crossing the border from Belize often come here first on their trip through Guatemala. Flores has its own airport with frequent flights from Guatemala City, which many travellers utilise to avoid the long, bumpy road from the south.

You can explore the ruins and archaeological sites in the area, go hiking, kayaking, swimming, and check out the local rope swings.

Where to stay in Flores:

Los Amigos is a hostel with great location and atmosphere. This is a social place that will allow you to meet other travellers who you can befriend to explore Flores with.

Parque Nacional Tikal: The main attraction in Flores is the Mayan Ruins of Tikal, and for good reason. You should definitely get up early for the 6:00 am open time. This is mainly to beat the heat of the day since you will be climbing up the ruins and around the park. The other reason is to enjoy the sunrise here and experience the world waking up amongst the jungle and Mayan Ruins. The sound of the wildlife echoing around the ruins is something quite unique, while you look across the jungle and see the tops of the ancient buildings peeking out from the trees.  

Most people enjoy having a guided tour as you will get the full story and detailed history of the ruins. Tikal National Park is over an hour drive from Flores, for which you can expect to pay Q150, so you will need cash on you before you leave Flores. Remember to wear comfortable shoes and bring water. 

El Paredon

A common place backpackers go to enjoy the beach and nightlife is El Paredon. This is a laid-back beach town located on Guatemala’s Pacific coast. It’s a popular spot for surfing as well as other beach activities. The easiest way to reach El Paredon is by taking a shuttle from Antigua or Guatemala City, with the journey taking about 2-3 hours.

• Surfing: The main attraction in El Paredon is surfing, with several surf schools and rental shops in town. Whether you are a pro or beginner, this is the perfect opportunity to hire a board and get out onto the water.
• Sea Turtle Excursion: You can take a boat tour to see the local sea turtles and explore the nearby mangrove forests. Ask your hostel if they can organise for you to see a turtle release, as this is a really nice experience if it’s the right season.
• Party: In the evenings, there are plenty of beach bars and restaurants to enjoy and experience the backpacker nightlife scene.
• Watch the sunset: A great way to relax and unwind from your day is to catch the sunset over the Pacific Ocean from El Paredon beach. 
• Kayaking: A fun activity and nice way to explore the surrounding nature is to Kayak through the mangroves of the Sipacate-Naranjo Nature Reserve.

Quetzaltenango

Quetzaltenango, also known as Xela, is a vibrant and bustling city located in the western highlands of Guatemala. It’s a great base for exploring the nearby mountains and indigenous communities. Quetzaltenango is located about 3.5 hours from Antigua.

• Volcanos: Quetzaltenango is a great base for exploring the nearby mountains and volcanoes, including the Santa Maria and Santiaguito volcanoes. To enjoy these experiences to the max it’s best to go with a guide, who will help get you to the summit for amazing views of Xela below and the other surrounding volcanoes. 
• Parque a Centro America: Like most of the towns and cities that you will visit in Central America, the centre is usually a beautiful park with interesting things and people out and about. Hanging out here will give you the real Guatemalan feel, as this town is far less touristy and will show you more of the authentic local life. 
• Fuentes Georginas Volcanic Hot Springs: About 30 minutes from Xela is a town called Zunil, where you can find volcanic hot springs. This is a real hidden gem and something you should definitely visit if you are in Xela.

Getting Around Guatemala

Guatemala is a big country with the main attractions very far from one another. Therefore, it is important to figure out the most efficient route to travel and, of course, the most comfortable way to get there. 

Shared Shuttles: 

Roads in Guatemala are rather bumpy and winding, so if you are prone motion sickness then loading up with some anti-nausea medication before you arrive in Guatemala is probably wise. Travelling by shuttle between two destinations is often long, but many budgeting backpackers take this option, so just know you won’t be alone in your discomfort. Most hostels will have partnerships with shuttle companies and can book your transport for you, or will be able to give you a Whatsapp number to book the shuttle yourself. To give you an idea of travel times, see below:

Travel time by shuttle/car:

*Please note that these times are the estimated driving times. Additionally, if you are travelling by shared shuttle, you can expect it to take longer as other passengers will be picked up and dropped off at their accommodation.

Flying:

The most common flight route is from Guatemala City to Flores, which is a quick 50 minutes direct. This option is pretty reasonably priced and is significantly faster than going by road, which is why so many choose this option. 

Tuk-tuk:

You will find tuk-tuks are a pretty common form of short distance transport in Guatemala. Tuk-tuk fares are often negotiable, but be sure to agree on a price before getting in. Some places you can expect to see tuk-tuks are Lake Atitlan, Flores, Guatemala City, and many other smaller towns around the country.

Ferry boat/ Lancha:

When you visit Lake Atitlan or Lago Peten Itza in Flores, you will find some towns and parts of the lakes are only reachable by ferry boat or ‘lancha’. Boating around Lake Atitlan is easy, cheap, and fast. You will be able to get a ferry to and from any of the towns around the lake, but just note that you will need to pay in cash, so make sure you have some on you.

Chicken Buses:

In the past old US school buses that were retired were sent to a number of countries in Central America and are now a cheap and cheerful way for locals and travellers alike to get around. Chicken buses don’t travel on a schedule and it is not possible to book a ticket, instead the bus drives along the same route picking up and dropping off people as per request. You may have an initial hesitation or fear about getting on one of these chicken buses, but I’m here to tell you that if you are prepared it is a fun way to travel from A to B. 

The best way to take a chicken bus in Guatemala, or any Central American country, is to be prepared by doing your own research by asking the people who work or are staying at your hostel or reading online. A good place to get reliable up to date information is to look on Guatemala Travel Forum. For your first time I would suggest taking a bus only a short distance so you can get an understanding of the process. These buses are also not that comfortable so travelling short distances is advised for this reason too. Some important things to know is that these buses can get very full and you will likely have your big bag strapped to the roof of the bus. Don’t worry the bus assistant will sort this for you.

Best Time to Visit

Visitors to Guatemala are greeted with hot weather almost all year round. The best time to visit, however, depends on your travel preferences and the activities you have planned. Here are some general tips to help you decide:

Peak tourist season: The peak tourist season in Guatemala is from December to February. This is when the weather is typically dry and sunny, but it can also be crowded and more expensive.

Rainy season: The rainy season in Guatemala runs from May to October, with the heaviest rains typically in September and October. While the rain can make some roads difficult to navigate, it can also bring lush green landscapes and lower prices for accommodations and activities.

Climate: Guatemala has a tropical climate, with temperatures averaging around 25-30°C (77-86°F) throughout the year. However, temperatures can vary depending on the altitude and location, so it’s important to pack appropriately for your itinerary.

Events and festivals: Guatemala has a rich cultural calendar, with several festivals and events throughout the year. For example, the Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) is celebrated in early November, where you can visit the Kite Festival which is in the town of Sumpango in late November.

Overall, the best time to visit Guatemala depends on your interests and priorities. If you’re looking for dry weather and popular attractions, consider visiting during the peak tourist season. However, if you prefer lower prices and don’t mind the occasional rain, the rainy season can offer its own charms and unique experiences. I went to Guatemala towards the end of October/early November and thought it was a great time to be there. 

Must Try Foods

Guatemala has a rich culinary tradition that blends indigenous Mayan, Spanish, and other international influences. Be sure to try some of the local street food and fresh fruit during your visit to Guatemala. Here are some must-try dishes to sample during your visit:

• Tamales: A popular dish made of corn dough filled with meat, vegetables, or cheese, wrapped in a banana leaf or corn husk and steamed.
• Tostadas: Crispy tortillas topped with beans, meat, cheese, and vegetables, and often served with salsa and guacamole.
• Plantains: Easily mistaken for a banana, Plantain is closer to the texture of a potato and is commonly fried and added to the side of many dishes. I am still to this day grateful to the shop owner in Panajachel for not letting us buy plantains to have for breakfast with muesli and yoghurt. 

Language and Currency

The local language in Guatemala is Spanish. It’s best if you know the basic greetings before you go so you can have even small interactions with locals. There will be English speaking people within the tourism industry, so that is a real bonus for logistics. 

Guatemala Quetzal (GTQ) is the official currency with 1 GTQ equating about 0.13 USD. You will find that you will use cash a lot during your trip, so ensure you are taking money for a reliable looking ATM. I tend to go for ones attached to banks or ones that are recommended by my travel debit card.

If you are someone that likes to have some back up currencies on you, then you should get USD as it is accepted by most businesses throughout the country. Local currency is preferred, but good to know you have another option if it’s easier for you to get USD before your trip.

All of the locations mentioned in this guide are on the Guatemala Trip-Pin Map plus many more. You can get this map below downloaded directly into your personal Google Maps. 

So now it’s up to you to book the flight and enjoy the magic of Guatemala for yourself!