is guatemala cheap to visit

The Cost of Travel in Guatemala: A Detailed Budget Breakdown

I can’t speak highly enough of the time I spent travelling in Guatemala.

Home to volcanoes, lakes, rainforests, colourful architecture, and ancient ruins, there’s an unbelievable amount to see here for such a small country. Throw delicious street food and lovely locals into the mix, and you’ve got all the ingredients for a life-changing adventure.

From the colourful city of Antigua and the awe-inspiring Tikal to the beauty of Semuc Champney and the adrenaline rush that comes from hiking up an active volcano, Guatemala truly has something for everyone. I couldn’t get enough of this country and can’t wait to return.

I found Guatemala to offer up great value for money, too — much cheaper than Belize and Costa Rica — with an array of accommodation to suit all budgets. My husband and I stuck to hotels and guesthouses on a mid-range budget, which worked out to between $25 and $50 a night, and we stayed in some truly wonderful properties.

In this post, I’ll be referencing costs in U.S. dollars, purely because most readers are from the States. The Guatemalan Quetzal (GTQ) is the local currency, and at the time of writing this in early 2024, $1 is worth around 8 Quetzales – so it’s not too tricky to convert. 

A quick note before we continue: I paid for everything in the article myself – this is a comp- and press trip-free post.

Guatemala came near the start of my year-long travel extravaganza, in October. Like I mentioned earlier, we’d been in Nicaragua beforehand, and the States before that, which is where the whole adventure began.

It’s a joy to be able to write about my travels: it brings back such happy memories. But I have to say, our journey into Guatemala from Nicaragua was not my most favourite part of those 12 months. We opted for a small, cheap shuttle van (along with six other people), and what should have been an already punchy 20-hour journey turned into a 29-hour slog.

So when we got to Guatemala City, we weren’t in the best of spirits to say the least. But that changed quickly after a sleep. A long, long sleep.

Now we’ve got the basics and some scene-setting covered, let’s get started. Here’s a quick rundown of how I recommend spending two weeks in Guatemala:

• Guatemala City: 2 nights
• Antigua: 4 nights
• Lake Atitlan: 3 nights
• Semuc Champney: 2 nights
• Flores: 2 nights

What’s Included in This Post

The budget breakdown that follows covers accommodation, transportation, activities, food, and miscellaneous costs.

Flight costs will vary of course, depending on where you travel in from. I recommend using Skyscanner to check availability and costs.

We booked some transport and activities online, but found local travel agencies offered much cheaper prices if we were prepared to shop around and haggle a little. But equally, online booking works well, too.

We got a lot for our money in Guatemala and managed to fit loads in without breaking the bank.

Carry on reading to get the Guatemalan lowdown!

How to Save Money on the Cost of Accommodation in Guatemala

As always with travel, it’s possible to cut your accommodation costs down to zero if you have the time and patience to seek out an offer.

Housesitting  is a great option for  free  accommodation. This is where you’ll take care of somebody’s house while they’re away, and usually look after their pets, too. It’s best for long-term travellers or retirees as you can’t pick and choose dates and destinations, so you need to have a lot of flexibility as to where you go and at what time of year. If you  do  have that freedom, it’s a wonderful way to cut down your travel expenses, soak up some home comforts, and live like a local for a while. I have friends who have housesat in castles before! For free!  Trusted Housesitters  is the best site for getting started with housesitting, as they have the highest number of listings.

I’m suspecting, though, that for most of you, you’re not interested in the free accommodation and just want somewhere clean, safe, and affordable to rest your head each night. If that’s the case, there are several options available for you.

The first of these are  hostels . In Guatemala, you’ll come across hostels all over the country, finding them on tiny islands, in large cities, and even in the national parks. They’re one of your best options for saving money.

And, of course, there are always hotels. While you can spend hundreds of dollars a night on high-end places if you want to, you don’t have to: good clean, basic rooms go for as little as $25 , and I often found really nice mid-range places in good locations for around $70-90. I always use  Booking , as they have the most accommodation options for the cheapest prices.

The Cost of Accommodation in Guatemala

Like I mentioned earlier, places to stay in Guatemala were top value. From lakeside properties to city pads, we experienced an eclectic mix.

For the most part, the hotels and guest houses we stayed at didn’t include breakfast, instead offering it as an extra for between $5-$10 per person . As a result, we generally just picked something up while out and about instead, which was cheaper and gave us more opportunity to try some of the great local breakfast and coffee places!

To break it down, these are the specific places we stayed in Guatemala:

Guatemala City: We pushed the boat out here and stayed at this stylish boutique hotel for $89 a night . There are cheaper options, but one of the main reasons we chose this one was safety. Let’s get that bit out of the way first.

Virtually every visitor to the capital has the same question in their head: “Is Guatemala City safe or not?” Historically not so much, but these days there’s no reason not to check it out as long as you have your wits about you and stick to the “safer” zones.

On that, the city is divided into many zones. We opted for Zone 10, one of the “safe” ones. We headed into Zone 1 – the historic centre – during the day for a wander, but don’t recommend staying there, as it can be a little sketchy, especially at night. It’s fine to explore during the day, though.

Back to our snazzy boutique digs. Just a couple of kilometres from Museo Popol Vuh with its collection of Mayan art, and quite close to the airport, our double room was lovely and modern, with wooden floors and little touches of exposed brickwork. There were just 15 bedrooms in the whole place, split across two levels, plus a bar and a cute little garden area. The staff were friendly and super-helpful as well, with all sorts of useful tips and advice for exploring the city.

Antigua: For our four nights here, we stayed at this colourful and happy spot for $89 a night . Super central, it was just one avenue away from Parque Central (Plaza Mayor), the bustling hub of this UNESCO-listed city. Service levels from all the staff really was above and beyond, and I loved the vibrant murals on our bedroom walls and throughout the property so much. It made for such a fun and uplifting stay, and I wish we could have stayed even longer!

Lake Atitlan: Our first two nights were spent at this eco-friendly hideaway in San Marcos on the shores of the lake. With 10 individually designed rooms, we opted for Luz, and despite being the cheapest option for a couple at $67 , we wanted for nothing. We enjoyed a large, cool space with funky wooden furniture, high ceilings, and a cute little sitting area. And we were surrounded by thriving gardens filled with colourful flowers and banana trees: it was such a beautiful spot!

For our third and final night by the lake, we hopped on a boat eastwards for the 45-minute ride to Panajachel. Our onward travel to Lanquín was from here, so we thought it made sense to stay there for a night, and we also wanted to check out another part of the magical lake.

Just outside the centre of town and very reasonable at $28 a night , we checked in at this value-for-money hotel , where our room had tiled floors and a, shall we say, eye-catching bedspread. Simple, clean, and only a few minutes from the lake, it was ideal for one night.

Semuc Champey: Okay, so prepare yourself for a bit of a mission to get here, but it’s worth it. We travelled to Lanquín via shuttle: it had been a long – and bumpy – day. And then, another bus ride, plus a half an hour guided hike to get to this peaceful rainforest getaway . But, we had help with our luggage, and when we finally made it, we were so pleased we made the effort. And just $27 a night , too. Think rustic charm, and if that floats your boat, this place is for you.

This tranquil spot in the Guatemalan jungle had a communal kitchen and a well-stocked pantry full of ingredients for guests to buy, both a rarity in Guatemalan hostels. But there was also an on-site chef if you prefer your meals made for you, making the most of the abundant fruit and veg grown in the gardens.

A quick housekeeping note: check the latest time the hostel will let you arrive. As it gets darker, that hike gets more dangerous. You’ll need to factor that into your travel schedule.

We could get to the river directly from the hostel, and a waterfall and natural swimming pool were nearby to enjoy (season dependent). And the glorious aqua pools of Semuc Champney were just 2.4 kilometres away.

If that half-hour trek doesn’t appeal and you’d rather stay in Lanquín instead, a couple we met had stayed at this lovely homestay and couldn’t say enough good things about it. The beds and rooms were apparently very comfortable, there’s a restaurant onsite that’s open all day and has tasty and inexpensive food, and the owner (David) runs great day trips out to Semuc Champney. Best of all, it’s a bargain at $25 a night.

Flores: This cute little town is situated on the edge of Lago Peten Itza, about an hour and a half south of Tikal. We chose to stay just across the lake from Flores at this waterside property , and loved the peace and tranquillity, while still being only a short boat ride from town. It was great value as well, at $39 a night .

When we arrived in Flores we were boated across to the hotel for free, and the super hospitable staff just couldn’t do enough for us, going the extra mile to help us with trips and give us info. Our room was colourful (there seems to be a theme!) and comfy, and we loved being right by the water.

The Cost of Transportation in Guatemala

We travelled by shuttle bus through Guatemala, and while it perhaps wasn’t the most comfortable option, it was certainly cheap. These small white buses were for tourists, and different to the colourful chicken buses and collectivos that predominantly transported locals around.

That’s not to say you can’t use chicken buses and collectivos as a tourist, mind you – we did now and then. They were even cheaper than the tourist shuttles, but less comfortable and with little room for luggage. We found them best for shorter journeys or day trips when we didn’t have our bags with us.

To reiterate something I mentioned at the start: shop around for transport prices – there were deals to be had. In general, we booked our transport through travel agents (there were plenty), but in some of the more remote places like Semuc Champney, our hostel booked shuttles for us. It wasn’t a case of simply jumping on: we booked specific days and times in advance.

Also, something we were becoming used to by that point in our travels was to keep in mind that the shuttles often took much longer than advised. The roads were in quite poor condition at times; it was slow going and bumpy.

The trick? Don’t rush, and build lots of extra time into your itinerary. If you try to cram too much in too quickly and are relying on onward connections (and shuttles arriving when they say they will), you’re going to feel stressed, and will inevitably miss connections.

Here’s a breakdown of our journey costs:

• Shuttle bus from Guatemala City to Antigua: $15 per person .
• Shuttle bus from Antigua to Lake Atitlan (Panajachel): $20 per person .
• Boat from Panajachel to San Marcos: $3.30 per person
• Return boat from San Marcos to San Pedro: $3.60 per person
• Boat from San Marcos to Panajachel: $3.30 per person
• Shuttle bus from Panajachel to Lanquín: $45 per person
• Shuttle bus from Lanquín to Flores: $44 per person

There are other modes of transport if shuttle buses aren’t for you, such as taxis and private cars. It’s also worth firing up the Uber app: the ridesharing service is available in an increasing number of places in Guatemala, and in some cases can be cheaper than a shuttle bus for two or more people traveling, even between cities.

The Cost of Activities and Entrance Fees in Guatemala

Oh my, Guatemala has some great activities on offer, from volcano trekking and swimming in the jungle to exploring ancient ruins. Here are some of the things we particularly loved doing, with prices:

Museo Popol Vuh , Guatemala City: $6 per person . Home to a major collection of Mayan art, we took in pre-Columbian and colonial pieces.

Pacaya volcano trek, Antigua: $20-30 per person (included transportation, the entrance fee, and obligatory guide). This walk was so worth it, with amazing views throughout, plus petrified lava! Touching it felt hot, and we toasted marshmallows on it! Carry plenty of water, and if you do a sunset tour like we did, make sure you have a torch, or at least plenty of battery life left on your phone – it was dark by the time we walked back down. Also, we found the hike to be medium difficulty, in case you’re wondering if it’s for you. As always, shop around the travel agencies when you get to Antigua. Oh, and just a note that tours don’t always run, depending on volcanic activity.

Finca Filadelfia coffee plantation tour , Antigua: $20 per person . We enjoyed a tour of the plantation just north of the city, where we heard all about the bean and roasting process, and sampled some of their rather wonderful products.

Mayan Kitchen Cooking Class , San Pedro Lake Atitlan: $35 per person . Westwards around the lake from San Marcos, we learned all about Mayan cooking. This was right up our street – we love to cook and we love to eat. Venturing to the local market to buy ingredients with our guide Anita, we then went back to her kitchen. There, our group whipped up regional plates such as pepián, tortillas, and guacamole.

Natural pools, Semuc Champney: $20 per person for a day trip from Lanquín, including Q50 ($6.50) entrance fee to the National Monument. Cascading down one after the other, the turquoise pools were begging to be jumped into – and we did. It’s a 45-minute uphill trek through lush jungle from the carpark to the scenic natural wonder, and I’d definitely recommend you wear proper shoes for it (not flip flops like we foolishly did). We walked via an impressive viewpoint (‘El Mirador’) before spending a few hours chilling and swimming down at the water. We decided against tubing, but that was on offer for Q50 ($6.50) if the mood takes you.

Jorge’s Rope Swing, Flores: $3.30 entrance per person . Eastwards of our hotel, we chilled on the hammocks and braved the swing into the lake – a fab way to spend an afternoon.

Tikal Mayan citadel : $20 per person entrance fee. We marvelled at these ancient ruins as we toured the site, exploring the archaeological remains of the ancient Maya civilization. A cultural and natural preserve, the area was declared a National Park in 1955 and designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979. Get there early for dramatic views over the jungle and to beat the heat later in the day.

We also loved a range of free activities, including: 

Wandering the cobbled roads of Antigua: Despite the city’s somewhat touristy feel, we loved, loved, loved it. It was just so attractive, with a real holiday vibe to it, and we wiled away a lot of time strolling the maze of streets, dipping in and out of the many chocolate shops.

Cerro de la Cruz, Antigua: Up we went to the ‘Hill of the Cross’ viewpoint, and boy were we hot by the time we reached the top 20 minutes later! The spectacular vistas were worth it, though.

Ambling the shores of Lake Atitlan: North west of Antigua, this crater lake was surrounded by natural beauty. Hills dotted the landscape and volcanoes loomed in the background. The word Atitlan is Mayan for ‘the place where the rainbow gets its colour’.

The Cost of Food in Guatemala

Being total foodies, my husband Ryan and I are always excited to try new cuisines. Guatemalan food ticked that box – it was a whole new experience for us, one that we found to be both cheap and tasty. We mainly ate street food and at budget-friendly local restaurants, but of course, if you have the cash to splash, there are more expensive options.

In Guatemala, Mayan culture merges with Spanish heritage, making the local cuisine interesting and flavourful. Here are a handful of dishes we ate across our fortnight in the country, along with the average price.

Known for its coffee culture, we started most days with a brew. There were many cafés to try; we generally picked a different one each day. Fernando’s Kaffee – also a roastery and chocolate shop – was our favourite place in Antigua where we paid $2 per cup for an Americano and $2.50 for a latte. We pulled up a pew in the pretty courtyard garden, or got a takeaway and sipped as we strolled.

Some days we didn’t feel especially hungry at breakfast time, so a coffee did the job. On other days, we opted for tasty fresh fruit, which set us back just a dollar or so from a local market, while if were feeling hungry, a traditional Guatemalan brekkie of ‘desayuno chapin’ did the job nicely.

Desayuno chapin: This filling meal consists of scrambled eggs with tomato, red or black beans, plantain, cheese, and tortilla, usually with a side of avocado and cream, and it’s a cheap and delicious way to start the day. We usually paid $3-4 for it.

Other breakfasts we enjoyed were:

Huevos Motuleños:  Originally from the eastern part of Guatemala, it includes black beans, fried plantains, sausage, chopped tomatoes, avocados, and fried eggs on a bed of tortillas. This typically set us back $3-5.

Tamalitos:  If you’ve ever had a tamale in Mexico or elsewhere, these are the Guatemalan equivalent. Typically smaller than their Mexican cousins, these steamed parcels of corn masa and fillings come wrapped in banana leaves. You can get them for any meal, but a typical breakfast version has vegetables, chicken, or pork, plus a sauce of some kind. They cost $1 or less from street vendors.

Noodle tostadas: This street food dish was an unusual mix of cuisines, consisting of a crisp tortilla topped with guacamole, chopped tomatoes, salsa, onions, and noodles – double carb me up! These came in at around $1 and were super tasty. One of the most authentic places we enjoyed the snack was Lake Atitlan, where a young boy carrying a cooler stopped us as we wandered the narrow maze of pathways surrounding San Marcos. He offered to make us a portion from scratch while we watched – enterprising or what? A flavour bomb, too.

Pupusas: Half-moon shaped tortillas filled with shredded meat, beans, and cheese, then fried, these filling snacks came in at about $1.50 each a portion and were yum. Served with salsa and cabbage, they served us well for dinner sometimes, too.

Empanadas: You can’t travel in Latin America without enjoying a (un)healthy dose of empanadas, and we didn’t even try! Crisp pastry filled mainly with veggies such as potato and spinach, and topped with guacamole, tomatoes, onion and coriander, these were moreish and gone in seconds. Price-wise, they were around $1.50 a portion.

Chicken pepián: Super delish, this spiced stew fuses Spanish and Mayan cuisine, and was packed with fruit and veg such as squash, carrot, and pear alongside the chicken. I really loved the sauce it came in: it was slightly different each time, but always great! Served with rice or tortilla, it set us back $4-6 a portion.

Kak’ik: We loved this dish of Mayan spiced turkey soup sprinkled with coriander. I’m a sucker for achiote and there’s plenty of it in this dish, which is what gives it its distinctive red colour. Costing around $4 a pop, it was a cheap and flavoursome bowl. The spiciness level varied quite a bit, though: sometimes it had only a mild heat, other times there was a real chilli kick to it!

Grilled meats: We regularly devoured the likes of chorizo and thin slices of steak on the street and in budget restaurants for no more than a couple of dollars a portion, although you can certainly pay more in higher-end places. Filling and delicious: what more needs to be said?

Tap water generally isn’t safe to drink in Guatemala, so we drank lots of bottled water throughout our stay, plus coffee, beers, and the odd mezcal here and there.

A large water cost us about $1 from a convenience store, while large bottles of local beer came in at about $1.50 , and mezcal around $5 a shot – sip, don’t slam! One recommendation that I have to mention: Café No Sé in Antigua for mezcal, and the fab staff who let me get behind the bar after I’d had a few!

Tasty and excellent value for money, we thoroughly enjoyed the food and drink of Guatemala.

Cost of Travel Insurance in Guatemala

If you’ve read any other posts on Never Ending Footsteps, you’ll know that I’m a great believer in travelling with travel insurance. I’ve seen far too many Go Fund Me campaigns from destitute backpackers that are unexpectedly stranded in a foreign country after a scooter accident/being attacked/breaking a leg with no way of getting home or paying for their healthcare. These costs can quickly land you with a six-figure bill to pay at the end of it.

In short, if you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel.

Travel insurance  will cover you if your flight is cancelled and you need to book a new one, if your luggage gets lost and you need to replace your belongings, if you suddenly get struck down by appendicitis and have to be hospitalised, or discover a family member has died and you need to get home immediately. If you fall seriously ill, your insurance will cover the costs to fly you home to receive medical treatment.

I use  SafetyWing  as my travel insurance provider, and recommend them for trips to Guatemala. Firstly, they’re one of the few companies out there who will actually cover you if you contract COVID-19. On top of that, they provide worldwide coverage, don’t require you to have a return ticket, and even allow you to buy coverage after you’ve left home. If you’re on a long-term trip, you can pay monthly instead of up-front, and can cancel at any time. Finally, they’re more affordable than the competition, and have a clear, easy-to-understand pricing structure, which is always appreciated.

With SafetyWing, you’ll pay  $1.50 a day  for travel insurance.

How Much Does It Cost to Travel in Guatemala?

After adding everything up, here are our daily per-person costs for our time in Guatemala!

• Accommodation: $63.70 per day between two ( $31.85 each)
• Transport: $8.90 per day
• Activities: $12.70 per day
• Food and drink: $13.40 per day
• Miscellaneous: $4.50 per day

Grand total spent in Guatemala: $71.35 per person per day .

Our Guatemalan expedition was full of fun and adventure and great value for money, to boot. With varied and beautiful landscapes, a wide range of interesting sights and activities, flavourful food, and a mixture of quality and reasonably-priced places to stay, I can’t wait to go back!

Related Articles on Guatemala 🐒 Sunrise at Tikal: A Travel Highlight 😂 The Belize-Guatemala Border and the Worst Bribe Attempt Ever

Lauren Juliff

Lauren Juliff is a published author and travel expert who founded Never Ending Footsteps in 2011. She has spent over 12 years travelling the world, sharing in-depth advice from more than 100 countries across six continents. Lauren's travel advice has been featured in publications like the BBC, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Cosmopolitan, and her work is read by 200,000 readers each month. Her travel memoir can be found in bookstores across the planet.

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This cost breakdown is so helpful! I’ve always wanted to go to Guatemala :)

Hi, I think Guatemala is one of the best places for tourists to visit again and again. Next year I’m going to visit there. Thank you & keep traveling.

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Guatemala Travel Guide

Last Updated: September 1, 2023

The rugged mountains and jungles offer adventurous travelers a chance to get off the beaten path and explore pristine landscapes for a fraction of what you’d pay elsewhere in the world. And the ruins are underrated and a must-see for history buffs, including the impressive Tikal, an ancient Mayan city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

I love this country and have always had an incredible time here. (One of my favorite memories involves camping in Tikal National Park)

In this travel guide to Guatemala, I’ll show you how to make the most of your trip, save money, and stay safe in one of Central America’s most popular destinations!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Guatemala

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Guatemala

1. Visit Lake Atitlán

This spectacular lake is actually a massive volcanic crater. The lake sits 1,500 meters (4,921 feet) above sea level and is also one of the deepest lakes in Central America. It should come as no surprise that it’s one of the best spots to watch the sunset in Guatemala. On the northern coast of the lake lies the tourist village of Panajachel, a good base to arrange lake and volcano tours (there are two volcanoes here you can explore, Toliman and San Pedro). The village offers incredible views of the surrounding volcanoes and you can also enjoy restaurants, bars, and nightlife in a rustic lakeside setting here too. Boat tours are available as well.

2. Head to Antigua

Antigua is a picturesque colonial city in a highland valley between three volcanoes. It’s full of colonial Spanish architecture, including cobbled streets, what’s left of the centuries-old San Francisco church, houses, and ruins. There’s a vibrant market with colorful Guatemalan blankets and fabrics as well as lots of crafts and souvenirs. Head to the Plaza Mayor to take in the city’s amazing garden and don’t miss a hike up the Fuego volcano (which is active). There are two routes to choose from: La Soledad and the super high, extremely steep Alotenango Route. Conversely, you can hike the difficult (yet super popular) Acatenango volcano, which offers well-earned views of Fuego spitting lava, fire, and ash into the air. The best time for these hikes is during the dry season from the end of November to early April.

3. Explore Tikal National Park

Tikal is home to the most popular Mayan ruins in the country . Located in Petén Province in the north of Guatemala, this enormous national park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and spans nearly 600 square meters (6,500 square feet), housing centuries of Mayan history and archeology covered in lush vegetation. It is famous for rare animals like pumas, toucans, snakes, monkeys, and many species of birds. Arrive early and stay late as the park empties out in the afternoon when tour groups leave. I also recommend sleeping over in the park to catch the sunrise. You will need to pay extra for a guided tour if you want to see the sunrise or sunset. Ticket prices vary depending on if you buy day tickets, sunrise tickets, or sunset tickets. Admission is 150 GTQ for day hiking before sunset. You can reach Tikal from Flores by shuttle bus or even from neighboring Belize .

4.Visit Semuc Champey

This natural attraction outside the town of Lanquin near Coban consists of 300 meters (984 feet) of limestone bridges over the Cahabòn River that form natural lagoon-like pools. Take a candlelit tour through the Kamba caves, go tubing down the Cahabòn, or swim in the turquoise pools along the bridge. Keep in mind that the caves can only be visited with a guide. It’s possible to get here with local transport, private shuttles, or on a day trip. Go early in the morning to beat the crowds. To avoid getting rained on or risk that the area is flooded, visit during the dry season (December-April). Day trips cost 250-300 GTQ.

5. Explore the Chichicastenango Market

Most people who come to Guatemala visit Chichicastenango, the largest indigenous market in North America. Every Thursday and Sunday, thousands of Quiché Mayans come to town to buy and sell handicrafts, flowers, poetry, trinkets, pottery, and colorful textiles. There are plenty of places to eat tasty street food and buy local fruits and veggies, try fresh juices or Guatemalan coffee, and buy delicious handmade tortillas. Don’t forget to bring smaller bills and remember to bargain for the things you buy. Go early in the morning to beat the crowds.

Other Things to See and Do in Guatemala

1. visit the national museum of archaeology and ethnology.

Located in Guatemala City, this museum houses the many artifacts uncovered from the Mayan archaeological sites around the country. Created in 1898, the museum holds over 20,000 items and artifacts and is a good place to visit so you can learn more about the Mayan culture. Admission is 60 GTQ.

2. See the Yaxha ruins

If Tikal is too touristy for you, consider the more secluded Yaxha ruins. Like Tikal, Yaxha is a massive Mesoamerican archaeological site. Located in the northeast, it was the third-largest Mayan city in the region. Home to several huge stone pyramids, the site was “discovered” in 1904 and dates to 250-600 CE. Spend a few hours looking at ancient drawings and intricately carved hieroglyphs. Admission is 80 GTQ.

3. Explore Quirigua

The archaeological site of Quirigua, located in the southeastern corner of the country near the border with Honduras, contains the largest stelae (upright stone columns covered in drawings or carved into shapes) ever discovered in the Mayan world. Nine stelae are arranged around a central plaza, accompanied by altars carved into zoomorphic shapes that date from the 2nd-8th centuries CE. Although the stelae are unrestored, they are a magnificent sight; the largest of these is a whopping 25 feet tall! Admission is 80 GTQ.

4. Hike the Volcán de Pacaya

This active volcano frequently erupts ash clouds over Antigua, however, it makes for a fun day hike (don’t worry, it’s safe). The trail is relatively easy (it’s not that steep) and takes around two hours to hike, giving you lots of time to admire the view before you actually get a chance to peer into the volcano’s cone. Pacaya can only be accessed with an authorized guide so you will need to book a tour. Be aware the cheap tours often just offer transportation and a Spanish-speaking guide. If you don’t speak Spanish you will need to ask for an English-speaking guide. Guided hikes start at 250 GTQ . Some of the tours also include a visit to a thermal spa where you can soak in the naturally warm waters as well as a chance to roast marshmallows over the volcano.

5. Wander Flores

A small island, Flores sits on Lake Peten Itza, a large lake in the north and the second-largest lake in the country. A narrow man-made causeway connects the island to the mainland and the region is perfect for hiking, swimming, and spotting wildlife. From here, you’re just a short drive away from some of the most untamed jungles in the country (it makes for a good base for exploring the nearby jungles). It’s also close to the ruins at Tikal.

6. Visit the ruins at El Mirador

El Mirador is one of the most undiscovered Mayan sites in Guatemala. Located near the border with Mexico in the northeast, the majority of its complexes lie in the depths of the jungle and remain relatively inaccessible to tourists. It’s the largest of all the Mayan ruins, rivaling even the pyramids in Egypt in size. Though discovered in 1926, researchers didn’t start studying it until 2003! Multi-day tours cost around 2,300-3,100 GTQ since it’s so remote.

7. Explore Rio Dulce

Rio Dulce is a gorgeous river and popular backpacker destination in eastern Guatemala. Two towns, El Relleno and Fronteras, lie on either side of the river and are connected by one of the largest bridges in Central America. The area is famous for its trekking and water activities, including the Finca Paraiso hike, which leads to a hot spring and a waterfall. The Quiriguá ruins (mentioned above) are also nearby and worth a visit.

8. Visit the Antigua Market

This sprawling market is colorful and somewhat chaotic. It’s open-air and filled with everything from fruits and vegetables to handmade crafts and poultry to fake DVDs and knock-off jeans. Come here to buy souvenirs, people watch, and take in the bustling chaos!

9. Relax at Monterrico

This is the most popular beach in the country. Located close to Guatemala City and Antigua, this laid-back beach town is a relaxing place to catch some sun and hit the waves. Between June-December, you can also see giant leatherback, green sea, and smaller olive ridley turtles. There are also lots of tours of the nearby mangroves.

10. Hike Acatenango

Located near Antigua, Acatenango is a stratovolcano standing almost 4,000 meters (13,000 feet). It’s the third-highest volcano in Central America and last erupted in 1972. It offers a strenuous 7-8-hour hike up to a campsite, where you camp overnight before summiting to watch the sunrise. Overnight hiking tours cost around 600-800 GTQ and include cold-weather gear, an English-speaking guide, and park admission.

11. Watch the sunrise from Indian Nose

The sunrise from the Indian Nose volcano is quite possibly one of the most magical sunrises you will ever experience. Located next to Lake Atitlan, you’ll get to look out across the water and the magnificent volcanoes before you (including the Atitlán and San Pedro volcanoes). You can do this hike alone but it is difficult finding the path in the dark so it is much better to go with a guide. Expect to pay around 465 GTQ.

12. Learn to surf

Guatemala isn’t known for its beaches but the small coastal town of El Paredon is a well-kept secret where you can hit the waves. The black sand beach is beautiful and the surf is great. A board rental is around 100-125 GTQ per day and surf lessons cost around 120 GTQ for a private class, including a board.

Guatemala Travel Costs

Budget hotels are plentiful in Guatemala and rooms cost as little as 235-250 GTQ for a double or twin bed with basic amenities. For a mid-range hotel with free breakfast, expect to pay closer to 500 GTQ

Airbnb is available around the country, with private rooms starting at 200 GTQ per night. For an entire home or apartment, prices begin around 300 GTQ per night though they average closer to 800 GTQ. Book early to find the best deals.

For those traveling with a tent, camping is not common and not recommended. You can camp in the parks of El Paredon and Tikal though. Camping there costs around 50 GTQ per night.

Food – Guatemalan cuisine leans heavily on traditional Mayan foods with a strong influence from Spain (the Spanish arrived here in 1524). Traditional foods use a lot of corn, chilies, avocados, and beans. Popular dishes include tamales, seafood soup, and meat stews (usually chicken or beef), which are readily available and usually quite affordable. Gallo en perro (spicy stew), tapado (seafood soup with green plantain and coconut milk), and fried rice are other popular dishes.

If you’re on a budget, you can get a large meal of beans, rice, corn, and meat for around 40 GTQ from a comedor (local eateries that usually offer large portions). Another local favorite is a tortilla with beans and eggs with sour cream and fried plantain on the side, which usually cost the equivalent of just a couple of dollars.

Lunch is the main meal of the day here, and many restaurants offer affordable set menus. These usually include soup and grilled meat.

Pre-made plates of food (usually chicken or beef, rice, and tortillas) are often sold on the buses during stops for about 25-30 GTQ. Street food, like hot dogs or tamales, can be found for less than 15 GTQ.

A three-course meal in a mid-range restaurant with a drink costs around 250 GTQ. Mexican-style dishes like tacos or enchiladas are a popular evening choice (since dinner is usually a lighter meal).

Fast food like McDonald’s costs around 45 GTQ for a combo meal. For a meal at a Western restaurant (think burger and fries or pizza), expect to pay at least 100 GTQ.

A beer costs 15 GTQ, bottled water is 6 GTQ, and a cappuccino/latte costs around 19 GTQ.

If you plan on buying your own groceries, expect to pay around 200 GTQ per week for staples like vegetables, rice, seasonal produce, and some meat.

Backpacking Guatemala Suggested Budgets

As a budget backpacker in Guatemala, expect to pay around 250 GTQ per day. This assumes you’re staying in a hostel dorm, cooking most of your meals, sticking to free activities (like hiking and the beach), limiting your drinking, and using public transportation to get around.

On a mid-range budget of 650 GTQ, you can stay in an Airbnb, eat out for all your meals, enjoy a few drinks, take some guided tours, use taxis here and there, and visit more attractions such as museums or ruins.

On a “luxury” budget of 1,750 GTQ per day, you can stay in a hotel, take taxis everywhere, book higher-end tours (including private tours and day tours), and eat out every meal at nicer restaurants. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in GTQ.

Guatemala Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

It’s easy to save money while traveling in Guatemala since the country isn’t that expensive. However, a good budget traveler always looks for ways to maximize value. Here are some of the best ways to save money in Guatemala:

• Take a free walking tour – In some of the larger cities (like Antigua) you can find free walking tours. They’re the best way to get introduced to a new destination. Freetour.com has options you can choose from. Just be sure to tip your guide at the end!
• Stay with a local – While accommodation is cheap here, staying with a local via Couchsurfing makes it free. Not only will you save some money, but you’ll get firsthand knowledge from a local!
• Visit the Mercado – Although eating out is cheap in Guatemala, it makes sense to shop at the markets for your food to take on day trips or to prepare at your hostel. Fruit costs mere pennies and everything is always fresh.
• Eat street food – The local street food is the cheapest food you can eat — and the tastiest. Stick to street food when it comes to eating out.
• Avoid flying – Bus rides are longer, but if you are trying to see the country on a budget you shouldn’t fly. An hour-long flight can cost hundreds of dollars. Avoid flying as much as possible!
• Avoid drinking – Sure, the beer here is cheap but a couple of beers every day will add up. Watch your drinking to keep your budget intact!

Where to Stay in Guatemala

Guatemala has plenty of hostels in all the major cities. Here are some of my suggested places to stay:

• Maya Papaya (Antigua)
• Barbara’s Boutique Hostel (Antigua)
• La Iguana Perdida (Santa Cruz, Lake Atitlan)
• Casa de Grethel (Flores)
• Hostal Los Lagos (Guatemala City)
• Hostal Guatefriends (Guatemala City)

How to Get Around Guatemala

Public transportation – The main method of transportation in Guatemala is las camionetas (“chicken buses”). They are old school buses from North America and are the most inexpensive way to get around. Expect to pay around 10 GTQ for a 1-2 hour journey. Shorter journeys can cost as little as 5 GTQ.

If you are traveling between places like Antigua and Lake Atitlan, shuttle buses are the most common form of transport for backpackers. Travel between Antigua and Guatemala City costs around 150 GTQ on a shuttle bus. On a chicken bus, it costs considerably less.

Train – There are no trains in Guatemala.

Bus – Because of the poor condition of the roads in Guatemala large coach buses aren’t available on many routes. You can find night buses between Guatemala City and Flores to take you to countries like Mexico , Belize , and Nicaragua . For most other places, you have to rely on shuttle buses.

You have two options for booking: asking in your hostel to call and book for you and pay in cash, or booking online through guatego.com. Unfortunately, websites like Busbud don’t operate in Guatemala as their transport infrastructure is still developing.

Keep in mind the shuttles are pretty basic. Most don’t have working AC and are not very spacious. Plan for delays as well.

Flying – There are regular flights from Guatemala City to Flores, usually costing around 1,000-1,400 GTQ per person for the one-hour flight. If you are short on time and have plenty of money to spend, I suggest flying. But for most travelers, the bus is the best option.

Car rental – Renting a car costs around 175 GTQ per day. Do take care if you decide to drive in Guatemala as the roads aren’t the best and landslides are common during the rainy season (which can often result in both accidents and road closures). Make sure you have an International Driving Permit (IDP) — you’ll need one for any car rental.

For the best car rental prices, use Discover Cars .

When to Go to Guatemala

Guatemala is a fantastic place to visit at any time of the year because of its spring-like climate. As many places are at altitude, you can expect cool mornings and evenings and warm days. Expect temperatures to sit between 18-28°C (65-82°F).

Many choose to avoid Guatemala during the rainy season (May-September) as the rain can be a bit disruptive, especially if you want to do things like hiking. That said, it is during these months that Guatemala is at its most beautiful as the country turns green and the flowers bloom. Prices also drop significantly during the rainy season.

To beat the crowds, visit in the shoulder season (the start or end of the rainy season). You’ll see fewer people and things will be a little cheaper. The weather won’t be perfect but it will still be sunny and warm most days so you’ll still be able to hike.

How to Stay Safe in Guatemala

While Guatemala is generally safe, there’s no denying that certain precautions should be taken as there is a lot of petty crime (and other safety issues) in the country. Avoid isolated areas, especially at night and in big cities. Keep your personal belongings on you while using public transit (especially chicken buses) and night buses.

Additionally, don’t wear flashy jewelry or leave your valuables out in the open. Petty theft is common here so you must be vigilant.

Violent attacks against tourists are rare. Most of the time it’s because the tourist was involved in something drug-related or was where they shouldn’t be at night.

Scams are common in the larger cities so be wary of any overly friendly strangers. You can read about common travel scams to avoid right here.

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here, however, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.). Whenever possible, share a taxi with friends and avoid walking around alone just to be safe.

Guatemala is home to 37 volcanoes so volcanic activity isn’t uncommon. Be sure to check for warnings before you embark on any hikes/activities (especially ones on or around volcanoes).

Additionally, due to its political instability, protests and demonstrations are common. If one is occurring near you, simply head back to your accommodation and avoid taking part.

If you experience an emergency, dial 110 for assistance.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Guatemala Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

Guatemala Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling Central America and continue planning your trip:

Do You Need Travel Insurance for Costa Rica?

The Best Tour Companies in Costa Rica

The 6 Best Hostels in Panama City, Panama

Is Belize Safe to Visit?

Is Central America Safe to Visit?

How to Get Around Central America on a Budget

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• Where To Stay
• Transportation
• Booking Resources
• Related Blogs

• Travel Planning Guide

Guatemala Travel Budget - Visit Guatemala on a Budget or Travel in Style

• Guatemala Costs

• Is Guatemala Expensive?
• How much does a trip to Guatemala cost?
• San Pedro La Laguna
• Guatemala City
• Antigua Guatemala
• Guatemala Hotel Prices
• Guatemala Cities: Hotel Prices by City
• Best Hotels for First Time Visitors in Guatemala
• Best Hotels for One Night in Guatemala
• Best Pet-Friendly Hotels in Guatemala
• Best Cheap Hotels in Guatemala
• Best Business Hotels in Guatemala
• Best Romantic Hotels for Couples in Guatemala
• Best Hotels for One Week in Guatemala
• Best Hotels for a Weekend Getaway in Guatemala
• Best Beach Hotels in Guatemala
• Best Party Hotels in Guatemala
• Best Luxury Hotels in Guatemala
• Best Family-Friendly Hotels in Guatemala
• Hostel Prices & Reviews
• Guatemala Activities
• Guatemala Tour Prices
• The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Guatemala
• The Best 3-Day Tours in Guatemala
• The Best 2-Week Tours in Guatemala
• The Best 3-Week Tours in Guatemala
• Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Guatemala
• The Best Christmas & New Years Tours in Guatemala
• The Best Coach Bus Tours in Guatemala
• The Best Adventure Tours to Guatemala
• The Best Eco Tours in Guatemala
• The Best Sightseeing Tours in Guatemala
• The Best Cultural Tours in Guatemala
• The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Guatemala
• The Best Tours Under $1000 in Guatemala
• The Best Budget Tours to Guatemala
• The Best Tours for Seniors to Guatemala
• The Best G Adventures Tours to Guatemala
• How much does it cost to travel to Guatemala? (Average Daily Cost)
• Guatemala trip costs: one week, two weeks, one month

How much do package tours cost in Guatemala?

Is guatemala expensive to visit.

• How much do I need for a trip to Guatemala?
• Accommodation, Food, Entertainment, and Transportation Costs
• Travel Guide

How much does it cost to travel to Guatemala?

You should plan to spend around $49 (Q380) per day on your vacation in Guatemala. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

• $14 (Q108) on meals
• $8.92 (Q69) on local transportation
• $33 (Q256) on hotels

A one week trip to Guatemala for two people costs, on average, $685 (Q5,319) . This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

• Travel Style: All Budget (Cheap) Mid-Range Luxury (High-End)
• Average Daily Cost Per person, per day $ 49 Q 380
• One Week Per person $ 342 Q 2,660
• 2 Weeks Per person $ 685 Q 5,319
• One Month Per person $ 1,467 Q 11,398
• One Week For a couple $ 685 Q 5,319
• 2 Weeks For a couple $ 1,369 Q 10,639
• One Month For a couple $ 2,934 Q 22,797

Are You an Experienced Traveler?

Help other travelers! Answer a quick question about your past travels. Click here: let's do it!

How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Guatemala cost?

A one week trip to Guatemala usually costs around $342 (Q2,660) for one person and $685 (Q5,319) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Guatemala on average costs around $685 (Q5,319) for one person and $1,369 (Q10,639) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Guatemala will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Guatemala on average costs around $1,467 (Q11,398) for one person and $2,934 (Q22,797) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.

Organized tours are usually more expensive than independent travel, but offer convenience and peace of mind that your trip has been planned by a travel expert.

The average price for an organized tour package in Guatemala is $194 per day. While every tour varies by total price, length, number of destinations, and quality, this is the daily average price based on our analysis of available guided tours.

• Cobán And Semuc Champey Tour 3 Days - 3 Destinations $ 370
• Best of Guatemala 8 Days Tour 8 Days - 7 Destinations $ 3,027

Independent Travel

Traveling Independently has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.

All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.

Guatemala is a reasonably affordable destination to visit. It is in the top 25% of countries in the world for its affordability . If you're traveling on a budget, then this is a good destination with affordable accommodation, food, and transportation.

Within Central America, Guatemala is very affordable compared to the other countries. It is in the top 10% of countries in Central America for its affordability . Very few countries in the region are as affordable as Guatemala.

For more details, see Is Guatemala Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to Guatemala?

The average Guatemala trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Guatemala travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers.

Accommodation Budget in Guatemala

Average daily costs.

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid for one person for accommodation in Guatemala is $16 (Q128). For two people sharing a typical double-occupancy hotel room, the average price paid for a hotel room in Guatemala is $33 (Q256). This cost is from the reported spending of actual travelers.

• Accommodation 1 Hotel or hostel for one person $ 16 Q 128
• Accommodation 1 Typical double-occupancy room $ 33 Q 256

Hotel Prices in Guatemala

Looking for a hotel in Guatemala? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Actual Hotel Prices The average hotel room price in Guatemala based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $72. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.

Recommended Properties

• Quinta de las Flores Budget Hotel - Kayak $ 99
• Las Lagunas Boutique Hotel Luxury Hotel - Kayak $ 307

Local Transportation Budget in Guatemala

The cost of a taxi ride in Guatemala is significantly more than public transportation. On average, past travelers have spent $8.92 (Q69) per person, per day, on local transportation in Guatemala.

• Local Transportation 1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc. $ 8.92 Q 69

Recommended Services

• Private Ground Transfer From Antigua To Guatemala City Airport Viator $ 23
• Private Ground Transfer Guatemala City To Panajachel, LakeAtitlan Viator $ 150

Food Budget in Guatemala

While meal prices in Guatemala can vary, the average cost of food in Guatemala is $14 (Q108) per day. Based on the spending habits of previous travelers, when dining out an average meal in Guatemala should cost around $5.56 (Q43) per person. Breakfast prices are usually a little cheaper than lunch or dinner. The price of food in sit-down restaurants in Guatemala is often higher than fast food prices or street food prices.

• Food 2 Meals for one day $ 14 Q 108

Recommended

• Street Food Tour Around Antigua Viator $ 75
• Guatemalan Cooking Class & Market Tour Viator $ 85

What did other people spend on Food?

Typical prices for Food in Guatemala are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Food prices in Guatemala, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.

• Lunch Q 60
• Lunch Q 25
• Coffee & Cake Q 35
• Bread Q 5.60
• Ice Cream Q 42
• Hot Cocoa & Banana Bread Q 23
• Ice cream Q 3.00
• Cake Q 10

Entertainment Budget in Guatemala

Entertainment and activities in Guatemala typically cost an average of $22 (Q174) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.

• Entertainment 1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc. $ 22 Q 174

Recommended Activities

• Tikal Private Day Tour Maya Adventure from Flores Viator $ 209
• Tour de Miradores en ATV Viator $ 55

What did other people spend on Entertainment?

Typical prices for Entertainment in Guatemala are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Entertainment prices in Guatemala, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.

• Kayak for 2 Hrs (for 2) Q 40
• Indian Nose Hike (for 2) Q 300
• Railroad Museum (for 2) Q 12
• Santa Maria Trek (for 2) Q 550
• Coffee Tour (for 2) Q 54
• Kayaking (for 2) Q 15
• Canopy Tour (for 2) Q 300
• Map of Tikal Q 25

Tips and Handouts Budget in Guatemala

The average cost for Tips and Handouts in Guatemala is $1.34 (Q10) per day. The usual amount for a tip in Guatemala is 5% - 15% .

• Tips and Handouts 1 For guides or service providers $ 1.34 Q 10

What did other people spend on Tips and Handouts?

Typical prices for Tips and Handouts in Guatemala are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Tips and Handouts prices in Guatemala, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.

• Bathroom Fee Q 2.00

Scams, Robberies, and Mishaps Budget in Guatemala

Unfortunately, bad things can happen on a trip. Well, you've just got to deal with it! The average price for a scam, robbery, or mishap in Guatemala is $44 (Q346), as reported by travelers.

• Scams, Robberies, and Mishaps 1 $ 44 Q 346

Alcohol Budget in Guatemala

The average person spends about $7.74 (Q60) on alcoholic beverages in Guatemala per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

• Alcohol 2 Drinks for one day $ 7.74 Q 60
• Macadamia Chocolate and Wine Tour on ATV or UTV Viator $ 85

What did other people spend on Alcohol?

Typical prices for Alcohol in Guatemala are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Alcohol prices in Guatemala, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.

• Two Margaritas Q 20

Water Budget in Guatemala

On average, people spend $2.40 (Q19) on bottled water in Guatemala per day. The public water in Guatemala is not usually considered safe to drink.

• Water 2 Bottled water for one day $ 2.40 Q 19

Related Articles

Guatemala on a budget.

At A Glance

• Bus travel in Guatemala is truly part of the experience. Referred to as "chicken buses," many of the intercity buses are old school buses that have been colorfully decorated. These are much cheaper than the other tourist oriented bus options and they can offer a fun adventure as well. On occasion the driver may try to raise the fare for foreign travelers. This is generally avoidable if you pay attention to how much others are paying and insist on paying the same fare.
• The local currency in Guatemala is the Quetzal. There are many places to exchange US dollars, particularly in touristy areas. It can be more difficult to exchange other types of currency so it is recommended that you travel with US dollars. ATMs are available in the larger towns, but if you're going to smaller communities make sure you carry enough cash with you. It can be difficult to find places to exchange travelers checks so this is not a reliable form of currency.
• If you're shopping for souvenirs in an outdoor market make sure you negotiate. There are some interesting handicrafts made in the country. Some popular options include fabrics and traditional textiles, clothing such as Mayan blouses or skirts, and jade. Other popular souvenirs include coffee, cardamom, and Ron Zacapa Centenario, which is Guatemala's prize winning rum.
• As with many countries around the world, internet is now widely available throughout the country. Even in the most remote areas you are likely to find an internet connection somewhere. In larger cities, WiFi is available in some restaurants and many hotels also offer it to their guests.
• Guatemala has a rainy season between the months of May and October. During these times it can be difficult to travel to some of the more remote areas. The hottest months are March and April, and in particular the low lying coastal areas can get uncomfortably hot. In the central and western highlands the temperature is usually mild and can even become cool at night.

Top Tourist Attractions

Popular foods, more related articles.

We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works .

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Is Guatemala Expensive to Visit: Detailed Cost Breakdown (2023)

Guatemala , located in Central America, is a country of volcanoes , magnificent lakes , rich culture, and some of the most incredible ancient Mayan ruins buried deep within their forests. This is a country that made us feel like we could travel back in time, witnessing active volcanic lava eruptions and mystical sunsets atop Mayan pyramids that existed for over 2000 years .

As you can probably guess, we absolutely loved our time spent in Guatemala and would wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who is interested in adventure, nature, and history. But a question we often get asked is “Is Guatemala expensive to visit?” .

In this post, we will help you answer that question as well as provide a detailed guide of what you should expect to spend. This is broken down into spending categories which will help you understand the average costs for accommodation, transportation, activities, and food.

Let’s jump right in!

Is Guatemala expensive to visit?

Guatemala is quite an affordable country to travel to and provides very good value for your money spent. In comparison, it was definitely cheaper than Belize but slightly more expensive than Peru. 

For 20-30$ a night, you can easily find comfortable accommodation but if you are willing to spend 70-100$, you will get to stay in some of the most incredible and memorable hotels. 

A basic local Guatemalan meal can be had for 5-10$ per person, and a fancier meal for around 20-30$ per person. 

We found the guided activities, such as climbing up Acatenango or visiting the ancient Mayan ruins of Tikal , to be pricier but 100% worth the splurge. Given that we ended up staying mostly in the main tourist cities of Flores , Antigua , and Lake Atitlan , the prices were naturally higher than when going to off-the-beaten-path local towns. 

All in all, we felt that Guatemala was quite affordable to visit. Not like Southeast Asia cheap, but you get great value for your dollar spent.

Our travel style

We are not extreme budget travelers. We always value spending our money on unique experiences, discovering the local food both through street food and mom-and-pop restaurants, and comfortable accommodations.

For accommodation , we don’t sleep in dormitories, but also don’t require anything luxurious.

In Guatemala, we did splurge a little bit on hotel stays because it truly made for a unique experience by staying in a colonial home in Antigua and at the beautiful Casa Del Mundo in Lake Atitlan.

We also booked guided excursions such as the 2-day hike up Acatenango as well as visiting the ancient Mayan ruins of Tikal and Yaxha. Although it is more expensive than doing it DIY, we feel that having the guide’s expertise and explanation is invaluable.

If you share these same views , then this blog post is perfect for you!

Check out below as we explain what we feel are realistic spending expectations in Guatemala.

Realistic spending expectations

Before visiting Guatemala, it is important to have a realistic expectation of what you will spend . We feel that a lot of the information online underestimates the real cost of visiting Guatemala by staying in hostel dorms, eating mostly street food, doing your own groceries, and only doing DIY tours.

Although Guatemala offers you the possibility to manage on a shoestring budget, we feel this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and you will need to spend more to fully experience all that this country has to offer.

For example, we have seen some blogs mention a 6-10$ budget for food per person per day. Although certainly possible if only eating some very basic street food such as Pupusas and Empanadas, we feel one of the greatest joys of traveling is experiencing the local cuisine.

In fact, Guatemala had some of the best food and cocktails we’ve ever had so we highly recommend spending just a bit more to discover it!

The same applies to tours. It is possible to visit Tikal by only booking transportation, but the experience will not be complete without a guide explaining the stories and history behind these ancient structures.

We want to ensure that your experience in Guatemala is just as amazing as ours . For that reason, we have organized our trip by booking accommodations, transport, and tours that are reputable, well-reviewed, and bookable online. Although always possible to find cheaper options by messaging and negotiating with locals through WhatsApp, we feel the unpredictability is not worth it.

This cost breakdown will therefore reflect a realistic budget for a traveler who :

• Sleeps in a simple, mid-range, comfortable room
• Has the chance to fully discover the culinary scene of Guatemala, not just basic street food
• Embarks on some guided tours with English-speaking, professional, and well-reviewed companies
• Uses reliable and professional transport services that are bookable online

Where we went and Guatemala experiences

The amount you spend on your trip will highly depend on which cities you go to as well as the activities you participate in. So to help you figure out if Guatemala is expensive to visit, here is an overview of our itinerary and highlight experiences.

During our 12-day trip to Guatemala , our itinerary was:

• Flores : 3 Nights
• Antigua : 4 Nights
• Lake Atitlan : 4 Nights

These are some of the highlight experiences we had in Guatemala:

• Guided sunset tour of Tikal
• Guided sunset tour of Yaxha
• 2 day guided Acatenango Volcano trek
• Exploring the colonial church and convent ruins of Antigua
• Staying in a historical colonial home in Antigua
• 4 nights at the incredible Casa Del Mundo hotel in Lake Atitlan
• Wood-fire hot tub perched on the cliffs of Casa Del Mundo
• Local Mayan massage

📲 Easy cellular data in Guatemala: Airalo

Regardless of what activity you will be doing, you will definitely need cellular internet in Guatemala. We used Airalo and it was both affordable and reliable! Click here for Airalo !

Total cost of traveling in Guatemala

Note: The budget does not include the international flight since the prices vary significantly based on where you are coming from. In our budget breakdown, all prices are listed in Canadian dollars ($) . 

Days of travel: 12 days Total cost: 2954$ (2140 USD) Cost per day per couple (12 days): 246$ (178 USD) Cost per day, per person: 123$ (89 USD)

Budget breakdown: average spending per category

Note: All prices are listed in Canadian Dollars ($) per couple unless otherwise specified.

To help you figure out if Guatemala is expensive to visit, we break down the average expense per category and show you some examples of things you will likely spend on.

Total Spent: 858$ Percentage of our total spending: 29% Average spent per day per couple: 71$/day

Activities accounted for our largest spending but by only just a little. Your activities spending will highly depend on whether you are doing guided tours and treks. For us, our highlight experiences in Guatemala included hiking up Volcano Acatenango and visiting the Mayan ruins of Tikal and Yaxha .

Guided tours are always more expensive but we feel that they add so much value that it is worth it. To get a sense of how much these activities cost, we have shown some examples below.

2-day hike up volcano Acatanenago

Cost: 273$ (200 USD) for two people

We booked with Wicho and Charlie’s , a very reputable volcano trekking company in Antigua, and had a great experience with them. The pricing of other volcano trekking companies as well as those highly-rated guided Viator Treks are all quite similar. 

You will notice some variations in pricing depending on if you are camping or sleeping in their cabins, how much food is provided, if you are using porters, and if you are doing the optional Fuego Volcano summit hike , which costs 200Q per person (35$). 

The price of 273$ does not include the fee for the one porter (40-50$) we used, the Fuego optional hike, and some equipment rental which totalled an additional 129$ together .

Guided Tikal Mayan ruins tour

Total cost: 142$ (100 USD) for two people

To visit Tikal, you can choose to pay for only transportation there and back, or go on a guided tour. We opted for the guided tour since we wanted to learn more about the history of the Mayan civilization. With the guide, we also got the chance to hold a tarantula in our hands, which we DEFINITELY would not have done without their guidance.

The sunset tour itself with Los Amigos Hostel costs 165Q (29$) per person but this does not include the entrance ticket to Tikal. The entrance ticket costs 150Q (26$) per person, and if you opt to go during sunrise or sunset, then an additional 100Q (17$) per person must be paid. Therefore the total cost per person for the sunset tour with all entrance tickets is around 72$, or 142$ (100 USD) per couple.

Click here to book this 5-star Tikal Sunset tour !

If you choose to only book transportation , then it will cost around 100Q (17$) per person. So you only end up saving about 50Q per person by not having the guided tour.

It is also possible to pay for a taxi to bring you there and it will likely be cheaper but then there is no way of getting back.

To learn more about Tikal, check out our post where we discuss why Tikal is worth visiting .

Entrance ticket to Convento Santa Clara

Cost: 28$ (20 USD) for two people

90-minute massage

Cost: 105$ (76 USD) for two people

Weaving Workshop in Santa Cruz:

Cost: 52$ (37 USD) for two people

Accommodation

Total Spent accommodation: 830$ Percentage of our total spending: 28% Average spent per day per couple: 69$/day

Accommodation is our second largest spending category. We definitely could’ve spent less here but the places we stayed at truly added something unique to our Guatemala trip.

If you are on a budget, you can find hostels with shared dormitories for about 10$ per person per night (for example Esperanza Hostel ). A basic and comfortable room at a guesthouse or hotel will cost between 30-60$ per couple . For example, Maison Bougainvillea costs around 37$ and you will have your own private double room with a shared bathroom.

In Antigua , we ended up booking a beautiful historical home through AirBnB which cost us 75$ per night . The home featured historical colonial architecture and at the center was a beautiful garden courtyard which is quite common in Antigua. The host Dido was so welcoming and made us feel like family.

In Lake Atitlan , we also splurged to stay at the incredible Casa Del Mundo hotel , perched atop a remote cliffside overlooking the entire volcanic lake. It was one of the most memorable hotel stays we’ve ever had and was 100% worth the extra money we spent on it. On average, the room costs between 80-100$ per night . 

Click here to book at the beautiful Casa Del Mundo Hotel , one of our favourite hotel stays ever!

If you’re interested, we thoroughly discuss our stay at Casa Del Mundo and what makes it so unique in our Lake Atitlan Itinerary post . 

If you’re more on a budget , you can easily find simple and comfortable hotels at an average price of 30-50$ per night. Some examples include Mikaso Hotel in San Pedro la Laguna at around 40$ per night or Hospedaje El Viajero in Panajachel at around 30$ per night.

In Flores , you will also find similarly priced accommodations between 30-60$ for a comfortable, private-room hotel.

Overall, expect to pay around 30-50$ for a basic private room for two, or 70-100$ for a very nice hotel .

Total Spent on food: 737$ Percentage of our total spending: 25% Average spent per day per couple: 61$/day

Food is our third largest spending category. To our pleasant surprise, the culinary scene of Guatemala was absolutely amazing and included food from all over Central and South America. Overall, the local Guatemalan food was tasty but fairly simple, but if you venture out into the mid-range restaurants and cocktail bars, you are in for a treat! 

As an example, a simple Guatemalan meal at one of the popular restaurants of Antigua called Rincon Tipico cost just 12$ for both of us . This included a chicken main plate each and a juice. Street food can usually be found for around 2-4$ per item.

A mid-range restaurant would be priced around 20-60$ per couple . When we were in Flores, a filling healthy lunch with Acai bowls, smoothies, and fresh fish cost 36$ together ( Restaurant Maracuya ). Another amazing restaurant called Bistro Puerto Del Cielo served customized Italian food including wine and was $ 48 for two .

We went to two higher-end restaurants in Antigua which cost us between 90-120$ together. Casa Escobar was one of them and we would highly recommend you try it out! We had the best steak of our lives (called Pullazo) and the cocktails were so creative and delicious. It is also set in a beautiful building with large terrace doors overlooking one of the ancient church ruins. It makes for a very romantic dinner and at 120$ , we felt it was a great value!

Overall, expect to pay around 10-15$ per couple for a simple Guatemalan meal , 30$ for a mid-range meal , and around 90$ for a fancy restaurant meal .

Transportation

Total Spent on transportation: 530$ (excluding international flights) Percentage of our total spending: 18% Average spent per day per couple: 44$/day

Transportation was the smallest of our expenses during our Guatemala trip. We did not account for international flights in the transportation cost since it varies so greatly depending on where you are coming from.

Our biggest transportation cost was taking the flight from Flores to Guatemala City which was 301$ (218 USD) for the both of us one-way. We took TAG airlines but sometimes you can fly Avianca for as low as 58$ (42$) per person one-way.

It is possible to instead take a sleeper/recliner bus between Flores and Guatemala City which takes around 8-9 hours and costs between 45-60 USD per person . Some of the companies that offer this are Fuentes Del Norte, Maya de Oro, and ADN. 

We wanted to save time and didn’t want to be tired after an 8-9 hour bus ride so we took the flight.

You will most likely need to take a shared shuttle bus to go from Guatemala City to Antigua, or Antigua to Lake Atitlan. This bus costs around 35$ (25 USD) per person each way . I have seen other travelers find transport for between 15-20$ but those are likely with non-official companies.

Learn more about the costs and transportation methods between Antigua and Lake Atitlan .

Once in Lake Atitlan , taking the public boat transport between towns will usually cost around 25 Quetzales (4$) per person each way.

Alcohol is quite affordable in Guatemala. On average, a beer will cost around 3$ and a glass of wine around 5$.

We were also pleasantly surprised by their very innovative cocktail scene. For example, in Antigua, we found a hidden speakeasy bar called Ulew. There, the mixologists come and ask you what style of drink you like, what flavours, sweetness, herbalness etc… and then craft a drink for you. One cocktail ends up costing around 12$ but it is a true professional cocktail.

The cost of the souvenirs will depend highly on what you are buying but overall the items in Guatemala are very affordable.

We shopped in Panajachel for some leather bracelets and beaded bracelets and they cost only around 5$ each. Nan bought a very unique, hand-woven traditional Guatemalan top, and it cost only 15$.

This post is part of our series about Guatemala . If you want to learn more about Guatemala, planning your trip, and some of the best experiences there, check out the guides below: How to get to Lake Atitlan from Antigua or Guatemala City (2023) Lake Atitlan Itinerary: How to plan an amazing 5 days in Lake Atitlan Flores Guatemala Itinerary For a 3, 4, 5 Days Visit (2023) Is Tikal Worth It? Complete Tikal Experience Guide (2023) Antigua Guatemala Itinerary: Best things to do in 3, 4, 5 days (2023)

Largest expenses during our Guatemala visit

Sometimes, the trip budget can vary significantly based on a few expensive activities, experiences, or hotel stays. If you opt to not do them, then your total budget can actually be reduced by a good amount. Below we have highlighted our 4 largest expenses during our trip.

• Acatenango 2-day hike = 273$ for the both of us, plus 129$ additional expenses for porter, equipment rental, entrance fee, and Fuego optional hike = 402$ (290 USD) together
• Hotel Casa Del Mundo = 323$ (233 USD) for 3 nights stay, or 107$/night
• Flight from Flores to Guatemala City = 301$ (217 USD) for the two of us
• Tikal guided tour including entrance tickets = 142$ (102 USD) for the two of us

Final verdict: Is Guatemala expensive to visit?

So in the end, is Guatemala expensive to visit?

Overall, we felt that Guatemala is quite an affordable country to travel to and you get great value for your money. We absolutely loved our time there and would definitely like to come back one day. We’ve heard of others taking Spanish courses in Lake Atitlan which is something we’d hope to do one day. 

Now that you know Guatemala is affordable, start planning your trip by checking out our Lake Atitlan itinerary staying in Casa Del Mundo , Flores itinerary to visit Tikal , and Antigua itinerary where we climb up Volcano Acatenango . 

Ryan Chan is the owner and author of Wayless Travelers, a blog that seeks to inspire others to venture off-the-beaten-path and discover unique destinations around the world.

As a passionate photographer and outdoor enthusiast, Ryan loves to explore experiences outside of his comfort zone. Whether it is trekking multiple days into a cave, reaching mountain peaks of 6500m, or scuba diving with sharks, Ryan loves to capture and share his experiences.

As an expert travel planner, his objective is to help facilitate your next trip by providing detailed guides, itineraries, and recommendations based on his first hand experiences.

The Ultimate One- or Two-Week Guatemala Itinerary

By Author Steph Dyson

Posted on Last updated: 25th November 2023

If there’s one thing you notice when you first arrive in Guatemala it’s how colour seems to bleed from every feature of life here.

In Antigua Guatemala, the 17 th -century buildings are painted in vivid pastel shades, while in the villages surrounding nearby Lago de Atitlán, local people dress in vivid huipiles , with millennial-old symbols woven in bright threads.

Above, the sky is the bluest you’ve ever seen, while the lofty apexes of still-bubbling volcanoes rise out of the earth, surrounded by patchwork fields of crops.

Guatemala is the heartland of the ancient Maya people. A large proportion of Guatemalans are of Maya descent; with the culture survived the arrival of the Spanish and has since fostered a unique national identity that pervades every part of daily life.

What’s more, a wealth of wildlife, dazzling volcanic landscapes dotted with ancient ruins and beautiful, crumbling cities grant it a charm that has long been overlooked by travellers who instead opt for places like Blue Hole National Park in Belize or vibrant Merida, Mexico on the skirts of the Yucatán Peninsula’s UNESCO-listed archeological sites.

But Guatemala’s beyond-the-beaten-path status is all part of the appeal and these one and two-week Guatemala itineraries are a great way of getting under the colourful skin of one of Central America’s most fascinating countries.

Click to navigate this article:

Guatemala travel itinerary: How to start planning your trip

Recommendations for how to use these itineraries and things to know when travelling in Guatemala:

• Compared with many other Latin American countries, Guatemala is compact, spanning an area around the size of the state of Tennessee. However, poor infrastructure and even poorer quality Guatemala transportation – including the now legendary “chicken buses” – mean that getting around Guatemala can be quite a trial. While chicken buses are a truly local experience (expect live chickens and blaring pop music for the duration of the ride), a more comfortable option are the more expensive Pullman public buses or the private shuttle services, the latter of which are aimed at tourists . These are by far the more expensive option but are considerably safer. Atitrans Panajachel operate shuttles to most destinations in this itinerary and can be booked in advance (note that their destinations list for their shuttles only makes sense in Spanish – the English version translates Antigua into old , among other entertaining errors).

• Guatemala has a long and turbulent history and crime is still an issue in the country. For travelers, staying safe means taking sensible precautions to protect yourself. Guatemala City can be dangerous and it’s for this reason that tourists generally opt to stay in nearby Antigua. Armed robberies and muggings are common in Guatemala City, but can be avoided by taking Uber or radio taxis at night and by not flashing expensive jewellery, camera equipment or phones. ATMs can be tampered with, so always aim to use an ATM attached to a bank and don’t withdraw cash if anything seems wrong.
• Guatemala is a very cheap destination to visit. Hostels and guesthouses cost from $30 USD for a double and even high-end hotels are a steal at upwards of $100 USD per night. Restaurants in Antigua are pricey compared with the rest of the country, but you can find comedores, cheap eateries frequented by locals and serving up tasty soups and corn tortillas accompanying everything from mashed beans to fried meat and guacamole from only a few dollars per meal.

• With a year-round spring climate found across most of the country, the best time to go to Guatemala is difficult to pin down. Much of the country is at altitude, with cities such as Antigua at 1,533 metres (5,029 feet) above sea level, making day time temperatures hover around the mid-20s (high 70s) most of the year. However, the rainy season, which runs from May through October, does impact travel , with heavy downpours are common in the late afternoon, however the rest of the day is generally cooler and more pleasant than during the dry season. Tropical storms in September and October are more serious, often bringing heavy rains and poor conditions for travel and it’s recommended to avoid this period if you’re looking to visit Tikal and the Petén region, where mud and humidity levels can be unpleasant.
• Tap water isn’t safe to drink in Guatemala. Whenever I travel, I avoid spending lots of money on buying water (and polluting the environment with single-use plastic) by bringing my own portable water filter. I’ve personally found the Grayl Geopress and Steripen to both quickly and reliably purify water, eliminating all viruses and bacteria to make any water safe to drink (and you can read how I came to this conclusion in this article comparing six of the most popular travel water purifiers.
• I’ve only personally spent a few weeks in Guatemala, however his entire Guatemala travel guide has been checked by my friend who works for the UN in Guatemala. She has lived in Guatemala for the past 2.5 years – so you can rest assured that it’s up-to-date and informed by expert local knowledge.

One-week Guatemala travel itinerary: Antigua – Lago de Atitlán – Tikal

With a one-week vacation in Guatemala, there’s time to appreciate the country’s prettiest colonial city, Antigua, head out to colourful communities around the volcano-fringed waters of Lago de Atitlán and stand in awe before the country’s flagship Maya ruins of Tikál in the Petén region.

Day one: Antigua

Fly into Aeropuerto Internacional La Aurora and organise in advance a shuttle to take you directly to Antigua (around $10 USD, 50 mins to 1.5 hours).

It won’t take long for you to understand why this splendid city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site . Founded by the Spanish in the 16 th century and serving as the capital of what was effectively all of Central America for two centuries, Antigua is a remarkable example of colonial architecture at its finest.

Even those without religious leanings can’t fail to be dazzled by the city’s richness of churches and pastel-hued grand homes and the best way to appreciate its fine architecture is by spending your first day in Guatemala exploring the city’s cobbled streets. There are plenty of things to do in Antigua , whether you have one day or choose to extend your stay.

Start in the main square, the Parque Central, at the spectacular Cathedral , which was only partly rebuilt after a devastating 18 th -century earthquake attempted to raze it to the grounds. Head to the ruins at the back to see how splendid this building once was.

On the northern end of Avenida Cinco Norte, don’t miss the Iglesia de la Merced , with its striking canary yellow façade. This road is also home to the iconic 17 th -century Arco de Santa Catalina , a yellow archway that, when faced from the north, seems to sit beneath the towering peak of Volcán de Agua in the distance.

Souvenir shops line this road, although you’ll want to save your money to buy directly from the artisans themselves to ensure the quality of your purchases and that they receive a fair wage for their work.

Finally, while away the afternoon in Santo Domingo , a former monastery turned luxury hotel and spa that is home to seven museums and a wealth of ruins, crypts and cultural exhibitions.

Where to stay in Antigua: In a spectacular setting, El Convento Boutique Hotel ($255 USD double) has just 26 rooms, all of which are decorated in a charming, historic style and many of which play host to their own private jacuzzi or terrace. A small pool and vine-slung courtyards make for perfect spots for relaxing, while its location, a few blocks north of the Parque Central, ensures an oasis of calm at the very centre of the city.

Where to stay in Antigua on a budget: Modern décor is combined with plenty of outdoor patio and garden space for guests at the top-notch Adra Hostel ($100 USD double, $20 USD dorm), situated just a few blocks east of Parque Central. Rooms are spacious and there’s a fantastic bar and restaurant if you don’t want to leave your lodgings in the evening, while a rooftop terrace with outstanding views across the city is the cherry on the top of this excellent hostel.

Day two: Santo Domingo Xenacoj

Much of Guatemala’s unique heritage lies in its Maya people, who form the largest indigenous group in the country, accounting for around 40% of the population of Guatemala.

However, indigenous groups in Guatemala are disproportionately poor compared with the rest of the population and one means of addressing this inequality is through community-level tourism, which focuses on one of the many strengths of the Maya people: their textiles .

Beautifully woven, these include traditional huipiles (loose-fitting tunics) as well as religious garments, all of which reflect thousands of years of craftsmanship and even the beliefs and traditions of the Maya themselves.

Spend a day with the Consejo de Tejedoras de Santo Domingo Xenacoj (The Weaving Council of Santo Domingo Xenacoj) in Santa Domingo Xenacoj , which lies 30 kilometres north of Antigua. At their workshop, you can learn about how the patterns of the textiles reflect millennia-old religious symbols as you try your hand at weaving – with the help of the female artisans of course.

Take a day trip from Antigua with local operator  Guate4You . A tour of the weaving community and other local groups in Santo Domingo Xenacoj, plus a local lunch costs from $125 USD per person (minimum of three) or $75 USD per person for a group of six or above.

Days three and four: Lago de Atitlán

Flanked by a picturesque collection of volcanoes, as well as traditional Maya villages, Lago de Atitlán is surely one of the most spectacular lakes in Central America and, as such, a must on any Guatemala itinerary.

Wherever you go on the lake, keep an eye out for local people dressed in traditional outfits, with the symbols and patterns of which denoting exactly which villages they hail from.

While backpackers often head across the lake to the party hangout of San Pedro La Laguna, a more authentic Guatemalan experience is can be found in San Juan La Laguna , a small village known for its striking textiles and unique artistic style of painting.

There’s plenty to do in this small town. Spend a day visiting local weaving cooperatives and buying beautiful textiles as souvenirs, learning about traditional Maya medicine, or visiting one of the town’s clutch of art galleries.

Alternatively, organise a guide to hike up Rupalaj K’istalin, the mountain above the village, for glorious lake views. Be sure to catch the sunrise across the lake from the Sendero Nariz del Indio, an unguided hike which also leaves from the village.

For tours within San Juan La Laguna, contact the Asociación de Guías de Ecoturismo Rupalaj K’istalin (+502 4772 2527/ +502 5930 4773, [email protected] , or visit their office ) in advance of your visit. 

You can also use San Juan La Laguna as a base from which to explore different towns. San Marcos La Laguna is the lake’s official hippie hangout, home to a beautiful nature, Cerro Tzankujil, as well as yoga studios and vegan cafés galore.

To get to San Juan La Laguna, boats for all villages depart from regional hub Panajachel, a two-hour, 45-minute bus journey from Antigua (again, I recommend Atitrans Panajachel (2.5 hours, from around $15 USD) for the shuttle). The pier at the end of Calle del Embarcadero has boats to San Pedro La Laguna from where you can connect with vessels to San Juan La Laguna.

In Panajachel

If you’ve got a few hours to spare when you get to Panajachel , make sure you jump on a local bus (from Calle El Amate, the main road heading south out of town) for Santa Catarina Palopó .

This shoreside settlement home to the project Pintando Santa Catarina , where bold patterns and colours taken from the designs of local textiles have been painted onto houses. The project’s aim is to preserve Maya culture, using art as a tool to bring sustainable tourism to a place where 80% of the inhabitants live in poverty.

You can take a tour of the artwork (which is highly recommended if you want to better understand better the designs) from the project’s headquarters (in the Plaza Central) at a cost of $95 Q ($12 USD).

Where to stay in San Juan La Laguna: Stay overnight in a homestay with a local family , where you’ll dine on a traditional meal cooked by your hosts, and have the opportunity to chat with them and learn more about their lives. Facilities are basic, but your contribution is vital to these families, many of whom use the money to send their children to school.

For more information or to book a homestay, contact the Asociación de Guías de Ecoturismo Rupalaj K’istalin (+502 4772 2527/ +502 5930 4773, [email protected] ).

Days five and six: Flores and Tikal

For Lago de Atitlán, return to Antigua and then take a shuttle to the airport in Guatemala City.

Catch a flight to Mundo Maya International Airport (1 hour, $170 USD one-way) with Avianca or TAG – although be sure to turn up on time to the airport, as flights can often be overbooked, while departures can also often be delayed.

Perched on an island in the middle of Lago Petén Itzá and connected to the mainland by a 500-metre causeway, Flores is a tiny, picture-perfect village of cobbled streets flanked by grand old colonial buildings painted in primary shades.

There’s not an awful lot to do here – although taking a dip in the water or hiring a kayak from your hotel and heading out onto the lake is a great way to pass a few hours – but it’s the perfect spot for exploring the nearby archaeological site of Tikal and other interesting things to do around Flores .

The region of Petén was at the centre of the Maya culture, which blossomed here from 1,000 BC until around 150 AD, when the culture moved to Yucatán in modern-day Mexico. One of their legacies was Tikal , Guatemala’s most iconic Maya archaeological site, which lies just an hour away from Flores.

Tikal is believed to have been one of the most important Maya city states. 1,600 hectares of barely cut back jungle within Parque Nacional Tikal, a UNESCO World Heritage site , is still packed full of temples, ceremonial platforms, squares and roads, some of which date as far back as 500 BC and measure over 60 metres high.

Excavations have sought to understand more about Tikal and, after you’ve wandered around the ruins themselves, you can discover what archaeologists have learned by visiting the two on-site museums which contain many of the treasures unearthed at Tikal.

The ruins are best explored with a guide, and it’s a good to arrive here for sunrise (for an additional Q 100 ($13 USD)) to avoid the heat of the afternoon. To get here, take a tourist shuttle from your hotel for around 100 GTQ ($13 USD, includes cost of guide), and pay the entrance fee to the site of  Q 150 ($20 USD).

Useful information about the park is available here . You can also stay overnight at a hotel right inside the national park, allowing you to see sunrise at the temples without having to wake up too early.

If you want to go with a guide, Gem Trips and local archaeologist Roxy Ortiz are a good bet.

Where to stay in Flores : A short drive from the airport and with a dazzling location on Laguna Exequil, just a few kilometres east of Flores, Las Lagunas Boutique Hotel ($300 USD double) is a true paradise. Bungalows built on stilts overlook the lake and each has enjoy a balcony, from which you can enjoy a sundowner. Try out their kayaks for a gentle paddle on the water, join their guides for an early-morning monkey tour or take a dip in their freshwater pool ; whatever you choose,there’s plenty of love here. They can arrange tours of Tikal, as well as airport transfers.

Where to stay in Flores on a budget: Rooms are dated at Zapote Tree Inn ($40 USD), but that doesn’t matter when you’ve got a view of Lago de Peten Itzá and Flores quite like this. The swimming pool and terrace have the vest views in the house, while close proximity to hiking trails and a nearby beach give this guesthouse an excellent location. It’s situated a short boat ride from Flores, but the owners can help you organise tours of Tikal, transport and practically anything you need.

Alternatively, you can stay within Parque Nacional Tikal, a short walk from the entrance to Tikal.

Where to stay near Tikal: Right inside the national park, Jungle Lodge ($100 USD double) is a remarkably up-scale hotel right in the middle of the jungle. Individual cabins are hidden away into the undergrowth, with beds made up with crisp white sheets and silky mosquito nets. A series of patios and a swimming pool allow you to while away the afternoon absorbing the sights, sounds and smells of the jungle, while a bar and restaurant provide decent dining options. They organise direct shuttles to the airport to connect with flights and lead sunrise and day tours of Tikal.

Where to stay near Tikal on a budget: The more affordable Jaguar Inn ($70 USD double, $30 USD two-person tent) is also situated right in the heart of Parque Nacional Tikal. Private bungalows are clean and comfortable and surrounded by the forest, while you can also book a campsite or a campsite and tent if you’re on more of a budget – although the humidity can make camping a fairly uncomfortable experience.

Day seven: Guatemala City and home

Catch a flight back to Guatemala City and head home.

Two week-Guatemala travel itinerary: Antigua – Lago de Atitlán – Chichicastenango – Tikal and Yahxá – Río Dulce

Visiting Guatemala for two weeks gives you more space to slow down and delve into the country and its unique culture. You can explore some of the country’s most picturesque natural spots, spend longer appreciating ancient Maya ruins deep in the jungle and even climb to the crater of an active volcano.

Days one to three: Antigua

Follow the itinerary above but on your third day set up an adventure tour to hike up one of the nearby volcanoes .

Many of the volcanoes can be visited as part of a day trip from Antigua, although, as some are still active, it’s a good idea to check the governmental website INSIMUVEH for up-to-date information before you decide to climb any.

An hour’s drive from Antigua lies Volcán Pacaya , an active complex volcano that last erupted in 2014 – but only showered nearby cities with ash.

There’s a moderate climb to reach the crater, where you can see molten lava glowing against blackened ash and even toast marshmallows. You’ll want hiking boots and to go with a licensed tour operator based out of Antigua (from $15 USD including transport to the volcano).

Another option is Volcán Acatenango , although only if you’re in good shape as it’s a challenging climb to the summit.

A seven-hour hike up to the 3,975-metre peak promises outstanding views across Antigua Guatemala in the distance, as well as many of the nearby volcanoes including the smoke-puffing Volcán Fuego. Again, you’ll want to organise a tour with a company in Antigua (from $90 USD pp). 

Where to stay in Antigua on a budget: Modern décor is combined with plenty of outdoor patio and garden space for guests at the top-notch Adra Hostel ($100 USD double, $20 USD dorm), situated just a few blocks east of Parque Central. Rooms are spacious and there’s a fantastic bar and restaurant if you don’t want to leave your lodgings in the evening, while a rooftop terrace with outstanding views across the city is just the cherry on the top of this excellent hostel.

Days four to seven: Lago de Atitlán and Chichicastenango

Follow the previous itinerary but on day seven, hop on either a tourist shuttle from Panajachel ($14 USD) or for a considerably cheaper option, catch a series of local buses ($11 Q) to Chichicastenango (known as Chichi by the locals), a pretty highland town home to mostly Maya people of the K’iche culture. 

The town’s main attraction is its local market , with Chichicastenango taking the riotous colour and chaos of the traditional Latin American market to the next level.

Every Thursday and Sunday the town comes alive, with stalls offering everything from high-quality huipiles and other beautiful traditional textiles to pottery, ceremonial wooden masks and every fruit and vegetable you could ever find in Guatemala.

While you’re in town, be sure to pop into the church, Santo Tomás , which has been the site of a curious mix of Catholic and Maya religious beliefs for the past few centuries.

Inside (enter through the side door and don’t take photos – it’s strictly forbidden) you’ll find local people praying for their ancestors and making offerings of maize, flowers and bottles of alcohol.

Return to Antigua in the evening and stay overnight.

Days eight to ten: Petén – Tikal and Yaxha

Follow the previous itinerary but on day ten organise a tour to visit the Maya site of Yaxhá ($30 USD entrance), which lies just 30 kilometres away from Tikal.

Although it is smaller in size than its better-known brother, Yaxhá is home to around 500 structures including nine mighty temples that tower over the jungle landscapes of this remote part of Guatemala.

Visited by far fewer tourists than Tikal, Yaxhá is a place to get under the skin of the Maya, in a site that has still barely been excavated from the jungle. It’s thought that the first structures here were built around the same period as Tikal and it similarly found itself abandoned sometime around the 9 th century AD.

Spend a couple of hours exploring the site and be sure to climb up Structure 216, a restored pyramid that has outstanding views of the surrounding landscapes and Laguna Yaxhá that lies nearby. Sunset is particularly spectacular.

While it’s possible to get here under your own steam, it’s far easier to take a tour from Flores. These start from $175 USD per person and local operators Mayan Adventure and Gem Trips run excellent English-language tours.

Where to stay in Flores: A short drive from the airport and with a dazzling location on Laguna Exequil, just a few kilometres east of Flores, Las Lagunas Boutique Hotel ($300 USD double) is a true paradise, with bungalows built on stilts overlooking the lake. Try out their kayaks for a gentle paddle on the water, join their guides for an early-morning monkey tour, enjoy a sundowner on your balcony or take a dip in their freshwater pool – there’s plenty of love here. They can arrange tours of Tikal, as well as airport transfers.

Where to stay in Flores on a budget: Rooms are dated at Zapote Tree Inn ($40 USD), but that doesn’t matter when you’ve got a view of Lago de Peten Itzá and Flores quite like this. A swimming pool and terrace have the vest views in the house, while proximity to hiking trails and access to a nearby beach give this guesthouse an excellent location. It’s situated a short boat ride from Flores, but the owners can help you organise tours of Tikal, transport and practically anything you need.

Alternatively, you can stay in Parque Nacional Tikal, a short walk from the entrance to Tikal.

Where to stay near Tikal: Right inside the national park, Jungle Lodge ($100 USD double) is a remarkably up-scale hotel right in the middle of the jungle. Individual cabins are hidden away into the undergrowth, with beds made up with crisp white sheets slung with mosquito nets. A series of patios and a swimming pool allow you to while away the afternoon absorbing the sights, sounds and smells of the jungle, while a bar and restaurant provide decent dining options. They organise direct shuttles to the airport to connect with flights and lead sunrise and day tours of Tikal.

Where to stay near Tikal on a budget: The more affordable Jaguar Inn ($70 USD double, $30 USD two-person tent) is also situated right in the heart of Parque Nacional Tikal. Private bungalows are clean and comfortable and surrounded by the jungle, while you can also book a campsite or a campsite and tent if you’re on more of a budget – although the humidity can make camping a fairly uncomfortable experience.

Days eleven to thirteen: Río Dulce and Livingston

From Flores, hop on a bus bound for Río Dulce Town (four hours), a non-descript community with access to the sparklingly beautiful Río Dulce gorge. A vast river that winds through a towering canyon, stunning tropical vegetation and a rich array of jungle wildlife await.  

Get picked up from Río Dulce by boat and head out to your jungle lodge tucked deep into the gorge. Spend at least one day relaxing in a hammock or paddling up the tributaries of the river with a kayak, keeping your eyes peeled for howler monkeys and toucans in the canopy above. 

During your time here, you can take a day trip out to Lago de Izabal , a vast lake that feeds into the Río Dulce and whose shores are lined by dense jungle. Notable places to visit include the remarkable Finca Paraíso , a hot spring waterfall where the scorching spray mixes with the icy water of a secondary river that feeds into the pool beneath the falls.

Make sure you carve out a day to truly appreciate the canyon, with a day trip out to Livingston . Accessed only by boat, this shabby town bridges the gap between Guatemala and the Caribbean, lying as it does on the Caribbean Sea.

There’s not much to do in Livingston – and the beaches aren’t much to write home about – but it’s the journey there that’s unforgettable.

The most spectacular part of the gorge known is located in the final few kilometres of the 30-kilometre stretch of river to Livingston, with the walls reaching up to 100-metres high at points and, if you’re lucky, the chance to spot manatees in the water.

When you get to Livingston, make sure to try the local delicacy, tapado (a spicy fish stew).

Where to stay in Río Dulce: Situated on the shores of the Río Dulce between Río Dulce Town and Livingston, El Hotelito Perdido ($30 USD double) is a rustic but charming eco lodge, with cosy thatched cabins, each with hammocks on their private terraces. It’s a great place for a bout of relaxation; hire a kayak, arrange a tour by boat or just enjoy a refreshing drip in the river. Delicious dinners are served for guests in the evening around a large family table, making this the ideal place to get chatting to other travellers.

Where to stay in Río Dulce on a budget: Reached by boat up a tributary of the Río Dulce, Finca Tatin ($25 USD double, $10 USD dorm) is a true jungle paradise, with basic cabins, many of which overlook the river, making up the lodgings here. Private doubles and dorms provide a range of accommodations for different budgets, while you can organise a hiking trip or hire a kayak to keep you busy during the day.

Day fourteen: Guatemala City

Take the bus back to Guatemala City (6 hours) and then head home.

Alternative destinations to add into your Guatemala travel itinerary

If you’ve got a little more time for your Guatemala vacation or fancy switching out some of the cultural destinations for more nature-focussed activities, these following places will be right up your street.

El Paredón (two to three days)

If you want to chill out in a hammock, learn about local environmental projects or do some surfing, the scruffy beach village of El Paredón is a great option for a couple of days, and is located a two-hour shuttle from Antigua .

Lying on Gutaemala’s Pacific Coast (where the water is far warmer than what you find further south), El Paredón is a relaxed little village known for its turtle population and surfing.   

The best place to see them is with a tour of the nearby mangroves and river – one of only seven sea turtle feeding grounds in the world.

The fantastic La Choza Chula , a social enterprise and tour operator who run a series of social and environmental projects in the community, run tours ($25 USD).  They can also arrange homestays ($13 USD) if you fancy staying with a local family.

On the beach, you’ll find a turtle hatchery where, if you’re in luck and visiting between June and November, you might get to see baby turtles being released across the beach to the sea.

Where to stay in El Paredón: There aren’t many options in El Paredón, but for surfers, there’s no better choice than Surf House El Paredón ($85 USD double, $30 USD dorm), which supports the work of local social enterpriseLa Choza Chula. All of the bungalows have spectacular beach views, with more rustic dormitory-style bungalows and smarter double cabins with terraces and comfy seating offering a range of options depending on your budget. Breakfast and dinner are included in room rates and they have surf boards to rent and operate surf classes.

Semuc Champey (one to two days)

If you’re got a couple of extra days or instead of visiting Río Dulce, you can head out to Guatemala’s most photographed natural landform: Semuc Champey .

A series of six turquoise pools are stepped into the river bed on a natural limestone bridge over the Río Cahabón. It’s the ultimate place to spend a day wallowing in the refreshing water and admiring the picture-perfect location, which is set within an idyllic valley thick with jungle.

Semuc Champey is difficult to include on a short itinerary because of the difficulty in getting to the destination.

You can either get here by an eight-hour shuttle from Flores or Antigua to the town of Lanquin, from where it’s easiest to take a tour (around $30 USD) or catch a local pick-up truck (just be aware that you’ll need to leave early to catch the final one back).

Where to stay near Semuc Champey: Down river from Semuc Champey, Utopia Eco Hotel ($35 USD double, $11 USD dorm) doesn’t quite live up to its name, but it tries its best, with its clutch of basic rooms boasting large open terraces with views across the jungle and the river beyond. Yoga classes, plenty of communal space and a great on-site restaurant serving up tasty local dishes almost makes up for the cold showers.

How to amend this Guatemala itinerary

Want to learn Spanish while getting to explore some of Guatemala’s most exciting destinations? Combing travel with language learning with this two- or four-week immersive Spanish language course , that takes you from Antigua to Lake Atitlan and then up to Shemuc Champey and Flores, giving you the chance to explore some of Guatemala’s most beautiful locations, go hiking through the jungle at the Mayan city of Tikal, and even take part in volunteering along the way. This course includes accommodation, various activities, and transportation, plus small-group Spanish language classes across the two- or four-week program – just remember to use the code WorldlyAdventurer to secure a 5% discount.

Saturday 1st of October 2022

Hey, thanks so much for this very detailed and authentic article, is there any way i can contact you for more question as i'm heading there with a friend around christmas time.

Steph Dyson

Wednesday 12th of October 2022

Hi Alexandre. Yes: [email protected]

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40 Things You Should Know Before Traveling to Guatemala

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More than any other place I’ve been, traveling to Guatemala seems to have a profound impact on those who brave its borders.

Despite being flagged as a risky location by various embassies around the world, the country welcomes more than 1.3 million international visitors per year. Amazingly, many of these visitors wind up deciding to stay.

Some simply loiter, taking advantage of Guatemala’s cheap housing, low cost of living, and bargain Spanish classes. Some pick up work-trade agreements at hostels in paradisiacal locations, unwilling to leave when there is such an easy way to stay. There’s also a bevy of volunteering opportunities and philanthropic causes to which visitors devote themselves.

I’ve had four long-term stints in Guatemala now. My wife Emma and I have accepted the place as a home base, including spending some serious time with an eye on buying property.

The truth can’t be denied: Traveling to Guatemala is totally addictive. Spend a little time there and you’ll find that friendships come easily. It doesn’t take long to make connections, be engulfed into a sociable fold, and find yourself “hooked up” in all corners of the country.

From there, you begin to truly discover the wealth of rewarding places, activities, and culture Guatemala has to offer. It’s something that transcends any run-of-the-mill tourism experience.

Guatemala stays with you and calls you back, over and over again. Here are 40 things every traveler should know before they visit…

READ MORE: 50 Fascinating Facts About Guatemalan Culture

• Places to Visit in Guatemala
• Things to Do in Guatemala
• Guatemala Safety
• Food in Guatemala
• Guatemala Culture

Guatemalan History

• More Info on Guatemala Travel

PLACES TO VISIT IN GUATEMALA

Guatemala is a stunning highlight of the Central and South American backpacker trail. It’s a place worthy of religious pilgrimages, and a multi-faceted destination for the entire family.

Whether you’re thrilled by natural splendor, cultural heritage, or historical sites, there’s always something miraculous to discover nearby.

There are  around thirty volcanoes in Guatemala , a few of which actively belch smoke and bubble lava on a daily basis.

Some people simply gawk at them while lazing about in hammocks. Others throw caution to the wind and climb them.

The most common tour is to Volcan Pacaya, but the overnight trek up Acatenango may steal the award for most mind-blowing.

READ MORE:   Top 10 Volcanoes in the World (for Your World Travel Bucket List)

Mayan Ruins

The most famous ruins in Guatemala are those of  Tikal , which was once a center of the southern Maya population and is now a jungle-swathed series of sky-scraping pyramids.

Tikal is a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site , as are the ruins of Quirigua (which are famous for their enormous stelae).

However, there are many other Mayan sites to visit in the country, including the epic 5-day trek to El Mirador.

READ MORE:  The 16 Best Mayan Ruins to Explore

Formerly the official capital of Guatemala,  Antigua  (the other UNESCO World Heritage Site in Guatemala) has now taken on the role as the country’s tourism hub.

It’s a colorful colonial collection of cobblestone streets, crumbling ruins, and cool hangouts.

Many people come to Antigua for a week and wind up staying for years. It’s got a great market, picturesque parque central , and countless other corners of interest.

READ MORE: Top 5 Guatemala Ecotourism Attractions

Lake Atitlan

Typically,  Lake Atitlan  is referred to as “The Lake,” as its volcano-laden shores and distinctive villages make it the most popular amongst tourists.

It’s a wonderful spot for yoga (San Marcos), nightlife (Panajachel), and outdoor adventures (Volcan San Pedro).

There is also a lot of culture to be found in Santiago. Grade-A relaxing can be done in hammocks strung up at just about any hotel or hostel.

Between Lake Izabal and the Caribbean Sea is Rio Dulce , or “Sweet River,” which is a tropically hot place of extreme biodiversity.

It’s a great place for spotting wildlife. In the trees you’ll find monkeys and exotic birds, and  there are manatees in the waters below.

This area has a completely different vibe from the rest of Guatemala. It feels more Caribbean than Mayan. Livingston, which is located at the mouth of the river, is only accessible by boat and is home to a population of Garifuna people.

Semuc Champey

Despite (or perhaps because of) the journey required to reach it, remote Semuc Champey often ranks as travelers’ favorite place to visit in Guatemala.

It’s a mystical place, with a name that translates to “Sacred Water.” It’s aptly named, with a series of descending, impossibly blue pools in an amazing limestone formation created by the Rio Cahabón.

Visitors are invited to swim, and the park around it has some nice hiking trails as well.

The Pacific Coast

There are several villages along the Pacific coast of Guatemala that specifically cater to tourists.

Montericco is one of the oldest. Though it has some dangerous waves, it’s located near some amazing mangroves and sea turtle hatcheries. Further north, El Paredon is quickly becoming popular and is a favorite amongst surfers.

For those who have never seen black sand beaches , the Pacific coast of Guatemala is a good place to check them out.

THINGS TO DO IN GUATEMALA

With so many great places to visit in this country, there are even more fun things to do in Guatemala. Whether it’s educational, adventurous, or spiritual activities you seek, Guatemala has something to fulfill your soul. Nature abounds, as do culture, history, and hammocks.

Adventure Sports

Mountain biking and hiking are popular activities throughout the highlands, especially around Antigua, Lake Atitlan, and Xela.

On the east coast, kayaking along the Rio Dulce is a favorite pastime. On the west coast, surfing the raging rip tides of El Paredon is hot.

Zipline adventures have also cropped up all over the country in recent years. In other words, strap yourself in!

READ MORE : The Best Travel Shoes

If adrenaline-fueled action isn’t your thing, there are some places in Guatemala that are known for being much more spiritual and mellow.

San Marcos la Laguna is a renowned spot amongst yogis. There are tons of classes, courses, and retreats available there, and the village is a respected and sacred site for the Maya.

The area is full of shamans and wrought with superfoods. There are many yoga classes available around Antigua as well.

Spanish Classes

Guatemala is a well-regarded location for learning Spanish, both because lessons are inexpensive and because the Guatemalan accent is relatively neutral (for the Americas).

Xela and Antigua are probably the top two spots for language schools, with Xela being the cheaper but less luxurious of the two.

It’s easy to arrange package deals with homestays and a couple weeks of classes.

In terms of volunteering, Guatemala has an insanely diverse array of opportunities.

A broad variety of NGOs work with local children, farmers, seamstresses, nature/wildlife conservation, and much more. Many of these readily accept short-term volunteers.

Additionally, lots of the hostels in Guatemala do work-trades with travelers who want to hang around for a while and help out with reception, cooking, and building.

READ MORE:   A New Wave of Construction in Guatemala

The markets in Guatemala, in a word, are sick. They’re sprawling, dazzling with color, and packed with deals. A trip to the market here can easily occupy an entire day (and fill a suitcase, for that matter).

The most renowned market is the one in Chichicastenango, which takes over the entire town. The ones in Panajachel, Antigua, and Guatemala City are all impressive as well.

Bartering skills are a must, and haggling is thoroughly expected.

Beyond the typical excursions to explore archeological ruins and colonial cities, Guatemala has a myriad array of tours on offer.

People visit coffee fincas , chocolate museums, and charity projects. Tourists climb volcanoes, swim through caves, and explore traditional Mayan villages.

In most of the country’s major hot spots, it’s possible to fill every day of the week with a thematically different tour.

Besides Spanish classes, many other types of educational and interactive workshops are available.

Cooking and textile workshops are popular visitor favorites. Permaculture gardening courses are popular around Lake Atitlan. Salsa dancing lessons help folks feel the Latin American rhythms. Chocolate-making workshops provide a lot of fun and treats.

Antigua is a great place for starting to pick up new talents.

The southwestern Pacific coast of Guatemala is a prime nesting site for Olive Ridley and leatherback sea turtles .

The peak nesting season lasts throughout the latter half of the year. During this time it’s possible to tour hatcheries that are helping to repopulate the oceans through Sea Turtle conservation initiatives.

Some visitors— like me— are lucky enough to help release baby sea turtles into the wild. There are also volunteer programs that allow guests to help protect the turtles.

Birdwatching

Like many other Central American countries, Guatemala is home to and attracts some spectacular birds.

Due to its ecological diversity— with landscapes including highlands, rainforests, cloud forest, drylands, and coastlines—the birds are remarkably diverse.

In fact, there are some 766 different bird species  that have been recorded in Guatemala. The country’s colorful national bird– the Quetzal– is the holy grail for birders.

GUATEMALA SAFETY

Generally speaking, Guatemala is an easy country to get around, with busses and shuttles zipping to every far-flung spot on the map.

That being said, travel is sometimes unpredictable and can occasionally be dangerous. It helps to have a little insight as to what’s normal.

The Famous Chicken Bus of Guatemala

Though somewhat ubiquitous around Central America , the “chicken busses” of Guatemala are perhaps the most splendidly decorated and appreciated.

These are former US school buses that have been repurposed as public transport and turned into automotive fashion statements.

Though they can be fun to take, just make sure you aren’t on a notoriously dangerous route. Along some roads, stick-ups are fairly routine.

READ MORE:   The Chicken Bus (Guatemala’s Unusual Mode of Transport)

Taxis/Tuk-tuks

For the most part, taxis and tuk-tuks in Guatemala are safe to use.

As a rule, always negotiate the price of the ride before departing, since meters aren’t really a thing. And be sure to keep any valuable belongings on your person when exiting the vehicle.

Every so often, an unsavory driver will forego payment in exchange for luggage and a laptop. There’s no need to be mistrusting, but definitely do be aware.

Most long-distance trips in Guatemala are done by shuttle, which are slightly more expensive than busses, a tad more cramped, and notably faster.

Shuttles tend to be the safest form of transport. But they also have the tendency of not working quite as schedules proclaim and cramming in as many people as possible.

However, if the trip is only two or three hours, take the shuttle option. It’s worth it!

It probably goes without saying to be careful about drinking water in Guatemala.

Guatemala has an amazing product, ecofiltro , that cleans the water found in most hostels and guesthouses around the country. Water from these filters is safe and usually free.

Take advantage of this and fill up a reusable bottle whenever possible, so as not to buy a bunch of plastic .

READ MORE: 40 Green Travel Tips (The Ultimate Guide to Sustainable Travel)

Street Food

While it’s fun to sample stuff, it’s also important to be mindful of what and where you eat.

Uncooked items washed in tap water (most places use filtered or treated water) might carry pathogens.

Otherwise, it’s probably wise to be choosy when sampling market food stalls. Look for busy spots with high food turnover.

Natural phenomenon are relatively commonplace in Guatemala.

Volcanoes erupt daily, earthquakes happen regularly. Hurricanes hit the east coast. El Niño visits the west. Rainy season (May through October) occupies half the year, with the early part causing some questionable runoff.

It’s unlikely a major disaster will befall you. But the weather forecast is not a horrible thing to stay caught up on, just in case.

Because Guatemala is breathtakingly beautiful, the desire to get out and hike is strong, and there are ample opportunities to do so.

Banditos are known to linger around certain trails, so it’s best to either avoid them or leave your valuables in your room.

Check with your hotel or hostel before wandering off on a trek in the wild. Staff are typically very upfront and protective of their guests.

READ MORE:  The Best Hiking Trails (for Your World Travel Bucket List)

Nature/Wildlife

Scorpions are relatively common in Guatemala, but not deadly. As a precaution, always shake out your clothing, towels, and shoes before using them.

Chichicaste is a poisonous plant that makes a huge impression on those unfortunate enough to touch it. It’s really present around Antigua.

In the hotter areas, especially in the east, there are a few venomous snakes . The Fer-de-lance or Barba Amarilla (yellow beard) is highly venomous. Mosquito-borne illnesses are present around Rio Dulce. These sound more intimidating than the reality.

READ MORE:   The Best Travel Clothes for Women & Men

FOOD IN GUATEMALA

With such fertile land and such an agreeable climate, it’s no wonder that the food in Guatemala is primo. When you visit, these are a few of the traditional guatemalan foods you just have to taste:

Considered the country’s traditional dish, pepian is a stew that involves chunky root vegetables and a broth made from a huge list of dried peppers and pumpkin seeds. It’s really rich, usually has chicken (veggie options are sometimes available), and is served with a side of rice.

Otherwise known as smoothies, licuados  are featured on just about every menu in the country. Because there are so many wonderful tropical fruits grown in Guatemala, these are a revelation. Licuados are the equivalent to sweet tea in the American South: Ordering one with lunch just seems right.

The highlands of Guatemala famously produce some of the best coffee in the world. Consequently, the café culture is thriving, especially around the Antigua area (where much of the country’s coffee is grown). Tasting tours at some of the fancier fincas are also available.

READ MORE:   The Best Coffee in the World

Speaking of good libations… Guatemala just so happens to be the home of the bona fide best rum in the world, the founding member of the Rum Hall of Fame–  Ron Zacapa . Smooth and rich like a fine brandy, this one is perfect for sipping, with little more than an ice cube needed to make it great.

READ MORE:   La Roya: Central America’s Coffee Emergency

The Mayans are the original chocolatiers of the planet, and Guatemala and southern  Mexico  are where the magic began. Chocolate comes in an amazing variety here, from religious ceremonies to organic bars to DIY chocolate-making classes.

READ MORE: The History of Chocolate (How Chocolate is Made)

There is an unbelievable choice of local fruits and vegetables in Guatemala, many of which are very difficult to find elsewhere. Something new is always in season here, and there are also the ever-present tropical fruits, squashes/pumpkins and legumes. Hit the markets and sample them all!

READ MORE:  Top Foods to Buy Organic (& When It’s Not Necessary)

People from Antigua, which is famous for its avocados, were once referred to as panza verde ( which translates to “green belly”). Though the Hass, a Californian strain, now dominates the scene, Guatemalan avocados are still a must-try. Earth Lodge , where I’ve spent quite a lot of time, is a famous spot for fresh guacamole.

Simple and to the point, corn tortillas are a part of every Guatemalan meal, be it fried chicken or chicken soup. Tortillerias–  typically with a little old lady snapping masa from hand to hand– are all over the place. They come hot and fresh, three or four for a quetzal (around 14¢).

GUATEMALA  CULTURE

Guatemala’s culture and history stretch back long before colonialism or even the time of Christ. Indigenous people are still present throughout the countryside and cities. 

While Mayan people are usually summed up under one umbrella, in reality there are many different Mayan tribes. Each has its own traditional clothing. There are over 20 different languages in Guatemala alone. With every region, there comes a new culture to explore.

Moximon is a new version of a Mayan god– an indigenous take on Saint Peter. Most importantly, he’s a lover of booze, cigars, and vacation mischief. His temples can be visited at  Santiago  in Atitlan, but he accepts contributions at just about any hip bar in the country.

Located at the mouth of the Rio Dulce, Livingston is home to a group of people called Garifunas. These Afro-Caribbeans have their own language, religion, and political beliefs. They are famous for their music, which is percussion-based.

Often confused with Rastafarians, the Garifuna live in some 40 villages along the Central American coast, from Nicaragua to Belize.

READ MORE: The Garifuna Culture of Belize

Guatemala is renowned for its vibrant textiles, with each indigenous group having their own spin on design, color and material.

It’s nearly impossible not to become enamored with the traditional skirts, comfy pants, table runners, rugs, wraps, and eclectic mixture of bags. Workshops are available, and artisans are often found at work in the local markets.

READ MORE: Latin American Art: History & Travel Guide

Though Guatemalan history can sometimes be alarmingly sad, it’s a good thing to know before visiting.

Guatemala’s civil war lasted 36 years, from 1960 to 1996, when peace accords were finally signed. It shaped much of what the country is today.

The human rights violations committed during it (which left over 200,000 citizens dead) have left the population scarred. It’s important to be aware of this struggle and recognize it in the state of things now.

Rigaberta Menchú

A winner of the 1992 Nobel Peace Prize, Rigaberta Menchú is a Mayan peasant who became an outspoken activist against the Guatemalan regime in the late 70s and 80s.

An autobiographical account of her life, I, Rigaberta Menchú , became internationally acclaimed. She also participated in a heartbreaking documentary, When the Mountains Tremble .

The C.I.A. was infamously involved in Guatemala just before its civil war broke out. In 1954, the C.I.A. helped to overthrow the government and installed Col. Carlos Castillo Armas as president.

There is little debate that this effort to ensure the country was pro-American is what led to the nation’s internal war. Bitter Fruit: The Story of the American Coup in Guatemala  gives a more detailed account of this history.

Guatemala has several famous symbols that are seen regularly.

The national bird, the Quetzal, is beloved and the namesake of the local money. The marimba is a traditional instrument resembling a xylophone and features prominently in the country’s indigenous music.

The monja blanca  (a.k.a. the White Nun Orchid) is the national flower and stands for beauty and peace. The ceiba , Guatemala’s national tree, can be over 240 feet tall, and Mayan artifacts are sometimes fashioned from its wood and thorns.

MORE INFO ON GUATEMALA TRAVEL

Getting to know a place before visiting it always enhances the experience. Guatemala, with its extensive natural beauty and varied history, only speaks to that. Being a little more familiar with the country will undoubtedly make your Guatemala travel all the better.

Another thing to put on the what to do in Guatemala list is to support local eco-projects, NGOs, and community outreach efforts. There are many eye-opening tours of NGO projects, such as Camino Seguro and Niños de Guatemala.

Many businesses (Caoba and De La Gente around Antigua, IMAP and Atitlan Organics around the lake, and Hotel Backpackers in Rio Dulce, to name but a few) are involved with good things to promote local empowerment and conservation of the environment.

Lastly, it’s important to remember not to rush through this country, with only sightseeing on the agenda. Much of Guatemala’s mojo resides in hours wiled away at rooftop cafés with a coffee and a book, or watching kids play around a fountain.

Guatemala, marked as it may be, is a striking juxtaposition of modernity and antiquity. Its blend of multiculturalism and social struggle, of tourism and authenticity, makes it feel intoxicatingly real.  -Jonathon Engels

About the Author

The financially unfortunate combination of travel enthusiast, freelance writer, and vegan gardener, Jonathon Engels whittled and whistled himself into a life that gives him cause to continually scribble about it. He has lived as an expat for over a decade, worked in nearly a dozen countries, and visited dozens of others in the meantime, subjecting the planet to a fiery mix of permaculture, music, and plant-based cooking. More of his work can be found at Jonathon Engels: A Life About.

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We had an outstanding trip to Guatemala.

Spanning a mountainous slice of Central America immediately south of Mexico, Guatemala is loaded with incredible natural, historical and cultural appeal. As the birthplace and heartland of the ancient Maya, the country is, defined by the legacy of this early civilization.

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• How to get to Guatemala

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Their rainforest cities were abandoned centuries ago, but Maya people continue to thrive in the Guatemalan highlands , where traditions and religious rituals endure to form the richest and most distinctive indigenous identity in the hemisphere.

Guatemala today is very much a synthesis of Maya and colonial traditions, fused with the influences of twenty-first-century Latin and North American culture. It is still a developing nation, a young democracy with a turbulent and bloody history that’s beset by deep-rooted inequalities.

And yet, despite alarming levels of poverty and unemployment, most Guatemalans are extraordinarily courteous and helpful to travellers, and only too eager to help you catch the right bus or practise your Spanish.

It’s this genuine and profound hospitality combined with the country’s outstanding cultural legacy and astonishing natural beauty that makes Guatemala travel so compelling.

• Language : Spanish (majority of population).
• Official unit of currency : quetzal (GTQ)
• Population : 17.3 million in 2018, with a growth rate of 1.75 percent per annum (one of the highest in the western hemisphere). Ethnically, the population is almost equally divided between indigenous Maya and ladinos (who are mainly of mixed race), although there are tiny numbers of black Garífuna (about eight thousand in all), ethnic Chinese and non-Maya Xinca.
• Tourist numbers : 826,000 in 2000; 2.11 million in 2017.
• Politics : The Republic of Guatemala (capital Guatemala City) is a democratic republic, headed by a president who is head of both state and government. It shares land borders with Mexico, Honduras, Belize and El Salvador and comprises of 108,890 square kilometers.
• UNESCO World Heritage sites : Guatemala has three: the city of Antigua, the Archaeological Park and Ruins of Quirigua and Tikal National Park.

To travel Guatemala is to experience a country of wonderful contrasts. Take in the colonial beauty of UNESCO-listed Antigua and marvel at the difference to busy, modern Guatemala City.

Get out of the cities and back to nature, along with an insight into Maya culture, in the beautiful and captivating western highlands. Lago de Atitlán is unmissable – think Lake Como with soaring volcanoes – while the Cuchumatanes mountain range offers some excellent walking trails.

East of Guatemala City you’ll find the Oriente and Izabal , where you can cruise down the idyllic Río Dulce and explore its spectacular gorge. It’s also the region to head to for Guatemala’s best beaches. The Pacific coast is not as impressive with its black-sand coast and dangerous undertow, but it’s worth a visit for the lovely seaside town of Monterrico.

Head north to Petén to explore ancient Maya temples and palaces, including Tikal , possibly the most impressive Maya site in all of Latin America.

Indulge in some serious relaxation in the natural bathing pools of Semuc Champey in the Cobán and the Verapaces region, surrounded by lush rainforest.

Discover more places in Guatemala

• Petén Travel Guide
• The western highlands Travel Guide
• Antigua Travel Guide

Guatemala enjoys a warm climate all year round, with temperatures peaking at an average of 32 degrees on the Caribbean coast in April and May. This makes deciding on when to travel to Guatemala a lot easier.

Humidity is determined by altitude: you won’t get hot and bothered in many of the traveller hot spots thanks to their location, including Antigua, Guatemala City and Lago de Atitlán.

There is a rainy season, which runs from May to October, with the worst of the rain falling in September and October. The rain is usually limited to late afternoon downpours, so it needn’t hamper your visit.

Peak season is between December and March and again between July and August, seen as the best time to visit Guatemala in terms of weather, but best to avoid if you want cheaper accommodation.

Here’s the full lowdown on the best time to travel to Guatemala .

There are two international airports in Guatemala. La Aurora International Airport is the biggest and will land you in the capital, Guatemala City. Most flights are routed via US hub cities Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Fort Lauderdale, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami and New York. There are no direct flights from the UK or Ireland, Australasia or South Africa, with most travellers heading via the States.

If you visit Guatemala as part of a bigger Central America trip, a land or boat crossing is a great way to experience more of the region. You’ll find regular bus services from Mexico , El Salvador and Honduras , while a daily boat runs from Belize .

Here’s a bit more about getting to Guatemala , along with a run-down of our favourite tour operators.

Buses are the most common way to travel around Guatemala. Some comfortable coaches run the main routes, while pricey shuttle buses take passengers between the main tourist centres. But for an essential Guatemalan experience, a chicken bus or microbus is the order of the day. Be warned: they are bumpy, busy and fume-filled, but also cheap, convenient and often the only way to get to an off-the-beaten-track destination.

If you can’t face the bus, taxis are available in all the main towns and their rates are pretty low — just make sure you negotiate the fare beforehand. Thai-style tuk-tuks have popped up in a lot of places, if you’re after a cheaper alternative.

There are no passenger trains in Guatemala, and the only internal flight runs from Guatemala City to Flores, gateway to Tikal.

Take a look at our full travel guide to getting around Guatemala .

• Explore the centro histórico in Guatemala City It may be gritty and run-down, but a trip to the capital’s Zona 1 is a rite of passage when you’re in Guatemala City. It houses some impressive, albeit crumbling, nineteenth-century architecture and Parque Central, an imposing plaza that is prime for people watching. The centre is slowly regenerating: walk along pedestrianised streets and stop in some of the new cafes and bars that have sprung up amongst the chaos.
• Trek up Volcán de Pacaya A day-trip from Antigua or Guatemala City, a hike to the top of active volcano Pacaya is an unforgettable experience. One of Central America’s most active volcanoes, Pacaya regularly spits out clouds of rock and ash. Watch the eruptions at night, when brilliant orange lava lights up the sky.
• Kick back in Antigua There’s a reason Antigua has become Guatemala’s foremost tourist destination. Wander the beautiful streets, admire the colonial churches and grand houses or relax in one of the many cafes, bars or top-notch restaurants. OK, it could be perceived as a little bourgeois compared to the rest of the country, but aesthetically, it’s like nowhere else in the world. Relax and enjoy.
• Take in Maya ruins and wildlife at Tikal It’s been lauded as the most impressive of all Maya sites, and a visit to Tikal won’t disappoint. Five 60m tall temples dominate the ruins with thousands of other structures around them, many still hidden under mounds of earth and entwined with tree roots. Around the site you’ll find the Parque Nacional Tikal, a protected part of the Reserva de la Biósfera Maya rainforest. Head there are dawn or dusk for the best wildlife spotting opportunities and listen out for the distinct roar of the howler monkeys.
• Bathe in the pools at Semuc Champey The prime attraction in Cobán and the Verapaces, the sublime turquoise pools of Semuc Champey are at the foot of a plunging, jungle-clad river valley. Bring your swimsuit, because this will be the most beautiful bathing spot you’ve ever encountered.
• Kayak the Río Dulce gorge The incomparable Río Dulce gorge is worth taking your time over. Forgo the fast public boat in favour of a slower cruise or, even better, kayak from one of the nearby hotels and explore it at your leisure. If you’re lucky (and an early riser), you might even spot some manatees on a morning paddle.
• Shop ‘til you drop in Chichicastenango Pick up something to help remember your trip to Guatemala at Chichicastenango, a vast twice-weekly market in El Quiché at the heart of the western highlands. It’s on the touristy side, but local people still come here to trade their wares. If you’re after some traditional weaving, be prepared to hunt and haggle for the best quality. For a less touristy market, pay nearby Sololá a visit instead.

Whether you’ve got two weeks or a few months to travel around Guatemala, carefully crafted itineraries will help you make the most of your trip.

Tailor-made travel itineraries for Guatemala, created by local experts

12 days  / from 6840 USD

Off the tourist trail and highlights of Guatemala and Belize

Meet school kids in Antigua and traders in Chichicastenango before learning ancient cookery and weaving skills and viewing a Mayan ceremony. This fascinating tour visits archaeological sites such as majestic Tikal before an idyllic private island stay off Belize’s Caribbean coast completes the trip.

12 days  / from 2820 USD

The Best Of Guatemala & Belize

Visit Antigua with the nearby Pacaya volcano before heading to Lake Atitlán and further to Tikal, once one of the most powerful kingdoms of the ancient Maya. Afterwards, cross the border to Belize to visit the Caracol ruins and enjoying some sun & sand on Ambergris Caye.

12 days  / from 2450 USD

Guatemala and Belize Family Adventure

Take a family-friendly adventure through Guatemala and Belize. Discover Lake Atitlan on kayaks, explore the active volcano Pacaya or play hide and seek in the large archaeological complex of Tikal before heading out to Belize for its fantastic underwater world and gorgeous beaches.

If you’ve got at least a month and want a taste of the cities, Maya culture, natural sites and ancient temples, the Grand Tour is for you. It’s the classic route that aims to give you a flavour of everything that Guatemala has to offer.

Short on time? Don’t try to see it all. Ancient Maya is a jam-packed trip around Petén, Guatemala’s Maya heartland and home to hundreds of ancient sites.

Or you could focus your energy on one diverse region with our Western highlands route, which includes stops at the famous Chichicastenango market and Fuentes Georginas hot springs. Take a look at all our Guatemala itineraries in more detail.

Budget travellers, rejoice: cheap accommodation in Guatemala is plentiful. You should be able to bag a double room for US$15 in any town (Guatemala City will set you back a bit more). Hostels are often run by expats and offer everything even the most discerning backpacker could desire. If you’ve got some cash to splash, it’ll stretch to luxury hotels with impressive colonial decor.

Our guide to accommodation in Guatemala will give you the full lowdown, as well as an option to book hotels and hostels.

You certainly won’t go hungry in Guatemala. The cuisine is a mix of Maya, Latin American and Western traditions, and it’s filling and good value. You’ll find more choice in the touristy spots, where there are plenty of vegetarian options too.

If you’re travelling on a shoestring, or just want a more authentic Guatemalan experience, dine in a comedor — simple eateries that serve big portions of food at inexpensive prices — or head to a street food stall.

Stomach rumbling? Read more about food and drink in Guatemala .

Watch a fútbol game

Guatemalans have a furious appetite for spectator sports and fútbol (soccer) tops the bill. If you get the chance to see a major game it’s a thrilling experience, if only to watch the crowd. The two big local teams, both from Guatemala City, are Municipal and Communications.

Guatemala has great hiking, particularly volcano climbing, which is hard work but almost always worth the effort. There are 37 volcanic peaks; the tallest is Tajumulco in the far west, which at 4220m is a serious undertaking. Pacaya is a fairly easy climb and a dramatic sight. For your personal safety, it’s best to hike in an organised tour group.

There’s excellent ocean and freshwater fishing in Guatemala. The Pacific coast offers exceptional sport-fishing, with some of the best waters in the world for sailfish, as well as dorado, mahi mahi and some blue marlin, jack crevalle, yellow and black tuna, snapper and bonito. The Caribbean side offers excellent opportunities for snook and tarpon. In Petén, the rivers and lakes are packed with sport fish, including snook, tarpon and peacock bass.

Whitewater rafting

Guatemala’s dramatic highland landscape and tumbling rivers provide some excellent opportunities for whitewater rafting. As well as being a thrilling experience, rafting gives you the chance to see some very remote areas and also visit some of the country’s most inaccessible Maya sites.

Caving and tubing

Caving is popular, especially in the area north of Cobán where you can explore great caverns and tube down underground rivers. The northern Alta Verapaz region is the place to head.

Mountain biking

There are terrific mountain bike trails throughout the highlands, with several professional operators organizing trips. Maya Mountain Bike Tours and Old Town Outfitters, both in Antigua, have excellent bikes and tours, staring at about US$35 for a half-day escorted ride. Further west, Atitlán Tours organizes excellent mountain-bike excursions around the crater of Lago de Atitlán.

Two of the best areas for kayakers are the Río Dulce region with its stunning gorge and jungle tributaries, and the sublime shoreline around Lago de Atitlán. Hotels in both these places offer kayaks for rent or contact Los Elementos in Santa Cruz La Laguna for expert advice and guided paddles.

Scuba diving

The seas off Guatemala have little to offer compared with the splendours of the neighbouring Belizean or Honduran coastal waters. Nevertheless, there are some diving possibilities, including Lago de Atitlán.

There is some surfing in Guatemala, but with a strong undertow along much of the Pacific coast, conditions are not ideal. However, there is a growing surf scene at Paredón, near Sipacate, and Iztapa.

If shopping is your thing, visit as many markets as possible, particularly in the highland villages, where the colour and spectacular settings are like nowhere else in Central America.

The large markets of Chichicastenango, Sololá and San Francisco el Alto are all well worth a visit, but equally fascinating are the tiny weekly gatherings in remote villages like San Juan Atitán and Chajul, where the atmosphere is hushed and unhurried.

Guatemalan crafts are known locally as artesanías, and are very much a part of Maya culture. The best place to buy them is in their place of origin, where prices are reasonable and their creators get a greater share of the profit. The most impressive craft has to be textile weaving — each Maya village has its own traditional designs, woven in fantastic patterns and with superbly vivid colours.

Plenty of travellers get seduced by Guatemala’s natural beauty, inexpensive cost of living and the hospitality of its citizens. Many choose to put down roots for a while to study Spanish. Similarly there are myriad opportunities for voluntary workers, and dozens of excellent projects, though little in the way of paid work.

Studying Spanish

Most schools offer a weekly deal that includes four or five hours one-on-one tuition a day, plus full board with a local family. This all-inclusive package works out at between US$120 and US$310 a week (most are in the US$140–180 bracket) depending on the school and location.

The most popular places to study are Antigua, Quetzaltenango and Lago de Atitlán. Beautiful Antigua is undoubtedly an excellent place to base yourself, though the major drawback is that there are so many other students and tourists here that you’ll probably end up spending your evenings speaking English. Quetzaltenango has a different atmosphere, with a stronger Guatemalan character and far fewer tourists, while Lago de Atitlán is popular with younger travellers and has very cheap rates.

Volunteer and paid work

There are dozens of excellent organizations offering voluntary work placements in Guatemala. Medical and health specialists are always desperately needed, though there are always openings in other areas, from work helping to improve the lives of street children to environmental projects and wildlife conservation. Generally, the longer the length of time you can commit to, and the higher your level of Spanish, the more in demand you’ll be. The best place to start a search is on the web (or in Guatemala itself).

As for paid work, teaching English is your best bet, particularly if you have a recognized qualification like TEFL. There are always a few vacancies for staff in the gringo bars of Antigua, and in backpackers’ hostels.

Traditional fiestas are a highlight of a trip to Guatemala and offer a real insight into the culture. Every town and village, however small, devotes at least one day a year to celebration. The main day is normally prescribed by the local saint’s day, though the celebrations often extend a week or two around that date. With a bit of planning you should be able to witness at least one fiesta – most of them are well worth going out of your way for. All share an astonishing energy and an unbounded enthusiasm for drink, dance and fireworks.

Fiesta dances

In Guatemala’s Maya villages, traditional dances form a pivotal part in the fiesta celebrations. They are all heavily imbued with history and symbolism. The most common dance is the Baile de la Conquista, which re-enacts the victory of the Spanish over the Maya, whilst bringing a touch of ridicule.

Fiesta music

Guatemalan music combines many different influences. For fiestas, bands are always shipped in, complete with a crackling PA system and a strutting lead singer.

Traditional Guatemalan music is dominated by the marimba, a type of wooden xylophone that originated in Africa. Marimba orchestras play at every occasion and in the remotest of villages you sometimes hear them practicing well into the night, particularly around market day. Mainstream music reflects modern Latin American sounds, much of it originating in Miami, Panama, the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico.

Travel advice for Guatemala

From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Guatemala

• Eating and drinking in Guatemala
• Getting around Guatemala: Transportation Tips
• Travel Tips Guatemala for planning and on the go
• Best time to visit Guatemala
• 5 days in Guatemala — 4 travel itineraries

Before you travel to Guatemala, it’s worth making sure you have up-to-date travel advice. Our guide to Guatemala travel essentials will bring you up to speed on the climate, time difference, recommended vaccinations, location of embassies and consulates, tips on travelling with children and lots more.

Citizens from most western countries (including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and most, but not all, EU states) need only a valid passport to enter Guatemala for up to ninety days.

Passport holders from other countries (including some Eastern European nations) qualify for a Guatemalan visa, but have to get one from a Guatemalan embassy or consulate.

Citizens from most developing world nations, including much of Asia and Africa, need to apply for a visa well in advance.

If you’re wondering whether you’ll need a visa, phone an embassy for the latest entry requirements; Guatemala has embassies in all the region’s capitals.

Although there’s no charge to enter or leave the country, border officials at land crossings commonly ask for a small fee (typically US$2.50), which is destined straight for their back pockets. You might try avoiding such payments by asking for un recibo (a receipt); but prepare yourself for a delay at the border.

Top image © SL-Photography/Shutterstock

Almost all addresses are based on the grid system, with avenidas (Av) running in one direction (north to south) and calles east to west, often numbered. All addresses specify the street first, then the block, and end with the zone. For example, the address “Av la Reforma 3–55, Zona 10” means that house is on Avenida la Reforma, between 3 and 4 calles, at no. 55, in Zona 10. In Antigua calles and avenidas are also divided according to their direction from the central plaza – north, south, east or west (norte, sur, oriente and poniente). Diagonales (diagonals) are what you’d expect – a street that runs in an oblique direction.

Easter Week

Semana Santa processions Antigua.

Maximón confronts Christ in Santiago Atitlán.

July 31–August 6

National Fiesta of Folklore, Cobán.

August 12–15

Marimba-playing marathon Nebaj, in the Ixil region.

September 15

Independence Day nationwide, particularly impressive in Guatemala City

Pagan skull-bearing procession San José, Petén.

Kite-flying festival, Santiago, Sacatepéquez and Sumpango.

Drunken horse race, Todos Santos Cuchumatán.

November 26

Garífuna day, Lívingston.

December 21

Maya-style bungy jump in Chichicastenango.

Overshadowing the southern half of the country, a chain of volcanoes extends in an ominous arc from 4220m-high Tajumulco on the Mexican border to the frontier with Honduras. Depending on how you define a volcano – some vulcanologists do not classify lateral cones in the folds of a larger peak to be volcanoes for example – Guatemala has somewhere between 33 and 40. Three of these, Pacaya , Fuego and Santiaguito are highly active, regularly belching soaring plumes of smoke and ash. An ascent up Pacaya rarely fails to disappoint as it’s usually possible to get up close and personal with the orange lava flows, but there are myriad other incredible climbs.

Lago de Atitlán is actually the former caldera of a giant volcano that cataclysmically blew its top some 85,000 years ago. So much magma was expelled that most of the vast cone collapsed, and centuries of rainwater filled the depression, creating today’s lake.

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Last updated on January 29, 2024 by Shannon

Guatemala ranks as one of my favorite places in the world. I planned to travel Guatemala for three weeks—instead I stayed for nearly three months. There is something uniquely calm and charming about the country. The culture is rich and accessible and the landscape is just gorgeous—perhaps that’s why I fangirl over it so hard.

Guatemala is one of the best spots in Central America for travelers of all types and stripes, and knew I needed to write a complete Guatemala travel guide so others could discover the nuances that make this country so memorable.

If you’re planning a backpacking trip through Central America, you will surely hear about the dangers. As a region, the dangers are both founded and unfounded. There are legitimate safety issues around transportation, specifically, and Central America in general is a place where you don’t want to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. But in Guatemala, the violence is not as pervasive in the places travelers visit.

Although I heard some stories, I never encountered violence in the two and half months I traveled the country. Instead, I found traveling in Guatemala featured incredibly warm people who are open and happy for the tourism coming to their country. The indigenous Mayan culture is alive and full, and Guatemala is home to the most beautiful natural and Mayan sites in the world.

It’s worth planning to spend several weeks in Guatemala if you’re backpacking the region, or know that you could easily fill a two-week vacation if you’re planning a short trip just to Guatemala. This Guatemala travel guide includes city recommendations for my favorite experiences in the country, as well as a socially responsible section with volunteer recommendations.

Table of Contents

Things to Know Before Traveling to Guatemala

Many of the most notable sites in the Guatemala mark the height of the Maya civilization. The two most populated Maya cities were located here, El Mirador and Tikal. These sites alone make Guatemala one of the more fascinating and unique Central American destinations.

Guatemala’s history dates back as far as 18,000 BC, and from that time onward the country carved a fascinating path through history. This pre-Columbian history is evident in the range of sights in the northern and central highlands of Guatemala. Many of the most notable sights in the country mark the height of the Maya civilization. In fact, the two most populated Maya cities were located here: El Mirador and Tikal.

Though Tikal is the most famous of the two, this is merely because it’s better excavated and easier to visit. El Mirador is thought to have been the central point of the Maya world. By 900 AD, however, the Maya civilization had collapsed and this gave rise later to the colonial history visibly present throughout Guatemala.

The country’s colonial history contributes a lot to its modern charm. Antigua is picturesque, with cobbled streets and a rainbow of colors staggering across the city’s buildings. Like nearby Mexico , Guatemala was occupied by the Spanish until the early 1800s. It’s at this point that more complicated political history begins.

A series of dictators controlled the country, and civil wars raged in efforts to both keep control, as well as to better unite the Central American nations. In 1996, the bloodiest time in the country’s history came to a close, the Guatemalan Civil War , as peace accords were signed with the help of the United Nations.

Since then, the country has more government stability than before, and many war crimes from the civil war are still being tried in court.

And as was the case throughout the war, and throughout Guatemalan-specific politics, rides the overarching issue of the Central American drug trade. This situation fluctuates as new policies and politics shift and change.

In general, the drug route through Honduras has a small effect on Guatemala too, as this has brought increased crime, but the country has done a better job than neighboring countries in containing the drug violence to isolated areas outside of the main tourist routes.

The additional readings below provide more information on both the regional drug issues, as well as the country’s complicated political history.

Is it Safe to Travel to Guatemala?

Guatemala is one of the least safe areas of Central America, mostly because of the drug routes northward. Importantly, however, this violence is not targeted at tourists —it’s for this reason that most western governments haven’t issued the highest alerts. That being said, it’s significantly safer than nearby Honduras and El Salvador.

How do you maximize your safety in Guatemala? Well, like many places in the region, night travel has higher risk factors. And understand all that it entails to practice safety while traveling —there’s more to it than you think.

Above all, exercise caution and stay on the tourist route. Guatemala is not a place where you want to let your guard down, particularly on a travel day. You would have to be in the wrong place at the wrong time to experience more than petty crime. Anything can happen on the road. I am a firm advocate of travel insurance like IMG Global ; these are my top tips to pick a good travel insurance .

Pick out accommodation on Booking.com.

This is the only booking platform I use because it rewards you for loyalty, and I regularly score free breakfasts and 15% off my hotel.

Fast Facts About Guatemala Travel

Quetzal (GTQ) ( current exchange rate )

Electricity

127V/60Hz (American plug)

Guatemala’s Primary Airports

La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City (GUA), Mundo Maya International Airport in Flores (FRS)

Can You Drink the Water in Guatemala?

No, you cannot drink the water in Guatemala, it’s not safe for travelers. Drink bottled, or consider the merits of carrying a water bottle and using a  SteriPen or LifeStraw on your trip.

How’s the wifi in Guatemala?

Wondering if there is wifi in Guatemala? Oh yes. You can find internet everywhere in Guatemala and it is decent-to-good. You can upload photos and information and could run a virtual business from nearly any Guatemalan city.

Internet cafes abound and your accommodation will offer free wifi. You’ll need a VPN if you plan to access many U.S. sites and to stream U.S. Netflix, and to protect your public browsing at cafes. I’ve used NordVPN since 2016 and it’s never failed me yet.

How to Get a SIM Card in Guatemala?

SIMs are super easy to procure and coverage is widespread. Go with Tigo over the other two. About $20 US will get you a SIM card and a month of data. Full SIM card guide here —this covers all the Guate specifics you might need. You might also need a VPN on your phone— NordVPN works there too.

Getting a Guatemala Visa

American, EU. and British passport holders enter for free and can stay for up to 90 days. Guatemala is a part of the CA-4 agreement , however, so that entry gives you a total of 90s in the four countries of Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, and Nicaragua. Other nationalities can check the visa requirements here .

Where to Learn Spanish

Guatemala may very well be the cheapest country in Central and South America to study Spanish. Even better, the country is well set up for this task.

You have three main options: Xela, San Pedro, and Antigua. Xela is by far the best option, there is very little English spoken around the city and it’s conducive to total immersion.

You’ll find slower progress if you take classes in either of the other touristy spots where you can cheat and easily chat with other Westerners for the bulk of every day.

Food Considerations

Traveling as a vegetarian in Guatemala is, well, boring on occasion. Rice and beans will be a staple of your diet (if you’re a strict vegetarian be aware that some refried beans are off-limits).

It can be tough at times to find quick veggie food so bring your granola bars. Meals are often complemented with plantains and avocado and they will nearly always substitute scrambled eggs for the meat in any dish if you ask! 

Accommodation

Guatemala has an extensive tourism network of guesthouses, homestays, and hostels. The country has rock-bottom budget accommodation as low as $4 per night in some areas.

For backpackers,  Booking.com is perfect for pre-booking hostels; in high season the bigger towns book up fast. Everything can be easily reserved online. If none of these will do, check out my detailed guide to finding good places to stay .

Festivals of Note

• Semana Santa  takes place most notably in Antigua and occurs in the week before Easter each year (April).
• Dia de los Muertos is celebrated across Guatemala and takes places on and around October 31st (October).

How Much Does Traveling Guatemala Cost?

Guatemala is a budget-friendly country. Expect rock bottom prices on the backpacker route, and you can find beautiful accommodation and meals if you spring for a bit higher budget. You can easily average US $25-$30 per day including meals, lodging, and activities on the budget end. A mid-range couple’s budget will run about $90 for nicer digs.

When to Visit Guatemala

Year-round is a pretty good time to visit. Dry season is high season and runs from October through April. Wet season usually just has a couple hours of rain each day and is still lovely, particularly because there are fewer people.

Possible Issues

Keep your belongings close, and probably best to ensure you have both travel and gear insurance —I use and recommend IMG Global for most travelers, and SafetyWing for digital nomads or those on a long trip. Be alert and cautious. 

How to Get Around Guatemala

For getting around Guatemala, you’ll likely use a combination of chicken buses (these are retired U.S. school buses transformed into public transport) and shuttle buses.

It’s super easy to book shuttles to and from every city. Bookaway is the easy way to plan and book—you can see each type of transport between the cities you’re visiting and book online. You can also arrange with your guesthouse/hostel.

Keep in mind though: Transportation is the most dangerous aspect of traveling because the drivers hug corners and drive far faster than is safe. If riding on chicken buses, always  keep your purse/daypack on your lap— never put it above you in the buses, nor under your seat.

Your bigger pack may have to go above or below the bus, but it’s worth asking if you can take it on with you. Sometimes they let you shove your big bag under your feet and you can relax a bit more knowing that your pack is safe.

And don’t fall asleep on buses—basically, understand that you will get robbed if it’s easy to do so. This is the same for pickpocketing, walking in dark alleys late at night, etc.

World Travel Planning Resources

From the best travel gear to how to pick travel insurance—a detailed list of resources, tips, and advice to help you plan an amazing trip.

Pre-Trip Reading Inspiration: Books About Guatemala

Fiction & Nonfiction Books About Guatemala:

• When the Ground Turns in Its Sleep : This is a beautiful novel that will give you a sense of time, place, and history—all woven together into a compelling narrative that makes it endlessly readable.
• Popol Vuh: The Mayan Book of The Dawn of Life and The Glories of Gods and Kings ( Kindle Edition) : If Maya history is your thing, then this is the definitive guide. It will give you all the backstory you need to fully enjoy the numerous Maya temples you’ll visit while traveling Central America.
• A Forest of Kings: The Untold Story of the Ancient Maya : Descend into the Mayan culture throughout Mexico, Belize and Guatemala in this travel narrative that dives deep into the regional culture, ancient Mayan beliefs about time, as well as a look at modern Mayan culture.
• Jungle of Stone: The True Story of Two Men, Their Extraordinary Journey, and the Discovery of the Lost Civilization of the Maya : A fascinating tale chronicling the two men who traveled through the Yucatán and Central America in search of the Maya Kingdom, and brought this ancient civilization back to the world.

Guatemala Podcasts and Online Reads:

• Guatemala Travel : The Amateur Traveler Podcast covers Guatemala recently and looks at the highs, the lows, and what it’s like to travel this country right now.
• The Reality in Guatemala : NPR pairs up with a Guatemalan documentary filmmaker to take a close look at the child refugee crisis. It’s a quick listen.
• What Happened At Dos Erres : Understand the complicated relationship between the military and the people in this fascinating episode of This American Life.
• Cracking the Maya Code — NOVA : This PBS program is the best way to watch the history of the Maya unfold, as the NOVA program deep dives into what it took to finally decipher Maya script.

Find more regional fiction and nonfiction books and long-reads  and you can read all  my Guatemala travel stories .

Recommended Guidebook

I love the Lonely Planet Guatemala for traveling this part of Central America—the transportation details in the guidebook are super useful.

Socially Responsible Travel in Guatemala

Guatemala has a large indigenous population, particularly in the northern and central highlands. There are a ton of opportunities to immerse in this culture through home-stays or treks. This indigenous culture also means there are unique considerations.

Guatemala has a wide range of socioeconomic levels. You will find wealthier and middle class Guatemalans in Antigua, Guate City, and other parts, and the more rural areas are often marked by stark poverty and high rates of illiteracy.

There is also a rising level of responsible travel awareness. You can find fair-trade businesses in most any sector, as well as ecolodges and socially responsible tour operators. Use these travel tips throughout all regions of Guatemala to ensure you’re the most responsible traveler possible.

Book a day tour to maximize your time.

GetYourGuide has a phenomenal range of tours, and they’re affordable too. Maximize your time by booking your must-dos as a tour, and then slot in the rest as time permits.

Explore Indigenous Cultures

You’ll want to dress respectfully when visiting rural markets and trekking in remote areas. These cultures are more conservative than the more predominant Hispanic culture in Guatemala and other areas of this region. Also be considerate when taking photos—always ask before taking photos of the locals or of children.

One of the best ways to support these regions of Guatemala is through respectful and responsible tourism. Consider taking a hike and spreading money into the villages, or visiting the fascinating markets (like Chichicastenango) in more remote areas of the country.

Bargain Respectfully

Bargaining is a part of Guatemalan culture, and you will definitely receive a tourist price when you initially ask for the price of an item. But, remember that the small fluctuations in your price make a comparatively huge difference in the lives of those selling you goods and services. Keep your cool, use your Spanish if you have it, and stay friendly.

There are places in the world where the goal is to bilk tourists—Guatemala is not one of them. The prices are often a bit higher than a local would pay, but not obscene. And if you prefer to shop without bargaining, head to a fair-trade cooperative. The textiles (rugs, scarves, jewelry, etc) are priced fairly for all involved and you know your money is funneled responsibly into more rural communities.

Support Local Businesses

Travel and tourism in Guatemala are pretty well developed. Local tour operators can help you do and find most any activity you can imagine. Using local businesses, as opposed to booking things through foreign operators, leaves money behind in the communities. This is an important part of responsible travel.

Some businesses may exaggerate their level of support for some sort of social issue, but even those are still at the very least paying local wages and supporting the local economy. Even more, check through these  Guatemala social enterprises  to find vetted local businesses that support a social mission that makes your money’s impact travel even further.

Volunteer in Guatemala

There are no shortage of volunteering opportunities in Guatemala. This is a mecca of volunteering. Most language schools throughout the country—from Antigua, to Panajachel, to Xela—offer affiliated volunteer opportunities.

There are also amble organizations running separate from the language schools. You can work with everything from agriculture to street children to education. And a lot in between. Start here for researching  volunteer projects in Guatemala .

Maintain a Low Trash Impact

Trekking through the indigenous highlands between Lake Átitlan and Xela is popular—don’t liter, even if the locals do. Your guides should help you dispose of this responsibly, particularly if you are using a sustainable trekking company like Quetzaltrekkers .  And for women, use a menstrual cup for not only easy of travel, but it’s eco-friendly, too.

Don’t forget to  book travel insurance for your trip —a great policy provides coverage in case of medical emergencies, lost or stolen gear, adventure sports riders, and more. I’ve used  IMG Global  for more than a decade  highly recommend it !

Best Things to Do in Guatemala

Guatemala is a larger country than you might assume at first glance, and the topography makes for incredibly long travel days between some popular locations. Getting from Flores to Antigua is a loooong travel day if you do it in one shot, for example—it’s through mountainous terrain and covers a lot of mileage. For that reason, many travelers break up the trip with time visiting the waterfalls of Semuc Champey—a real highlight and beauty during Guatemala travels.

Also, as you read through the city guides below, each one shares several of the great social projects and organizations that you can support on your Guatemala travels.

My Favorite Travel Experiences in Guatemala

• Spending several weeks around Easter learning the  life cycle of a Semana Santa carpet .
• Endless days spent wandering the charming streets of Antigua .
• Taking a day trip to  see the red hot lava at Pacaya Volcano .
• Riding a  Guatemalan Chicken Bus .
• Learning how to relax and enjoy the sweet life on the Rio Dulce .

Antigua, Guatemala

Antigua is the hub of traveling in Guatemala. It’s a mere 45 minutes from Guatemala City, it’s a lot safer. It also has connections everywhere else in Guatemala, as well as all nearby countries. You should never have to stay in Guate City, even for your flight. Antigua is so close and it’s a much safer option than Guate City.

The town is touristy, but I love it. It has gorgeous architecture and it’s a nice pit stop if you get burned out at any point. I spent many weeks here throughout my months in Guate. It has good food, lots of English, and it’s affordable (although a bit pricier than other Guatemalan cities).

What to See and Do

Climb a volcano to see active lava..

Hiking a volcano is the top-billed activity in Antigua, and for just reason—it’s neat. It can be dangerous, however, so be careful. When booking, ask around to find out if there is visible lava at the site that week.

This post shares my Pacaya Volcano trip  and tips on what to bring.

If you are a more adventurous hiker, then a trip to the top of Acatenango Volcano might be a good option. Josh shared about his sunrise hike here .

Enjoy pancakes at Valhalla Macadamia Nut Farm.

A mere 15 minute chicken bus ride out of town. This is a great way to spend a morning. They also have a commitment to sustainability and a fantastic mission to help lift locals out of poverty. The owners have lived in the community for decades. So worth a morning. They have delicious macadamia pancakes—go for breakfast and go hungry! I wrote about my  visit to Valhalla’s Macadamia Farm  and you can find directions on their site .

Visit the Finca Filadelfia coffee plantation.

This is well worth the price (around US $20)  if you’ve never toured a coffee plantation. The tour takes you from coffee cheerier to darkly roasted coffee. They include a complimentary coffee or espresso at the end! It’s just outside of town. Recent reports from readers indicate that they also offer birding, paintballing, and ziplines. I shared a bit  about the tour . You can  book services directly through Finca , or through your accommodation.

Where to Seep

• Budget : Yellow House Hostel (Casa Amarilla) should be your first choice when visiting in Antigua. The place is impeccably clean, breakfast is a big buffet, and it’s cheaper than some of the other “top” picks you hear about. (It’s cheaper than both Black Cat and Jungle Party). It’s walkable to the bars but not a party hostel in the least. Also has a hostel kitchen and cable in the cheap private rooms.
• Midrange : Consider Hotel Casa Cristina for a midrange budget—a nice place to stay thats safe and nice but wont break the bank.
• Stay in a nice spot : There’s a heap of accommodation in Antigua and  Meson Panza Verde is a nice place from which to organize your search.

Where to Eat

• Hops & Tales: 3 Calle Oriente #19.  Good craft beer scene from recent travelers reporting in.
• Café Boheme: Calle Poniente #5a.  Good spot with clean food and you can surely find some good vegetarian options.
• Rainbow Cafe: Ave Sur #6 at 6a Calle.  Long term travelers in Antigua camp-out for breakfast and lunch at this tiny little restaurant. It’s just two tables but serves fantastic falafel, shawarma, and other Israeli favorites.
• La Luna Miel : 6 Avenida Norte N19A.  I could wax poetic about the fresh spinach salads here. They “do” crepes, but I come for the fresh cold salads, an anomaly in Guatemala.
• Bagel Barn : 5a Calle Poniente #2.  Free wifi and a variety of fun toppings on your bagels. A good choice for breakfast and the coffee is pretty good to boot!
• Reilly’s Irish Pub : 5a ave. nte. #31.  An institution at this point it is good fun. They have a Sunday pub quiz, which is always a blast if you have a group with you, or a group going from your hostel.
• El Mono Loco : Parque Central on 5a ave. sur.  Gringo-fied for sure but it’s also filled with locals enjoying the sports-bar atmosphere.

Xela (Quetzaltenango)

Xela (Quetzaltenango) is the center of volunteer activity and Spanish language learning in Guatemala. It’s less than five hours north of Antigua/Guatemala City and there is very little English spoken throughout the city. It’s the perfect spot for reasonably priced Spanish language lessons, home-stays, and most schools also have volunteer opportunities. There’s great trekking here too.

This town is far enough north that it’s not fully on the backpacker route, except for those busing in from the Mexico border. There is little partying to be had here, although if you’re a part of a school they will organize fun evenings out and dancing. Shuttles leave from the Lake Atitlan cities, as well as Antigua, but the chicken buses are much cheaper and will get you there too.

Most travelers come to Xela to either volunteer or learn Spanish—or both. Literally, that’s what you do here. It’s a big city so it’s best to have a purpose for visiting or you might not enjoy all of your time here as much as other cities.

Money Warning : Only use ATMs inside of banks with a guard and during daylight hours. There are have long been issues with some ATMS near the parque central .

Improve your Spanish classes.

There are dozens of Spanish Language schools to pick from and all of them offer a huge range of types of Spanish classes. And you could be a super newbie, or be looking to perfect and fine-tune.

I used and loved Pop Wuj . They offer one-on-one Spanish lessons, a home-stay if you want it, and several volunteer programs you can be a part of when not in classes. Medical students will particularly benefit from Pop Wuj’s specialized program. Individual is the best way to go and you’ll progress quickly in Xela because so little Spanish is spoken. This piece covers  my personal experience learning Spanish in Xela with Pop Wuj .

Volunteer for a cause you care about.

I volunteered through my Spanish language school. This is the easiest way if you’re already there taking classes. Nearly every language school has an affiliated volunteer program.

Additionally, if you’re just wanting to volunteer, sans the classes, ask the schools. I know that Pop Wuj  allows non-students to participate in its bi-weekly stove building volunteer project outside of Xela . There are also plenty of medical volunteer opportunities, teaching English, and other options.

Do some online research but it’s actually easiest to show up in Xela and ask once you’re there—most have programs starting weekly, and often the very next day! Find a list of vetted Guatemala volunteer programs here , or a huge list of them here too.

Hike the Guatemala highlands.

The altitude in Xela and surrounding countryside make this spot amazing for day and weekend trips outside of the city. Again, many schools will organize these trips for you, but if not, then use Quetzaltrekkers —reliable and good food and they participate in social good.

Attend a local football game.

Xela is in a huge rivalry with Guate City over their football teams and these weekly games (during the season) are a blast. Ask around for the next game and once you’re there enjoy the fiercely patriotic fanaticism on Xelaju football enthusiasts. I had a great  experience at a Xela football game  with the other language students.

Enjoy movie night with new friends.

Your Spanish language school will host these on a weekly basis. Otherwise (or in addition!) head to the Blue Angel Video Cafe  (7a Calle Zona 1), this is a hot spot for meeting other language students and backpackers and they regularly show movies.

Engage in organized social activities.

Most of the activities in Xela are organized by the schools. If you’re a part of a language school, it will have a calendar of daily and weekly activities to meet others.

Find a nice place to sleep.

Many Xela hostels have serious bed-bug problems so be aware and check your mattress!

Budget : Huellas Hostal is a great budget option with clean rooms and decent amenities. You can’t go wrong and it’s likely walkable to your language school.

Hostel Don Diego is also a solid choice. I stayed here rather than a home-stay because I needed wifi to work. It’s near the Parque Central, but a solid 15 minute from Pop Wuj, my Spanish language school. Cheap private rooms, decent internet access, but they do nickel and dime you on using the kitchen, wifi, and other generally free hostel amenities. There are likely better now, but it’s not a bad place.

Homestays : Ask questions and outline your expectations to your language school before you do a home-stay! Some home-stays have you eating nightly with the family and they interact a lot with you, others organize separate meals and are more hands-off with the language students. Home-stays can be an amazing way to force you into learning Spanish faster—just know which kind you’re expecting and tell your school :)

Stay in a nice spot . Consider  Hotel Modelo for a nice place from which to organize your search.

Seek out great Guatemalan food.

These were my favorite places to eat in Xela.

• Giardino: 6 Calle (btwn 14 & 15 av) Zona 3. The pizza and Italian food here is pretty legitimate and tasty. Pricey, comparatively, but worth a visit if you’re looking for some non-local food.
• Rosario’s Comedor: Corner of 13a Av & 5a Calle Town Center. A great spot for local food. They serve breakfast and lunch and the menu changes daily.
• Sabor de La India : 15 Avenida 3-64, Zona 1. A good spot for when you just need something different than Guatemalan fare.
• Local Eats: Ladies selling fruit by the bag wander the city around lunch time (and all day really) so this is a great way to snack. Also, check out the food stalls near the Casa de la Cultura. Small comedores abound, so ask a local for their favorite for a meal under $3.

Flores Travel Guide

Flores is the gateway to Tikal, so you’ll need to stay here likely two nights. The best Tikal excursions are the dawn trips that allow you to enter the park for a beautiful sunrise.

Transport comes to Flores from Belize , and also most of the shuttles and buses will leave from Antigua and Guate City. There is also a small airport if the mega-killer bus rides are not your thing. This post has a good overview of getting to Flores .

• Stay at Amigos Hostel . This is the number one backpacker spot and it’s a cute and well-appointed place. They have the routine down pat and will get you to and from Tikal, and onto your shuttle, without issue.
• Stay at Hotel Casa Amelia . This spot is a bit nicer but still affordable and distinctly lacking that busy backpacker vibe.
• Visit Tikal . If you book through Amigos it will be a pretty huge group. Still fun though. You can also stay in the park at one of the lodges for a one-of-a-kind experience as you are the only ones in the park at dawn. This is a big business for Flores, so it’s easy to book either large or small group trips out to the ruins. It usually includes transport and a guide.
• Try Fonda Ixobel for lunch or dinner.  On the corner of Avenida Santa Ana and Calle Central, this spot has delicious and clean food and you will leave full.
• Find street eats near Santa Elena Bus Station . There is a huge range of budget street eats near here each evening, so plan on a budget dinner in this area if you’re so inclined.

Semuc Champey

This is one of the most beautiful spots in the country. It was still off-the-path in January 2010 when I was there, but friends who were there in early 2016 report that there are a heap more adventure activities. It’s a fun spot and a great way to break up the drive between Flores and Antigua. You’ll likely want to stay in Lanquin and then take a daytrip to the waterfalls. It’s a short drive and there’s much more to do in Lanquin. More on getting to Lanquin here .

• Stay at El Retiro . This is a gorgeous spot and it’s socially responsible. They are committed to the community. There’s also just a heck of a lot to do here with a well built out grounds with fun activities.
• Consider  Utopia Eco-Hotel . This spot is much more remote, and a bit like a retreat. Travelers report that it’s a great spot from which you can head to the waterfalls, while also experiencing the other nature in this area.
• Visit Semuc Champey . Book a trip through your guesthouse and plan on a full day out at the caves and waterfalls. Most of the trips all include the caves, some tubing, and then the waterfalls. Best to pack your water clothes, as well as water shoes if possible. You will be grateful for your Chacos or sports sandals on a daytrip like this one.

Lake Atitlán

This is a hugely popular spot in Guatemala, and for good reason. It’s stunningly pretty, fantastically affordable, and has a range of fun activities. Many travelers are there to learn Spanish, other just to relax.

Be warned that there is a bit of a drug culture in some of the towns, backpackers smoking pot. This is not recommended. When I was at San Pedro on Lake Atitlán, there was a huge drug raid that saw many foreigners in jail. Beyond that though, there are several towns on the lake, each with a different vibe, so read up on each before you decide which is a good fit for your travel plans.

• Hike the extinct volcano at sunrise .
• Go shopping or volunteer at Maya Traditions in Panajachel . This is a fair-trade shop with a bit of everything you might want to buy. They also need long-term volunteers if you’re keen to help out and live on the lake for a bit.
• Buy a good book and relax by the lake . The lake is gorgeous and the towns were built for quiet days of rest and relaxation.
• Study Spanish . There are heaps of schools in Panajachel and San Pedro if you’d like this sort of vibe alongside your Spanish learning.
• Stay in a nice spot . There are a few great accommodations in Atitlan. Consider Eco Hotel Uxlabil Atitlan  a midrange hotel with a private jetty and free kayaks for guests to use. Posada de Santiago is also exceedingly lovely and it has several price points.

Onward travel

Having spent a number of months backpacking Central America and Mexico across multiple trips, plan your time in the following locations.

Mexico » Yucatan Peninsula | Yucatan with Kids | Oaxaca City | San Pancho | Guanajuato | Chichen Itza | Secret Mud Beach | Cultural Immersion | Taco History | Colonial Mexico

Guatemala » Antigua | Tikal | Rio Dulce | Xela | Chichicastenango | Learning Spanish | Semana Santa | Easter Traditions

Belize » Chetumal Border | Culture

Honduras » Copan Ruinas | Utila | Culture

Guatemala Travel Guide: Stories from the Blog

Read and research your trip using all of my travel stories from Guatemala—each story was written live on my travel blog as I traveled through the region. I share detailed guides and stories about cultural quirks, fun activities, and things I enjoyed doing in every area of Guatemala.

A Little Podcast… Stories of Traveling Through Guatemala

A Little Travel Memory… Firelight, Stoves, and Big Smiles in Rural Guatemala

A Little Relaxation… Finding the Unexpected Sweet Life on the Rio Dulce

A Little Travel Memory… Street Mime in Antigua

A Little Culture… Unlocking Culture at the Bustling Chichicastenango Market

A Little Questionable… Yep, a Guatemalan Drug Bust

A little volunteering… building stoves in rural guatemala.

A Little Travel Memory… Children Being Children in Guatemala

A Little Bargaining… Navigating the Cultural Nuances of Respectful Haggling

A Little Football… Guatemala’s All Enthusiasm

A Little Volunteering… Sweet Faces of Xela’s Children

A Little Language… Learning Spanish in Xela, Guatemala

A Little Spectacle… Yes, Gringos Grow That Tall

A Little Learning… Finding Authenticity in Antigua, Guatemala

A Little Tour… Macadamia Nuts and Social Good in Antigua, Guatemala

A Little Hike… Finding Red Hot Lava on Pacaya, an Active Volcano in Guatemala

A Little Authenticity… Local Life and Transportation on a Guatemalan Chicken Bus

A Little Aroma… Learning the Art of Coffee in Antigua, Guatemala

A Little Explanation… Why I’m a “Don’t Ask” Vegetarian

A Little Fascination… Semana Santa (Holy Week) Rituals & Carpets in Guatemala

A Little Welcome… Expected Warmth While Learning Guatemalan Easter Traditions

A Little Adrift… Dispatch from Guatemala: Prepping for Easter Madness

A Little Adventure… Visit Guatemala’s Stunning Semuc Champey Waterfalls & Caves

A Little Lesson… Eventually, We All Surrender to the Más o Menos

A Little Transportation… You’d Never Do that Back Home!

A Little Adrift… Dispatch from Guatemala: First Impressions & Travel Plans

A Little Wander… Exploring Guatemala’s Tikal Ruins & Wildlife

THE 10 BEST Cheap Things to Do in Guatemala

Best budget-friendly things to do in guatemala.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for Couples
• Good for Kids
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Adventurous
• Honeymoon spot
• Hidden Gems
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Acatenango Volcano

3. Pacaya Volcano

4. ChocoMuseo La Antigua

5. Semuc Champey

6. Museo Miraflores

7. Arco de Santa Catalina

8. Lago de Atitlán

9. La Aurora Zoo

10. Cerro de la Cruz

11. Temple IV

13. The Plaza Central Park

14. Caoba Farms

15. Iglesia de La Merced

16. Atitlan Nature Reserve

17. Mundo Petapa Irtra

18. Orquigonia

19. Great Plaza

20. Museo Popol Vuh

21. Iglesia de San Francisco El Grande

22. Convento de las Capuchinas

23. Indian Nose

24. Convento Santa Clara

25. Museo Ixchel del Traje Indigena

26. Temple I

27. Finca La Azotea

28. Mercado de Chichicastenango

29. Palacio Nacional

30. Museo Nacional de Arte Maya, Arqueología y Etnología

What travelers are saying

Best Time To Visit Guatemala (Monthly Guide by a Travel Pro!)

Explore the ideal times to visit Guatemala with our expert travel pro's monthly guide! Find out when to enjoy fewer crowds, the best weather, and great deals on accommodations.

Guatemala has been named the Mayan capital of South America. It’s an excellent tourist destination because there are many historical sights and ancient ruins to visit. If you want to book a trip, you may be wondering when the best time to visit Guatemala is.

November is the best time to visit Guatemala. This is the first month of the dry season and temperatures are around 74 F/ 23.5 C. Tourist season hasn’t started yet, so there are fewer crowds. If you want to save money, the cheapest time to visit is September when you can save 30% or more on accommodations.

If you want to plan a trip to Guatemala, you’re on the right page. Today, we’re going to discuss the best times to book a trip to this historic country. We will also give you a monthly breakdown to help you choose the right time to go.

When You Shouldn’t Go To Guatemala

If you’re excited about exploring the outdoor attractions, you shouldn’t visit Guatemala from June through September.  This is the rainy season in Guatemala, so there’s a good chance your plans may get canceled.

Now, before you completely discredit the summer months in Guatemala, there’s something you should know. While it does rain a lot, the rain typically doesn’t last all day.

It's common for mornings to be clear and sunny. Rainfalls usually occur in the afternoon. Some are short and light, while others are heavy and last all night.

Always check the hourly weather forecast when visiting Guatemala from June through September. It will give you a better idea of how to plan your activities for each day.

Cheapest Time To Visit Guatemala

To save money on a trip to Guatemala, you should plan to visit in the off-season between July and October.  Less visitors come during this time period because of the heavy rain.

The rate of hotels in Guatemala ranges from $23 to over $100 per night in the high season. During the off-season, rates will drop.  The lowest rates can be found in August and September. 

Hotel Las Marias Antigua Guatemala charges a rate of $96 per night during high season. During July, rates are cut back to $71 per night. You can find rates as low as $67 per night through August and September.

If you’re flying to Guatemala from the US, during peak season plane tickets can be more than $600.  From July through October, it’s possible to get flights as low as $91.

Best Time To Visit Guatemala: Monthly Breakdown

January: best month to be outside.

January offers some of the most pleasant temperatures in Guatemala.  Along the coast, daily temperatures are usually around 88 F/ 31 C. In the mountainous regions, it can be slightly cooler with lows of 70 F/ 21 C.

Since January is the midst of the dry season, it’s one of the best times of year to plan outdoor adventures in Guatemala. You can enjoy exploring the black sand beaches or exploring the slopes of a volcano.

This is also a good time of year to enjoy religious festivals in Guatemala. Epiphany is celebrated on January 6. It’s a religious event that celebrates when the three wise men brought gifts for baby Jesus.

Another celebration is the Pilgrimage of Esquiplase. During this event, people come from all over the country to Basilica to celebrate the statue of Black Christ.

• New Year’s in Guatemala
• Explore the beaches
• Pilgrimage of Esquiplase

Related Read:   Best Time To Visit Belize

February: Fewest Crowds Of High-Season

February is the best month of the high season to visit Guatemala if you want to avoid big crowds.  The holiday rush of tourists comes in December and January, while the spring break rush is in March and April.

Days in February are beautiful, with temperatures ranging from 75 to 88 F/ 24 to 31 C. This is a great month to check off everything on your bucket list, from shopping at the markets to relaxing by the rivers and beaches.

If you visit at the beginning of the month, you may get to attend the annual Coffee Harvest Festival. This event runs from February 2nd to 4th. This is one of the biggest food festivals in the country.

• Valentine’s Day
• Coffee Harvest Festival
• Swimming at Semuc Champey

March: Best Month To Be Near Water

The hottest month in Guatemala is in March when temperatures can soar above 90 F/ 32 C.  Spring weather begins to feel more humid in many parts of the country, and visitors can expect minimal rainfall.

This is one of the best times of year to explore the bodies of water in Guatemala. There are beautiful beaches, rivers, and waterfalls throughout the country. Visitors can even explore limestone pools and volcanic lakes.

There are endless amounts of swimming spots throughout Guatemala. Champerico is a popular dark sand beach in Quetzaltenango. Playa El Paredon is a great surfing beach that’s southwest of Antigua.

• Relax by the river
• Explore waterfalls
• Surf at Playa El Paredon beach

Related Read:   15 Best Waterfalls in Costa Rica

April: Easter in Guatemala

Guatemala is very big on religious celebrations.  April can be one of the most exciting times to visit Guatemala, especially if you visit over Easter.  One of the biggest celebrations is Semana Santa, which takes place on Easter weekend.

Semana Santa events can be found all over the country, but cities like Quetzaltenango and Antigua have some of the largest celebrations. There are parades, fruit displays, and many other Guatemala traditions.

April can also be quite hot,  with daily temperatures ranging from 75 to 90 F/ 24 to 32 C.  If you're visiting a coastal city, you may want to head to the beaches after the Semana Santa celebrations.

• Semana Santa
• Enjoy fresh mangoes
• Tour the lagoons

May: Best Month Of The Off-Season

May is the first month of the off-season. It’s a great time to visit because there are fewer visitors and the heavy rainfalls haven’t started yet.  Keep in mind, that May does get rain often. However, most rain showers in May are short and light.

Since May is a lot quieter, it’s a great time to visit some of the main tourist attractions in Guatemala. Cities, like Antigua, are great to explore and easier to get around with fewer people.

Attractions, like the Mayan Ruins of Tikal or the Pacaya Volcano, are more enjoyable when there are fewer people around taking pictures.

If you visit around the 1st of the month, you can enjoy the Dia del Trabajo celebration. The is an annual celebration of worker’s day and a national holiday in Guatemala. You can expect to find parades and parties all over the country.

• Dia del Trabajo events
• Tour the Mayan Ruins of Tikal
• Explore popular attractions

June: Best Time To Start The Day Early

Days in June typically start off bright and sunny, with rain showers in the afternoons . If you visit this time of year, you can still enjoy outdoor activities during the first half of the day. After lunch, it’s best if you have indoor activities on your agenda.

The daily temperatures in June range from 75 to 90 F/ 24 to 32 C. If you start the day early enough, you can get several hours of trekking and exploring in before signs of rain comes your way.

June is a great time of year to visit cities along the Pacific coast. If you visit the dark sand beaches this time of year, you can spot sea turtles nesting.

For rainy afternoons, we recommend checking out what religious and historic sites are in the city you’re visiting. Guatemala is known for specialty museums, like ChocoMuseo and Museo Popol Vuh.

• View sea turtles
• Shop at local markets
• Tour specialty museums

July: Best Month To Explore The Mountains

July is one of the rainest and busiest months in Guatemala. More people are traveling because of the summer holidays.  July is a great time to visit the mountainous regions because there are fewer crowds and less rain.

Quetzaltenango and other highland towns are great to visit in July because there’s less rain than in coastal areas. This will give you more opportunities to explore. There are several volcanos to explore, like Santa Maria Volcano and Santiaguito Volcano.

Some indoor attractions in this area to consider on a rainy afternoon are the Museo Casa Botran and Catedral del Espiritu Santo. You can also enjoy visiting shops and restaurants at the Central Plaza.

• Visit Santa Maria Volcano
• Shop at the Central Plaza
• Coban National Folkloric Festival

August: Best Month Of Summer In Guatemala

August is a great month to consider visiting in summer because there’s less rain than in July and September.  Most days will have a temperature range of 70 to 90 F/ 21 to 32 C. However, areas in the highlands can get as low as 60 F/ 15.5 C.

Lake Atitlan is beautiful in August. This relaxing area offers some of the nicest summer sunsets in Guatemala. Since city areas are crowded, it’s a good time of year to check out some of the small town resorts.

The middle of August brings two big celebrations to Guatemala. Dia de la Virgen de la Asuncion is a large fair with parades and fun events. Fiestas Elanas features delicious food, traditional dancing, and music.

• Visit Lake Atitlan
• Di de la Virgen de la Asuncion
• Fiestas Elanas

Related Read:   15 Best Beaches in Costa Rica for Families

September: Best Month For Deals

The wettest month in Guatemala is in September.  This turns a lot of travelers off, so they’re less likely to book a trip this time of year. If you want a quiet vacation and are eager to score the best deals on flights, accommodations, and attractions, this is the time to visit.

Another perk about visiting in September is that you never have to wait long. Public transportation is nearly always ready to pick you up. There are no lines for restaurants or tourist attractions. Even markets have fewer visitors.

This is a good time of year to enjoy different local restaurants and try Guatemalan dishes. Some foods that you need to try while traveling here are gallo en perro, chicken pepian, and hilachas.

• Shop at Mercado Central
• Visit Palacio Nacional
• Try Guatemalan cuisine

October: End Of The Rainy Season

October marks the final month of the rainy season.  If you want to book more outdoor activities, it’s best to head to the highlands. However, you can still expect light afternoon showers.

Temperatures in October range from 70 to 90 F/ 21 to 32 C across the country. It’s a great time of year to enjoy a morning hike or water activities. On rainy afternoons, you can visit historic sites and learn more about Guatemalan culture.

In October, sea turtle eggs hatch. Wildlife conservation teams release the baby sea turtle into the ocean. This can be seen every day at sunset, starting in September and going through to January.

• Dia de la Revolucion
• View baby sea turtles
• Early morning hikes

November: Festivals and Flowers

November is the first month of the dry season.  After a long rainy season, the country is blooming with wildflowers. It’s one of the best times of year to enjoy a scenic drive or tour. You will also get to enjoy clear days outside.

There are several festivals and celebrations that people look forward to in November. Drunken Horse Racing festival and All Saints Day are celebrated on the 1st. National Day of the Garifuna is towards the end of the month.

Other events in November include Festival de Los Muertos, Festival de las Flores, and Skach Koyl.

• All Saints Day
• Drunken Horse Festival
• Festival de las Flores

Related Read:   Best Time to Visit Panama

December: Party All Month

December in Guatemala is a month full of events and celebrations.  Every week there is a different event to enjoy. This country is also really big on Christmas traditions, so you can expect to see some beautiful decorations and lights.

The week before Christmas, a celebration called Las Posadas of Navid takes place. This celebrates the days Mary was pregnant with Jesus.

Other events in December include Fiesta de Santo Tomas, Burning the Devil, and Virgin of Guadalupe Day.

• Christmas events
• Eat tamales
• Las Posadas of Navid

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Home » Central America » Guatemala » Backpacking Guide

Backpacking Guatemala Travel Guide (Updated for 2024)

People always ask me what my favourite country is that I’ve travelled to. It’s a tough question to answer, but I always say backpacking in Guatemala with no hesitation. This country really stole my heart.

Its steaming jungles, diverse highlands, active volcanoes, and crumbling Mayan temples will keep even the most adventurous travellers busy for weeks. It’s no wonder travellers (and hippies) have been backpacking Guatemala for decades.

My favourite part about Guatemala is the prominent, vibrant Mayan culture that is still alive and well (despite hundreds of years of persecution due to Spanish colonization and racism, but that’s another story). The local people are so unbelievably friendly and welcoming; they’re truly excited to share the beauty of their country with others.

I had the best day of my life in Guatemala. I trekked up an active volcano and watched repeated magical eruptions amongst the backdrop of an enchanting night sky.

If you haven’t travelled to Central America yet, Guatemala is a MUST-VISIT. Prepare for a culturally enriching and fruitful journey you’ll be recounting to your friends for years to come.

Are you ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Yes? Ok, let’s go to Guatemala!

Why Go Backpacking in Guatemala

Guatemala is a relatively small country, so you can cover a lot of ground with minimal time. That being said, many backpackers spend months in hotspots like Antigua, Xela, and  Lake Atitlan.

Whether you love or hate the remains of Spanish colonization, Antigua is one of the most beautiful colonial cities in the world. Staying in Antigua is an excellent to explore close by volcanos; a few are still active and it’s possible to watch Volcano Fuego erupt – a must-see on any Guatemala travel itinerary.

The highlands of Guatemala are home to many Mayan communities and some beautiful places. Lake Atitlan is the most famous destination in the highlands, thanks to the beautiful scenery and dozens of unique towns surrounding the lake. If you want to get off the beaten path, check out the Ixil Region , and consider participating in a home stay. Many expats and long-term backpackers base themselves in Xela  for Spanish lessons and an immersive cultural experience.

Finally, Guatemala grows some of the best coffee in the world! Make sure to visit a local coffee farm or another type of  finca  (farm) in Guatemala, and help support the local economy . You can also visit cacao farms and factories, as well as macadamia and avocado farms!

Best Travel Itineraries for Backpacking Guatemala

I have included 3 Guatemala Travel Itineraries below to inspire your next visit! It is possible to see a lot of the country in just a few short weeks of backpacking Guatemala.

Backpacking Guatemala 4 Week Itinerary #1: Guatemala’s Highlights

If you truly want to explore Guatemala, I suggest setting aside at least 4 weeks. There are a few backpacker spots that can easily captivate your heart and steal you away for months.

If you are flying to Guatemala, you will definitely start your trip in Guatemala City , the capital. I’ve spent a lot of time in the city, but I don’t recommend that tourists spend much time here. Head to the beautiful (though touristy) colonial city of Antigua  instead.

Only 45 minutes from the capital, Antigua feels a world away from the city. You can easily spend several days in Antigua, especially if you plan on visiting nearby  fincas  (farms), the great La Iguana Perdida hostel , and hiking a lot of volcanoes.

While it technically makes sense to head to  Lake Atitlan  first, I’m going to suggest you get a bus to the city of Xela next. Xela is another backpacker hang out, a bit grimier than Antigua, though more authentic and cheaper to live.

This is another great town to base yourself for nearby volcanoes and hikes! Many backpackers choose to live here for a couple of months for volunteer opportunities and Spanish lessons instead of Antigua (which is more expensive and touristy).

You can access the lesser-visited highland area of Guatemala, like the Ixil Region (the most targeted area during the Civil War), here.

From Xela,  hike to Lake Atitlan with the awesome crew at Quetzal Trekkers . This volunteer-based non-profit company guides various hikes out of Xela while raising money for the local schools.

The Xela to Lake Atitlan 3 day excursion is one of the coolest experiences you can have in Guatemala because you have the opportunity to hike through and spend the night in remote Mayan villages only connected by narrow footpaths.

Once in Lake Atitlan , you can spend weeks here, as many backpackers do. I suggest devoting at least 5 days if you have the time. The lake is rather large, and all of the surrounding towns are completely unique to one another.

From Lake Atitlan, you can visit Chichicastenango , home to the biggest market in Central America. The market is only open on Thursdays and Sundays, so plan accordingly.

Then we leave the Guatemalan highlands and head to Guatemala’s beautiful Cobán region, full of jungles, waterfalls, and Maya culture. The most famous backpacker hang out is Semuc Champey , near the town of Lanquin (where the hostels are located, thanks to the unreal waterfalls and pools. You’ll want at least 3 days here, especially since the journey to/from is tiring.

Next take an overnight bus to Flores , the gateway to the impressive Mayan ruins of Tikal . Flores is a laid-back town and backpacker hang out on the middle of an island in a lake. You only need a couple days to visit Tikal, but you can access other Mayan ruins like Yaxha . You can also arrange a 5-6 day hiking excursion to the newly discovered El Mirador ruins, which are still being uncovered by archaeologists today!

After visiting Tikal you can travel onward to Belize or Mexico by bus. Otherwise, you need to return to Guatemala City for an international flight.

If you are travelling south on the Central American gringo trail, you can bus to the Caribbean side of Guatemala. Most backpackers stop in Río Dulce and Livingston , where the river meets the ocean, for a few days, and then carry on to Honduras, specifically the Bay Islands for some diving.

Backpacking Guatemala 2 Week Itinerary #2: Guatemala Highlands

This is a great itinerary if you only have 2 weeks to backpack Guatemala. You will start your trip in Guatemala City and quickly head to Antigua  for 3-5 days. From here you can shop, explore the local  fincas , and climb volcanoes like  Volcano Acatenango and Volcano Santa Maria .

Next head to Lake Atitla n and base yourself for another 5 days. You can make a day trip to Chichicastenango for the biggest market in Central America.

Finish your adventures with 4 days in Xela , exploring the nearby volcanoes, hot springs, and villages. Catch a ride back to Guatemala City just in time for your flight.

Backpacking Guatemala 1 Week Itinerary #3: Jungles and Ruins

If you only have one week to backpack Guatemala I suggest two options. One, stay in Antigua and explore the nearby surroundings.

Or two, go on an adventure through Guatemala’s jungles and ruins. Catch a long bus to Lanquín and base yourself here for 3 days exploring the nearby caves and Semuc Champey. Next, take an overnight bus to Tikal and explore the ruins for two days before looping back to Guatemala City via an overnight bus, or moving on to backpacking Mexico for more Mayan ruins.

Places to Visit in Guatemala

Now that we’ve covered a few Guatemala itineraries, I’m going to expand on what you should do in the best places to visit in Guatemala , including Antigua, Xela, the Tikal area, and more.

Backpacking Antigua

Most first-time travellers who are backpacking Guatemala will start their trip in Antigua. This is a classic colonial town with beautiful neighbourhoods to stay at, and a great place to kick back or wander around the cobblestone streets. You’ll find quite a few hostels in Antigua as well, which makes it a great hang out spot for backpackers from all over the world.

During the day, explore the main square, do some shopping, or just chill out in one of the hundreds of cafes. There are plenty of great places to eat here, like Cafe Condesa and the organic Cafe Boheme. Don’t neglect the local food either! For something really special check out the amazing Casa Santo Tomas or Rainbow Café .

If you’re looking to party, check out the Terrace hostel’s rooftop bar or swing by the Snug. Cafe No Se is the best bar in Antigua, set up somewhat like a speakeasy. Try their homemade (illegal) mezcal, which is similar to tequila with a smoky flavour. Tropicana Hostel is the party hostel in the area, but there are hundreds of guesthouses to choose from for something more relaxing.

I can also recommend Tropicana Hostel for the nearby volcano climbs like Volcano Acatenango. They offer fair prices, decent gear, and a great view from their base camp.

For a real treat, head outside Antigua to Home Earth Lodge , an eco hotel and avocado farm.

There are plenty of other great farms to visit too. Make sure to visit a coffee farm for an afternoon, or better yet, volunteer at one. For a  unique experience, visit Valhalla Macadamia Nut Farm for the  best macadamia pancakes and to learn about their mission.

This farm is working to save the planet (macadamia trees are more sustainable than almonds and avocados) and give local families plots of land to provide a sustainable income (macadamia nuts grow year-round providing consistent income).

Visiting Antigua’s Nearby Volcanoes

There are a few awesome volcanoes you can summit near Antigua!

Volcán Pacaya is the easiest volcano to climb, and just takes a few hours. You can even roast marshmallows on the volcano. It is active, so you can’t climb to the top, but you can watch smoke arise from the crater and a somewhat safe distance! The last eruption – in 2014 – was catastrophic for the nearby villages.

My favorite volcano is Volcán Acatenango , which offers stunning views of the nearby Volcano Fuego (an active volcano erupting constantly). This is usually a 2 day climb where you spend the night near the top. (Although this volcano is extinct – meaning it will never erupt again – don’t  because of the intense wind and cold.)

You can also climb Volcán Agua  for spectacular views of Antigua. Hiking time is about 5 hours from Santa Maria de Jesús.

Backpacking Lake Atitlán

Just a few hours from Antigua, Lake Atitlán is an easy bus journey or hitchhike away. There are a number of villages surrounding the lake with completely different atmospheres and many amazing things to do . Many of them require a boat to reach them.

Panajachel is the most convenient town to base yourself because it’s connected to the main road. Many expats live here for its convenient shops, restaurants, and bars.

The most popular backpacker town around Lake Atitlan is undoubtedly San Pedro , thanks to its cheap bars, restaurants (check out Zoola!) and easygoing hostels. Mr Mullet’s offers one of the best valued dorms. I definitely recommend hanging out by the lake or renting kayaks. Make sure to hike up the nearby San Pedro Volcano. Bear in mind it takes 6 hours!

You can also summit Volcano Atitlán – the tallest of the three volcanoes – in 8 hours.

On the other side of the lake, you’ll find  San Marcos , a hippy enclave and mecca for yoga, massage, and spirituality. The Yoga Forest holds yoga retreats high above the main town. It’s pricey, but includes 3 meals and 2 yoga sessions a day.

My favorite town is Santa Cruz , next to San Pedro. You can visit local co-ops, take a weaving class, or visit the beautiful shops and cafés. It’s a quiet, laid-back atmosphere with plenty of authentic culture. You also have access to a coffee farm that serves their coffee on a nice patio!

Iguana Hotel (pictured below) is a great place to base yourself for a couple of days. Located in Santa Cruz, there isn’t much to do here except chill and admire the view, but that’s kind of the point. Hike up the steep hill to visit the locals!

Backpacking Chichistastenango

Chichi is home to the biggest market in North America! It’s an awesome place to explore and hunt for souvenirs and beautiful Maya textiles. Te market is only open on Thursdays and Sundays, so plan accordingly.

The local Santo Tomás Church blends both Maya rituals and Catholicism, and it’s well worth a visit. Most people just take a day trip to ChiChi.

Backpacking Xela (Quetzaltenango)

Quetzaltenango is commonly referred to as Xela (pronounced  Shela ). This bustling mountain town is a great city to organise 1 to 7 day treks in the stunning mountains, or base yourself for Spanish lessons, as many gringos do! Xela isn’t as clean or extravagant as Antigua, but it’s also not as expensive.

You can arrange a home stay with local families around here and see a side of Guatemala many travellers miss.

While visiting Xela, check out the local cemetery. Seriously! It’s colorful and fascinating. I also recommend indulging in the local street food, like pupusas , a delicious Salvadorian dish that is popular in Guatemala.

From Xela, you have access to hot springs and several volcanoes. Tajamulco Volcano is the highest point in Central America. You can hike for three days to Lake Atitlan via narrow footpaths in between remote Mayan villages. Another great multi-day hike is Nebaj to Totod Santos – four days of trekking through the stunning and varied scenery.

Backpacking Semuc Champey

Semuc Champey is an absolutely stunning series of waterfalls and limestone pools. Most people stay in the nearby town of Lanquin. It’s a bitch to get here, so allot enough time to chill and recuperate.

I recommend Greengo’s Hotel , there’s a lot to see out there.

You can also trek to a look-out point for panoramic views of the rain forest. If you’re feeling brave, head to the nearby caves and swim through the darkness with nothing but a candle. You can climb up waterfalls, scramble along walls, and just in deep, pitch-black pools. It’s actually not too dangerous, as long as you can swim properly!

Backpacking Flores and Tikal

From Semuc, you have a hell of a journey, 11 hours or so, to Flores. Most backpackers stay at the awesome Los Amigos Hostel, though I opted for the much quieter Dona Goya.

Flores itself is tiny; you can walk around it in about 20 minutes. It’s a chilled out little island and a good place to base yourself before you head to  Tikal or  El Mirador .

Make sure to visit the local night markets for amazing street food and deserts!

Tikal is a truly amazing place. Often times you will have the national park to yourself to wander around the massive temples with spider and howler monkeys swinging above you.

If you hike to  El Mirador , make sure to shop around for a proper guide!

You can hitch or take a public bus to Tikal, but consider hiring a guide with transport from Flores. It can actually end up costing the same price as a round-trip public bus ticket. We were able to get this deal, and our morning guide was quite knowledgeable. After the 2 hour tour, we left the group and explored Tikal on our own while still hitching a ride with one of their vans!

Backpacking Rio Dulce & Livingston

A lot of backpackers head to Rio Dulce, though it’s honestly not my favorite spot anymore. I used to love going there as a kid, but now it’s sort of expensive, especially the food, and the mosquitoes and cockroaches are heinous. Plus, everyone gets around via boat, so you kind of get “stuck” at your accommodation after hours (swatting away the mosquitoes and cockroaches).

That being said, it is a cool experience to grab a kayak or rent a boat and explore the river. The lush vegetation and mangroves are beautiful, and the houses built on stilts on the river are a sight to see. Still, I say 2 full days is plenty here.

Some travellers continue on to the Caribbean town of Livingston. I haven’t been, but I’ve heard mixed reviews. Some say it’s pretty dirty. Others say the Garifuna culture of Linvingston is fascinating! It’s a completely different cultural experience than elsewhere in Guatemala.

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Top Things to do in Guatemala

Whether you love the culture, the highlands, or the jungle, Guatemala has something incredible to discover in each of its distinctly different regions. Explore until your heart’s content and love every single minute of it.

I have listed the  top 10 most popular and best things to do in Guatemala below (but don’t worry, there are actually way more epic things to do ) to get your ideas flowing for your next Guatemala backpacking trip!

1 . Explore Tikal’s Mayan Ruins

Deep in the jungle, Tikal’s ruins were never discovered by Spanish invaders, so they remain remarkably brilliant and restored. This ancient city is impressive both in size and grandeur, and a testament to the cultural heights of the ancient Mayan civilization.

2. Visit the Beautifully Restored Colonial City of Antigua

Yes, Antigua is touristy (and expensive), but the vibrant, cobblestone city has everything you want in a backpacker hotspot: good restaurants and bars, epic volcanic scenery, an excellent base for multi-day hikes, coffee farms, and great shopping opportunities.

3. Shop for Traditional Mayan Textiles and Souvenirs

And speaking of shopping opportunities, Guatemala has endless opportunities to shop for amazing souvenirs. This is my favorite country in the world (along with Morocco) for shopping, thanks to the hand-woven, colorful Maya textiles.

If you want to go big (and not go home), visit Chichicastenango. On Thursdays and Sundays, this town is home to the largest marketplace in Central America. Lake Atitlan (the towns of San Juan and Panajachel, specifically) and Antigua have great shopping opportunities too.

4. Summit a Volcano

Guatemala is home to 37 volcanoes! This means you plenty of options to summit one! Keep in mind a few of them are active… and dangerous to climb. Favorites include Volcano Acatenango, Tajumulco, and San Pedro.

5. Hang out around Lake Atitlán

This might be my favorite destination in Guatemala, due to its amazing scenery (three volcanoes), and amazing villages and towns, each with something different to offer. There is a prominent Maya indigenous culture here too. Make sure to support the locals, visit some co-ops, and kick back with a cerveza on the lake!

6. Take Spanish Lessons in Quetzaltenango (commonly known as Xela)

This city blends mountain scenery, indigenous life, and wonderful architecture. It’s a great city (not as expensive or touristy as Antigua) to base yourself and learn another language! There are numerous language institutes to choose from. It’s also a great base to visit nearby volcanoes, Laguna Chicabal, and natural hot springs.

7. Swim in the clear blue pools of Semuc Champey

This series of limestone pools and waterfalls in the middle of the jungle is known as one of the most beautiful places in Central America.

8. Visit the lesser known beaches of Guatemala

While Nicaragua tends to steal the spotlight for the best beaches and surf in Central America, Guatemala’s raw, black sand beaches are cool in their own right, though the surf isn’t as good.

9. Hike to El Mirador

This six-day hike will lead you through steamy jungles, mud, and mosquitoes to the newly discovered Mayan site still being excavated.

10. Visit a  finca and local co-ops trying to better the local economy

One of my favorite things to do in Guatemala is visit the farms; think coffee, cacao, macadamia nuts, permaculture, etc.

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These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

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Backpacker Accommodation in Guatemala

Room costs vary wildly across the country. Antigua is easily the most expensive place to stay. In general, the good places fill up fast so you want to try and book in advance.

It’s possible to get a dorm bed for as little as $8-10. A double room will often cost the price of two beds in a dorm, so if there’s two of you, you can have a private room for no additional cost.

And as a quick insider tip: If you want to see all – and we mean ALL – hostel options in Guatemala, be sure to check out BOOKING.COM . You can even filter your personal travel needs to find the perfect place for you.

The Best Places To Stay in Guatemala

Backpacking guatemala travel costs.

A lot of Guatemala travel blogs will tell you that the country is extremely cheap, but the truth is costs have gone up quite a bit in the last couple years, and Mexico and Nicaragua are cheaper.

If you want to backpack Guatemala for less than $20 a day you need to really dirtbag it. Only take chicken buses, stay outside tourist areas, eat beans, rice, and tortillas, and do not participate in many tourist activities.

It is possible to backpack Guatemala for $20 a day by staying away from Antigua, and cooking all of your own food or eating street food.

A Daily Budget in Guatemala

Money in guatemala.

Cash is the only way to pay at outdoor markets, food stalls, small bakeries, and chicken buses.

ATMs are widely available everywhere, but you can expect a withdrawal fee for international bank cards, which is why I travel with a debit card that refunds me for transaction fees. (Americans, I recommend checking out Charles Schwab!)

Top Tips for Broke Backpackers

• Camp: With plenty of gorgeous places to camp, Guatemala can be a great place to camp in the rural areas. Just be safe! Most hostels will also let you pitch a tent for a small fee.
• Cook your own food: If you are on a tight budget, you can save money by cooking your own food – I recommend bringing a portable backpacking stove. if you are camping.
• Couchsurf: While there isn’t a huge couchsurfing community in Guatemala, it’s still an option.
• Pack a travel water bottle   and save money every day!

Why You Should Travel to Guatemala with a Water Bottle

Plastic washes up on even the most pristine beaches… so do your part and keep the Big Blue beautiful

You aren’t going to save the world overnight, but you might as well be part of the solution and not the problem. When you travel to some of the world’s most remote places, you come to realise the full extent of the plastic problem. And I hope you become more inspired to continue being a responsible traveller .

Plus, now you won’t be buying overpriced bottles of water from the supermarkets either! Travel with a filtered water bottle instead and never waste a cent nor a turtle’s life again.

Drink water from ANYWHERE. The Grayl Geopress is the worlds leading filtered water bottle protecting you from all manner of waterborne nasties.

Single-use plastic bottles are a MASSIVE threat to marine life. Be a part of the solution and travel with a filter water bottle. Save money and the environment!

We’ve tested the Geopress  rigorously  from the icy heights of Pakistan to the tropical jungles of Bali, and can confirm: it’s the best water bottle you’ll ever buy!

Best Time To Travel To Guatemala

Guatemala has two seasons: the dry season and wet season.

The dry season generally takes place from December to May. This is the best season to travel to Guatemala if you want to do a lot of hiking.

The wet season is from June to November and is generally the cheapest time to visit Guatemala. It only rains for a couple hours a day, so it doesn’t necessarily mean your vacation is ruined!

While most of Guatemala is temperate, January and February can get chilly at elevation, especially if you are summitting volcanoes. Sometimes it even snows up there!

Make sure to bring a couple layers for the nights in the Highlands. Bring a down jacket, beanie, and warm layers for trekking the volcanoes.

Festivals in Guatemala

• Coffee Harvest Celebration – The town of Frajianes celebrates coffee harvest with food and dancing on February 2nd and 4th.
• Semana Santa – Semana Santa  translates to “Saints Week,” and takes takes place in March or April depending on Easter Sunday. This is one of the biggest celebrations in Guatemala, especially in Guatemala City and Antigua. Many towns and cities spend days creating mile-long carpets with intricate stencils and dyed sawdust in beautiful designs. Parades and processions march on the saw dust carpets.
• Día de los Muertos – Literally translating to “Day of the Dead,” this popular holiday is celebrated in Guatemala on November 2 with the flying of massive kites in the cemeteries of Santiago Sacatepéquez and wild horse racing in Todos Santos Cuchumatán .
• Navidad – As a mostly Catholic country, Christmas is one of the most important holidays, celebrated with family and friends. Most families go to Church on Christmas Eve, and open gifts at midnight on Christmas Eve, instead of on Christmas Day.

What to Pack For Guatemala

Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.

Hanging Laundry Bag

Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.

Sea To Summit Micro Towel

Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.

Monopoly Deal

Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.

Grayl Geopress Water Bottle

Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!

Staying Safe in Guatemala

On one hand, Guatemala is totally safe for backpackers, but I have extensive family here so I hear about all of the dangers and dicey stories. Most touristic areas are safe, but you do need to be careful for both petty theft and armed robberies (mostly at night in isolated areas).

The most dangerous areas of Guatemala are generally congregated within certain zones of Guatemala City.

In my experience, most robberies or assaults happen at night – when one or both parties are intoxicated. Walk in large groups from the bars, especially if you are a girl. Generally, do not travel after dark. There are staged muggings that target rental cars and luxury vehicles.

The exception is the highway to Tikal, which is safe for overnight buses and vans. Chicken buses are also safe (and cheap) for getting around Guatemala, but there have been fatal accidents around the windy highlands. I do not recommend riding chicken buses in Guatemala City due to gang violence and extortion.

People are warm and inviting in Guatemala, and you should have no problem getting around, but I am not going to sugarcoat the economic situation in Guatemala. Half the population lives below poverty and gang violence is increasing in the city – mostly in specific zones.

Traveling Guatemala is safe , so don’t let the talks of gang violence shy you away, as this doesn’t specifically target tourists, but it is best to be aware. Always ask your hostels and hotels for up-to-date safety information.

Sex, Drugs & Rock n Roll in Guatemala

Weed is definitely common on the backpacker scene throughout Guatemala. Although it’s easily available, it’s also easy to wind up in trouble with the po po, especially in touristy areas like Lake Atitlán.

Check out Blazed Backpackers 101 for tips on how to stay safe whilst backpacking Guatemala!

Travel Insurance for Guatemala

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

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How To Get Into Guatemala

If you are flying into Guatemala, the only international airport is in the capital, and it’s a rather small airport. There is also an airport in Tikal, but flights come in and out of Guatemala City, and they’re expensive.

If you are arriving overland by bus (as many travellers do) you can arrive by the Mexico, Belize, or Honduras border. I have covered the overland border crossings in the “onward travel from Guatemala” section below.

Entry Requirements for Guatemala

You will receive a 90 day tourist visa on arrival for free. The visa includes entrance and exit to El Salvador and Honduras.

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How To Get Around Guatemala

Buses are the main way to travel in Guatemala. Most locals get around by chicken bus , which are essentially tricked-out and bedazzled old American school buses. They are quite an experience, though sometimes a bit dicey on the sharp turns in the highlands.

Traveling by Bus in Guatemala

Chicken buses are dirt cheap for Westerners, often costing less than a $1. They stop every few minutes though, so be prepared for long travel days. You can also take private deluxe buses for long journeys, like Antigua to Xela, or from Guatemala City to Tikal. Overnight buses can be dangerous in certain areas, but the route to Tikal is totally fine, and recommended to save time and accommodation costs.

Most tourist destinations are also connected by private shuttle vans that cater to tourists, often transporting backpackers from their hostel’s front doorstep. These are significantly more expensive than the chicken buses, so I rarely used them though sometimes it’s nice to treat yourself A/C and comfort.

I recommend using a private shuttle to get to your next destination in Honduras/Nicaragua for safety reasons.

The only time you would take a flight is to/from Tikal, and it’s expensive, so don’t count on flight travel in Guatemala. Río (River) Dulce’s river is the lifeline of the area, and the locals and tourists get around by boat. They even have gas stations to fill up.

Hitchhiking in Guatemala

The chicken buses are pretty cheap, but if you want to hitch a ride, check out some info on Hitchwiki . You’ll catch a ride easier if you appear clean cut. The dirty hippy look doesn’t really fly.

Onwards Travel from Guatemala

Belize: Frequent local and tourist buses and vans cross the border from Flores near Tikal to Belize. Most of these buses go to San Ignacio before reaching the coast. Lots of travellers that want to backpack Belize use this option for onwards travel from Guatemala.

You have to pay the entrance and exit visa fees for Belize, even if you are not staying there. There is one company –  Marlin Espadas – that will do this trip to Mexico in one day. If you take the local bus, you will end up spending at least one night in Belize, so you may as well make a trip out of it.

Mexico: There are buses and tourists vans that pass through La Mesilla border, mostly to San Crístobal de las Casas, Chiapas, Mexico (one of my favorite areas of Mexico). If you want to backpack the Carribbean side of Mexico, you will need to pass through Belize. Buses will go to Chetumal. From here you can get a bus to Bácalar, Mahahual, or other areas in the Costa Maya region, and then continue up to other places like Tulum.

Honduras: You can easily get a bus or van from Guatemala City or Antigua to start your backpacking adventure in Honduras . Many private buses and vans will stop at the Cópan Ruins in Honduras too. If you want to get to the Bay Islands – Utila is a backpacker and diving hot spot – you will need to take a bus or van to La Ceiba. From here you can catch a 4 pm ferry. There are some companies that drive you between Río Dulce and La Ceiba.

El Salvador:  El Salvador is easily reachable from Antigua or Guatemala City.

Nicaragua: Many travellers start backpacking Nicaragua by crossing through Honduras or El Salvador. There are tourist vans and buses that will do this in one day, but I have to warn you it is a long day. You will pass through a lot of traffic in Honduras. Talk to your hostel in Antigua or Guatemala City for more information.

Working in Guatemala

Guatemala is small, humble nation and not exactly an international power house for business. Unless you bag a political or non-governmental organisation job, your best bet to find work is teaching English – English teachers can usually find work pretty easily.

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Work Visas in Guatemala

In order to work in Guatemala, foreign nationals will need a Work Visa and a temporary residency permit. Work Visa’s will only be considered once a job offer has been secured.

Volunteering in Guatemala

Volunteering overseas is a great way to experience a culture whilst doing some good in the world. There are lots of different volunteer projects in Guatemala which you can join ranging from teaching, to animal care, to agriculture to pretty much anything!

Guatemala is still a greatly developing country and there are lots of opportunities for backpackers to volunteer. English teachers are constantly needed, and you’ll also find opportunities in hospitality, farming, and administration. A 90-day tourist visa is all you’ll need to volunteer in Guatemala, which can be easily renewed if you decide to stay longer.

Want to find some awesome volunteering opportunities in Guatemala? Then signup for Worldpackers , a platform that connects local hosts with volunteer travelers. As a Broke Backpacker reader, you’ll also get a special discount of $10. Just use the discount code BROKEBACKPACKER and your membership is discounted from $49 a year to only $39.

Programs run through reputable work exchange programs , like Worldpackers, are generally very well-managed and highly reputable. However, whenever you are volunteering do stay vigilant especially when working with animals or children.

Teaching English in Guatemala

Are you a native English speaker looking to earn cash whilst traveling the world? Teaching English online is a great way to earn a consistent income—from anywhere in the world.

Demand for English teachers in Guatemala is constant. Conditions and pay vary greatly depending on whether you teach at a high end university or a barrio school.

Depending on your qualifications (or your motivation to obtain qualifications like a TEFL certificate) you can teach English remotely from your laptop, save some cash for your next adventure, and make a positive impact on the world by improving another person’s language skills! It’s a win-win! Check out this detailed article for everything you need to know to start teaching English online .

In addition to giving you the qualifications to teach English online, TEFL courses open up a huge range of opportunities and you can find teaching work all over the world. To find out more about TEFL courses and how you can teach English around the world, read my in-depth report on teaching English abroad .

What To Eat in Guatemala

Tamales – A bigger tamal made with either mashed potatoes or rice; whereas, Mexico makes them with corn and pork. They are then wrapped in banana leaves.

Chicken Pepian – A spicy stew made meat and vegetables (usually pear, squash, carrot, potato and corn) and served with rice and tortillas.

Pupusas – Though they originated in El Salvador, Pupusas  are found all over Guatemala. Thick corn tortillas are stuffed with a variety of fillings – usually refried beans, cheese and/or pork – and then fried until the surface with a still squashy inside. They are served with salsa and cabbage on top.

Guatemalan Enchiladas – They are different than Mexican enchiladas, often made in a deep fried shell filled with salsa, and meat. What makes them especially unique is shredded beets for a topping.

Flan – Caramel custard

Tres Leches – Three layer cake

Rellenitos de Plátano – Small balls of mashed plantains filled with sweetened black beans, fried and sprinkled with sugar.

Ceviche – This fresh seafood dish is made by marinating the fish or seafood in lime for 24+ hours and then adding fresh tomatoes, lime juice, cilantro, onions, and avocado.

Guatemalan Culture

It’s hard to stereotype an entire population, but generally, Guatemalans from the city are live very differently than Guatemalans in rural areas.

The majority of the Guatemalan people is considered Mestizo (a blurred mix of Spanish and Mayan descent). About 40% are Mayan. They often live completely separate from the rest of the population – physically, geographically, and economically.

One thing I love about Guatemala is the prominent and beautiful Mayan culture despite centuries of discrimination. Mayans are proud to be Mayan. I think tourists’ interest in the Mayan culture helps this in a way too.

There is a huge gap between the rich and poor in Guatemala. Through a complicated history (that I covered below) and a historically corrupt government, Guatemalans have endured their share of problems.

The Civil War ended in the 1990s, though many Guatemalans do not even view the struggle as a “war.” The government, and frankly most citizens, continue to dismiss the war’s human rights’ abuses.

To put it bluntly, the government and elitists have no interest in helping the poor or funding schools, education, healthcare, etc for Mayans. Racism is still very rampant here, as it is throughout most of Latin America. Thanks, colonialism.

Fortunately, local co-ops and grassroots organizations are making serious progress when it comes to creating economic opportunities for lower classes.

It’s a good idea to read up about Guatemalan culture in detail before you start your travels. Understanding the locals, their traditions and habits will make your visit a lot more interesting and in some cases, even easier!

Useful Travel Phrases for Guatemala

The first official language of Guatemala is Spanish, but there are also 23 Mayan languages spoken here! Many Mayans in remote places do not speak Spanish, let alone English. This is quickly changing in the touristic areas.

10 years ago most Mayans couldn’t speak Spanish in Lake Atitlán, for example. Now they speak Spanish and English.

Hola – Hello

Buenos Días – Good Day

Buenas Tardes – Good Evening

Buenas Noches – Good night

Cómo estás – How are you? (Informal)

Una cerveza, por favor – One beer, please.

Buena Onda – Basically translates to good vibes.

No entiendo. – I don’t understand.

Sin bolsa de plástico – No plastic bag

No paja por favor – No straw please

No hay cubiertos de plástico por favor – No plastic cutlery please

Perdón – Excuse me

Sorry – Disculpe (pardon) or lo siento (emotional)

¿Me puedes ayudar, por favor? – Can you help me, please?

Vos – Informal You , instead of the Spanish word Tú.

Books to Read About Guatemala

Below are my favorite books set in Guatemala. I seriously recommend reading a couple to understand the social, economic, and political atmosphere in Guatemala.

• I, Rigaberta Menchú – Winner of a Nobel Peace Prize, Rigoberta Menchú is a rural indigenous Guatemalan woman, who recounted her story of her father, mother and brother’s murder during the Guatemalan military campaign to eradicate “communism” in the countryside. It was her story that truly put the human rights abuses and question of genocide on the world’s radar in the 1990s.
• Rigoberta Menchú and All Poor Guatemalans – David Stoll’s book contested Menchús story, claiming that her recount was not entirely truthful, and fabricated. It’s worth a read if you are serious about learning about Rigoberta’s story. I think he’s kind of a shit for writing this, but some of his claims are valid. Still, Menchú’s cause is supported.
• Bitter Fruit: The Story of the America Coup in Guatemala – A powerful account on the CIA operation to overthrow the democratically elected Jacobo Arbenz, who was going to strip land from the elitist to provide peasants with the opportunity for economic growth. This coup led to the 36-year civil war.
• Homies and Hermanos – Based on Guatemala City’s street gangs, and why a number of gang members are leaving to become evangelists.

A Brief History of Guatemala

This is an important subject to me. I even wrote my undergrad thesis on a forgotten (or rather an unknown) genocide against the Mayan people in the 1980s that ultimately stems back to Spanish Invasion and systematic racism instilled in Latin America since the 1400s.

Before Spanish conquest under Cortés, Maya people lived in Guatemala for centuries building extravagant cities you can still visit today (Tikal, for example).

The Colonial Period essentially enslaved Guatemala’s indigenous people, and took away their land. Truthfully, it’s never been returned. By the time Guatemala gained independence from Spain in 1821, there was already a class system in place. After independence, there was a constant struggle for power between the elite conservatives and liberals.

In 1945, Juan José Arévalo won the election and began to turn Guatemala around by improving the public health system and labor laws. He survived 25 military attempted coups!

His successor was Colonel Jacobo Arbenz, who wanted to take Arévalo’s policies even further by implementing land reforms to break up the elitist land estates to give peasants individually owned farms. Naturally, his policies were unpopular with the extremely wealthy people of Guatemala…and the United Fruit Company.

US Insurgency and a Series of Right Winged Presidents

The United Fruit Company was owned by one of the American Dule Brothers. The other Dule Brother was none other than the head of the newly formed American CIA. Under the CIA’s first covert mission, the US orchestrated an invasion to remove Arbenz and implement a right-winged military president.

And so began the series of military presidents with counterinsurgency training and money from the US government. They may have been “anti-communist” during the Cold War, but they were no stranger to violence. Land reforms were reversed, voting rights were restricted, a secret police force was created, and the military repression was common.

In response to these dictators, a few left-wing guerrilla groups began to form, and so began the Civil War.

By 1979, 60,000 people had been killed in political violence. My family tells me stories of professors, students in political groups, and anti-government sentimented people disappearing overnight.

There are rumours in Guatemala that many of the missing people’s bodies were dropped into active volcanoes because many bodies were never found.

1980s – A Genocide

Four guerrilla groups united to form URNG (The Guatemalan national Revolutionary Unity). The President the time, General Efraín Ríos Montt, was an Evangelical Christian nut, who acted out on the groups by orchestrating the systematic murders of men, women, and children in more than 400 Mayan villages in the name of anticommunism.

100,000 Maya refugees fled to Mexico. Hundreds of thousands more died.

Both sides during the war committed atrocities and horrible acts of war. The left-winged guerrillas were not above these atrocities, but there’s no question that the government continued to violate human rights and lead civilian massacres.

Peace Accords and Recent History

After 36 years of Civil War, the Peace Accords finally took place in 1996 under a center-right president, but not much progress has been made on owning up to the atrocities. International organizations continue to criticize the government for dismissing the genocide.

The current Presidential Administration still refuses to admit there was a genocide in the Ixil triangle in the 1980s, even though Ríos Montt was charged with genocide. A later court ruling overturned the conviction, however, and called for a re-trail that will probably never happen.

Many Presidents since have been accused of laundering money and corruption.

Otto Pérez, a general for Ríos Montt during the genocide, took office in 2012. In 2015, the UN anti-corruption agency claimed Pérez’ administration was taking bribes from importers in exchange for reduced customs fees. Mass protests were organized and tens of thousands of Guatemalans turned to the streets. The Vice President resigned first, unable to explain how she paid for a US$13 million helicopter.

In the following months over 20 officials resigned and many were arrested. President Otto Pérez was forced to resign and arrested that year. This is the first time in Guatemala’s history that peaceful protests made some serious progress and an ex-president sits in a cell.

Jimmy Morales, whose popularity stems from the fact he is from outside the country’s political elite, hasn’t proven to be much better, thanks to his military ties. Gun violence and drug related crime is on the rise in Guatemala, and police are understaffed, underpaid, and under-resourced.

Some Unique Experiences in Guatemala

Things go wrong on the road ALL THE TIME. Be prepared for what life throws at you.

Buy an AMK Travel Medical Kit before you head out on your next adventure – don’t be daft!

Scuba Dive Guatemala on a Liveaboard Trip

Guatemala might not be super well-known for its scuba diving. That said, if you love to dive, joining a Liveaboard trip in Guatemala is a chance to explore the waters off of Guatemala’s coast.

You dive in the mornings, chill with fellow dive maniacs by evening; it’s that simple! Liveaboard trips take you to some pretty incredible remote dive locations. Who doesn’t want to wake up on a boat and dive in the sea everyday for a week?

Final Advice Before Visiting Guatemala

As someone who is half Guatemalan, this country holds a special place in my heart. I spent my childhood traveling to Guatemala to visit family. Last year I finally got a chance to truly backpack Guatemala, and go places even my family hasn’t been. This experience led me to fall in love with this country in a different way, all over again.

I highly suggest backpacking Guatemala if you are in search of an adventure. You will meet some of the kindest and warmest people in Guatemala, and experience some of the most beautiful culture and natural scenery.

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And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Ana Pereira

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14 Comments

Wow Ana, this is a nice article. So interested to travel in this part of the world.

Glad you enjoyed it!

Hi, i have a little supplement about getting around in Guatemala. If you are a group of 3 or 4, you should think about a rental car. For a three weeks tour it is not much more expensive than the private shuttles and you have more flexibility. Best regards Stefan

I will be traveling from belize to guatemala in a couple months. What would you suggest is the best way to get from belize to guatemala as well as the safest as I will be a solo traveling female. Is there a specific bus line or shuttle you would recommend?

Thank you! Zeina

Thanks for putting your excellent research and suggestions clearly in one place. If I only have 3 weeks, how would you modify your 4 week itinerary?

FLORES! Beware! AVOID THIS PLACE AT ALL COST! Everlasting Travel Agency selling bus tickets and tours is a LYING CHEATING FRAUD!!! If they know you are buying a ticket out of Flores and won’t come back, they will overcharge you by up to 400% while telling totally sincere sounding stories how they feel sorry for travellers getting cheated by others. Trip times are easily double of what this crook tells you. He also lied about the route, saying this bus would go directly to Chetumal and NOT stop on the road. Instead, it got off to a really late start because the driver picked up extra passengers (Guatemalans as a side business ,in all sorts of out of the way places), then went all the way into Belize City to pick up more travellers, Instead of 7 hours, we took 14,5 hours! They sold me a ticket to Chetumal/Mexico and on to Tulum at 400% the regular price. I knew it was expensive but wanted a guaranteed seat as it was the last bus of the evening to Tulum, Mexico and transfer time was short. I was given a (fake) voucher for the onward Chetumal-Tulum trip, to be changed into a bus ticket at their “partner agency” in Chetumal terminal. The partner agency did not exist. Needless to say, I had to buy a new ticket and also ended up missing the bus and getting stranded in Chetumal for the night. Fraud like this seems to be common in Flores – they prey on travellers who they know will not come back and report them to the police. Best buy at your honest hostel. I compared a lot of prices and the touts were ALWAYS a worse deal. Do not believe what they tell you about hostels taking higher prices.

Lake Atitlan is a beautiful lake in the Western Highlands of Guatemala that is ringed by several volcanoes. You can hop by shuttle boat between the villages surrounding the lake, many of which are backpacker favourites.

Great article, I’ll be checking out as many of those places as possible next month! Where is that gorgeous place in the photo you have below the title? I must know…

I’m heading to Guatemala for 3 weeks in June, and can’t wait. As a young solo female traveller, do you think it is safe and do you have any precautionary advice??

Hey Emma, Here are a few things you could keep in mind especially as newer traveller. Don’t go crazy and do a bunch of stuff you’d never even think of doing at home. Sure, try new and exciting things, but don’t go overboard with straight out risky behaviour. Be aware of your surrounding and who is around you. Don’t immediately divulge extensive information about yourself, where you’re staying, if you’re travelling alone or not. Keep it vague. Scams can happen over a number of days and involve a number of people, who, if you put too much info about yourself out there to the wrong person now know, who you are, where you’re staying and if you’re alone. Follow your gut instincts and use your street smarts! Have a great trip

Hi Emma! I am travelling to Guatemala alone this June and saw you that were there travelling alone last June. How did you find the experience and do you have any precautionary advice for a female traveller there??

I was wondering how much did you spend in Guatemala and how did the whole journey took. I live in El Salvador, it’s really close to GT and I fell in love just by reading your blog.

I spent five weeks in Guatemala, had a truly brilliant time 🙂

Thanks for this article! x

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Travel | guatemala becoming tourism hot spot for young travelers, guatemala can be reached from denver in just two flights and six hours.

Adventurous travelers seeking beauty and budget thrills should look no further than Guatemala: a friendly country that remains largely unexplored by many Americans, but can be reached in as little as six hours from Denver.

A question I fielded several times before my late February trip: Why Guatemala?

My partner and I have made a habit of planning at least one international trip each year. Actually, I’ll shoulder most of the blame — nothing scratches my travel itch like a new passport stamp. But because we’re early-career professionals, with limited stockpiles of paid time off and inevitable bills, a month-long vacation to Southeast Asia or Eastern Europe is out of the question (for now).

Last summer, I found myself in a rabbit hole of research: Panama, Aruba, Curaçao. Slowly, the pieces fell together for Guatemala.

Compared to my other potential destinations, Denver International Airport offers inexpensive connecting flights to Guatemala City that take a minimum of around six hours of travel time. I started to hear about this friend or that roommate who had visited — or even temporarily moved to — the Central American country over the past few years and couldn’t get enough of it.

Social media platform TikTok features videos of jet-setters of every creed successfully journeying through the tourist destinations of Antigua and Lake Atitlán, offering tips on how to navigate the nation. By August, our accommodations were booked.

Both sets of our parents initially balked at the idea. My dad had previously flown to Guatemala City on business, and was confined within the limits of Central America’s largest metropolis. Like others in the baby boomer and Generation X demographics, much of what they’d grown up hearing about the country was related to its conditions during the Guatemalan Civil War, which lasted 36 years.

However, over the past decade, the nation’s tourism industry has consistently grown — minus a setback during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to data-gathering platform Statista . And I was hearing piqued interest from millennials and zoomers about making the trip south. At the Cherry Creek Shopping Center days before my trip, a clerk peppered me with questions about my itinerary as she considered doing the same.

After my editors gave me the green light to briefly chase a story on the ground , the trip became both work and play — four days off, two days on. I took the necessary precautions learned on my last reporting trip to Peru in the pre-COVID era: monitor travel advisories with the U.S. State Department, submit my itinerary to the agency’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program and set an appointment with a travel clinic to get relevant vaccines.

With interviews set and bags packed, we hopped on our 6 a.m. American Airlines flight, then stopped briefly at the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, before touching down in the early afternoon at La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City. On the flight, our seat neighbor — a Guatemalan who planned to visit her family for a long weekend before heading back to the U.S. — excitedly shared her recommendations, then led us through the winding halls of the airport to customs and immigration.

Guatemala’s cash economy

After a quick and easy process, we were set to embark into a new country — and learned lessons pretty quickly. We brought cash because Guatemala is a cash-reliant economy, particularly outside of its capital city. The airport provides several opportunities to exchange dollars for quetzales, with $1 worth about 8 quetzales, as of mid-April. It’s best to fork over the added exchange fee there and avoid the inconvenience of hunting for a bank like we did later.

More than three million people reside in the city’s urban area, which is made up of 21 zones — some of which tourists are advised against visiting. We stayed one night in Zone 4, which a travel blog calls “ the upcoming hipster area .” Zones 9 and 10 come highly recommended, too. We felt safe and relaxed in the neighborhood around our Airbnb — a unit in a modern apartment complex, with its own private patio.

Our plans for that first day were ambitious: see the National Palace of Culture, stop by the city’s market and eat dinner at steakhouse Hacienda Real Zona 10. Instead, we took in the sunset views on the rooftop of restaurant Los Tres Tiempos in the city’s historical district, cocktails and croquetas de pache — mozzarella croquettes made of Guatemalan potato dough — in hand, before turning in. But if you’re short on time or not a big city person, then you can skip visiting the capital like most tourists do.

Disclaimer: I’m not sure what it would be like to travel through Guatemala without a Spanish speaker by my side. Spanish and even some Mayan dialects take precedence over English throughout the country. Because that’s my partner’s first language, I didn’t have to put my rudimentary skills to the test. However, I encountered plenty of Europeans and North Americans who managed to make it from Point A to Point B.

The next morning started with the one-hour drive west to the colonial city of Antigua. Visitors have several options for transportation. Uber is available, and we used it for a short ride in Guatemala City, but I’d read enough mixed reviews for me to largely opt against it. The bravest — and stingiest — of travelers sometimes ride the chicken buses: decorated buses that serve as public transportation. However, I’d also seen a litany of online grievances, as the buses can often run unreliably and feel crowded, with the risk of pickpockets.

Instead, we used private cars  and shared shuttle services to travel from town to town, which are affordable by American standards. Viator Travel served as a trusty resource for finding highly-reviewed drivers, who often arrived early and provided a smooth ride.

Our two nights in Antigua left us wishing for more time. There, activities abound — sightseeing at the famous Santa Catalina Arch and Central Park, bartering at the massive Mercado Central and eating so many piping-hot tortillas. My go-to breakfast for days in a row: plantains, refried beans, farmer’s cheese and eggs soaked in salsa, scooped into tortillas and washed down with that famous Guatemalan coffee.

Antigua is the place to buy souvenirs. I scored a Mayan cookbook, plus trinkets for my family like handmade worry dolls: tiny dolls that you tuck under your pillow to whisk away your stresses as you dream. It’s also the spot for nightlife, with several dozen bars and restaurants concentrated in a walkable area that’s both spotless and safe.

Speaking of walking, follow our lead and bring a duffle or weekend bag, instead of a suitcase. Otherwise, navigating the cobblestone roads can quickly turn into the bane of your existence. And wear comfortable sneakers. We walked almost 9 miles one day, but that’s the best way to find hole-in-the-wall joints like restaurant Cafeteria La Concepcion, which is where I tried the traditional dish of pepián de pollo, a Guatemalan chicken stew.

Depending on the timing of your trip, you could also experience a local festival. I was delighted to realize that we visited ahead of Semana Santa, or Holy Week, with Guatemala considered a deeply Christian country. Street vendors sell cheap delicacies, such as empanadas de leche, or sweet cream empanadas. Antigua residents wake up every Sunday during Lent and create alfombras — intricately designed “carpets” made of flower petals and sawdust dyed in every color — on the streets before the evening’s religious procession. Then, just hours later, the temporary creations are stepped on and swept up.

From Antigua, you can admire the surrounding peaks of towering volcanoes, and tour operators like OX Expeditions take hikers on excursions to Pacaya, Acatenango and Agua volcanoes. We signed up for an easy sunset hike up to Pacaya and its lava fields. The other two are known as longer, more intense endeavors. I would strongly advise any hiking hopefuls to cough up the money and join a group because robberies of solo tourists are common along the trails.

Lake Atitlán

My first work day was spent reporting in Jocotenango, a town on the outskirts of Antigua, with the team at the nonprofit Education for the Children Foundation. They run the School of Hope, a free private school for disadvantaged students . I chatted with pupils and teachers during the school day. Then, U.S. executive director Sara Miller drove me around town and up to La Vista Hermosa, a shantytown of homes built illegally on the hillside where about 150 of the school’s families reside.

As a journalist, I’m grateful to have spent those hours getting the perspective that tourists often don’t see, but, for that reason, I won’t highlight Jocotenango as a place that visitors need on their itineraries. Then, we hopped in a shared shuttle — a small van that fits 10 passengers — for the three-hour ride to Lake Atitlán. If you get car sick, then it is absolutely necessary to bring non-drowsy motion sickness medicine to survive the winding roads.

Lake Atitlán is often referred to as “the Lake Como of Latin America,” referencing the Italian lake in the Alps’ foothills. It’s also held sacred by the nation’s Mayan population — Guatemala’s largest Indigenous group . Outside of Guatemala City, Native people in their traditional garb are a common sight. A Mayan woman typically wears a corte (skirt), huipil (blouse) and faja (belt), and you come across shops selling the clothing in different colors and patterns.

Upon arriving at the lake, you’re typically dropped off in Panajachel — one of almost a dozen towns and villages sitting on the water’s edge. There, I spent my final day of reporting at the headquarters of nonprofit Friendship Bridge, which works with Indigenous women entrepreneurs to provide loans, business training and more.

Nicknamed Pana, the town is accessible by car, but several of the most popular destinations can only be reached by boat. Before departing Pana for other lakeside locations, stock up on sunscreen, beer or any other desirable products because the small stores in the remote villages offer limited stock.

Public and private lanchas, or boats, float at the main dock to ferry locals and tourists across the lake. Beeline for the cheap public option, which costs 10 to 25 quetzales, or you could be swindled by a private captain into paying hundreds of quetzales for your own boat. It’s a longer wait as the water taxi loads up on passengers, but it’s worthwhile for your wallet.

The lake is a place to relax, swim and hop from village to village, which is exactly what my partner and I did on our last day of vacation. Boats are ever reliable on the lake, and you can flag one down at the nearest dock. But I wanted to try out a tuk-tuk — a doorless, three-wheeled vehicle, manned by a driver, who can transport you between towns. I highly recommend the very Guatemalan experience.

Our favorite village: San Juan La Laguna, which bursts with art, restaurants and merchants. Our least favorite: San Marcos La Laguna — a hippie haven, known for its yoga retreats and meditation centers. However, it felt very gentrified to me.

We didn’t get the chance to visit Santa Catarina Palopó, where the houses are painted in eye-popping colors. Cerro Tzankujil Nature Reserve has a prime spot for cliff jumping into the lake, which I’d add to my list when we return.

And that’s “when,” not “if,” because I’d happily fly back to Guatemala for a much longer trip in the future. Not only did I feel welcome and safe during my travels, but I also experienced an adventure that I won’t soon forget.

Where to eat:

Los Tres Tiempos, 6ta. Avenida “A” 10-13 Zona 01, Azotea Del Edificio Centro Vivo, Cuidad de Guatemala: A chic rooftop restaurant, this is the ideal spot to watch the sun set in Guatemala City’s historical district. Enjoy 360-degree views of the Central American metropolis on the outdoor patio.

Cafeteria La Concepcion, H75F+5C4, Antigua: This unpretentious, hole-in-the-wall restaurant offers a limited menu for low prices, with top-tier Guatemalan food like pepián de pollo.

Restaurante 7 Caldos, 3a Calle Oriente 24, Antigua: Enter through the cobblestone street into an open-air restaurant where you can watch as your tortillas are made fresh. The expansive menu, which includes cocktails, is sure to satisfy most cravings.

Café 22, 6a Calle Poniente 8, Antigua: This small café feels like your own private courtyard. Stop by for a cup of Guatemalan espresso and lunch.

Casa Troccoli, H758+773, 5a Avenida Norte, Antigua: With its romantic architecture and expansive garden, date night should go smoothly at Casa Troccoli. Its red sangria is a great way to cool off, so check it out for a quick drink or a meal.

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Guatemala Tours & Trips

If you want to catch a glimpse of ancient Mayan civilisation in South America then come along on a adventure of Guatemala to Tikal, one of the most important cities in the Mayan world. Visit highlands and tropical forests, adventure junkies can take a volcano climbing expedition.

86 Guatemala tour packages with 134 reviews

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Heart of Guatemala

7D/6N Gorgeous Guatemala Tour

We had a great experience with the tour this company plan for us. They accommodated us pretty quick. The experiences we had in each town and place we visit was amazing.

Basic Guatemala - 8 days

The tour provided by Mayan Sky was good except for the fact that the itinerary was changed and Receptivo Aborigen Tours which was responsible for the booking did not warn about it beforehand. Another fact is the wrong info that I was given before the tour about the payment for the inner flight [Removed in Moderation] but then it turned out that I had to pay additional $250 for the flight that was in the tour (Guatemala City - Flores and back)

• In-depth Cultural

Lake Atitlan & Chichicastenango Market 3D/2N

Things that were great: The shuttle pick-ups were reliable and close to on-time. The places the tour took me were exactly where I wanted to go. The price was right. Things that were not great: The Kakchiquel hotel in Panajachel didn't have hot water and was not very clean (felt like a flophouse). The shuttle from Panajachel to Antigua stopped 30 minutes into the 2 hour ride because the driver got a phone call saying there were more passengers for him to take. We idled on the side of the road for 30 minutes waiting for these late passengers to be driven to where we were waiting. That was weird, and it delayed the whole bus load getting to Antigua.

The Best of Guatemala

Guatemala Express - 5 days

The trip was amazing. The company was super helpful and responsive.

Tailor-Made Guatemala Tour with Daily Departure

• Book With Flexibility This operator allows you to rebook your dates or tours with them for free, waiving change fees.

Looking for tours beyond just Guatemala?

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Best of Guatemala 8 Days Tour

We had an excellent experience seeing Ecuador on the 8 day tour. This tour was a great immersion in the lesser visited cities and communities of the Ecuadorian Andes mountains. The trip was well organized and paced for our comfort and full of culturally meaningful experiences. We felt that our safety and interests were always the top priority. Our guide, Josue, was very experienced, friendly and spoke excellent English. We especially enjoyed Intinan, Cotopaxi, Chimborazo, Ingapirca, Pumapungo museum. Banos and Cuenca were our favorite cities: beautiful and walkable. We loved trying all the new foods, and I appreciated Josue's help with my Spanish.

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Customized Guatemala Trip with Daily Departure and Private Gudie

Guatemala Encompassed

Guatemala to Measure

• Hiking & Trekking

Coban & Semuc Champey Tour 3-day

We had an amazing time and were over-satisfied with everything. Our tour guide Davis was beyond amazing and very patient, helpful, knowledgeable, and a good driver as well.

Real Guatemalan Group Experience 8D/7N

Mayan Sun Southbound: Boat Rides & Ruins

Very enjoyable, the people on the tour made the experience! Sal was very organized and was able to give additional info when asked! Highly recommend!

Mini Guatemala

What people love about guatemala tours.

I was not expecting the rooms to be so hot and noisy; other than that it was good. I did have my own bathroom; it was a hostel still, I’ll use marvelous and Tourradar again It was a great introduction to Guatemala Thank you

Without a doubt, the best travel agency to get to know Guatemala and its surroundings. Our experience hiring them from Spain has been incredible. His efficiency and professionalism has exceeded our best expectations. My recommendation for anyone who wants to know the area.

Well organized with a fantastic and well informed guide, met all our expectations.

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When is the best time to visit Guatemala?

Nov 7, 2023 • 6 min read

The dry season makes for lovely hiking but the temperature can drop significantly after dark © soft_light / Shutterstock

Guatemala may be called the Land of Eternal Spring, but that doesn’t mean the weather is spring-like all year round.

While temperatures generally vary according to altitude rather than by time of year, the country has two distinct seasons that can have a big effect on the experience of traveling in this colorful corner of Central America.

The year can be roughly divided into the rainy season and dry season, but these could also be described as the "muddy" and "dusty" seasons. The weather dictates the high season for tourism, and the rains can have a big effect on how you enjoy different sights and activities.

This doesn’t necessarily mean there’s a bad time to visit, but you might have to adapt your expectations, particularly if you want to enjoy the beach or go trekking in the rainforest.

Here's our guide to the best times to visit Guatemala.

November to March is the best time for festivals and dry weather

Guatemala doesn’t have a traditional high season, shoulder season and low season. Instead, there are two high seasons separated by two low seasons.

The first high season coincides with Guatemala’s dry season, so sunny days are pretty much guaranteed. The dry weather kicks off at the beginning of November, when the hurricane season draws to a close, just in time for the Day of the Dead celebrations.

This peak period typically ends just after Holy Week (Semana Santa) in the run-up to Easter – another of Guatemala's biggest festivals – normally in late March or the first half of April.

This is the most important religious holiday for Guatemalans, and it's also when they have their main annual vacation. During Holy Week, everyone flocks to the coast and Lake Atitlán, which means big crowds and higher prices in these destinations.

The historic former capital, Antigua , also gets busy for Holy Week, when crowds gather to watch its famously colorful religious processions – budget for higher prices and book your accommodations in advance. If you want to avoid the crowds, Guatemala City is less frenetic than usual during this time. 

Many tourist stops get busy as Guatemalan city-dwellers take time off for Christmas and New Year, and the lively festivals the season brings. The Burning of the Devil takes place all over Guatemala on December 7th at 6pm – locals gather to throw objects on a bonfire in a ritual designed to cast out bad spirits and the devil himself before ushering in the Christmas period.

The town of  Chichicastenango  springs to life during the Festival of St Thomas at the end of December. This celebration of their patron saint attracts visitors from all over the region, and the streets are full of music, dancing and singing.

If you visit between November and March, keep in mind that nighttime temperatures can drop quite drastically in the highlands, falling to near freezing in Quetzaltenango . You won’t need a heavy winter coat unless you’re planning on camping, but a warm jacket and socks are essential.

Along with dusty and windy conditions, there may be lots of smoke in the air, as this is the season when farmers burn off the old vegetation in their fields in preparation for the next planting season. If you’re prone to allergies or respiratory ailments, pack your medication and consider wearing a face mask.

February sees the coffee harvest swing into top gear and is the perfect time to go on a coffee tour in one of the country’s eight bean-growing regions, including around Antigua, Lake Atitlán and Cobán .

June to August is the best time for outdoor pursuits and Spanish lessons

The second high season coincides with summer vacations in the United States, Canada and Europe. It’s not quite as busy as during the first high season, but there'll be no shortage of crowds.

June is still decidedly wet, but it's usually hot and sunny in the morning, with the rain arriving in the late afternoon or evening. The turtle nesting season starts on the Pacific Coast, making June one of the best times to find a volunteer placement on a conservation project, and local fiestas take place around Lake Atitlán.

For a few weeks in July and August – the exact period varies from year to year – there is a short dry period known as the canícula . It gets very hot, and there is no relief in the form of afternoon showers. However, because the skies are clear, it’s a great time to hike to lookouts and volcano summits, visit Mayan ruins in the Petén jungle, and float down the river at Semuc Champey .

The town of Cobán hosts the National Folklore Festival of Rabin Ajaw in July and celebrates the history, culture and influence of Maya women, past and present.

Many students take advantage of this second high season to study Spanish at one of Guatemala’s many language schools during summer break. Having lots of other students studying at the same time means there's more opportunity to learn from each other, and you won't feel like the only foreigner in town.

The summer months are also the best time to enjoy the bounty of fruits that grow in this tropical environment, with many crops becoming ready to harvest from June.

Strawberries, mangoes, papayas and bananas are everywhere, and June and July are also the peak season to enjoy pitaya (dragonfruit), whose vivid magenta flesh makes for a killer smoothie.

April to May and September to October is the best time for slow travel

The two low seasons in Guatemala fall at either end of the rainy season – from just after Holy Week to the end of May, and from September to the end of October. The crowds vanish, and you might even have the whole hostel dorm to yourself.

The weather is variable. You might have sunny days with afternoon or evening showers, or you can have days of non-stop drizzle, especially in May and September. Rain gear, quick-drying clothes and a waterproof cover for your backpack are essential pieces of kit.

You’ll also need bug repellent because the rain brings mosquitoes and the risk of mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, chikungunya and zika.

Accommodations tend to be cheaper, and it’s easier to find places to stay during the low season. You may even find a cost-effective house-sitting gig as snowbirds fly north for summer. The rain makes the landscape vibrantly green and brings out lots of flowers, but it also produces huge amounts of mud, which can put a dampener on outdoor activities. 

If you’re planning on hiking or climbing volcanoes, bring waterproof hiking shoes with good tread to get you across the slippery terrain. Good tread is also important for your everyday shoes: those cobbled streets in Antigua can become lethally slippery. Sturdy, waterproof sandals that dry quickly are best; flip-flops can easily get swept away as you’re trying to ford a street that has turned into a river.  

The rainy season weather can really slow down transport , so this is not the time for a whirlwind trip or a tight schedule. Roads get washed away or blocked by rockfalls, public transport becomes less reliable, and journeys that normally take a couple of hours suddenly take the better part of a day.

Power outages are more common due to heavy downpouts, as well as internet drop-outs. You may find yourself stuck in one place for longer than planned, but if you don’t have a fixed itinerary, just relax and enjoy the break.

The rain starts to ease come October, and showers tend to be confined to the afternoons. Enjoy outdoor pursuits in the morning while it’s sunny, relax under shelter while the rain comes down, then hit the nightspots afterward, when everything smells fresh and clean.

This article was first published April 2022 and updated November 2023

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