Discover the most beautiful destinations in Guatemala
Central AmericaIn this blog post, I'll share some of the best places to visit in Guatemala. Guatemala is located in Central America and borders several countries: Belize, Mexico, Honduras, and El Salvador. Learning Spanish is easy in the country, as there are many Spanish schools. The scenery is beautiful, the people are friendly, and accommodation and food costs are relatively affordable.
Transportation in Guatemala
There are several transportation options in Guatemala, such as taxis and shared shuttle buses. Public transport also includes various types of buses. Between cities, you'll find "chicken buses": colorful American-style buses that often play loud music. For longer distances, there are also more luxurious buses, which offer slightly more legroom. In smaller towns or for shorter distances, you can easily use tuk-tuks.
Guatemala itinerary
You could plan between 10 days and 4 weeks for Guatemala. The routes below begin in northern Guatemala, but can be arranged in a different order depending on your departure point. Most backpackers head straight to Antigua when they start in Guatemala City. Depending on your time and interests, a typical itinerary could look like this:
Guatemala in 10 days: Flores - Antigua - Lake Atitlán
Guatemala in 14 days: Flores - Semuc Chempey or Rio Dulce - Antigua - Lake Atitlán
Guatemala in three weeks or more: Flores - Semuc Chempey - Rio Dulce - Antigua - Lake Atitlán - El Paredón
Flores: from cobbled streets to hammocks
The Flores Peninsula is located near the Guatemalan-Belizean border. It features cobblestone streets and colorful houses. The peninsula slopes upwards towards the central square. During our stay, the outer streets were flooded by heavy rainfall, making it difficult to walk everywhere. As a result, the restaurants on the outer streets have built alternative entrances or use pallets to provide access.
Where to stay?
Hostal Don Cenobio
This hostel has two dormitories. From the terrace, you have a beautiful view of the lake, where you can enjoy drinks and breakfast.
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Los Amigos Hostel
This hostel is also known as the party hostel of Flores. You can also enjoy a delicious breakfast or lunch in the cozy courtyard.
View on Google MapsThings to do in Flores
Many backpackers relax at the spot "George's Rope Swing." This is a house, presumably belonging to George, where you can relax in a hammock or chair for a fee (25 quetzals in December 2022). You can reach this spot by hailing a lancha (boat) in Flores. The boatmen are familiar with the route, and the boat trip costs between 100 and 150 quetzals. Another fun activity while in Flores is canoeing. This way, you can circumnavigate the peninsula and get an even better view of the rising water levels.
Eating and drinking in Flores
Tacos Los Peces
In the square in the center of Flores you will find a food truck that sells delicious burritos and tacos for a reasonable price.
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Sky bar
At this rooftop bar, you can watch the sunset with a view of the lake. Besides being a perfect spot for cocktails, it also serves delicious food (recommended: the vegetarian tacos).
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The magnificent Mayan complex of Tikal
Most backpackers visit the Flores Peninsula because it's relatively close to the famous Mayan complex of Tikal. Besides Flores, you can also stay in the nearby town of El Remate, which is even closer to Tikal. A visit to Tikal is an absolute must when visiting Guatemala!
There are several tours you can book, and the prices are comparable across most providers. However, the price may be higher if you book the tour upon arrival on the bus. You can choose from several tours: a sunset tour, a morning tour, and an afternoon tour.
It's recommended to leave for the park early so you don't have to hike in the heat of the day. If you choose the sunrise tour, you'll pay more, as you'll have to pay double the entrance fee for both the morning and afternoon admission. It's also recommended to book a guided tour for a better chance of spotting animals and learning more about the Mayans. We took the morning tour and paid 150 Quetzal for the entrance fee and 130 Quetzal for transportation and the guide. We booked the tour through our hostel.
Tip
Bring a good mosquito repellent! Also, wear long pants and closed-toe shoes because of the mosquitoes.
Only 15% of the ancient city has been excavated, but it feels immense. The Mayan temples in the jungle are truly magnificent and impressive.
Semuc Champey: a natural wonder in Guatemala
If you're looking for images of Guatemala, you've probably come across beautiful pictures of Semuc Champey. In this nature reserve, you can swim in the limestone pools, hike to the viewpoint, visit a cave with candles in your hand, and float on the river. The nature reserve can be visited with or without a guide and can easily be explored in a full day. Most backpackers stay in the town of Lanquín and book a tour (including transportation) to Semuc Champey from their hostel. Lanquín is about 11 kilometers from Semuc Champey.
Peace and adventure in Rio Dulce
If you love nature and are looking for a quieter location, Rio Dulce is an ideal place to visit. Most accommodations are located along the river, which is only accessible by boat. They often pick you up at the Puente de Río Dulce bridge in the village. Unfortunately, we skipped this spot due to the bad weather at the time, but we've heard good things from other backpackers who have visited Rio Dulce. You can relax here surrounded by nature or go canoeing on the lake. In the village itself, you can visit the small fortress, Castillo de San Felipe de Lara, or the hot springs at Aguas Termales y Spa.
Culture, adventure and views in Antigua
Antigua is often called the nicest city in Guatemala, and I certainly agree. In the city, you'll find beautiful colorful colonial houses, charming squares, great restaurants and bars, and some ruins.
Visit a beautiful ruin
In 1773, many buildings in Antigua were destroyed by a violent earthquake. As a result, you'll find some beautiful ruins in the city. A visit to the Convento Santa Clara is highly recommended. Amidst the remains of the religious complex, you'll find a beautiful garden with a fountain. The entrances to most of the ruins are similar, and this one struck me as the most diverse.
Shopping and walking
Antigua is known for its many markets. Near the bus station, you'll find the Mercado Artesanias (for souvenirs and jewelry), the Mercado Central (for everything you can think of), and the secondhand clothing market. At the secondhand clothing market, you'll be amazed by the sheer number of low-hanging clothes on display. The secondhand clothes aren't as cheap as they used to be, but if you search carefully (and bargain a bit), you can find some great clothes for a reasonable price. I also really enjoyed browsing for souvenirs in the Nim Po't market (near the famous Santa Catalina Arch). If you've finished shopping and want to take a short walk, head to the Hill of the Cross for a beautiful view of the city.
Admire hobbit houses
Just outside Antigua lies Hobbitenango Theme Park. This park features lookout points and houses resembling those of the Hobbits. You can book the shuttle (in our case, it was on the back of a truck) to the park at the Hobbitenango Office in Antigua. From the park, you have stunning views of the various volcanoes. You can also play a number of games here, such as mega Jenga and mini golf. Be sure to bring a warm sweater or something similar, as it can sometimes feel quite cold at 2400 meters.
Climbing the Acetenango
Many backpackers travel to Antigua because it's the ideal base for climbing the Acatenango volcano. Several tour operators offer this trek, such as V-hikes or the Tropicana hostel. In two days, you'll climb to the summit of Acatenango and have the chance to witness the impressive eruptions of the active Fuego volcano. Bring plenty of clothing, as it can be very cold at an altitude of 3976 meters. You can find warm clothes at the secondhand market or rent them from the tour operator on the morning of your departure. Expect a short and cold night at your accommodation.
The two-day trek is steep and can be quite strenuous, but it's definitely worth it. On the first day, you'll hike for about eight hours through various beautiful landscapes to reach base camp. Depending on the tour operator, base camp will be a campsite with pitched tents or containers. If you still have energy, you can take a four-hour hike to the Fuego volcano in the evening. If you're lucky, you might even witness the volcano's impressive eruptions in the dark. At 4:00 a.m., the hike continues to the summit of Acatenango, where on clear days you'll be rewarded with a magnificent sunrise that more than makes up for the short night. On the way back, use poles, which you can rent from the provider, to make the descent a little easier.
Once you're back in Antigua, you can relax and eat at one of the many excellent eateries the city has to offer.
Eating and drinking in Antigua
Samsara
This vegetarian restaurant makes truly fantastic food! I've eaten here several times because I couldn't decide. They also have vegan options.
View on Google MapsWachuma
Here you can get delicious vegetarian bowls! You can eat the dishes there or take them away and enjoy them elsewhere, for example in the adjacent park.
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Union Café
Here you can enjoy a delicious breakfast or lunch in the cozy courtyard.
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Y Tu Piña También
In this cozy eatery with vintage furniture and accessories you can also enjoy a delicious breakfast or lunch.
View on Google MapsCafé Sky
From the rooftop terrace of Café Sky, you have a beautiful view of part of the city. It can get especially crowded here around sunset.
View on Google MapsMagical villages on Lake Atitlán
The crater lake of Lake Atitlán lies at an altitude of 1500 meters and is surrounded by three volcanoes. Twelve villages, named after the twelve apostles, surround the lake. You can choose to visit several surrounding villages from one location or stay overnight in various places around the lake. From these villages, you can easily travel to another location by boat.
A fun activity from Lake Atitlán is a visit to the village of Chichicastenango. On Thursdays and Sundays, this mountain village is bustling with activity. The Mayans travel to the village on these days to sell their wares at the Chichi market. You can visit this village by either the chicken bus or the shuttle bus from various locations around the lake. The shuttle bus costs more, but it saves you time traveling.
There are three areas around the lake where many backpackers stay: San Marcos, San Pedro and Panajachel.
San Marcos La Laguna
This small village is also known as the hippie village. It has a relaxed atmosphere and many meditation schools and yoga retreats. You can explore the entire village on foot in half an hour and admire the street art.
San Pedro La Laguna
San Pedro is one of the larger villages around the lake. Most backpackers don't stay in the village center, but around the water. The town is relatively inexpensive and has nice restaurants and hostels. There are also often parties in the evenings in the hostels or at the popular bar Sublime. The village boasts beautiful street art and many art galleries. From here, you can visit the charming neighboring village of San Juan La Laguna and admire the sunrise from the viewpoint at Indian Nose.
My tips for San Pedro La Laguna:
'Jah Bless' Art Gallery by Pascual
At this art gallery, you can paint your own photo in just a few hours. It's a fun activity, and it gives you a beautiful, tangible souvenir of your trip.
View on Google MapsPita Sabij
As the name suggests, you can enjoy delicious pita bread here. The staff is very friendly and there's a cozy atmosphere. Because of this, the place is often very busy.
View on Google MapsSababa Restaurant
Here you can eat delicious Israeli dishes with a fantastic view over the lake.
View on Google MapsSababa resort
At this resort, you can sleep in a dorm! This means you won't pay as much as a private room, but you'll still have access to the beautiful pool and breakfast buffet (open until noon).
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Panajachel
The largest village around the lake is Panajachel. You'll find many backpackers here. Especially if you're short on time, this is a perfect base, as Panajachel is closer to the roads to Antigua and Guatemala City. Calle Santander is lined with stalls where you can shop for souvenirs. From Panajachel, you have a beautiful view of the water and the volcanoes.
El Paredon: waves and turtles
El Paredón is a town on Guatemala's Pacific coast. You can reach it by bus from Antigua. Besides its excellent surfing, backpackers also come here to relax and party. Even beginner surfers can find something to enjoy. Don't expect pearly white beaches when visiting El Paredón, as the volcanic landscape gives the sand a darker color. In summer, you also have a chance to see baby turtles! The Driftwood Hostel also offers evening walks where you can spot the turtles.
From beautiful Mayan ruins and colorful colonial cities to impressive nature: Guatemala is full of unique places that you definitely want to visit!
Useful information
Official language: Spanish
Currency: Guatemalan Quetzal (GTQ)
Area: 108.889 km²
Best time to travel: The dry season runs from September to May. This is when you have the best chance of dry weather. Guatemala is also good to visit outside of this period, but you can expect some tropical rain showers.
