A Guide to (Solo) Travel Guatemala - From a Female Traveller's Perspective
- Ilse
- 21 hours ago
- 24 min read
Guatemala is the country where I started my full-time travel adventure as a digital nomad and online master student end of 2023. Why did I start in Guatemala? It was a bit of a serendipitous decision. While I was thinking where in Latin America I would start my travels, I heard three different people speak about Guatemala in my direct environment and two specifically about Quetzaltenango or Xela. Then, when I looked for flights to Guatemala it turned out that it was one of the cheaper destinations in Latin America to fly into from Europe. And so, I booked my one-way ticket.
The idea was to stay in Guatemala for a month or so and to then move onto another country, such as Mexico or Brazil. However, I ended up staying longer and coming back repeatedly - in my first eight months of full-time travelling, I spent six months in Guatemala. At the end of those eight months, I worked on various short documentaries in Uaxactún, near the ruins of Tikal. And in 2025 I came back again, this time to work in the production team of a fiction film.
Based on these experiences, I have crafted this travel guide to Guatemala with all my advice and recommendations.
Contents of this Guatemala Travel Guide
Accommodation: Where to Stay in Guatemala
Top Destinations to Visit in Guatemala
Lake Atitlán and Surrounding Towns
Tikal and Uaxactún (Petén Region)
Language, Cultural Etiquette, and Local Customs in Guatemala
Health and Safety Tips for Travelling in Guatemala
Packing Essentials for Guatemala
Budgeting and Money Tips for Guatemala
Guatemala (Solo) Travel Itinerary Ideas
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about travelling in Guatemala
When is the best time to visit Guatemala?
Is Guatemala safe to visit right now?
Is Guatemala safe for solo travellers?
Is Guatemala safe for solo female travellers?
Is Guatemala a good destination for solo travel?
Is Lake Atitlán safe for solo female travellers?
How many days do you need in Guatemala?
Is it easy to travel around in Guatemala?
How do ATMs work in Guatemala?
Final thoughts on travelling in Guatemala
In Short: About Guatemala
Guatemala is a Central American country that’s been getting more attention from travellers in recent years - and for good reason. It has a diverse landscape with erupting volcanoes, rainforest and beaches, Maya culture is still very present, and people are very welcoming.
Where is Guatemala?
Guatemala is bordering four countries: Mexico, Belize, El Salvador and Honduras. Landscape wise, Guatemala is incredibly diverse. There are more than 30 volcanoes, with some active and visible from neighbouring volcanoes, such as Acatenango and Fuego and Santa María and Santiaguito. Guatemala also has dense jungles in Petén, which hides structures like Tikal and Uaxactún, highlands in the Sierra Madre, and coastlines on both the Pacific and Caribbean. Lake Atitlán, surrounded by volcanoes and towns, is often called one of the most beautiful lakes in the world - and it really carries a special energy.
History of Guatemala in a nutshell
The history of Guatemala goes back thousands of years. From around 2000 BCE, Maya societies developed complex systems of agriculture, astronomy, mathematics, architecture, and governance. City-states such as Tikal and Uaxactún, and later sites in the highlands were political, economic, and spiritual centres connected through trade and alliances.
While I was in a small, locally owned museum in Uaxactún, I held artefacts that were traded from places alongside the South American coast, indicating there were vast trade routes present long before European colonialists arrived.
Maya societies were not a single empire but many interconnected communities, each with their own leaders and traditions. While some lowland cities declined centuries before European contact, Maya life, language, and knowledge systems continued - and still do. Unlike what some of us in Europe might learn, Maya culture is very much alive. In Guatemala alone, there are over 21 different Maya languages spoken!
The Spanish invaded Guatemala in the early 16th century, violently dismantling existing political systems and imposing colonial rule. Indigenous populations were subjected to forced labour, land dispossession, and conversion to Christianity. Spanish authorities reorganised society along racial and economic hierarchies, concentrating land and power in the hands of a small colonial elite. While cities like Antigua became administrative and religious centres, Indigenous communities were pushed to the margins, their knowledge and practices suppressed.
However, although Christian missionaries and colonialists tried to erase local Maya practices and spirituality, they never completely disappeared. Instead, Indigenous peoples adapted and merged certain Maya spiritual practices and symbols with Christian ones. As a result, Maya spirituality and practices are still part of everyday life in many places. Especially in the last few decades, Indigenous Maya are consciously bringing these long hidden practices into the light again.
Guatemala gained independence from Spain in 1821, but independence did not bring equality. Land and wealth remained concentrated, and Indigenous communities continued to be excluded from political power. In the 20th century, foreign corporate interests - most notably in agriculture - deepened economic dependency and inequality, contributing to political instability and a brutal civil war that lasted from 1960 to 1996. Today, Guatemala is formally a democratic state, but colonial power structures still shape land ownership, labour, and access to resources. At the same time, Indigenous movements, community-based initiatives, and cultural resurgence continue to challenge these systems and are building different futures - forestry concession community Uaxactún is a good example of this.
Economy and Tourism in Guatemala
Guatemala’s economy relies heavily on agriculture, textiles, remittances, and tourism. Tourism brings much-needed income and employment, especially in places like Antigua, Lake Atitlán, and parts of Petén, and it can support local guides, cooperatives, and community-run projects.
At the same time, tourism has uneven effects. In areas such as San Marcos La Laguna, the rise of spiritual tourism and New Age retreat culture has driven up prices, shifted land ownership, and often extracts Indigenous knowledge without accountability - echoing older colonial patterns in a modern form.
While tourism can create opportunities, it can also deepen inequality when profits leave the community or when local cultures are repackaged for consumption rather than respected on their own terms.
The best in my experience is to book tours locally - especially via community-based travel agencies such as Etnica Travel (not sponsored, we worked with them for a documentary in Uaxactún and their philosophy and ethics are great! - or via platforms where local guides publish their tours, such as Get Your Guide!
As a traveller in Guatemala, be aware of where you spend your money and time, the narrative you hold and the narrative you create by posting content and telling stories. Tourism inevitable leaves an impact, but that does not have to be a negative one!
Now, let's get into the actual travel guide on Guatemala.
Accommodation: Where to Stay in Guatemala
Accommodation in Guatemala ranges from backpacker hostels and family-run guesthouses to luxury hotels and long-stay apartment rentals and homestays. What you choose – and who you book with – can have a real impact, especially in smaller towns.
For solo travellers, hostels are often the easiest starting point, particularly in places like Antigua, Lake Atitlán, and Xela. For solo travellers and digital nomads without friends in the area, I always recommend starting in a hostel. Many hostels offer private rooms alongside dorms, making them a good option to make friends while not necessarily having to sacrifice your need for privacy or a space to do work calls in silence.
That said, the quality varies widely, and “party hostel” culture is very location-dependent. Guesthouses and small hotels are common throughout the country and are often locally owned. These can be a great way to support families or cooperatives directly, and they tend to offer a quieter, more grounded experience. In towns around Lake Atitlán and in the highlands, guesthouses are also where you’re more likely to encounter daily life beyond the tourist bubble.
If you’re staying longer, especially to study Spanish or work remotely, it’s worth looking into accommodation connected to language schools or asking around once you arrive. Prices are often lower off-platform, and arrangements can be more flexible than what you’ll find online. Many Spanish schools for example offer homestays and in Quetzaltenango I found a place called the Yoga House where I paid about 900 GQT per month, which is roughly 100 EUR!
Booking platforms are widely used, including by myself, but they can be quite harmful for local economies. In some areas – particularly San Marcos La Laguna – short-term rentals aimed at foreign visitors have contributed to rising prices and reduced housing options for locals. Choosing locally owned accommodation, asking who benefits from your stay, and avoiding places that market culture or spirituality as a commodity can make a difference.
So how do you find locally owned accommodation in Guatemala? On platforms such as Hostelworld, hostels will usually explicitly mention when they are family owned. This is even the case on booking.com and platforms alike. What I usually do is book for a few nights, see who owns the place and what it is like when I arrive, and then either extend directly with the guesthouse or hostel or find another place walking around. You can also go via tour agencies that promote local, responsible and community-based travel, such as Etnica Travel.
For destination-specific recommendations, see:
Top Destinations to Visit in Guatemala
What makes Guatemala such an ideal destination for backpackers is that most places are relatively close together, yet very different from each other. This technically makes it possible to explore Guatemala within a few weeks – as a dedicated slow traveller, however, I would always recommend choosing a theme for your travel and visiting less places but with a purpose. Ultimately, this is what it means to travel authentically.
In my downloadable Slow Travel Guide to Guatemala I have various suggested itineraries based on specific interests, such as hiking or culture. You can download the guide for free by signing up to my newsletter! In any case, here are some of my favourite destinations in Guatemala.
Antigua
Antigua is often the first stop in Guatemala when people arrive at La Aurora Airport, and for good reason. The colonial city is walkable, visually striking, and well set up for travellers. It is the starting point for the spectacular hike to Acatenango and erupting volcano Fuego.
It's also a hub for Spanish schools, has good transport connections to places like Lake Atitlán and beach town El Paredón, and it has some of the best infrastructure in the country for remote work.
At the same time, the story of Antigua is a complex one and unfortunately it is not the most authentic place to be in terms of local culture.
→ I will soon publish an Antigua Travel Guide for specific recommendations (if not yet published, subscribe to my newsletter to get notified when I do!)
Lake Atitlán and Surrounding Towns
Lake Atitlán is often described as one destination, but in reality it’s a collection of very different towns, each with its own rhythm. San Marcos is known as the 'hippietown' and attracts spiritual seekers and long-term visitors; San Pedro is more social (read: party-heavy) and budget-oriented; Santa Cruz and San Juan are quieter and more locally rooted. The lake is popular with digital nomads thanks to its scenery and slower pace, but it’s also where the impacts of tourism – especially spiritual tourism – are most visible.
→ Subribe to my newsletter to get notified when I post a guide to The Towns Around Lake Atitlán for specific recommendations
Tikal and Uaxactún (Petén Region)
Tikal is Guatemala’s most famous archaeological site, rising out of the jungle in the Petén region. While impressive, Uaxactún, which is located nearby, actually offers a much better experience in my opinion. In June 2024, I was here to make several short documentaries and was shook about the few amounts of visitors – despite their ecotourism projects – and the forestry concession project that connect conservation with local livelihoods. Visiting Uaxactún provides deeper context for both ancient Maya histories and present-day land stewardship.
→ Read my Tikal and Uaxactún Travel Guide
Quetzaltenango or 'Xela'
Quetzaltenango, also known as Xela, is the second largest city of the country and is located in the Guatemalan highlands. It has a cool climate, a very visibly present Indigenous culture, and it is well-connected to natural hotsprings like Fuentes Georginas and Aguas Amargas and natural sauna Los Vahos. It is the place where I spent most of my months in Guatemala, exploring all the cafes while working online, doing yoga and doing beautiful hikes.
Xela is also one of the best places in Guatemala to study Spanish. Strangely, many backpackers skip Xela because it is not on most suggested travel itineraries. I find this such a shame because Xela is one of the places in Guatemala which is culturally fascinating, authentic in the sense that it is not tailored to tourists, yet it has tourist infrastructure such as hostels.
→ Read more about Xela in my Slow Travel Guide to Quetzaltenango (Xela)
Chiantla, Huehuetenango
Chiantla sits just outside of Huehuetenango and is rarely on travellers’ itineraries, which is exactly why it feels so different from more visited parts of Guatemala. I went here for the first time while travelling around Guatemala for the production of a fiction film and since then I am recommending it to people who are seeking for a more off-the-beaten track experience in Guatemala.
Most people visiting Chiantla come here through connections, such as visiting family or volunteering. As a traveller, Chiantla is less about activities and more about walking around and taking in the vibe of this place. It’s a place that makes you aware of how exceptional tourism-heavy areas are, and how most of Guatemala actually lives.
In general, Huehuetenango is a beautiful region and if you can rent a car somewhere to drive around and go higher up, you will find amazing viewpoints.
El Paredón
El Paredón is a small beach town located on the Pacific coast of Guatemala. It has grown quickly in recent years and I would not be surprised if it grows into a surf hub similar to Puerto Escondido, Mexico or Popoyo, Nicaragua. El Paredón is known for its black sand beach, strong waves, and backpacker parties.
Internet and infrastructure are improving but still inconsistent, meaning this is not the best place to digital nomad in Guatemala. Development here is ongoing, and how tourism evolves in El Paredón is very much still an open question.
→ Read more about what to do in this town in my El Paredón Travel Guide
Getting Around Guatemala
Getting around Guatemala is easy when you let go of planning. Distances aren’t huge, but roads are curvy due to the mountains and transport options vary a lot depending on the route. Most travellers combine different modes of transport depending on comfort, budget, and safety.
Chicken buses (local buses)
Chicken buses – brightly painted former US school buses – are the backbone of local transport in much of the country. They’re cheap, frequent, and an important part of daily life. On many routes, especially between Antigua and Lake Atitlán or between Xela and San Pedro la Laguna, they’re a perfectly viable option if you’re comfortable navigating local transport.
That said, safety and comfort vary by region. In and around Ciudad de Guatemala, chicken buses are significantly less safe. For routes involving the capital, it’s better to choose alternative transport. From La Aurora Airport you can take a shuttle to Antigua by yourself or arrange a shuttle with a group, while in between Xela and Guatemala City you can for take buses.
→ I have a separate, detailed guide on How to Ride the Chicken Bus in Guatemala, including when I do and don’t recommend them.
Coaches and long-distance buses
On some routes, especially between major cities, Guatemala has surprisingly comfortable long-distance coaches. Between Guatemala City and Xela, for example, modern buses with assigned seating and luggage storage are a much safer and more comfortable choice than local buses.
Shuttles
Shuttles are one of the most popular ways for travellers to move between destinations like Antigua, Lake Atitlán, Xela, and El Paredón. They’re convenient, direct, and easy to book, especially if you’re short on time or carrying luggage.
The downside is cost – prices vary widely depending on the company – and they tend to keep travellers within a tourist bubble. That said, for certain routes and schedules, shuttles are simply the most practical option. I have found that GetYourGuide has some of the best shuttle prices but it is worth browsing different ones. If you want to have an overview of what shuttles should roughly cost, there is one in my comprehensive Slow Travel Guide to Guatemala which you can download by subscribing to my newsletter!
Flying and lower-impact overland travel to Flores
Flying from Guatemala City to Flores is the fastest and easiest way to reach the Petén region and Tikal. Flights are short and frequent, making this the most practical option if you’re limited on time. If you prefer to reduce your environmental impact, you can travel overland too. Many travellers break the journey via Semuc Champey (Lanquín). Getting there from Antigua is long – usually 8–10 hours by bus or shuttle – and often involves an overnight journey. From Lanquín, you can continue on to Flores by bus or shuttle, again taking most of a day.
Exactly because this route requires more time and energy, as a digital nomad bound to work days and with many side projects going on constantly, I have not taken this journey yet! However, it is definitely on my list for next time.
Boats and transport around Lake Atitlán
Around Lake Atitlán, boats are the main form of transport between towns. Public lanchas run regularly during the day and are affordable. Make sure you check the price on the boards or ask a local, they sometimes overcharge tourists. In between most towns there are not really schedules, the boats mostly come and go. Various docks even depend on you standing on there and waving to a passing boat for them to stop!
Be careful of where you choose to sit, the front is definitely not recommended as the water can get quite wild.
Taxis, ride-hailing, and short distances
In cities like Antigua and Guatemala City, taxis and ride-hailing apps (notably Uber) are widely used and generally affordable. In smaller towns, transport is more informal. Taxis are quite expensive, I do not recommend them. Places like Quetzaltenango have colectivos which are vans that cost a few GQT only. Just ask locals where they stop or wave when you see one drive by, they usually scream where they are going!
Language, Cultural Etiquette, and Local Customs in Guatemala
What language do people speak in Guatemala?
Spanish is the most widely spoken language in Guatemala and will get you through most interactions, especially in cities and tourist areas. That said, Guatemala is linguistically far more diverse than most people realize. Before coming for the first time in 2023, I had no idea that across the country, 21 different Maya languages are spoken, and in many rural villages these may be people’s first or only language.
This linguistic variety does actually make Guatemala one of the best places in Latin America to learn Spanish. Because most people speak Spanish as their second language, the pronunciation is relatively clear and slow, unlike places like Chile or Argentina. Well-known Spanish schools are located in Antigua, around Lake Atitlán, and in Quetzaltenango (Xela). If you are considering studying in Xela, I highly recommend Celas Maya, a locally owned school that not only teaches Spanish but also K'iche!
Cultural etiquette and everyday customs
Haggling – regatear in Spanish – is common in markets and informal settings. Prices quoted to foreigners are often higher (sometimes jokingly referred to as a “gringo tax”), so it helps to have a rough idea of what things should cost. Paying a bit more isn’t necessarily a problem, but paying a price that’s completely out of proportion to the product or service is not fair in my opinion.
Tipping in Guatemala is optional, and you’re generally not expected to tip in restaurants the way you might in the United States. With tours, however, tips often go directly to the guide rather than the agency, and tipping is both appreciated and meaningful – especially for local guides.
If you hitchhike or accept rides on the back of a pick-up truck, be aware that some (though not all) of these function as a colectivo – essentially a shared bus – and may expect payment. It’s always okay to ask beforehand whether the ride is free or paid.
More broadly, politeness, greetings, and a bit of patience matter. Take time to say hello, always ask permission before taking photos, never take and publish identifiable photos of kids (would you do that in your own country, probably not!) unless with explicit permission, and be aware that time is experienced differently than in many Western contexts.
Health and Safety Tips for Travelling in Guatemala
Guatemala is not an especially dangerous country to travel in, it is actually one of the countries where I have felt the safest as a solo female traveller. However, as with any country including probably your home country, travelling safe requires awareness, common sense and a bit of preparation – the latter particularly when it comes to health.
General safety tips
As with any country or city, safety conditions vary by region or neighborhood. Tourist areas like Antigua, Lake Atitlán, Xela, and Flores are generally safe if you take basic precautions, while parts of Guatemala City should really be avoided. Always be mindful of your surroundings and trust your instincts – especially at night. In doubt, my mom has taught to never budget on your safety.
For transport-related safety, if you are travelling with a lot of valuables or are dependent on your laptop as a digital nomads, consider choosing shuttles or coaches in between large cities. Although nothing has ever happened to me when taking the chickenbuses from and to Xela, a local woman at the lake told me in very rare cases chickenbuses from Solola get hijacked and robbed. In Guatemala City, you can walk during the day in most neighborhoods, but always hail transport at night.
Health, food, and altitude
Tap water in Guatemala is generally not safe to drink. Stick to filtered or bottled water, and be mindful of ice and raw foods if you have a sensitive stomach. As a seasoned traveller (who has had her fair share of food poisonings and thus I guess has built up a strong stomach), I always order ice and salad and have been fine all the months that I was there.
Altitude can affect people more than expected, especially when hiking Acatenango to see Fuego erupt or climbing Pacaya volcano. Take it slow on arrival, hydrate well, and don’t underestimate the impact of physical exertion in the first few days in places like Antigua, Xela and the Highlands.
Medical care, pharmacies, and prescriptions
In case of emergency, these are the most important numbers:
Police: 110
Fire department: 122
Ambulance: 123
For non-emergency medical issues, always contact your travel or health insurance provider first. They can direct you to reliable clinics and clarify coverage, which can save time, money, and stress.
Pharmacies are widely available, but prices can vary significantly. It’s worth comparing two or three before buying medication. Also pay attention to branding and origin: some medicines are generics or locally produced, and quality can differ. As a rule of thumb, if something is labelled “made in Guatemala”, double-check what you’re buying.
Natural remedies are also widely available in Guatemala and it is worth looking into Maya healing modalities. In Xela, I have benefitted a lot from Maya womb massages, which are also available around Lake Atitlán.
Based on my own experience where a doctor in the hospital apparently prescribed me the wrong medication, leaving me sick for days longer than necessary: always do a quick internet check on what a doctor prescribes, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the medication. Most doctors are well-intentioned, but overprescription – particularly of antibiotics – is not uncommon.
Travel insurance and longer stays
If you’re staying longer or working remotely, both health insurance and travel insurance is essential. Make sure it covers transport-related incidents, activities like hiking or volcano trekking, extreme sports if you intend to go surfing in El Paredón, and extended stays. Most travel insurances cover only 180 consecutive days out of your home country, so plan accordingly and choose the right plan and agency for you! Guatemala has good private healthcare in major towns, but costs add up quickly without coverage.
Packing Essentials for Guatemala
Packing for Guatemala requires thinking in layers rather than seasons. The country’s climate varies widely depending on altitude and region, and many travellers move between hot lowlands, cool highlands, and humid jungle areas within a single trip.
Clothing and footwear
Light, breathable clothing works well in most parts of the country, especially in the lowlands and on the coast. For the highlands – including Antigua, Lake Atitlán, and Xela – bring warmer layers, as evenings and early mornings can be surprisingly cold. When I first arrived to Xela, it was December and actually freezing at night and in the mornings. Most houses and hostels are not well insulated and people were coming into yoga class with gloves and hats. I had severely underpacked but luckily found a good sweater in a second-hand shop, which you have plenty around Xela!
A rain jacket is also essential, particularly during the rainy season which runs from May to October, and sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots are useful especially if you are planning to hike Acatenango and Fuego, volcano Santa María to watch erupting Santiaguito, or the highest point of Central America, which is Tajumulco.
Health, hygiene, and daily essentials
Although most hostels will offer drinking water and you can buy bottled water, I highly recommend getting a reusable water bottle with a filter. I personally use the filter bottles from Grayl because a friend of mine looked into every possible bottle and this one came best out of his analysis, and I was lazy and trusted him. I drank river water successfully without getting sick, though, so I do recommend it!
Reef-proof sunscreen, insect repellent (look for natural alternatives if you can, such as essential oils), and basic first-aid supplies are also worth bringing, especially if you’re heading to jungle or coastal areas where there are more mosquitos. The good thing about the altitude is that in places like Xela there are pretty much no mosquitos - perhaps subconsciously one of the reasons I stayed there so long haha.
If you take prescription medication, bring enough for your stay along with a copy of the prescription. While many medicines are available locally, brands and quality can vary.
Tech and remote work essentials for digital nomads
If you’re travelling as a digital nomad or working remotely, a reliable laptop charger, power bank, and noise-cancelling headphones can make a big difference. Internet quality varies by location and accommodation, so having offline backups and flexibility is key.
Guatemala uses Type A and Type B plugs – the same ones as in the United States and Canada.
Voltage: 120V
Frequency: 60Hz
If you’re coming from Europe, the UK, Australia, or most of Latin America, you’ll need a plug adapter (not a voltage converter for most electronics like laptops and phone chargers, which are usually dual voltage).
For digital nomads: power cuts do happen occasionally, so a power bank or laptop with good battery life is a smart backup, especially outside Antigua and Guatemala City. I also always carry a code lock with me to lock my backpack with laptop to walk around with less worries about someone trying to open it.
To have reliable internet, I always get an e-sim from Airalo or via Revolut, although ultimately local physical e-sims offer the cheapest data plans.
Finally, a lightweight daypack is useful for day trips, markets, and transport days, especially when you want to keep valuables close.
Documents and money
Keep digital and physical copies of important documents such as your passport, vaccination booklet, insurance details, and emergency contacts. A small money belt or secure pouch can be useful in busier areas, though discretion and awareness are more important than specialised gear.
Budgeting and Money Tips for Guatemala
Guatemala’s currency is the Guatemalan quetzal (GTQ), and cash is still widely used, especially in markets, local transport, and smaller towns. Daily costs vary a lot depending on where and how you travel – cities like Antigua and parts of Lake Atitlán are more expensive than the highlands or rural areas. For a rough idea of typical daily expenses, most backpackers will count anywhere between 20 and 30 EUR a day.
Travelling slowly – staying longer in one place, using local transport, and renting monthly accommodation – is significantly cheaper than moving fast, something I explore in more detail here: Why Slow Travel Is Cheaper (and Better).
In my downloadable Guatemala guide (available when you subscribe to my newsletter), I also include a practical overview of typical market prices, so you have a sense of what things should roughly cost on the ground.
ATMs and withdrawing cash in Guatemala
ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas, but there are no truly free ATMs in Guatemala. All banks charge a withdrawal fee, and this comes on top of any fees your own bank may add.
To minimise costs, it is usually better to withdraw larger amounts less frequently, rather than making many small withdrawals. With my travel card from Revolut, I was charged 50 GTQ for every transaction. So, I usually took out the maximum you can take out at once, which is 1000 GQT. ATMs attached to banks or located inside shopping centres are generally more reliable and safer than standalone machines, especially at night.
Some travellers find that certain international cards work better than others, so having at least two cards is a good idea in case one doesn’t work or gets blocked. Always notify your bank before travelling, and keep emergency card details stored separately.
Guatemala Solo Travel Itinerary Ideas
If you’re travelling Guatemala solo, I would honestly resist the urge to rush. I will make another post with a three-week Guatemala itinerary, which works well if time is limited, but if you can: five weeks or more makes a huge difference. It gives you time to actually settle in, feel the rhythm of a place, and start noticing how wildly diverse Guatemala is – culturally, linguistically, and geographically.
A lot of solo travellers end up staying longer than planned. Many spend several weeks in one place to learn Spanish, or join a volunteering or community project. One beautiful example is learning traditional weaving with Trama Textiles, which will teach you about Maya cultures, history as well as teach you a skill!
If you’re looking for more structure, I also share two curated itineraries in my downloadable travel guide that is available when you subscribe to my newsletter: one focused on hiking and nature, and one for people most interested in culture and who want to go deeper into art, history, and local communities.
Slow travel is essential if you want to travel authentically and learn the most from your (solo) travel experience. For me, authentic travel is about learning how other people and cultures understand the world – and, in the process, understanding a little more about who you are as a person, where you come from, and how you understand the world. Guatemala is one of those places that has such a beautiful cultural diversity as well as challenging hikes that it can teach you a lot as a person, especially if you allow yourself to stay around a bit longer without a plan.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about travelling in Guatemala
When is the best time to visit Guatemala?
The general consensus is that the best time to visit Guatemala is from November to April, during the dry season. These months offer the most reliable weather for hiking, visiting Lake Atitlán and Semuc Champey, and moving around the country. The rainy season runs roughly from May to October, with September and October usually being the wettest months.
Notably, during an 'El Niño' year, Guatemala often experiences hotter and drier conditions, with rain arriving later or in shorter, heavier bursts. This can mean clearer skies and fewer rainy days for travellers, but also drier landscapes and more intense heat, especially in the highlands and during hikes. El Niño also affects local agriculture and water access, making it a good moment to travel more consciously and be mindful of your environmental and social impact.
I have experienced both the dry and rainy season and believe that there is value in that as well. It is incredibly beautiful to see how drier areas become bright green because of the rain. At the same time, heavy rain in Guatemala at the beginning of the rain season in the last years and especially during El Niño has been causing road blocks and floods due to climate change.
Is Guatemala safe to visit right now?
Guatemala is a country with regional differences, and safety really depends on where you go and how you travel. Tourist routes such as Antigua, Lake Atitlán, parts of Xela, and Flores are well-established and regularly visited. Staying informed, avoiding certain zones (like I said before, especially parts of Guatemala City), and using common sense goes a long way.
Is Guatemala safe for solo travellers?
Yes, Guatemala is a great destination for solo travellers! Many people travel alone here for weeks or months, especially to learn Spanish or slow travel. Like anywhere, it helps to stay aware of your surroundings, avoid travelling at night when possible, and choose accommodation and transport with good reviews. But honestly, Guatemala is one of the places where I have felt the most safe as a solo traveller and female solo traveller.
Is Guatemala safe for solo female travellers?
Many women travel Guatemala solo, myself included. That said, it always requires situational awareness. Dressing modestly, trusting your intuition, and being selective with transport and accommodation make a big difference. I personally do not wear shorts or summer dresses in Guatemala, especially not in the Highlands, as it is just not the way that women there dress. In more popular places around the lake and in Antigua, it is more common to wear shorter clothes for all genders as they are more used to travellers. And in El Paredón as well as it is a beach town. In general, I also had a much better experience in Guatemala than when travelling as a solo female traveller in Nicaragua.
Is Lake Atitlán safe for female solo travellers?
Generally, yes. Lake Atitlán is one of the most popular areas for solo female travellers in Guatemala. Each town has a different vibe, so it is worth choosing one that fits you. Avoid walking alone at night or in between villages and use boats or tuktuks instead. My favourite town here, especially when travelling alone, is Santa Cruz la Laguna.
How many days do you need in Guatemala?
You can see highlights in two to three weeks, but I personally recommend at least five weeks if you want to slow down, settle into places, and experience the country more deeply. Many travellers end up staying longer than planned.
Is Guatemala a good destination for solo travel?
Absolutely! Guatemala attracts solo travellers interested in culture, nature, Spanish learning, volunteering, and personal growth. Plus, the more or less predictable backpacking route makes that backpackers run into each other in different places even without planning to do so. Especially in hostels, at Spanish schools, and on tours it is super easy to meet other travellers, and during homestays or volunteering experiences you can also meet more locals.
Is it easy to travel around in Guatemala?
Yes, but it helps to be flexible. Especially chickenbuses do not know schedules and often it is just a matter of arriving at the bus station and waiting until the bus is full enough to leave. Shuttles, coaches and airplanes do obviously have more fixed schedules or arrangements. Shuttles are often the easiest option between major destinations, while chicken buses are cheaper and more local. Within cities, either choose hailing applications (such as in Guatemala City where that is safer) or take local colectivos for a few GQT (especially in Xela).
How do ATMs work in Guatemala?
ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas, but all Guatemalan ATMs charge a withdrawal fee. Fees usually range between Q40–Q60 per withdrawal (roughly 5–7 EUR), depending on the bank. With Revolut I was charged nothing from Revolut's side but always was charged 50Q per transaction with Banco 5B. Withdrawal limits can also be low, so it’s often better to take out larger amounts at once. Always let your bank know you’re travelling and have a backup card.
Final Thoughts on Travelling in Guatemala
To summarize, Guatemala isn’t a place I’d recommend rushing through. The more time you spend here, the more you notice how different each region is and how diverse the cultures are. Having spent over eight months in Guatemala, for me, this country has had a major influence. The people I have met and the friends that I have made - both travellers and locals - are ones that I will revisit time and time again, even if my home base is now more centered in Máncora, Peru and across Brazil.
Thank you for reading and if you have any other questions or information that I missed that could help fellow travellers, please let me know via Instagram. Enjoy your travels - both inward and outward!
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