7 reasons Why Guatemala Should be your next solo travel destination

*Arco de Santa Catalina (Santa Catalina Arch), Antigua, Guatemala*

As the birthplace and heartland of the ancient Maya, Guatemala is as rich in its culture and history as it is in natural beauty. With dense jungles and ancient ruins to explore as well as colorful markets and architecture to admire, this is a beautiful country often overlooked on tourism lists.

Guatemala is an ideal place for independent travelers looking to get off the beaten path. Enjoy delicious cuisines, stunning landscapes and adventure sports at a fraction of the cost compared to other countries. With plenty of lively and diverse accommodations geared towards solo travelers or the adventurous soul, Guatemala and its friendly people will make you feel right at home.

Guatemala is one of my top recommended destinations for independent travel worldwide. Although you could spend weeks exploring this Central American beauty, it is also a great fit for when you have a shorter trip in mind. Read more to learn about what makes Guatemala such a unique destination and why you should consider it for your next trip.

Guatemala is one of the best countries in the world for volcanic observation

*Fuego Volcano Illuminating the Night Sky*

Hikers and adventure lovers rejoice! Guatemala has some of the highest density of active volcanoes anywhere on the planet. With 37 different volcanoes you can hike throughout the country, there are no shortage of opportunities to join a group trek and enjoy the otherworldly scenery with your new friends. Volcano treks are among the most popular activities for visitors in Guatemala and I would definitely recommend going on one if you have the time. The most active volcanoes, Fuego and Pacaya, have been in eruption for years. If you are prioritizing volcano hikes on your trip to Guatemala, I suggest going during the dry season between November and April for ideal weather and terrain conditions.

Fuego and Acatenango

At approximately 4000 meters (13,000 feet) high, Acatenango is one of the highest volcanoes in Central America. Although Acatenango is an active volcano, its last recorded eruption dates back to 1972. It offers a strenuous yet memorable 7-8-hour hike up to a campsite, where you stay overnight before summiting to watch the sunrise.

Right next to the Acatenango is the Fuego Volcano, literally translated as the fire volcano. This is a much more active volcano (in fact, it is the most active volcano in Guatemala) and spits ash, rocks and lava every 20 minutes or so. Due to Fuego’s constant activity, hiking this peak is NOT recommended. However, you will have a spectacular view of the volcano and the surrounding scenery from Acatenango.

There are countless tour operators to choose from for summiting Acatenango, and their packages typically include cold-weather gear, an English-speaking guide, and park admission. I would also consider allowing yourself a day or two to get acclimated to the altitude before participating in one of the hikes. Altitude sickness is the last thing you want to deal with and can very quickly ruin your ascent if not addressed early on.

Pacaya

Just 30 miles outside of Antigua and located close to the Pacific coastal plain, Pacaya Volcano is a complex of peaks that has been active for more than 20,000 years. Because Pacaya can easily be made into a day trip and offers a less taxing hike than others in the area, it is the most popular volcano with travelers. The trail is not very steep and takes only about 2 hours to hike to the top. You will have plenty of time to take in the view and snap photographs before going in for a closer look at the volcano’s cone.

Pacaya frequently erupts ash clouds over Antigua and can be unpredictable in its activity. It can only be accessed with an authorized guide so be sure to book a tour in advance if you can. Many hotels and hostels in Antigua will also be able to help you book a tour directly. If you do not speak Spanish, be sure to ask for a tour with an English speaking guide. Some of the tours include a visit to a local thermal spa such as Santa Teresita Resort where you can soak in the naturally warm waters. Others give you a chance to roast marshmallows over the volcano. Bring graham crackers and chocolate if you want to make your own s’mores!

2. lake atitlan is the perfect place to relax and recharge

Nestled in the Sierra Madre Mountains within the Department of Sololá is the glistening and mysterious Lake Atitlán. Certainly one of the most visited tourist attractions in Guatemala, the lake was nominated as one of the seven wonders of the world. It is considered by many to be the most beautiful lake in the world and was even described by Lonely Planet as “the closest thing to Eden on Earth.”

85,000 years ago, a massive volcanic eruption formed a huge crater in the Guatemalan Highlands. Today, the caldera is filled with crystal clear water up to 340 meters deep, and has become what is now Lake Atitlán. Surrounded with abundant vegetation and wildlife, this remarkable scene is guarded by three majestic volcanoes: Atitlán, Tolimán, and San Pedro. The combination of volcanoes, blue water and mountains makes this one of the scenic highlights of Guatemala.

Leisure and Wellness

If you are looking for a place with plenty of both luxury and budget accommodations, yoga retreats, and healthy food then you will love Lake Atitlán.

I stayed at La Iguana Perdida and it is hands down one of my favorite hostels of all time. La Iguana Perdida is located on the beautiful hillside town of Santa Cruz, right on the shores of the lake. It has its own scuba school, a restaurant on-site (get the breakfast!), and offers a fun social scene as well as yoga classes amongst the lush trees and colorful flowers. I booked a private luxury suite which was spacious and included a king bed, private balcony and hammock overlooking the lake. I paid under $70 per night and felt like I had my own little slice of heaven.

*La Iguana Perdida Hostel, Santa Cruz, Lake Atitlán*

Nature lovers will enjoy The Bambu Guest House, a naturally-built retreat center for Permaculture and regenerative living. This collective specializes in small group travel and offers retreats with a focus on sustainability, natural building, yoga, meditation, dance and nutrition. Their accommodations are affordable, and they run a Farm-to-Table Restaurant, supplied by the Atitlán Organics Permaculture farm.

If luxury travel is more your style, Casa Prana Resort is arguably the best place around. Here you can relax in an herbal steam sauna or sign up for a traditional massage. Work out or book a private yoga session in the resort gym, and enjoy views over the lake and the volcanoes. Last but not least, the Prana Garden offers 9 acres, including a vegetable and herb garden, hillside path, chickens, statues, and an endless array of flowers, palm trees and a cigar lounge with a hammock and board games, where amazing view of the volcanoes can be enjoyed with a glass of rum.

*Flowery Oasis in San Marcos, Lake Atitlán*

Nature and Outdoor Activities

San Pedro Volcano is the most popular peak among hikers and depending on your fitness level can take 2.5 to 5 hours. You can also watch the sunrise on the Rostro Maya Hike (you will hear it called the Indian Nose Hike) near San Juan La Laguna. Overlooking Lake Atitlán, you’ll get an incredible view of the water and the magnificent volcanoes. I highly suggest hiring guides for either hike, primarily for safety reasons. Although many people at my hostel had an incredible experience on their hikes, there have been reports of bandits targeting tourists.

Scuba diving, paragliding and kayaking are just some of the additional outdoor activities you can plan during your stay. You can easily rent a kayak from your hotel/hostel or one of the companies on the harbor for just a few dollars, and can paddle over to a neighboring village or beach. Kayaking in the early morning was one of my favorite experiences in Guatemala, and I recommend going early as the lake sees more boat traffic and can get a little choppy later in the day.

3. guatemala is the heart of the modern maya world

Guatemala has preserved much of its Maya culture and rituals to this day, and you will meet descendants of indigenous Maya groups speaking one or more of the 21 different indigenous languages. During my travels across Guatemala, I was fascinated by the colorful, traditional attire I saw people wearing each day. Plenty of Maya groups also continue to perform ancient sacred prayers and ceremonies, some of which are open to visitors.

You can visit the unique Maya villages surrounding Lake Atitlán, many of whose inhabitants are descendants of the Cakchiquel and Tzutuhil groups. Each town has something different to offer and often specializes in a different craft. Keep in mind that you will have to take boats in between the towns so give yourself plenty of time to explore.

Some of the Main Maya Towns on Lake Atitlán:

Panajachel- This is where your trip to Lake Atitlán will most likely start and end. Easily accessible from both Antigua and Guatemala City, most buses and shuttles end up in Panajachel and all of the boats to Lake Atitlán’s surrounding villages leave from its docks. This is certainly the most tourist-filled of the towns at the lake, with package tour groups and backpackers all passing through here. There are plenty of foreign restaurants here and perhaps the cheapest souvenirs on the lake.
San Juan La Laguna- I loved San Juan and would say it is my #1 on this list. In my opinion, it was one of the most authentic and culturally rich towns, offering weaving cooperatives specializing in naturally dyed textiles, cozy cafés and restaurants, and painting galleries. I encourage you to visit and support Casa del Tejido, a woman-run co-op offering educational tours and demonstrations of the cotton dyeing and weaving process. Their store has plenty of beautiful gifts you can bring home for your friends and family, and proceeds go directly to the Maya weavers and their families.
Santa Cruz- This is where I stayed during my visit (La Iguana Perdida Hostel) and is one of my favorite towns! Santa Cruz is a small village perfect for those who want to get away from other tourists and enjoy a peaceful view of the water. Kayak and stand-up paddle board rentals are available for morning paddles, and you can also hike or explore the local area. Take a tuk-tuk to Cafe Sabor Cruceño for a taste of authentic Guatemalan Cuisine and a stunning balcony overlooking the lake and volcanoes.

Santiago- Santiago is the largest town around the lake and is home to 70,000 primarily Tz’utujil Maya inhabitants. Located on Atitlán’s southern shore, Santiago is best known for being home to Maximón, a Maya deity and folk saint also known as El Gran Abuelo. Each year, Maximón takes up residence with a local family of one of the confraternity who are elected by the community As soon as you arrive, local children will offer to bring you to Maximon’s house. Make sure to bring donations: rum, cigarettes or cash are said to be some of his favorite offerings.

San Antonio Palopó- This town offers a quieter slower pace of life, and is famous for its ceramics and traditional clothes (especially men’s cultural clothing). San Antonio’s distinctive blue and green ceramics can be found at several shops in this town, and because everything is hand-painted by the local artisans, no two pieces are exactly alike. Ceramica Palopó Multicolor is one of the places where you can watch the different stages of creating, baking and painting the ceramics. Buying pottery straight from the source supports the town’s artisans, and you will have a unique souvenir to bring home!
San Marcos- I was personally disappointed with San Marcos, but many will endearingly call it a hippie haven. It gave the impression of being overrun by Western expats hawking Ahuyasca ceremonies and aerial dance. This fun hippie scene sold to tourists is a stark contrast against the poverty some locals in the town live in. You have to walk past the main area to find some semblance of the local community. I will say that Cerro Tzankujil Nature Reserve was the one thing I really enjoyed about San Marcos, and there is a scenic area where you can jump into the lake.
San Pedro- With plenty of hostels and international food options, San Pedro is the party backpacker’s paradise. Bars readily serve up cheap booze during long happy hours, and there are plenty of places for massages, hot pools and spas to relax. Digital nomads will also find the best Wi-Fi on the lake. Active travelers can climb San Pedro Volcano from here, go on a horseback ride, or learn Spanish at one of the highly recommended Spanish schools. Though San Pedro was not my scene, I’ve heard the town center and areas outside of the main tourist hub are much nicer.

Visit the Ancient Ruins of Tikal, Quirigua or Yaxha

Tikal National Park is home to the most popular Maya ruins in the country. Located in northern Guatemala’s Petén Province, this UNESCO World Heritage Site spans nearly 600 square meters (6,500 square feet). Tikal holds centuries of Maya history and archeology and is said to have housed approximately 70,000 people between 300 BC and 800 AD. Archaeologists estimate the Maya constructed over 4,000 structures, not all of which have been found yet. Covered in lush vegetation, Tikal is famous for its rare animals such as pumas, monkeys, snakes and several species of birds.

To the southeastern corner of Guatemala near the border with Honduras, you can find the Archaeological Park and Ruins of Quirigua. Here is the largest stelae (stone columns covered in artwork or carved into shapes) ever discovered in the Maya world. Nine stelae are arranged around a central plaza, and altars are carved into the shapes of animals These stelae date back to the 2nd-8th centuries CE and although remain unrestored, are a remarkable sight that can reach up to 25 feet tall. This is yet another UNESCO World Heritage Site in Guatemala.

Lastly, you can visit the much less crowded Yaxha ruins in the northeastern part of the country. A massive Mesoamerican archaeological site, Yaxha is the largest site and the fourth largest Maya complex in Guatemala. Home to several huge stone pyramids with ancient drawings and intricately carved hieroglyphs, the site dates to 250-600 CE and is located on a large lake known locally as the crocodile lake.

4. the picturesque city of Antigua is a unesco world heritage site

*Taking sunrise photos at* *Arco de Santa Catalina (Santa Catalina Arch), Antigua, Guatemala*

The colonial city of Antigua is known for its stunning architecture and famous Arch of Santa Catalina. Sitting in a highland valley between three volcanoes, Antigua is a must-see on your trip to Guatemala. As a solo traveler, I was able to walk in and find a seat at every cafe and restaurant I went to, many of which had a rooftop with a stunning view of the volcanoes and mountains surrounding the city.

Considered Guatemala’s culture capital, Antigua has artisanal goods, contemporary art galleries and design studios, bustling markets and a wide variety of local eateries and bars you can visit. This is also a hub for language learning, and many aspiring students come to Antigua ready to master the Spanish language. I found the city to exude a cheerfulness that was frankly contagious. Live music in the Parque Central could be heard throughout the day, and everyone I met was very friendly.

The Santa Catalina Arch

Beyond existing as a beautiful piece of architecture, the Santa Catalina Arch carries some history with it. On either side of the arch there were once two convents, the Convent of the Virgin and the Convent of Santa Catalina. Back in the 1690s, cloistered nuns lived in those convents. Because the nuns had taken vows of seclusion, they had to avoid all contact with the outside world; even being seen in public was off-limits. Because they intended to run a school but could not go outside, a footbridge was created to connect the two buildings. The nuns then proceeded to live on one side of the arch and teach school on the other.

Today, the convent is a hotel and the street running underneath it is a center for public events and gatherings. I highly recommend taking photos at the Santa Catalina Arch at sunrise, when no one is around and the lighting is perfect. You can easily set up your tripod and will likely meet a few other photographers up in the early morning.

*My view during breakfast at Cafe Estudio*

Take a Coffee Tour at Finca la Azotea

Only a 10 minute drive from Antigua’s city center, you can find Finca la Azotea. This family-run ranch has been producing coffee since 1883, and visitors come each day to learn more about one of Antigua’s most valuable exports. Tours of the property are certified by the Rainforest Alliance, an international NGO dedicated to building economic opportunities and better working conditions for rural people.

At Azotea, coffee enthusiasts can see how the raw fruit—which grows in dense, shaded rows of trees—is cultivated, harvested and processed. A portion of the ranch’s profits is then dedicated to local education programs focused on environmental conservation and preserving Guatemalan culture. Although some people might prefer to join a tour group through an external agency to visit the finca, I suggest making transportation arrangements on your own as it is a only a short ride away.

5. adventure enthusiasts will have plenty of activities to choose from

*Cerro Tzankujil Nature Reserve, San Marcos*

With diverse landscapes ranging from cloud forests to limestone caves and black sand beaches, the options for outdoor activities in Guatemala are limitless! You will find everything from trekking, to zip lining, kayaking, camping and swimming. We have already covered volcano treks in this article, but here are some more of the best adventures in Guatemala.

Go Wild Swimming in the Pools of Semuc Champey

Semuc Champey is one of Guatemala’s most popular natural wonders. This natural attraction consists of 300 meters (984 feet) of limestone bridges over the Cahabòn River that form natural lagoon-like pools. Take a swim in the turquoise pools and see the cascading falls in the jungle. Here you can take a candlelit tour through the Kamba caves, swim, river tube, or take a 30-minute hike up to the mirador (viewpoint). If you prefer a more relaxing time, sip on a hot coffee and settle into a hammock at the laid-back village.

Semuc Champey is an easy day trip and has plenty of private shuttles or public transport options available that you can take. Many travelers choose to stay in the nearby village of Lanquin, just a few miles away. It is best to arrive at the pools early in the morning to beat the mid-day crowds. The best time of year to visit would be during the dry season between November and April.

Surf the Waves of El Paredon

Guatemala isn’t famed for its beaches but the small coastal town of El Paredon in the country’s steamy Pacific Highlands is still a well-kept secret where you can hit the waves. Here lie beautiful black sand beaches and sea-turtle nesting sites. Water lovers will relish in the amazing surf breaks and can enjoy boat trips through the tropical mangroves.

Guatemala’s Pacific coast has become a popular getaway for city residents needing to escape the hustle and bustle and looking to relax. Some of the popular activities in addition to surfing here include riding horses along the volcanic sand, birdwatching and observing the migratory whales that call this place home.

Explore the Rio Dulce in Eastern Guatemala

Rio Dulce is a spectacular river with emerald green waters in eastern Guatemala, and is increasingly becoming a popular backpacker destination. 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. You can take a boat up the river through the gorge and marvel at the wildlife in the dense jungle, seeing everything from howler monkeys to toucans.

This area is also known for its trekking and water activities. Go sailing, or perhaps you might enjoy the scenic Finca Paraiso hike. This hike will lead you to the Finca Paraiso Hot Spring and Waterfall. The Quiriguá ruins mentioned above are also nearby to explore.

6. Guatemala is off the beaten path

One of the things that drew me to Guatemala was the fact that parts of the country were still untouched or received a lower number of tourists annually than some of its neighboring countries. Pre-pandemic, Guatemala received about 2.5 million tourists per year on average compared to Mexico’s whopping 97 million. In all fairness, there is a significant size difference between the countries, but I was enthusiastic about visiting a country that I was not as familiar with and could learn a lot about. There were fewer crowds and lower prices than some other solo travel spots in the region, and I was so grateful to experience the country’s beautiful culture and landscape at a reasonable rate for my budget.

Guatemala is also an excellent place to escape cold weather. I visited in late November during the dry season and didn’t see a single rainy day during my time there. The sunshine was nothing short of healing compared to the already frigid landscape of home. Guatemala enjoys warm weather year-round, but be aware that May to October will come with plenty of rain, thunderstorms and humidity. If you live near a major hub in Canada or the United States like myself, flights are affordable and best of all, pretty quick. My direct flight from Washington DC to Guatemala City was just under 5 hours!

7. the country boasts some of the most biodiverse flora and fauna in the world

*Exploring the gardens at La Iguana Perdida*

Guatemala has been labelled “the land of the eternal spring” and it certainly deserves the title. With 7 biomes, 14 ecoregions, and 66 ecosystems, the country is home to jungles, mountains, volcanoes, forests and beaches. There are 30 national parks and protected areas in Guatemala that cover both cultural and natural reserves. Here you can find thousands of plant species as well as hundreds of types of birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians. From the country’s national bird, the quetzal, to jaguars and ocelots, the sheer diversity of creatures will leave you in awe.

To protect these ecosystems and their creatures, Guatemala has created The Protected Areas National System (SIGAP), which makes up 33% of the country’s territory and provides safety measures to areas reducing deforestation and illegal hunting. Since Guatemala's economy and many of its citizens’ livelihoods are highly dependent on agriculture and its related productive processes as a main source of income (especially for rural or less wealthy populations). there has been a greater exploitation of natural resources and biodiversity. This continues to increase the risk of damage and/or loss of flora and fauna in these areas. Additional action and sustainable investments are still required to achieve natural resource and biodiversity conservation that works in harmony with the needs of rural Guatemalans.

ARCAS Wildlife Rescue Center in Petén

If you are looking to visit and support a reputable rescue center in Guatemala, consider ARCAS Wildlife Rescue Center in Petén. ARCAS is located on the edge of The Mayan Biosphere Reserve (MBR), which is considered an integral part of the Mesoamerican Maya Forest. This is the second largest remaining tropical rainforest in the Americas, covering a remarkable 13.3 million-acre area. This forest stretches across Belize, northern Guatemala and through Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, and is second only to the Amazon Rainforest in South America.

ARCAS was founded in 1989, dedicated to combat the illegal wildlife trade in the region. It is recognized as the official destination for all confiscated wildlife taken from smugglers in the Mayan Biosphere Reserve and for the past 33 years has rescued between 300 to 600 endangered species annually.

In Conclusion

I hope this article has given you a glimpse into the beauty of Guatemala, its culture and its people. The country has so much to offer visitors and boasts a wealth of activities to partake in and places to explore at your own pace. I certainly look forward to visiting again and spending more time in Guatemala to visit more of its rural areas and volcano hikes! If you are the kind of person that would like to learn or practice your Spanish language skills, thoroughly enjoys nature and colorful architecture, or prefers to travel off-the-beaten path, Guatemala is the place for you.