A Solo Traveller's Guide To Guatemala

Guatemala is the heart of Central America, and one of the most popular stops on the classic backpacker’s trail. An inexpensive and stunningly beautiful country, it’s long been popular with solo travellers – but that doesn’t mean that exploring this country is always plain sailing. Here’s everything you need to know.

Guatemala City

If you’re flying into Guatemala you’ll probably land in Guatemala City. Unless the capital has a particular draw for you, it’s wise not to spend too much time here. Guatemala City is where most of the gang-related violence occurs in the country, and it can be very dangerous at night. It has its fair share of interesting museums, markets and galleries, but nothing that the much safer colonial city of Antigua doesn’t have. Just an hour’s drive from Guatemala City, Antigua is the most popular travel destination for a reason.

Antigua

Antigua is famous for its excellent Spanish schools, so you’ll have no problem meeting people from all over the world. If you don’t fancy staying in a hostel, try a family homestay, which is a great way to meet locals. Make sure you visit some of the city’s fascinating museums and art galleries, and take your time wandering through the many colourful markets throughout town. Be sure to schedule enough time here… Antigua is a place to immerse yourself in and you can spend weeks exploring without getting bored.

Pacaya Volcano

Whether you’re happy travelling solo or are hoping to make some friends along the way, a trip to Guatemala isn’t complete without hiking up one of its iconic volcanoes. Visiting the active Pacaya Volcano is one of the best activities to do from Antigua, and it’s close enough to complete in a single afternoon. There are lots of volcano tours you can do from Antigua, but the best ones include toasting marshmallows on the still-hot rocks.

Lake Atitlan

Gorgeous Lake Atitlan is an important stop-off on the solo traveller’s schedule. Framed by three volcanoes and several traditional villages, each with their own unique culture and lifestyle, it’s one of the most beautiful and interesting spots in the country. The touristy village of Panajachel is a great base where you can easily arrange tours of the lake and volcanoes, and its bustling bars, restaurants and cafes mean you’ll find it easy to meet people.

Flores and Tikal National Park

The tourist-friendly town of Flores is the gateway to the Mayan ruins of Tikal. Located on an island in the middle of Lake Peten Itza, Flores is pretty, packed with travellers and safe, so if you have the time to spend a few days here kicking back, it’s always a good idea.

Of course, the main reason people visit Flores is to visit Guatemala’s most famous cultural attraction, Tikal. Hidden in dense jungle, this is the largest excavated Mayan site in the world, and it’s a joy to explore. There are all kinds of different tours you can do here, but to make it extra special why not stay the night in the park? Catching the sunrise over the pyramids is something you’ll never forget. Keep an ear out for the roars of the howler monkeys, too!

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.