Solo Travel in Guatemala

Is Guatemala safe for solo female travellers? Guatemala repeatedly appears high in the worldwide rankings of countries with the highest crime rates and consequently has a reputation of being one of Central America’s most dangerous countries to visit, with Guatemala City as the most dangerous city in Guatemala.

Factually the ranking may be justified, however, the statistics fail to mention that hardly any tourists are affected by the large homicide rates and drug-related crimes by Guatemala gangs. For those of us who choose to solo travel in Guatemala, crime does exist but it generally happens hidden away from where the tourists are.

In fact, Guatemala is Central America’s hidden gem. The community of other travellers, especially backpackers, is tight, making solo travel in Guatemala relatively easy.

While Guatemalans are friendly and helpful when approached, they most of the time tend to their own business and leave travellers alone. Begging and hawking is a relatively rare sight, especially in comparison to most South-East Asian countries.

Female travellers are treated no differently than male travellers, and the country is overall safe and fun for women to travel to. I haven’t experienced any form of catcalling or situations that I felt unsafe in as a traveller, however, other women have – especially those that have spent a long time in the country.

As with most countries, female travellers are at a higher risk, so it is advised to stick to your gut feelings and common sense when moving around or backpacking in Guatemala. Robberies have taken place along the Agua Volcano route so check with locals or choose a walking tour for this area.

Guatemala is a fascinating country to explore but if you are unsure of the places to go in Guatemala alone or what to do in Guatemala, you may feel more comfortable on a group tour such as professionally guided Guatemalan tour packages, that offer immersive experiences for any interests. They are a great way of unveiling the beauty of this Central American hidden gem in a safe way,

* Before you travel, check what paperwork or visas are required for Guatemala.

Best Places To Visit in Guatemala

Guatemala is a land of breathtaking beauty with idyllic coastlines and the Mayan jungle temples of Tikal. But if trekking highlands and ancient civilisations aren’t your thing, then enjoy the tranquillity of Lake Atitlan. Pick up some Mayan arts and crafts at the open-air Chichicastenango Market.

Guatemala has over 30 volcanos with Pacaya being one of its most active. If you’re feeling adventurous, trek to the top of Agua volcano, with its amazing views of the Pacific Ocean and the tropics. You won’t find many crowds in Guatemala so head to the Guatemala beaches and enjoy the surf at Marina del Sur.

The Rio Dulce National Park with its tall cliffs is a great place for birdwatching and spotting Guatemalan wildlife. You’ll also be able to mingle with the Garifuna in the nearby town of Livingstone who has their own style of dancing.

Guatemala can roughly be divided into three regions, which in stark contrast co-exist: The highlands, the lowlands and the coastal regions.

The Guatemalan highlands are marked by stunning mountain ranges that are home to a number of Guatemala’s tourist highlights such as the still-active volcano Fuego, the former colonial town and Central America’s hipster capital Antigua, as well as the incredible Lake Atitlán. It is a region where you will see the most beautiful sunrises.

At an average of 1500m altitude, you can feel the smallness of your lungs whilst you wish you had brought another fleece. To move about off the beaten track visit Guatemala’s second-largest city Quetzaltenango (Xela) and climb Central America’s highest peak Tajamulco for sunrise near the Mexican border.

* Click here to discover all activities and things to do in Guatemala

The Guatemalan lowlands are home to Semuc Champey, one of the beautiful Guatemala landmarks and exotic places in Guatemala. Tiered terraces and limestone bridges along the Cahabòn River form beautiful green pools in its extensive cave system.

Semuc Champey isn’t that easy to get to (the closest village is Lanquín) but this beautiful area is definitely worth the journey if you're travelling between Flores and Antigua. Either book through your hostel or join one of the Guatemala escorted tours from Antigua or Guatemala City on a 3-day tour.

The lowlands are also home to Tikal National Park, one of the most important sites in Guatemala. These ancient Mayan ruins are hidden away in lush jungle flora and fauna and the island of Flores Guatemala, which serves as a gateway to the Mayan settlements Tikal and Mirador (you can take a day trip from here).

If you're worried about Guatemala safety for tourists, Flores is one of the safe places to visit in Guatemala, and one of the prettiest cities in Guatemala.

Tikal was discovered in 1848 and became a national park in 1955. Its name means ‘the place of spirits’ and inside its 575 square kilometres of jungle are ancient ruins of temples and palaces.

The tallest structure in this large archaeological site is 57 metres tall and climbing to the top for a view of the forest canopy below is just breathtaking and one of the most beautiful places. As one of the top Guatemala tourist attractions, Tikal should definitely be on your Guatemala bucket list.

Semuc Champey (photo by Rike Radunz @rike_rad)

The weather in the lowlands is much warmer and more tropical than elsewhere in Guatemala and mosquitos all of a sudden call for your attention.

Both the Atlantic and Pacific coastlines are somewhat off the beaten track and a lot less busy with tourists. The Atlantic coastline near Livingston is marked by the Rio Dulce delta and the Pacific coastline of Monterrico is a top tip for surfing. Give both a visit if you have time to spare and would like to see regions that are more authentic and less travelled.

Wildlife lovers would love Cerro Cahuí Nature Reserve which has howler monkeys that you can hear up to a mile away! Get up close and personal with giant sea turtles and iguanas in Tortugario Monterrico Monterrico Wildlife Reserve (you may not want to get too close to the alligators though). Or head to Chocón-Machacas for manatees.

Tikal

Antigua is one of the Guatemala cities that has preserved its Spanish architecture so well that it is a UNESCO heritage site. It’s one of the most popular places in Guatemala because of its historical importance. With pastel-coloured buildings, and ruins of colonial churches within this centuries-old city which is cradled by volcanoes.

Things to do in Antigua Guatemala include cafe hopping in some of the town’s cute cafes sampling Guatemalan coffee, taking yourself on a self-guided tour of the town seeing the convent, monastery and churches. Go handicraft shopping at Mercado de Artesanias, or if you’re in Antigua on a weekend, at the weekend market held at El Carmen Ruins. Or visit Volcan Pacaya, the easiest volcano to reach from Antigua.

Near Antigua, is the Volcano Acatenango, one of the adventurous places to go in Guatemala for hikes. As one of the continent's highest volcanoes (at nearly 4000 metres), it is one of the most physically challenging so join an overnight guided tour Guatemala hike to conquer the volcano and be rewarded with a panoramic view of the whole region from the top.

If you have at least 2 days in Antigua, Guatemala, you can hike to the base camp where you can see Volcan Fuego and watch one of its frequent eruptions.

The town of Flores is just as pretty as Antigua. Located in El Petén on an island connected by a causeway, Flores is the perfect place to chill for a few days whilst enjoying some lake views.

Lake Atitlan's elevation is 1,562 metres and you really can’t beat Lake Atitlán in the highlands for stunning lake views, the best place to visit in Guatemala for lakes. Panajachel Guatemala is one of the most developed towns around the lake and a good place to mingle with others. It’s also an area for outdoor activities in Guatemala with paragliding, stand-up paddleboarding, and kayaking.

Or visit the indigenous Kaqchiquel village at Santa Cruz La Laguna, a small town on the northern shore of Lake Atitlan. There are so many other places here including the spiritual and yoga haven of San Marcos, or San Pedro La Laguna where you can climb Volcano San Pedro and embrace a cheap backpacker budget.

Antigua (photo by Rike Radunz @rike_rad)

Guatemala City is the capital city of Guatemala. This city is not the best for solo travellers so avoid the capital if you can and head straight for Antigua which is only one hour away.

But if you do go here, there are free things to do in Guatemala City to pass the time. See the Metropolitan Cathedral and the names on the pillars outside of the people who died during the Guatemalan Civil War. Discover how a Guatemalan family would have lived back in the 17th century at Casa Mima, a cultural centre in the city which offers cultural activities.

Or partake in a brewery tour to sample some of the country’s best cervezas (one of the fun things to do in Guatemala for beer lovers!) Other best places to visit in Guatemala City are the Museo Popol Vuh, which is home to one of the world’s major Maya art collections or see the Iglesia La Merced, a colourful church and convent in a neoclassical style.

Whether you prefer Mayan ruins, volcanoes, or colourful towns, there’s no doubt that Guatemala solo female travel will be a culturally enriching experience that won’t break the bank.

Guatemala Tours

G Adventures

If you feel more comfortable in a group for either part of your trip or the whole duration, G Adventures is a responsible tour company that mainly caters for budget travellers. They don’t offer specific tours to Guatemala, instead, you can take a Guatemalan adventure and one or more of its neighbouring countries.

Most tours have an average of 10 people and there is no upper age limit. Once you book your trip you pay extra for any excursions you want to do when you’re there.

Adventures range from 9 days seeing Tikal ruins Guatemala and Flores and Belize for £729, up to a 33 days adventure travelling from Mexico through Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Costa Rica. There are plenty of shorter journeys in-between. I have personally used G Adventures and recommend them as a solo female-friendly company.

Click here for the full itineraries, prices and start dates

Intrepid Travel

Intrepid Travel is similar to G Adventures with an average of 12 people on each tour. Over 50% of people who book their trips are solo travellers. They tend to use hotels instead of hostels and have a more comfortable style of accommodation hence the trips can appear a bit more than G Adventures.

Their tours of Guatemala range from 8 days including Tikal and Belize, a 9-day Guatemala and Beyond which starts in Guatemala and ends in Nicaragua (both for £695), up to an epic 65-day Complete Central America tour. With both tour companies, you share a room with someone of the same gender or you can pay extra for your own room. Read our Intrepid Travel Reviews

Click here for the full itineraries, prices and start dates

Quetzaltrekkers – Quetzaltrekkers are a Xela-based NGO that offers (multi)-day hikes in and around the Western Highlands of Guatemala and off the beaten path Guatemala. All treks are led by an experienced tour guide and equipment to borrow is included in the price. I did the Tajumulco hike with them and could not recommend it more – in fact, I wish I had had more time to do other hikes with them.

Most hostels offer a tour of Guatemala attractions in their vicinity and it’s worth joining their tours to get the most out of the region’s hotspots. Tours vary in price but on average cost between USD 15-25. I personally found not much of a difference in the tours offered by the various hostels, so save yourself some valuable time looking for the best Guatemala deal.

Get Your Guide – If you plan to tour Guatemala independently, Get Your Guide helps you to find top-rated Guatemala excursions and activities to do in Guatemala. Choose from a full-day walking tour in Antigua, a Pacaya volcano trek or a Tikal day tour from Flores (with lunch). There are several day trips to choose from including Guatemala tours from Antigua, and it’s really simple to use. Just check the reviews, price and availability then book online. * Check all tours Guatemala here

Photo by Rike Radunz @rike_rad

Accommodation in Guatemala

Given the Guatemala transportation system and overall development of the country, Guatemala is predominantly travelled by backpackers making solo travel in Guatemala easy to meet others. While beautiful hotels can be found in the main tourist spots, most places cater to the large backpacker population and plenty of upscale hostels are about.

There’s also Airbnb which connects you to unique travel experiences and isn’t just limited to staying in a local’s spare room. All of the accommodations below have been recommended by solo female travellers from our Girls about the Globe community and come with a Solo Female Friendly endorsement. For all other accommodations check rates and availability for all Guatemala accommodation

Antigua – El Hostal BnB – $

El Hostal is a small but very sociable hostel in a great location with hammocks that you can chill out in on the patio. The staff are really attentive and friendly and the breakfast is included. The bathrooms although shared are really clean and play ambient music.

Cafe No Se is just across the street and you are guaranteed to make friends when joining one of the tours offered by the hostel. Rooms are either a 6-bed female dorm, 7 or 10-bed mixed dorm or you can choose a private double room for more privacy. * Check rates and availability: El Hostal BnB

Antigua – Somos – $

Somos is a very modern and clean hostel. Not only do they offer a TV with Netflix so you can catch up on your favourite series but they also offer a free perk card which gives discounts at their favourite places in the town.

If you need a break from all the socialising, this hostel is the perfect place for you as the bed cabins provide you with just the privacy you were looking for. Choose from a 3, 4, 6 or 8-bed mixed dorm room with a mix of single-bed cabins or even a double-bed tent. * Check rates and availability: Somos

Antigua – Hotel Casa Antigua by AHS – $$

This beautiful historic building is situated in Antigua, close to the central park. It has everything you need for your stay including shops, beautiful gardens, terraces and a fountain, and you can use the nearby sauna and swimming pool for an extra charge. The staff speak English and also offer Spanish lessons. Choose from a double or triple room with a private bathroom * Check rates and availability: Hotel Casa Antigua by AHS

Flores – Los Amigos Hostel – $

This place is the perfect mixture of opportunities to meet and party with people while also providing spaces to take it slow and chill all day long. It was the best hostel I stayed at whilst in Guatemala and I wish I’d stayed a bit longer to not only see Tikal Guatemala but Flores as well. They also have a spa onsite and offer massages. Just be prepared to socialise whilst you are here. Choose from a 6 or 10-bed mixed dorm or a private basic or deluxe. * Check rates and availability: Los Amigos Hostel

Guatemala City – Hotel Casa Veranda – $$

If you’re searching for hotels in Guatemala City, this 4-star hotel is a good choice. The rooms are spacious and each suite has a living area, a balcony and a TV. Reception is open 24 hours, there’s a currency exchange and it’s just a short walk to the metro station and nearby restaurants. Choose from a master suite, a junior suite, or a master king suite. * Check rates and availability for: Hotel Casa Veranda

Lake Atitlan – Circles Cafe and Hostel – $

Doubling up as a cafe, this tiny, cute hostel in San Marcos has one of the most relaxing vibes. There are plenty of places to sit within the cafe which serves a fabulous breakfast (it’s included). The bunk beds have curtains so you can have more privacy. Each bed has its own locker and there are plenty of plug sockets to charge your phone. Choose from a 6-bed dorm room or a private room. * Check rates and availability: Circles Cafe and Hostel

Semuc Champey – El Retiro Lanquin – $

An absolute oasis of a place; this hostel has direct access to the water, dorms are quiet, and family-style dinners ensure you fall never short of opportunities to socialise. The tours offered are well organised and if you fancy a bit more of a party atmosphere the “Zephyr” Hostel is just a short walk away. Choose from a bed in a 6-bed dorm room, a cottage with a garden view (it’s still cheap honest) or a double room with a shared bathroom. * Check rates and availability: El Retiro Lanquin

Tikal – Hotel Jungle Lodge Tikal – $$

If you’re planning on seeing Tikal, this gorgeous jungle lodge is in a great location near the entrance. There’s a restaurant on-site and a pool to get a break from the midday heat. You can buy your Tikal tickets from the front desk including the sunrise and sunset tours.

Enjoy a drink in the swanky bar, watch the sunset over the jungle from the restaurant and listen to the sound of the howler monkeys at night. Choose from a standard or premium room, a junior suite or a suite with a jungle view. * Check rates and availability for Hotel Jungle Lodge Tikal

Photo by Rike Radunz @rike_rad

Traveling in Guatemala

Getting around in Guatemala is easiest and safest by means of shuttle buses. Distances can be quite long and shuttle buses are air-conditioned and reasonably comfortable. The bus from Flores to Guatemala City, for example, takes 8 hours, and you can travel overnight or during the day.

For example, private shuttles from Guatemala City to Antigua cost approx $22 and take 2.5 hours. This Guatemala bus schedule makes planning your routes easier.

You are normally picked up directly from the hostel or hotel you are staying at and will be dropped off either at your next hostel if already known, or a public space, from where further transportation in Guatemala can be easily arranged. Shuttle buses in Guatemala are the most expensive mode of transport and can cost up to $10-20 one way.

The best way to travel in Guatemala and a cheaper option for shorter distances are to take a chicken bus Guatemala (old school buses), part of the culture when travelling Guatemala. Especially in and around Antigua they are a lot safer than travel guides will make you believe.

Knowledge of basic level Spanish is recommended to let the driver know where you need to get off, but people are quick to help even when there is a language barrier.

For bus travel in Guatemala, tickets with the Guatemala bus companies are normally no more than $3, depending on the distance travelled. Notable is that no difference between local and tourist tickets is made.

Car rental isn’t really recommended it isn’t the safest transport in Guatemala if you’re solo. Use one of the other ways of getting around to feel more comfortable.

* Rome2Rio is a good resource to plan travelling around.

Guatemala Itinerary

The lack of an extensive transport system causes travellers to move in unison – from the Belizean border to Antigua and the Lake towards Honduras or the other way around. All of the top tourist attractions in Guatemala are en route and a straightforward transportation system is in place that makes getting from one place to the next easy.

The ease of travel and straightforwardness of the shuttle system means that Guatemala can be travelled in as little as 2 weeks – with all the main tourist destinations ticked off. Add another week, and you’ll be able to get off the beaten track, too.

Whether you are looking to spend a week in Guatemala or 2 weeks in Guatemala, below are examples of a Guatemala travel itinerary.

Guatemala Itinerary 7 Days:

a) If it’s your first time here and you’re unsure where to go in Guatemala you can see the main Guatemala tourist attractions on this Guatemala backpacking route. Guatemala City (1 night), Antigua (2 nights), Coban for Semuc Champey (2 nights), Flores & Tikal (2 nights) then onto Belize.

b) Antigua – 3 nights, shuttle bus to Guatemala City then fly to Flores – 3 nights, Tikal – 1 night.

Guatemala Itinerary 2 Weeks:

A realistic 2-week itinerary is to start off in Antigua and spend a couple of days near Lake Atitlan before moving towards Semuc Champey, Tikal, and then onto Belize and Mexico. If you fancy a roundtrip, add another week and instead of crossing the border, move towards the Atlantic coast before returning to Antigua.

Best Time To Visit Guatemala

The Guatemala climate does have a wet season so the best times to visit are between December and April when it is the dry season. Even when it rains in Guatemala it only rains for a few hours so don’t worry too much if the only time that you can go is outside of the dry season.

This chart shows the average temperature in Guatemala from January to December and the maximum day temperatures.

From Guatemala Airports

When you are travelling to Guatemala, most international flights get in at Guatemala City airport, which is about an hour's drive away from Antigua.

From and To Antigua

Getting to and from Antigua is easiest by arranging for a shuttle bus to pick you up. Although normally fairly safe, I would not recommend taking a chicken bus to Antigua or elsewhere from the airport. When organising a shuttle pick-up, you can either book a space on an already scheduled shuttle or if none of the offered times are suitable, book a private shuttle.

For private shuttles, it is easiest to get in touch directly with the hostel or hotel you are staying at. Prices are normally $40 per car, so you could easily try to find other travellers to carpool with at the airport as that will split the cost.

Pre-booking a space on a scheduled shuttle is best done through the operators below. Prices vary but are normally around $15. * Adrenalina Tours

As a frame of reference, if you are coming from the US, immigration, customs and baggage reclaim can be done in under an hour of the scheduled arrival time.

Border Crossings

When you solo travel in Guatemala, remember that no exit fee is payable. There have been incidents where tourists were made to pay the equivalent of $3-4, however, this is not legal and from my experience efforts are made to avoid situations where tourists end up paying such fees. For example, most shuttle drivers will remind you of the lack of an exit fee.

Guatemala to Belize

How to get to Belize – The best way to get to Belize and the most popular border crossing is via Flores at Melchor de Mencos. You simply book a shuttle to Belize or Mexico from Flores and all else is taken care of for you. As with any other border crossing, you need to physically walk through immigration and customs with all your belongings, however, the same shuttle you came in will be waiting for you on the other side of the border.

It is advised to exchange Guatemalan monies before exiting the country, especially if going straight from Guatemala to Mexico via Belize. There were no opportunities to exchange Guatemalan Quetzales once in Mexico.

Guatemala to Mexico

From Flores to the Mexico border, it’s only 1.5 hours. You can reach Palenque in Mexico within 6 hours from Tikal. There are a few bus companies that run from Guatemala to Mexico.

From Guatemala City, you can take the Trans Galgos Inter bus to Tapachula. Or take the Linea Dorada from Guatemala City to La Mesilla/Ciuada Cuauhtemoc.

Guatemala to Honduras

From Guatemala City, you can travel to various destinations in Honduras such as Copan, and La Ceiba (the gateway to the islands). Be careful with your belongings in some areas of Honduras such as Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula – other destinations that the buses go to. Toritos and Copanecos operate several buses a day to Santa Rosa de Copan.

Guatemala to El Salvador

There are a few buses that operate from Guatemala to El Salvador. Be careful in El Salvador as it’s not that safe for solos. The Tica Bus and Pullmantur, and Transporte Del Sol are some of the bus companies which go to El Salvador.

Where can I go from here?

Mexico – 2 hours 10 mins
Costa Rica – 1 hour 30 mins
Nicaragua – 1 hour 30 mins

Frequently Asked Questions About Guatemala

To save you time searching, here are the most asked questions about Guatemala.

Can I drink the water? It isn't advised to drink tap water so consider taking your own water filter with you.
Is tipping expected? Not as stringent as in the US, rounding up is a good compromise.
Fixed price or barter? Barter.
What is Guatemala famous for? The ruins of Tikal, as well as Guatemala chocolate and its fantastic Guatemala coffee.
Any ATMS? Yes, there are banks in Guatemala and ATMs in the main tourist areas.
Which side of the road do they drive? Right.
Good for vegetarians? Yes.
Any Seven Wonders of the World? No, but make sure you visit Tikal, as it has been classed as one of the alternative wonders of the world.

Guatemala Map

Plan a Trip to Guatemala

If you are planning a trip to Guatemala, here are some useful links to help you plan your trip including airlines that fly there, currency and events and festivals in the country.

Budget – £25 a day

Guatemala Facts

Capital – Guatemala City

Population – 16.58 million

Languages in Guatemala – Spanish. There are also many Mayan languages in Guatemala.

Guatemala Currency – Guatemalan quetzal

Do I need a visa? Not on a British passport

Vaccinations For Guatemala

Useful Info

Airlines to Guatemala

The Best Month to Visit Guatemala – December – April

Which Plug Do I Need?

UNESCO Sites in Guatemala

Events and Festivals in Guatemala

Guatemala Cost of Living

Guatemala Traditions and Guatemala Culture Facts

Guatemala’s Sacred Sites

Did you know? Lake Atitlán is the deepest lake in Central America, at approximately 340 meters.

Stay Eco

Situated in Semuc Champey, Utopia Eco Hotel looks over the Rio Cahabon. Made from Guatemalan materials 100% of all revenue goes into environmental and community programs. Choose camping on the riverfront, dormitory-style rooms or coffee cabanas. They offer Spanish lessons too.

Earth Lodge is an avocado farm just outside of Antigua Guatemala. This natural retreat is famous for its volcano views and friendly vibe. Stay in the dorm room, camp in a tent or in one of the magical treehouses with amazing views. The lodge in involved with the local community and fundraises for the local school.

Volunteering

When you are traveling to Guatemala you may want to volunteer with Casa Guatemala, a children’s village on the Rio Dulce. Help volunteer by teaching or looking after the children, playing sports or just helping with their homework. Find other volunteering experiences for solo travel in Guatemala through Go Overseas

Cultural experiences

Discover local artisans' work and Guatemalan culture, or take a Quetzaltenango craft tour and make a traditional purse or jewellery.

Local Projects

Guatemala has an absence of dental health within their culture. The introduction of the Western diet such as soft drinks and sugary sweets has created a number of health issues. Watch this video on the Guatemala Dental Awareness Project to find out more…

Hotel Backpackers and Restaurant on the Rio Dulce helps support the Casa Guatemala Orphanage and School. Each cent spent here helps care for and educate more than 250 children.

Issues in the country

Guatemala has a history of cheap migrant labour, one of the most unequal societies and malnutrition rates in the world. Four in ten children (43.4%) under five are chronically malnourished and nearly half of the population cannot afford the cost of basic food. Read more…

Mind Body & Soul

Villa Sumaya is located on Lake Atitlan in a beautiful, tranquil spot. They offer all types of retreats such as a transformational cacao retreat, awareness and soul-nourishing retreats and yoga and meditation retreats.

The Yoga Forest is situated in San Marcos and has such a stunning view. If you love yoga and vegetarian food this retreat is perfect. Choose from a Release and Manifest Retreat, or The Alchemy of Living, amongst others.

About The Author

This article was written by Rike Radunz. Born and bred in Berlin, Germany, Rike is now loving life in Scotland. She loves road trips with her favourite being through Morocco, as well as travelling to places with stunning and extreme scenery. Follow her Instagram at rike_rad.

Solo Travel in Guatemala