Guatemala as a Digital Nomad

In Guatemala, every day is a new adventure. Picture yourself working from a cozy café in the colonial city of Antigua, surrounded by cobblestone streets and colorful facades. On weekends, you could be hiking up active volcanoes, exploring chaotic local markets, or diving into crystal-clear waters. The country’s diverse landscapes—from rain forests and serene lakes to rugged mountains and black beaches—offer endless opportunities for exploration and inspiration. This guide is a 1-month itinerary for digital nomads, taking you from Xela, to Lake Atitlán, to El Paredón, and Antigua where you can hike the volcano Acatenango, then pursue your journey north to Semuc Champey and Flores. I did this trip in May 2023 and would recommend it to everyone. Just an insight in how I build this guide. It is based on my experience, I was traveling with my partner. We were working from Monday to Thursday and would travel in the weekends. I will add the following sign 🏠, to the places we stayed but I will also add a cheaper option and a more expensive option, that I found either on hostelworld, booking.com or Airbnb with good reviews. Legend: ❤️- Highly recommend (the more hearts the more I loved it) 🏠 - The places I stayed 💻 - Restaurant you can work from 💵= Budget 💵💵 Mid-Budget 💵💵💵High Budget If you have any question do not hesitate to book a consultancy or send me a DM through instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anywherewithanea/ Also, if you book through the links I added I will earn some commission this will not add costs to you but will give me some extra earnings. Thank you in advance and I hope you will enjoy Guatemala as much as I did.

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Facts Sheet:

🌎Geography & localization:

Guatemala is located in Central America, bordered by Mexico to the north and west, Belize to the northeast, Honduras to the east, and El Salvador to the southeast. Major cities include Guatemala City (the capital), Quetzaltenango (Xela), and Antigua.

Climate and Best Time to Visit:

Guatemala has a tropical climate with regional variations. The highlands, including places like Xela and Antigua, have a cooler climate year-round, while coastal and lowland areas, such as El Paredon and Flores, are warmer and more humid. The dry season, from November to April, is the best time to visit, especially for outdoor activities and exploring.

Languages:

Spanish is the official language of Guatemala, however several Mayan languages are spoken, particularly in rural areas. These include K'iche', Q'eqchi', and Kaqchikel among others.

Currency:

The Guatemalan Quetzal (GTQ)

Internet Connection:

In Guatemala, staying connected while on the go is easy. Most hostels, Airbnbs, and hotels offer reliable internet connections, making it convenient to work remotely from various locations.

Weather:

1 Month Itinerary

The Local Way: Boarder crossing from San Cristobal to Xela

Step 1: Colectivo from San Cristóbal to Comitán for $60 pesos ($3 USD).

Step 2: From Comitán, take another colectivo to Cuauhtémoc for $50 pesos ($2.50 USD).

Step 3: In Cuauhtémoc, take a (colectivo) taxi to the official border crossing for approximately $10 pesos ($0.50 USD).

Step 4: Walk across to the Guatemalan border town of La Mesilla.

Important information:

- You have to fill in a form online before crossing the boarder

- You will have to pay $30 to leave Mexico

Step 5: From La Mesilla, you can take a chicken bus to Quetzaltenango (Xela) for Q40 ($5.70 USD).

Quetzaltenango (Xela) / 2-3 nights

Quetzaltenango, or the shorter and easier way to call it Xela, is Guatemala's second-largest city and lesser-known for tourists. Xela offers a mix of Mayan culture and colonial architecture. With vibrant markets, historic sites, and stunning natural surroundings, it's perfect for an authentic Guatemalan experience off the beaten path.

Where to Stay:

Budget: 🏠

Kasa Kiwi Hostel & Travel