First Time in Guatemala

This place was wonderful to stay at because it was a little outside of the hustle and bustle of town. It is located on a quieter street and the place is gorgeous. There is a pool to lounge in which is the best part, especially if you decide to hike one of the volcanoes and want a relaxation day. There are hammocks, a communal lounge area and the beds are some of the most comfortable I stayed at. Tip: most of the hotels and hostels don't have A/C in Antigua because it is normally not that hot but I was there when it was unseasonable hot and so lightweight sleep clothes is best just in case.

This place is located in the heart of the town and makes it easier to get to all the attractions and restaurants. I enjoyed staying here because the hostel has a beautiful communal area including, a kitchen, lounge area, and outdoor seating where they have a bar. There is even a game room and hammocks that lie within a mini garden. The hostel lists activities that happen within the hostel throughout the week, including a free salsa dancing class night. It is easy to hang out with others if you are looking to socialize or to hang out in one of the many rooms for more seclusion. Tip: Antigua is typical not too hot but sometimes as it approaches rainy season the rooms will get warm and some hostels have fans but there is no A/C. Lightweight sleep clothes would be a good idea.

This company is great for exploring the volcanoes. They have a few options depending on how adventurous and up for a challenge you feel like. I did the Double Whammy which included hiking Acatenango and Fuego volcano. The company provides gear including clothes, packs, and camp items if you don't want to travel with any of those things. Snacks and water are up to you, but the company will provide meals. The experience was amazing. The huts for sleeping at night are clean, sturdy, and comfortable enough for a night of sleep before waking up early. The views from the campsite are amazing -- Fuego Volcano can be seen from camp and if you are lucky you can watch it erupt throughout the night. The hike is no easy thing. They take breaks throughout the day and stop for lunch for a decent amount of time. It is hard work and there is little shade for part of the day. It is without a doubt worth it, but it will be hard work. The guides do a great job of keeping everyone together and checking in. If you are not an avid hiker I would recommend just doing Acatenango. Fuego is cool but if it is cloudy on the day you arrive it is not worth the venture. The summit is the hardest part of Acatenango and there will be a crowd of people, but the view is one of a kind. Tip: For elevation sickness electrolytes, sugary candy, and fruit is helpful in keeping salt and sugar levels high from all the sweating you will be doing.

This company is great for exploring the volcanoes. They have a few options depending on how adventurous and up for a challenge you feel like. I did the Double Whammy which included hiking Acatenango and Fuego volcano. The company provides gear including clothes, packs, and camp items if you don't want to travel with any of those things. Snacks and water are up to you, but the company will provide meals. The experience was amazing. The huts for sleeping at night are clean, sturdy, and comfortable enough for a night of sleep before waking up early. The views from the campsite are amazing -- Fuego Volcano can be seen from camp and if you are lucky you can watch it erupt throughout the night. The hike is no easy thing. They take breaks throughout the day and stop for lunch for a decent amount of time. It is hard work and there is little shade for part of the day. It is without a doubt worth it, but it will be hard work. The guides do a great job of keeping everyone together and checking in. If you are not an avid hiker I would recommend just doing Acatenango. Fuego is cool but if it is cloudy on the day you arrive it is not worth the venture. The summit is the hardest part of Acatenango and there will be a crowd of people, but the view is one of a kind. Tip: For elevation sickness electrolytes, sugary candy, and fruit is helpful in keeping salt and sugar levels high from all the sweating you will be doing.

This beer garden is a great place to go grab some food and walk down a beautiful path of plants and flowers. There are some shops mixed in with the greenery. There is a pizza place that is separate from the beer garden next to it that was delicious. The beer garden has live music during certain days of the week. There are fire pits back there to stay warm at night.

When you look on google maps the interior looks different -- they have undergone a remodel and the images attached to this recommendation is what it now looks like. It is incredibly beautiful with its earthy pinks and oranges. I went for dinner and it was great food. The atmosphere is relaxing and chic. Great for an intimate night with your partner or out with friends. Definitely a nicer place among some of the more casual restaurants in the area.

Casual walk/hike to go see an overlook of the city of Antigua!

Kind of a hidden gem in the area. The forest area surrounding the city has great opportunities to see birds, nature, flowers, and hike in a beautiful area. There are multiple trails to go along. Spend as much or as little time you want in here.

Great tucked away cafe for an afternoon pick me up or a morning coffee before the day starts. Super cute place.

This was outside of my budget for this trip but this place includes spa treatments which looked amazing to me. It is within the city limit still allowing for easy access to walking around town.

This place has a spa and restaurant attached to the accomodations making it a nice place to relax and enjoy a slower pace without having to roam around too much.

If you are looking for a luxury camp option that was created by the Santo Cielo hotel I have also attached this is a great option. There is a camper and cabin options with all the amenties. The location is closer to the forest and on the outside edge of the city. It is great for a serene and more isolated experience away from the crowds at night.

Great coffee place and cafe near Casi Casa and on the edge of town. Beautiful vibes to hang around and lounge at this place.

Great sunny place for a bite of food. Yummy men, you can't go wrong with anything you order.

A great place with a lot of fresh options. I went here after getting back from hiking the volcanoes overnight and it hit the spot.

One of my favorite places I ate while traveling here. They had a sample platter of all the traditional options and there was nothing bad on the menu. Highly recommend if you want to try some traditional Guatemalan food.

Great place for breakfast and coffee. Because I couldn't trust every place with iced coffee this place was amazing to find. They have filtered water and signs letting the customers know it is safe which was really nice. Fresh breakfast options and a cute top patio to sit on.

A great hostel option for anyone looking to relax and hang out. This place has mostly young people here but the accomodations make it easy to have some private space. There are yurts or huts to stay in. Both are great options. The place has free paddle boards to use while you are there and since this section of the island doesnt have a grocery store or too many businesses the hostel has breakfast, lunch, and dinner available on site. The dinner is family style and you will sit with the other guests staying. There are activities from hiking to yoga and beer pong competitions to sign up for and participate in on location. The best part of the hostel is they do offer day trips to other cities on the lake with activities involved for a set price. Loved staying here!

This place is lovely and I enjoyed some live music here. The accommodations on the property were very nice and the lounging communal area was enjoyable and open to the public if you were at the bar or grabbing food.

If you are looking for a spontaneous activity and want to get a tattoo while traveling this was a great place. Everyone in Pana knows the guy who manages the store and does a great job.

Didn't have enough time on the lake to visit every city but this was the hotel I had looked at for San Marcos. It looked beautiful and close to the water to enjoy the nature.

A gem of a coffee place in this section of town.

A tranquil and naturally decorated place to stay and enjoy San Marcos.

A great place to enjoy the "hippie haven" lifestyle on this section of the island.

A nice place along the water to grab some food and soak up some sun.

A great choice for a vegan food option.

Mayan honey bee farm with products to buy, and an informational tour to look at all the kinds of bees they have. They even have honey wine! It was a cool experience.

A weaving coop where you can take a tour of how they go through the whole process and support the locals by buying their items.

Another great option to check out a women's weaving coop and take a tour.

Greta place to get a tour of how they make chocolate and to buy locally made.

Great sunrise hike option

A great hike that overlooks the lake. Can be accessed by a trail. Bring plenty of water and get excited for the views! Check the weather ahead of time to make sure it is a clear day.

Take a cooking class while you're here and learn how to make the local cuisine!

Greta option to learn more about the culture.

One of my favorites was to check out all the textiles here.

Learn about Mayan beliefs.

Wonderful place to check out. Could spend hours here.

Best place for fresh food and snacks.

Traditional Mayan food and its so good.

Traditional Mayan food!

Great coffee place.

Great option for Zone 1.