All you need to know before coming to Guatemala! Save yourself a week by skipping the research and enjoying this breathtaking country with the help of this guide.
March marks the end of the dry season, so the land looks tired and everyone is waiting for the rain to come. In my opinion, the best time for a visit is right after the rainy season has finished, and nature is at its most alive phase. But of course, it doesn't matter how green the grass is if you want to see a volcano eruption with your own eyes!
There is not much to see in the city. I skipped it and went straight from the airport to Antigua. It is also not safe and you need to know districts that are safe to visit
A great museum just minutes from the airport. If you have extra time before a flight (or can build in an extra hour or two into your plans) it’s a great spot to visit.
Not huge, but well done and offers stunning examples of ancient carvings, artifacts, and art including beautiful murals and more recent modern folklore, clothing, and more. Some interpretative signs are in English & Spanish
The National Palace of Culture today is part museum and part government office. The entry fee to the museum is Q40 per person. Tourists are only allowed to enter as part of tours
I booked a tour with this company and it was very pleasant experience! They gave us all warm clothes with no extra fee, they cooked lunch for us dinner and breakfast. All we had to carry up is our warm clothes, 3-4 litters of water (I think its a good idea to buy water with electrolytes), snacks and lunch. You can. also hire a person who will carry your bag all the way up. The price was 500q and + 200q to go closer to Fuego(4-5 hours more). Hike up was not so heavy, but not easy too. Check my highlight "Fuego" to learn more details (link to my inst in the end of the guide)
Kind of a hidden gem. There's a swimming pool at the entrance, and as you continue a jungle unveils itself. All sorts of plants, birds and animals. Super lovely. If you LOVE hummingbirds and Colibris, then this is the place for you, since there's a feeding station and tens of hummingbirds come to eat
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Love this hike, as you walk through the town and have a little physical activity to prepare for Fuego hike. And on the top of the hill you have restaurants as a reward for your morning effort
My favorite spot is in this small town. It has something I love so much. The restaurant is gorgeous and has the best views. The food is great and well-priced. Make sure to order champurradas to dip in your coffee!
I like their Chapin Breakfast, but everything I've tried looks great. Your breakfast comes with a small fresh juice, so don't order it separately unless you want extra😂
After eating, take a walk around their gardens. You can also explore the town and spend some time there; the people are super nice. You could also go to Vertigo; they have a giant swing!
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Lake Atitlan
This place is magical. I love that they use boats to transfer between villages. The prices are fixed from 15q to 25q one way. Lake offers amazing view to volcanos and many beautiful stay options.
❗️Prepare cash, those villages mostly don't accept cards. And cash exchange rates are really bad here
Every village has a ferry, just enter "Ferry" in google maps. Payment in cash after the transfer
Panajachel
To get to Lake Atitlan, first you come to that village and than you take a boat to get to the village you wanna stay longer
village of fairs and wizards - my favourite one. It is small - just one curve street, but offers many different magical activities. Such as yoga, cacao ceremony, festivals with taro reading, chakras and all this stuff, woman circles, new moon ceremonies, many beautiful jewelry stores, magical shop with mushrooms and crystals, bars with family jams, hidden gardens and faboulous view on the volcanos
Where to stay?
Many beautiful options, book in advance. Place is very small and very popular
A lovely spot to relax to enjoy Lake Atitlán. Entrance fee 20q. I would recommend talking a walk around the reserve before picking a spot to swim. You can also jump off the 12m platform
San Pedro biggest village with art, hot springs, hidden gardens, hiking trails. Very nice place for a day walk, to get lost in a narrow streets, visit hidden places and spend a good time
This town has two main streets with many souvenir shops and galleries on the way. Those streets decorated with umbrellas and some other colorful decorations
Xocolatl San Juan la Laguna | Chocolates Artesanales | Productos de Belleza
Surf and Parties! Enjoy the nature and slow lifestyle
Flores
Flores is a town in Guatemala’s northern Petén region. It’s on an island on Lake Petén Itzá, linked by a causeway to the town of Santa Elena. Flores is known as a gateway to nearby Mayan ruins. These include the national parks of Yaxha-Nakum-Naranjo, with its migratory birds, and Tikal, with its towering temples. In Flores, the twin-domed Nuestra Señora de los Remedios cathedral overlooks Parque Central square
Hi! I'm Natalie! I am a long years traveler with broad experience.
🌵My favourite destinations:
- Bali
- Costa Rica
- Mexico
- Guatemala
- Georgia
- Thailand
- Turkey & many more
I am a digital nomad. The last couple of years I spent traveling in Asia, East, and South America. I am living on trips, and I love to make every country and town my home - meeting new people and keeping my routine.
👨🏼🎨 My hobbies and interests:
- Yoga
- Hiking
- Road trips
- Tennis (both big and small)
- Climbing
- Biking
- Visiting bookstores
- Modern art
- Meetups for Startup Founder and iOS developers
- Spa and all beauty things
- Gym
- Cooking
All itinerary guides I share with you are based on my personal experiences and a true reflection of my passions and active lifestyle. I've personally visited or planned to visit each place and would recommend them to my friends and family. I'm thrilled to share all of my travel knowledge with you!
