Cities, volcanoes and R&R at the lake. If you only have a week, you can still experience Guatemala! Includes recommendations for:

- Where to stay, eat and play in Antigua
- The best volcano hikes + operators
- The most beautiful hotel on Lake Atitlan

Panajachel, Guatemala

Guatemala

Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala

Santiago Atitlán, Guatemala

Guatemala: One Week

3 week, Guatemala itinerary

This itinerary well take you from through a classic "backpacker" route. Crossing the bored from Mexico, through some of Guatemalas best, till you cross the bored into El Salvador. 

It aims towards backpackers, is budget friendly and promises to give you some of the best destinations and things to do while backpacking Guatemala.

I will list hostels I stayed at and recommend, tours I did with prices, activities and sites to see and my overall experience travelling through Guatemala

Lanqúin, Guatemala

Tikal, Guatemala

Semuc champey, Las Pozas, Guatemala

Lake Atitlán, Guatemala

Flores, Guatemala

Acatenango, Guatemala

El Paredon, Guatemala

Guatemala, 3 week itinerary 

Lets discover the magic of Antigua! This guide includes some general tips and spots, perhaps if you are planning a short trip, but principly this info is targetedwould be most valuable for those who have a bit more time to really get immersed in the life here. 

Fuego, Guatemala

Antigua, Guatemala

Welcome to Antigua, Guatemala! ✨ Get ready to slow down — quite literally with these cobblestones — and enjoy the friendly locals, sunny mornings, and beautiful sights. Whether you're a first-time visitor or returning to this quaint little town, I'm sharing all my favorite spots I've discovered during my 1.5 months here.

Antigua’s Must-Visit Spots: From Cocktails to Food and Wellness

Digital nomad life: My experience with Selinas around the world

Destinations:
Antigua and Lake Atitlán

I've included tips and recommendations for transportation around Antigua, places to eat & drink, places to remote work (with wifi speeds), places to shop, places to get health & beauty services, and places to explore. I've also included a few recommendations for Lake Atitlán as well. There are 68 recommendations included with an interactive map to help you plan your adventure.

These are mostly personal recommendations from my 1.5-month stay.

Updated June 2024

Antigua, Guatemala — Digital Nomad Travel Guide

My guide to backpacking Central America is finally here! This guide is based on hundreds of hours of research, my own 4 month long trip, and some extras that I wasn't able to get to but would still highly recommend based on reviews from trusted friends! This guide serves as an essential list of the best attractions in each country and what not to miss! The route in the guide is laid out North to South, starting in Belize and ending in Panama, but it can also be used in reverse. 

The guide includes information for how to get between locations; however not in great detail as the schedules and prices change frequently and let's be honest, the busses are never on time in Central America! The best way to get between places depends on your timeline and budget of your trip: if you have months to explore, take the local "chicken busses" for a more affordable and immersive experience; if you only have weeks, take the more direct shuttles; and if you're tight on time, take the more direct and upscale coaches. Whichever option you choose, the locals are always willing to help with chicken busses, and shuttle busses and coaches are very easy to book throughout Central America at your hostel, any tour operator, or online. 

Where possible, I included accommodation recommendations for places that I personally stayed at and can vouch for, or know someone who did. In addition, there are links for booking hostels in each region! 

I hope this guide provides some help and inspiration to backpack Central America, it's one of my absolute favourite places on Earth!

Need a custom trip planned for Central America? Reach out, I can help you!

Costa Rica

El Salvador

Belize

Honduras

Central America

Nicaragua

Panama

A Complete Backpacker's Guide to Central America.

Guatemala, a gem in Central America, invites travelers with its stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality. From the breathtaking ruins of ancient Mayan cities like Tikal to the vibrant markets of Chichicastenango, each corner of Guatemala tells a story steeped in history and tradition. The country is home to beautiful lakes, such as Lake Atitlán, and majestic volcanoes that offer both adventure and tranquility. Whether you're drawn by the allure of its stunning natural beauty, the vibrant colors of its textiles, or the delicious flavors of its cuisine, Guatemala promises an unforgettable journey that immerses you in the heart of its diverse and captivating culture.

Huehuetenango, Guatemala

Semuc Champey, Lanquín, Guatemala

Selina Antigua

While this is a hostel, it's also a great place to hang out and meet new people. They've got stuff going on almost every day—from morning yoga classes to Monday movie nights, hungover Sunday pool days, and happy hour DJ nights. The place itself it's big, with a luscious garden, ping pong, billiart, and even a spa.

Antigua is home to another Selina Hostel. Featuring a shared lounge and bar, Selina Antigua is centrally located, only a 3-minute walk from Santa Catalina Arch. It's super clean, modern, and has rooms to suit every budget. 

Beautiful hostel with lots of cummunity spaces and events, even if you're not staying there go to visit and see what they have going on during your stay.

Download: 45.19 Mbps; Upload: 45.46 Mbps. 

We came here to do some computer work and grab a drink. The wifi in the restaurant was pretty strong. 

Very good location right in the centre. Pretty garden with pool, delicious restaurant, lots of places to chill and very friendly staff. $$

Great location for those looking to hike the Fuego Volcan. 
They have a great 2 days hikking + massage that is definitely worth it. 

Selina Antigua

What people say

Mentioned in these guides

About Selina Antigua