Guatemala is THE most underrated country. It ranks in my top 3 favorite countries of all time and is a MUST if traveling through Central America. This list includes all of the best activities, restaurants, beaches, and bars so you won't miss out on a thing.  

Guatemala

Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala

Lake Atitlán, Guatemala

Best of The Best: Guatemala 

I spent two months traveling around Guatemala so I've put together this list of all the best hostels and budget hotels to stay in! I give a few recommendations per tourist hot spot so you can choose the right fit for you. 

Flores, Guatemala

Where to Stay: Guatemala

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

Acatenango, Guatemala

El Paredon, Guatemala

Guatemala, 3 week itinerary 

Embark on a 16-day journey through Belize and Guatemala, where you’ll explore Belize’s coastal waters and lush rainforests before crossing into Guatemala. Discover the ancient temples of Tikal, experience the vibrant city of Antigua, and hike the stunning volcanoes. End your trip at Lake Atitlán, taking in the breathtaking views and local culture. This itinerary offers a blend of history, adventure, and natural beauty, with detailed recommendations to guide you through every step of your trip.

What you'll find inside


Guatemala City, Guatemala

San Juan La Laguna, Guatemala

Tikal National Park, Tikal, Guatemala

San Ignacio, Belize, Belize

Belize City, Belize

Belize

Volcán de Fuego, Guatemala

Rio Dulce, Guatemala

Flores, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Caye Caulker, Belize

Belize & Guatemala: 16 Day Itinerary

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

Honduras

Central America

Nicaragua

Panama

A Complete Backpacker's Guide to Central America.

Los Amigos Hostel

A hostel and a restaurant, and even a weekly boat party. One of the first-ever hostels in Guatemala - this is a bright and vibrant place but be prepared to party! They also have a lot of sitting areas and games you can play with AND a communal kitchen. You can book a lot of transportation and tours directly from here. They have private rooms, apartments, and dorms to choose from.

Flores/Peten - Guatemala

They have rooms to suit every budget from cheaper dorms or more upscale private rooms with AC. 

I loved my stay here, it was such a fun hostel, centrally located with a beautiful social courtyard for meeting other travellers and an overall great energy.  

Popular hostel with a huge restaurant menu. Lots of yummy options in a cool space. 

Los Amigos Hostel

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