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

Guatemala

Lanqúin, Guatemala

Tikal, Guatemala

Semuc champey, Las Pozas, Guatemala

Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala

Lake Atitlán, Guatemala

Flores, Guatemala

Acatenango, Guatemala

El Paredon, Guatemala

Guatemala, 3 week itinerary 

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. 

Where to Stay: Guatemala

An in order backpacking trip from north to south, starting in Belize and ending in the beautiful Bocas Del toro Panama. This guide is for the adventure traveler who wants to experience the beautiful waterfalls in Costa Rica to attending a treehouse rave in Nicaragua or cliff jumping into a volcanic lake in Guatemala. Each country has the most vibrant unique culture and this guide is perfectly curated to help you experience all that it has to offer.
Including:
•recommended hotels and hostels 
•the best nightlife
•highly rated local food recommendations 
•the most beautiful sights in each country

Backpacking Central America 

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 deserves a lot more recognition than it actually gets! From the amazing indigenous people to unspoilt landscapes unlike anywhere else in the world. Surfing along black sand beaches after hiking up an active volcan? Check! I'm sharing all my favorite places from the Pacific Coast to the Caribbean. 

Semuc Champey, Lanquín, Guatemala

Río Dulce, Guatemala

Soak up the Culture and Nature in Guatemala!

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

Zephyr Lodge

Zephyr Lodge is unlike anywhere I have ever stayed before. I heard stories from other friends who have been here and it sounded so unreal that I wanted to see for myself. It definitely lived up to the hype. 

Pro Tip: Zephyr Lodge books up fast, if you want to experience this particular hostel, make sure to reserve well in advance.  And don't miss taking in the views from the showers (you'll get it when you get there...)! 

Pretty much where every backpacker stays. Gorg views of the jungle with a nice pool and huge restaurant. They offer tours of Semuc Champey and river tubing. I'd pay a little more for the air conditioned rooms as I got attacked by mosquitos in the cheap rooms. 

If Greengo’s Hotel is already full I would stay here. It has a great vibe and a nice view. But you need a shuttle to get to Semuc Champey.

Zephyr Lodge

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