Is Guatemala Worth Visiting?

YES – Guatemala is absolutely worth visiting! I lived in Guatemala for just over 3 months during the pandemic and had an amazing time exploring Antigua, getting to know the little towns around Lake Atitlan, and learning all about Mayan history at Tikal. Most Americans don’t seem to know that Guatemala is full of rich cultural experiences and natural beauty.

Safety in Guatemala

There are some safety considerations when traveling in Guatemala. While bad things can happen anywhere, I find that (1) staying on the well-traveled path, (2) not wearing flashy clothes, jewelry, or purses, (3) not staying out late/knowing how I’m going to get home, and (4) not doing drugs, all helped me have a very positive experience in Guatemala.

All robberies I heard of while I was in Guatemala occurred when folks were doing drugs in a rural area around Lake Atitlan. There were occasions where women were cat called in Antigua, but these all occurred outside of the city. There are plenty of hostels and hotels to stay in inside of Antigua that this should be avoidable.

When I arrived in Guatemala the first time, I coordinated with my hotel for a ride to Antigua. While not the cheapest option, this assures easy and safe transport to your hotel/hostel. Once in Antigua, I asked the hotels/hostels I stayed in about ubers, taxis, tuktuks, and pedi cabs when I got there to have the best information.

Now that we’ve established Guatemala is worth visiting, here’s a 10 day itinerary.

In just ten days, you can experience Guatemala’s colorful markets, ancient Mayan ruins, volcano hikes, and tranquil lakes. This itinerary is designed to give you a mix of adventure, cultural immersion, and relaxation, showcasing the best of Guatemala.

Day 1–3 (ish): Arrive in Guatemala City and Explore Antigua

Arrive in Guatemala City: Fly into La Aurora International Airport. Spend the night in Guatemala City (Zone 10) if you land late or head straight to Antigua (~1-hour drive).
Antigua Highlights: Wander cobblestone streets, visit the iconic Santa Catalina Arch, and explore the ruins of ancient churches like Iglesia de La Merced. Enjoy cocktails and meals in small local eateries around the city.

Day 3-4 (ish): Climb the Acatenango Volcano

I booked this directly through Somos Hostel (where I was staying). The operator will pick you up, take you to get gear (if you need any), and then you will start the hike up Acatenango to camp. The rental gear was not great, so if you know you want to do the hike and you have gear, bring it with you.
At camp we had an amazing view of the volcano Fuego, where we could see and hear the eruptions.
The guides wake you up very early the next morning for the uphill push to the summit of Acatenango.

Day 4-7 (ish): Lake Atitlán – Serenity and Local Culture

Day 3: Travel to Lake Atitlán: A scenic 2.5-hour drive brings you to one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. Stay in Panajachel or a more serene lakeside village like San Marcos or San Juan.
Day 4: Explore the Villages: Take the public lanchas to visit the lake’s unique villages. San Juan is known for its art cooperatives, San Pedro for its vibrant backpacker scene, and Santiago Atitlán for its rich Mayan culture.
Day 5: Outdoor Adventure: Hike Indian Nose for a sunrise view, go paddleboarding, or enjoy yoga in peaceful San Marcos.

Day 7–10 (ish): Tikal – Ancient Mayan Ruins

Day 9: Fly to Flores: Take a short domestic flight from Guatemala City to Flores, a charming island town on Lake Petén Itzá.
Day 10: Explore Tikal National Park: One of the most impressive Mayan archaeological sites, Tikal’s towering temples rise above the jungle canopy. Hire a guide to learn about the site’s fascinating history and watch for wildlife like toucans and howler monkeys.

Pack your sense of adventure and get ready to fall in love with this Central American gem!