Guatemala

When people ask me why I decided to go to Guatemala, the answer is honestly pretty simple. With limited PTO, I wanted somewhere relatively close that still felt completely different from home, while also being safe enough for solo female travelers. Guatemala checked every box and ended up being even more incredible than I expected.

Traveling solo is something I think everyone should experience at least once in their life. It pushes you outside of your comfort zone in the best way possible. You learn to navigate unfamiliar places on your own, meet people you never would have crossed paths with otherwise, and sometimes even find yourself trying to communicate in a language you are far from fluent in. Those moments usually end up becoming the most memorable part of the trip.

From the moment I arrived, everything felt so alive. Bright textiles hanging in markets, colorful buildings lining the streets, volcanoes towering in the background, and the smell of fresh food and coffee everywhere you walk. It’s one of those places that immediately pulls you in.

One thing I didn’t expect was how many other solo female travelers I’d meet along the way. Even when you plan a trip alone, you somehow end up finding people who are on similar journeys. I met Lyn from Virginia, who works in insurance at a dental clinic, Camila from Chile, who was traveling after getting out of a long term relationship, and Darcy from Florida, a professor whose work takes her all over the world. It was such a reminder of how travel connects people from completely different places, backgrounds, and stages of life.

What really stayed with me, though, was seeing how proud Guatemalans are of their culture. Everywhere you go, you see traditional clothing worn beautifully and confidently, and it never feels performative or touristy. It’s simply part of everyday life. The colors, craftsmanship, traditions, and sense of community are woven into everything around you.

Guatemalans are also some of the hardest working people I’ve ever seen. Driving through the countryside, you constantly see people out in the fields gathering produce by hand. Later, walking through local farmers markets, you see where all that hard work ends up. Everything looked incredibly fresh, from the vegetables to the flowers, and the smells throughout the market made the entire experience feel vibrant and real.

Antigua completely stole my heart. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city is filled with history, colonial architecture, old churches, and ruins. And yes, the cobblestone streets were somehow even rougher than the ones I experienced in Prague, but honestly, that’s part of what gives the city so much character. Every uneven street feels like it has a story behind it.

Lake Atitlán felt unreal in the best way possible. Surrounded by volcanoes and small villages, every part of the lake has its own personality and energy. It’s peaceful, beautiful, and calming all at once.

One thing I already know for sure is that I’ll absolutely be back. I only had a few days in Guatemala, so I couldn’t fit in the Acatenango and Fuego hike, which is a two day experience, but it’s officially at the top of my list for next time. Everyone I met talked about how incredible it was, and I already know Guatemala deserves a longer trip.

📍 Places I Visited

Antigua Guatemala (Old Town): The best way to experience Antigua is honestly just to walk it. The cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and tucked-away cafés make every turn feel like you’ve found something new.
Santa Catalina Arch: This bright yellow arch is one of the most recognizable spots in the city, and yes, it’s worth stopping for. Go early in the morning if you want a quieter moment and a clean photo without crowds.
Pacaya Volcano: If you’re up for an adventure, hiking this active volcano is a must. You’ll walk across lava fields and even make a pizza and roast marshmallows over hot vents, which feels just as wild as it sounds.
Convento Santa Clara: One of the most beautiful ruins in Antigua, with peaceful courtyards and old stone archways that make you feel like you’ve stepped into another century.
Tanque de la Unión: A perfect spot to sit and people watch while taking in the colorful buildings and volcano views surrounding Antigua.
Parque Central: The heart of Antigua, always full of locals, travelers, street vendors, and live music that gives the city so much energy.
San José Cathedral / Ruinas de la Antigua Cathedral: These connected sites offer a fascinating glimpse into Antigua’s history. Explore the impressive ruins that remain from the original cathedral, then step inside the restored section to experience a peaceful atmosphere that feels worlds away from the busy streets outside.
Municipalidad de Antigua: One of those buildings you naturally stop and admire while walking through the city because of its beautiful colonial architecture.
Iglesia de La Merced: One of Antigua’s most recognizable churches, known for its stunning yellow facade and detailed baroque architecture.
Rinconito Antigueño: One of my favorite places to stop for food, with a cozy atmosphere and authentic local dishes that felt homemade.
Mercado Central: This is sensory overload in the best way possible, packed with fresh produce, flowers, spices, handmade goods, and the nonstop energy of local life.
Cerro de la Cruz: A short uphill walk leads to one of the best views of the city, with volcanoes in the background. It’s especially beautiful around sunset when everything starts to glow.
Hobbitenango: A fun, slightly quirky spot with Hobbit-inspired structures and incredible views overlooking the valley. It’s a great place to relax, take photos, and just enjoy the scenery (LINK).
Lake Atitlán (Day Trip): About a few hours from Antigua, but absolutely worth the trip. Surrounded by volcanoes and dotted with small villages, it’s one of the most beautiful and peaceful places in Guatemala (LINK).
- San Juan: Felt quieter and more artistic, filled with local galleries, colorful murals, and small shops showcasing handmade crafts.
- San Pedro: Has a more lively backpacker atmosphere with cafés, bars, hiking opportunities, and incredible views of Lake Atitlán.
- Santiago: Gave a deeper cultural experience with its strong Indigenous traditions, local markets, and lakeside views.
Chocolate Making: Learn the rich history of cocoa and how it’s been used for centuries, then finished the experience by making my own chocolate from scratch (LINK).

🏨 Where I Stayed

Airbnb: – 4/5 ⭐️
- The Airbnb looked exactly like the photos, which was a relief. The location was a big highlight, just minutes from Central Park and surrounded by cafés, restaurants, and plenty of things to do. There is some noise at night from clubs across the street, but the hosts are upfront about it and even provide earplugs. After full days out exploring, I slept just fine with them. There was a small cleaning issue when I arrived, but it was quickly taken care of once I brought it up.

📝 Travel Tips

Wear Comfortable Shoes: The cobblestone streets in Antigua are no joke. They’re beautiful, but your ankles will definitely feel them after a full day of exploring.
Carry Small Bills: While many places do accept cards, the city still runs heavily on cash, so it’s best to carry small bills whenever possible.
Lake Atitlán: Expect boat rides between villages. They’re part of the experience and honestly one of the best ways to see the lake.
Wear Layers: Layers are your best friend in Guatemala. Mornings and evenings can feel surprisingly chilly, especially in Antigua, while afternoons warm up quickly.
Try Local Coffee: Guatemala is known for its coffee, and even small cafés serve some of the freshest cups you’ll ever have.
Early Mornings: Be prepared for early mornings if you plan excursions or volcano hikes. Many tours begin before sunrise.
Learn Basic Spanish Phrases: While many people in tourist areas speak some English, locals genuinely appreciate the effort.
Markets: This can feel overwhelming at first, but they’re absolutely worth exploring. Take your time, walk through every aisle, and soak in all the colors, smells, and energy.
Solo Travel: Guatemala felt very approachable, especially in places like Antigua, but like anywhere, stay aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts.
Dramamine: Keep some motion sickness medicine handy if you’re sensitive to winding mountain roads because some drives can be intense.
Don’t Rush: Some of the best parts of Antigua are found by simply wandering through side streets, discovering hidden cafés, and stumbling across live music or local events.
Treat Yourself to a Massage: Massages in Guatemala are incredibly affordable and a great way to recover after long hikes, or even a full day of walking on Antigua’s cobblestone streets. Just keep in mind that many local massage spots use curtained-off sections rather than private rooms, so the experience may offer less privacy than what you’re used to in the States.