Guatemala backpacking route🇬🇹

Welcome to Guatemala! I took a shuttle from Belize city through to Flores in Guatemala - you can book this via Bookaway or Get Your Guide. The whole journey took around 7 hours (including immigration!)

Today I’d recommend spending heading to Tikal - sunrise tours are the most popular to make the most of the day. You can book tours online, via a travel shop in Tikal or through your accommodation.

If Tikal isn’t for you - then I’d recommend heading to Jorge’s rope swing. This is the perfect place to swim!

Today you want to head to Lanquin/Semuc Champey. I would recommend staying at Zephyr Lodge in Lanquin, this is the most beautiful hostel EVER! However Greengo’s hostel is within walking distance to Semuc Champey. Book Zephyr here - https://hostelworld.tpx.lt/BwaYm1h9

Zephyr Lodge do a day trip to Semuc Champey which is so much fun - you climb through caves holding a candle as light, and then enjoy the little pools. You can then enjoy the sunset back at Zephyr Lodge.

I booked a shuttle from Zephyr Lodge to Antigua through my hostel. Antigua is one of my favourite cities in Latin America, probably in the world. The whole city is a UNESCO area and every street is beautiful.

There is SO much to do in Antigua - I keep going back time and time again. Here’s a couple suggestions of how to fill a day there

Rise and shine - it’s Acatenango time! I did the volcano hike with Tropicana and can’t recommend them enough. The hike is tough but it is do-able and you’re rewarded with incredible volcano views at the top. This is an overnight hike - if you’re short on time you could opt to hike Pacaya instead.

I’d recommend doing a walking tour of Antigua this day too (if your legs aren’t too sore). You can book them through Guru walk, they are free but it’s heavily suggested to tip.

Take a shuttle through to Lake Atitlan. I recommend starting in San Pedro. I did a two week spanish school here (the school tagged is the one I did) and was living with a local family so I don’t have any recommendations of where to stay here. San Pedro is the biggest town on the lake and there’s lots of good foodie spots here!

Start your day by renting paddle boards on the lake! In the afternoon head over to San Juan (you can tuktuk here from San Pedro)

Rostro Maya/Indian Nose is a popular hike for sunrise on the lake. You can book this through multiple different providers in San Pedro and you’ll get picked up about 4am.

In the afternoon take a lancha over to Santa Cruz and stay at Free Cerveza!

Free Cerveza is a destination hostel - with their own dock, paddle boards and family dinner, not to mention the free beer you definitely want to spend at least a full day here! I recommend using this as your main base on the lake

Another day to enjoy the lake at Free Cerveza!

Move to Panajachel today - another hub on the lake!

Have your breakfast and morning coffee at the little spoon then catch an afternoon shuttle through to El Paredon! Check in to Cocori lodge - right on the beach.

Spend a day by the pool, chilling and enjoying the sunshine in El Paredon. I recommend heading to la patisserie for a coffee and pastry

Last day! You can get a shuttle from here through to El Salvador if you’re carrying on your trip or head back to Guatemala city to catch a flight.