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Guatemala Travel Guide: Volcanoes, Surf, and Ancient Wonders
- Hisham Ibrahim
- Feb 3
- 11 min read
Updated: Feb 10
After an incredible adventure in Belize, we continued our journey into Guatemala, a country filled with breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. This part of the trip was a perfect contrast to the island vibes of Caye Caulker, offering towering volcanoes, cultural towns, lush jungles, and ancient Mayan ruins.
In this blog, I’ll share our detailed Guatemala itinerary, including the best places to visit, where to stay, and how to navigate the country. From the charming streets of Antigua to the serene beauty of Lake Atitlán, the awe-inspiring ruins of Tikal, and even the surf town of El Paredón, this adventure had it all! Be sure to check out my article about Belize if you want to add it to your itinerary.
Table of Contents
Guatemala & Belize Travel Map
To help visualize our journey, I’ve included a map highlighting all the incredible places we visited across Guatemala and Belize. This map serves as a guide for anyone planning a similar adventure and a reference of all the places I refer in my article.
I won’t be adding specific dates to the map since we completed everything in a quick two weeks, but you can easily extend your stay in each city to take in more of what they have to offer. You can also use the route we took as a reference for the most efficient way to travel between these destinations.
Facts about Guatemala
The locals primarily speak Spanish and Mayan.
They only accept GTQ (Guatemalan Quetzal) as cash; Belizean or USD currency won’t work.
There aren’t many ATMs, and the best exchange rates for USD to GTQ are at banks, which only accept $50 and $100 bills.
The main mode of transportation is the Tuk Tuk.
Always bargain; the first price is often double what they are willing to accept.
Don’t rent a car, Google Maps is unreliable, and the best way to travel between cities is via shuttle vans.
Flores / Tikal
Tikal is one of the most impressive Mayan archaeological sites in the world, hidden deep in the Guatemalan jungle.
How to get there
To get there, we took a 4 - 6 hour bus from the Belize Water Taxi port. The cheapest way to book is through through this link
Bus from Belize to Flores : 20 USD / person
Keep in mind you will be crossing the Belize-Guatemala border, so ensure you have your passport and visa documents in order.
You can also reach Flores/Tikal from Guatemala City, or even by plane, which costs around $125 USD if you don’t have checked luggage.
Where to Stay
I highly recommend Los Amigos Hostel, one of the most aesthetically pleasing, jungle-themed hostels I’ve seen. I won’t spoil it with pictures here, but it was truly an awe-inspiring experience. While room and restaurant prices at the hostel are on the higher end, you definitely get your money’s worth.
Accommodation cost : 22 USD /Person /Night
Booking the Tikal Tour
Upon arrival, we checked in and reserved our Tikal tour directly through the hostel for the next day.
TIP: You may read that the 3 AM sunrise tour or even the sunset tour is the best, but the locals recommended the 4 AM tour instead, specially if it's cloudy. You will still be able to hear the jungle come alive at dawn without paying the extra early entrance fee. The jungle gets extremely hot and humid, so bring light clothing and bug spray.
Tikal trip cost : 20 USD / Person (4 am departure)
The tour lasts until around 1-2 PM. Since there isn’t much more to do in Flores, I recommend taking the 12-hour night shuttle to Antigua to maximize your time. Before leaving, grab some delicious tacos from one of the local restaurants.
Shuttle to Antigua
Try to reserve the shuttle at least a week in advance, as they fill up quickly. Choose one with reclining seats to sleep comfortably. Be aware that it will be cold on the bus, so bring a jacket.
TIP: Don’t look outside during the drive—it’s a winding mountain road, and the drivers go fast. You don’t want to spend the entire night stressing, as I did!
Overnight Bus from Flores to Antigua : 60 USD / person
Antigua
Antigua is a beautifully preserved colonial city surrounded by volcanoes. With its cobblestone streets, colorful facades, and vibrant markets, it quickly became one of our favorite spots. The city is packed with history, great restaurants, and lively nightlife.
Where to Stay
You should arrive between 5-6 AM if you took the night shuttle. Drop your bags off at your accommodation. We recommend Tropicana Hostel, a budget-friendly option where many travelers stay before hiking Acatenango.
Accommodation cost : 11USD /Person /Night
Cerro de la Cruz
After storing your bags, Cerro de la Cruz should be your first stop. Go there early in the morning before the crowds arrive, only locals will be around, setting up their shops. It’s a short hike, perfect for getting acclimated to Antigua’s 1,500m altitude and warming up for Acatenango the next day. You’ll see the majestic Agua Volcano, and if you’re lucky with the clouds, you might even spot Fuego’s dark smoke.
Breakfast
After the morning hike, Fernando’s Kaffee is the perfect spot to recharge with a local meal. You might even see cats wandering around. This place is also a coffee shop, referred to as “the drug” by locals. Talk to the friendly owner, and he’ll recommend coffee beans that help with altitude sickness before your Acatenango summit.
Exploring Antigua
Antigua gets busier as the day progresses, especially at sunset. I recommend:
Wandering through the charming streets
Visiting souvenir shops
Trying street food
Exploring the cathedral
But most importantly: getting some rest!
Fun Fact: We walked more miles exploring Antigua in a day than during our two-day Acatenango hike!
Acatenango Hike
Of course the highlight of this article and the trip is the Active volcano overnight hike. Book your tour guide agency at least a month before since the last thing you want is to not have a place! And yes we saw many people try to reserve the same day but couldn’t get any agency. I would recommend highly to take either Tropicana hostel if you are sleeping threre or V-hiking. Both have the same price and offers the same lodging type at base camp and food quality. I wrote a separate article on it since it deserve one (TBD).
Acatenango overnight hike (extra el Fuego) : 100 USD / Person
The next destination would be Lake Atitlan, both tours offers around 23$ a shuttle once you return from the hike to go there. Take it since you would be exhausted anyway.
Bus from Antigua to Lake Atitlan (Panajachel) : 23 USD /Person
Lake Atitlán
Lake Atitlán is often described as one of the most beautiful lakes in the world, and after visiting, we completely agree. Surrounded by volcanoes and dotted with charming villages, the lake offers a peaceful escape. Each village has its own unique vibe, while we only visited two to three towns, you could spend an entire week there jumping between the villages.
San Pedro La Laguna
The shuttle will drop you at Panajachel, and from there, you can take a boat to San Pedro. Don’t let anyone fool you with the price: 25 GTQ per person is standard for every boat ride around Lake Atitlán.
In San Pedro, we stayed at Amigos Hostel, which was next to another hostel that felt more like a frat/party house, Mr Mullets. Our hostel was calmer, and while breakfast was included, the portions were small. However, the rooftop view was amazing.
Accommodation cost : 18 USD /Person /Night
Tip: Instead of eating in the expensive restaurant at the waterfront, go walk in the city and try the many street food !
Casa Del Mundo
Casa Del Mundo felt like a hidden paradise and was a much-needed reward after an exhausting trip. Perched on a cliffside overlooking the shimmering blue waters of Lake Atitlán, this hotel offers a tranquil retreat surrounded by nature. From the moment we arrived, we were captivated by its charming stone pathways, lush gardens, and breathtaking panoramic views.
This stay was more than just accommodation—it was an experience in itself, offering a perfect balance of relaxation and adventure. We stayed for a night, but you can also get a one-day pass for 50 GTQ. Every moment here, from sunset to sunrise, was an experience in itself :
Breakfast and/or lunch with views of Atitlán & San Pedro Volcanoes
Hot tub powered by a wood fireplace after sunset
Swimming in the lake
Steam room at your service
Sunrise from your own room
This place has it all : make sure to book in advance!
Accommodation cost : 70 USD /Room /Night
San Juan
We walked to San Juan La Laguna from San Pedro, a peaceful, culturally rich town known for its authentic Mayan heritage and vibrant artisan community. Unlike the more touristy San Pedro, San Juan has a quieter, more traditional feel, with fewer backpackers and more locally owned businesses.
Here, we admired the beautiful street art, which tells stories of Mayan traditions and local legends. We also took part in coffee, cacao, and honey tours, learning about traditional production methods directly from the artisans. The town is also home to many cooperatives, where you can buy handmade textiles, paintings, and organic products. Of course, we couldn’t leave without taking a picture at the scenic port, where the lake’s blue waters contrast perfectly with the surrounding green hills.
Tip: You can definitely walk from San Pedro to San Juan, but avoid doing it at night. The road is dark, and it gets dangerous with the tuk-tuks driving too fast for pedestrians to react in time.
Indian Nose Hike
One of the best sunrise hikes around Lake Atitlán is Indian Nose. The viewpoint offers an incredible panoramic view of the lake and its surrounding volcanoes. We booked a tour for 4 AM, and after a short but steep hike, we reached the summit just in time to see the sunrise illuminate the lake. The experience was breathtaking and well worth the early wake-up call. Plus, you get greeted at the summit with hot chocolate, coffee and biscuits!
Indian Nose hike cost : 10 USD / Person
Wakeboarding on the Lake
For adventure seekers, wakeboarding on Lake Atitlán is a must! The lake's calm waters and stunning backdrop make it an unforgettable experience. Several operators in San Pedro offer wakeboarding lessons and rentals.
Wake board cost : 55 USD / Hour
Chichicastenango Market
Chichicastenango Market, often referred to as "Chichi Market," is one of the most vibrant and colorful markets in Central America. Nestled in the highlands of Guatemala, this market is a cultural hub where locals and travelers alike gather to experience the rich traditions of the region.
Open only on Thursdays and Sundays, it transforms the town into a bustling maze of stalls filled with handcrafted textiles, intricately woven fabrics, wooden carvings, ceramics, and fresh produce. The market is also an excellent place to witness Mayan culture firsthand, as many indigenous vendors wear their traditional attire and sell handmade goods that have been passed down through generations.
Unfortunately, we weren't able to go, but if you do let me know in the comment how did you find your experience !
El Paredón
El Paredón is Guatemala’s top surf destination, known for its laid-back beach town actmosphere, consistent waves, and stunning black sand beaches. It was the perfect way to wrap up our trip. Spending lazy afternoons by the ocean, taking surf lessons, and indulging in fresh seafood. The sunsets here were nothing short of breathtaking, painting the sky with fiery hues as the waves rolled in.
How to get there
We took a shuttle directly from San Pedro instead of Panajachel, as we were already staying there. The journey took around three hours with no transfers, but as we dropped in altitude, the rising temperature made the ride quite uncomfortable.
Bus from Lake Atitlan (San Pedro) to El Paredón: 20 USD /Person
Accommodation
We stayed at Caracola Boutique Hostel, a cozy and relaxed place popular among remote workers. The atmosphere was peaceful, and the on-site kitchen was excellent. One of the perks of staying here was having full access to its sister hostel, Cori Cori, where we could dine at their restaurant or take a dip in their large swimming pool. For those looking for a more social and party-friendly experience, Driftwood Hostel was the go-to spot, hosting various evening activities that were open to everyone, even if you weren’t staying there.
Accommodation cost : 22 USD /Person /Night
Surfing in El Paredón
Whether you're an experienced surfer or a complete beginner, El Paredón offers great waves for all skill levels. Surfboards can be rented for as little as 100 QTZ (13 USD) per day, and lessons are available for those looking to improve their skills. The water is warm year-round, making the experience even more enjoyable. However, be prepared, waves can reach 1 to 1.5 meters and break quickly, depending on the time of day.
Tip: Bring sandals! The black sand gets scorching hot by midday.
Night time
As sunset approaches, head towards the beach near the Driftwood hostel, where both locals and travelers gather for friendly beach volleyball matches. It’s a great way to meet people and soak in the relaxed, welcoming vibe of the town.
After the sunset, Driftwood usually offers an all-you-can-eat dinner for $9 USD per person. Then, around 8 PM, they kick off group activities, followed by an after-party spread across multiple bars in the small town.
Tip: Don't miss their trivia night ! and learn how to Chug a beer
Talking with fellow travelers, we quickly realized that many people come to El Paredón planning to stay for just a few days, only to extend their visit for weeks—or even months. While there isn’t a long list of activities, the town's effortless charm and inexpensive luxuries make it hard to leave!
Exploring More of Guatemala
While we covered many highlights, Guatemala has so much more to offer. If you have extra time, consider exploring these lesser-known but equally fascinating destinations:
Lanquin & Semuc Champey – A remote jungle paradise, Lanquin is the gateway to the stunning turquoise pools of Semuc Champey. This hidden gem offers cave exploration, river tubing, and breathtaking viewpoints, making it an adventurous stop for nature lovers.
San Marcos La Laguna – Known for its spiritual and wellness retreats, San Marcos is the go-to place for yoga, meditation, and holistic healing. Its serene atmosphere and lush scenery make it a favorite for those seeking relaxation.
Santa Cruz La Laguna – The most secluded village on Lake Atitlán, Santa Cruz offers a peaceful escape with stunning lakeside views, kayaking, and scenic hikes. Perfect for travelers looking to disconnect and relax in nature.
Quetzaltenango (Xela) – Guatemala’s second-largest city, Xela is a cultural and adventure hub. Known for its Spanish schools, nearby volcano hikes, and natural hot springs, it's perfect for travelers wanting an off-the-beaten-path experience.
Budget
Category | Budget |
Transport (boat, shuttle, tuktuk) | 125 $ |
Food | 250 $ |
Activity | 180 $ |
Accommodation (7 nights) | 136 $ |
Total | 700 $ / 10 days / Person |
Conclusion
Our journey through Guatemala was nothing short of unforgettable. From the awe-inspiring ruins of Tikal to the colonial charm of Antigua, the breathtaking landscapes of Lake Atitlán, and the laid-back surf vibes of El Paredón, every destination had something unique to offer. Whether it was hiking active volcanoes, wandering through colorful markets, or simply soaking in the natural beauty, Guatemala proved to be an adventure lover’s paradise.
This trip was the perfect contrast to our time in Belize, blending cultural experiences, outdoor adventures, and moments of pure relaxation. If you're planning a visit, I highly recommend allowing yourself enough time to explore at a comfortable pace—there's so much to see, and you'll likely find yourself wanting to stay longer than expected.
If you’ve been to Guatemala or are planning to go, I’d love to hear about your experiences! Drop a comment below or reach out with any questions. Happy travels!
Best article for a trip to guatemala I've seen!