Ultimate Guide to Guatemala

The Basics:

Currency: Quetzales (which are currently about 0.11 of a US Dollar). It's best to get cash exchange at the airport when you land as Cash is King in Guatemala. Calculate approximately how much you expect to spend on tours, food, transport and souvenirs for this total.

Language: Spanish and 23 Mayan dialects are the official languages of Guatemala. Though many people, particularly those who work in tourism or the service industry may speak a little English, is it uncommon to meet a lot of people who speak English fluently. Brush up on your Spanish skills if you plan on heading here.

Top locations:

Antigua - A colonial gem surrounded by volcanoes, Antigua enchants with its cobblestone streets, vibrant markets, and crumbling ruins. Whether you're sipping coffee grown on nearby slopes or exploring pastel-colored baroque churches, this UNESCO World Heritage city blends old-world charm with modern adventure.

Lake Atitlan - Surrounded by dramatic volcanoes and dotted with Mayan villages, Lake Atitlán is one of the most breathtaking lakes in the world. Spend your days cliff-jumping, hiking, or hopping between lakeside towns, each with its own vibe—from hippie San Marcos to bustling Panajachel.

Flores - A colorful island town floating on Lake Petén Itzá, Flores is the perfect gateway to the ancient wonders of Tikal. With cobblestone lanes, sunset views, and a laid-back vibe, it’s the ideal base for jungle adventures, cave exploration, and soaking up northern Guatemala’s rich history.

Getting around:

Private Taxi:

Fastest mode of transportation from major cities and offers custom stops. A private taxi will typically run around $90-100 per person for a trip 3-4 hours long.

Shuttle:

Most common mode of transportation from major cities. Shuttles can be booked online with private companies or in person at the Airport, major city hubs such as Antigua, Lake Atitlan, Guatemala City, Panajachel, Flores and Tikal. Shuttles often will come to pick you up at your accommodations, but they run a tight schedule and will leave if you are not ready. Expect unmarked vans, not a fancy vehicle with an expensive logo on the side. These typically run about $13-25, and they will fill up the van before leaving the city- so expect a cozy and bumpy ride with around 6-8 other passengers.

Ferry:

At Lake Atitlan this is the main mode of transportation from village to village. On average it costs 25q (25 quetzales which is around $3.25 USD). Ferries go from village to village (so direct, though if you are going to Panajachel, there may be stops involved), starting at 630am and typically dropping off their last passengers at 730pm-so plan accordingly.

Tuk-Tuk:

A fun covered moped! These are popular at Lake Atitlan, Antigua, Quetzaltenango and even Guatemala City. You absolutely should experience riding in one of these but best save it for a short ride because of the speed and comfortability of the ride. Average cost will be about 15-20 quetzales (~$2-3 per person) for a short to medium distance ride.

What to eat:

Guatemalans have samples like maize (corn), rice, fruits and beans in most of their traditional dishes. However, there are a lot of options for dining out depending on where you stay. In my experience the best of which are:

Mediterranean Food:

At Lake Atitlan there are various restaurants that offer excellent Moroccan, Pakistani, Greek, and Israeli food. From gyros to chicken shawarma to hummus dips and curries, you will find high quality and tasty meals to eat. Recommendations: Sababa - San Pedro La Laguna, Pita Sabij - San Pedro La Laguna, & Zoola - San Pedro La Laguna

Latin Food:

Best Empanadas in all of Antigua, Guatemala are at Chermol. They offer a variety of Empanadas (as they specialize in them) from ham & cheese to chorizo with green onions to chicken tinga or even desert empanadas. They were reasonably priced, excellent tasting and with an added smoothie or delicious drink (such as frozen mint lemonade or frozen sangria) they hit the spot. Went back twice to eat here.

Want to try Guatemalan Sandwiches? Famosos Shucos in Panajachel offer cheap and authentic Guatemalan sandwiches for 10q or $1.30. Great for a quick lunch spot!

Comedor Elenita, in San Juan La Laguna, offers traditional Guatemalan food. You'll find reasonably priced dishes of beans, rice, potatoes, and whatever protein choice you choose.

Cafes:

I'm sure there are a lot of cafes I didn't get to visit but of the ones I visited there were a couple that stood out and I'll be back to try them again!

Las Marias - San Juan La Laguna. Excellent drink options (including teas, juices, lemonade, and cocktails). A quaint setting with lots of cool paraphernalia around. Located in a tiny side street and to enter you must ring a doorbell!

Sababa - San Pedro La Laguna is on this list again as they have breakfast and their espresso and cappuccinos were delicious (and large). They offer a great lake view and balcony seating as well as a lot of cozy lounge areas. Grab breakfast, lunch, or just a drink here.

Espresso Coffee Bar - San Pedro La Laguna. Best espresso and a very chill vibe, especially for remote workers or someone wanting to get some writing done.

Historical Context:

Mythology:

Mayan mythology from the Guatemalan region centers around the sacred Popol Vuh, a Kʼicheʼ text that recounts the creation of the world, the gods, and humanity. The myth tells of the Hero Twins, Hunahpú and Xbalanqué, who outwit the lords of the underworld, Xibalba, through trials of wit and magic. Creation was an iterative process, gods first made humans from mud, then wood, before finally succeeding with maize, the sacred life source of the Maya. Many gods, such as the Maize God and Chaac (the rain god), were tied to the cycles of nature and agriculture, central to Guatemalan highland life. Myth and daily life remain intertwined, especially in indigenous communities where rituals, oral storytelling, and reverence for natural forces continue. These beliefs still echo in Guatemalan traditions, weaving ancient myth with present-day spirituality.

Oppression:

Lake Atitlan is not only so special because of its gorgeous, scenic views and cute villages, each with their own personality. It is also home to many indigenous people with lineage and traditions and cultures that date back to the Mayans.

If you travel here, you will see that most of the women and some of the children where traditional Mayan clothes. Huipil (Spanish for shirt) is the name for their decorative, cotton blouses. This is often pair with a wrap -around skirt and belt (called a faja). This whole outfit is called a traje.

Aside from their beauty this traditional clothing has a lot of historical context and is worn today not only to preserve their unique tradition but also to express their resilient culture, as the Indigenous people of Guatemala have been oppressed over and over again through the centuries. First when Spainards came colonized Guatemala in the 1500s and again in more recent years (1960s-1990s) when the Guatemalan government forced people of Mayan decent to embroider their clothing a certain way to indicate demographic factors about themselves, such as their ethnicity, age, marital status and gender. Allowing for easier discrimination and violence towards those who were indigenous.

There are so many more examples of resistance and perseverance, and I encourage you to read up on it, ask about it and research it as you explore Lake Atitlan, as it gives its natural beauty even more depth.

Also (something I found so interesting) in Mayan Mythology, the gods made mankind out of corn, a staple food source and economical resource for much of Latin America. You will find a lot of little dolls in souvenirs shops, of varying size that are made of corn husks (beneath their woven little doll clothes). I just thought that was so cool and symbolic!

Best Activities:

Hiking Volcanoes: Acatenango & Seeing Volcán de Fuego Erupt

One of the most unforgettable experiences in Guatemala is the overnight hike up Volcán Acatenango. From the summit, you’ll have a front-row seat to Volcán de Fuego, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, which regularly erupts with booming force and glowing lava bursts (around every 15 minutes but in some seasons up to every 4 minutes). The trek is challenging but offers surreal views, especially at sunrise.

This trek requires a guide and there are several tour companies to choose from, do your research as some people may prefer cheaper accommodations. To read about my personal experience with the Volcán Acatenango trek check out my Antigua post.

Buying Jade Jewelry – The Significance of Jade in Guatemala

In ancient Maya culture, jade was more valuable than gold (western colonizers actually were the ones that gave gold value). Jade was a symbol of life, death, power, and the divine. Today, Antigua is one of the best places to purchase authentic Guatemalan jade jewelry, with shops offering museum-like insight into the stone’s deep historical and spiritual roots. But beware when purchasing jewelry that you are checking the validity of it. For example, a shop we stopped at claimed to be selling silver rings with jade settings, but as I looked at the rings, I noticed none of them were marked with any sort of proof of being silver. Look for tiny stamps or imprints on the inside with "925" (92% pure silver).

Additionally jade or jadeite (a type of jade) comes in a variety of colors: black, white, several shades of green including translucent emerald-green called "Imperil Jade", and even purple. Purple jade is primarily found only in Guatemala.

Cliff Jumping at Lake Atitlán

With 3 towering volcanoes as a backdrop (one of which is still active as of 2005), Lake Atitlán offers more than just scenic beauty. Thrill-seekers can leap from the cliffs at San Marcos or Jaibalito, plunging into the deep, clear lake below. It’s a perfect mix of adrenaline and serenity in one of Central America’s most picturesque locations. Though it is debated how tall it actually is. Some say about 12 meters (so 36ft) other say 20 meters (60 ft). I lean towards the 12 meters, though it felt more like 40 ft.

It's a safe cliff-jumping area (especially compared to some other places I've jumped) with two 'lifeguards' in boats below and one at the top of the platform to make sure people are jumping correctly and with proper distance from each other.

To access this platform and leap into the scenic blue water, take a ferry to San Marcos and take the first left once you step onto the dock. Follow that path to Cerro Tzakujil's entrance where you will pay a small fee of 20q ($2.60 USD), sign your name on a ledger and where you are travelling from. You now have access to the whole park in addition to the jump.

Follow wooden signs to the platform and show the 'life-guard' your entrance ticket.

I also suggest spending some time on the rocks below, that incase the shore at San Marcos as they are perfect for bathing in the sun and enjoying a small picnic.

Cerro Tzakujil offers gorgeously manicured paths lined with vibrant plants and trees, most native to Guatemala. It is worth spending an hour or two in, aside from the cliff-jump!

As this is the best place to swim in the lake and picnic!

Exploring Ancient Ruins: Tikal & More

Step into history at Tikal National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most iconic ancient Maya cities. Wander through towering temples surrounded by jungle wildlife. For lesser known but equally captivating ruins, explore Yaxhá, El Mirador, or Quiriguá for a deeper dive into Maya civilization-these options are often less busy, too so if you are trying to beat the crowds you might consider them.

Tikal (located near Flores Guatemala) was a major 'cultural and political center' between 200 to 900 AD. The whole site is a little over 6 square miles large and archeologists believe that at its peak it housed 10,000 to 90,000 people. Likely it was influential in the same way that places like New York and Los Angelos are in current day United States, affecting trade, trends, and traditions.

Cost for an entry ticket to Tikal: 150q or $20 USD per person (for adults)

Spa Day in Antigua

After hiking and exploring, treat yourself to a relaxing spa day in colonial Antigua. From volcanic stone massages to natural hot springs and holistic wellness treatments, Antigua’s spas are an ideal place to rejuvenate while surrounded by cobblestone streets and historic charm.

They are also very financially feasible in comparison to American massage prices. Most massages (some include showers- so great for backpackers on a budget) are around 110q or $18.

There are many locations all throughout major city hubs, Lake Atitlan, Flores, Guatemala City but if you plan on doing the Acatenango Hike, I highly suggest you get a massage after, in Antigua!

Exploring Caves in Guatemala

Guatemala's limestone terrain hides an underground world of adventure-especially for those who don't get claustrophobic. Caves like Lanquín and Naj Tunich offer opportunities for tubing, candlelit exploration, and discovering ancient Maya cave paintings and ceremonial altars. These caves were once spiritual gateways for the Maya, connecting the earthly world to the underworld.

As a huge cave explorer myself I was disappointed I didn't get to check these out my first trip, but my next stop there I will be going here first.

This cave system is located near Tikal and Flores in the northern part of Guatemala. They all require a guide or tour company (for the safety of the people going in) and these can often be booked online or with your hostel! I hear there is even a little cliff inside one of the caves you can jump off of!

Cenotes in Candelaria

Near the Mexican border, the Candelaria Caves and Cenotes are lesser-known gems. These crystal-clear sinkholes and underground rivers form part of an immense cave system, sacred to the Maya and perfect for exploring by kayak or swimming in untouched nature.

Combine you cave adventure with a cool swim in on the cenotes!

Another interesting Mayan fact about the cenotes is that the Maya believed there were 3 ways to enter the underworld, Xibalba, through the caves, a competitive Mayan ball game and these cenotes.

So, save this guide for your next adventure to Guatemala, as it may be a great option for a family get away for a first-time solo backpacking trip! Guatemala has so much to offer from cultural insight to natural wonders and insane views.