The backpacker scene in Guatemala is vibrant and diverse. With its stunning natural beauty, rich Mayan culture, and affordable prices, Guatemala has become a popular destination for backpackers from around the world.
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Backpacking Guatemala in 2025
A complete guide for backpacking in Guatemala with best places to go, best time to visit, what to bring and safety advice.
Visit Guatemala
Welcome to Guatemala, a backpacker's haven where ancient Mayan ruins, lush jungles, and vibrant cultures converge. Pros? Immerse yourself in affordable adventures, from exploring Tikal to hiking volcanoes. Guatemala offers a rich cultural experience and a budget-friendly lifestyle. However, safety concerns in certain areas demand vigilance. For the culturally curious backpacker, Guatemala's authenticity, colorful markets, and diverse landscapes make it a captivating destination, providing a unique blend of adventure and history in the heart of Central America.
Why to go?Why backpacking in Guatemala
Backpackers
Architecture
Guatemala is home to many ancient ruins and interesting architecture, including the famous Tikal ruins, which are one of the largest archaeological sites of the pre-Columbian Maya civilization. The site features impressive pyramids, temples, and …
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Scenery
Guatemala offers a diverse range of stunning sceneries that are worth exploring. One of the must-visit destinations is Lake Atitlán, surrounded by volcanoes and Mayan villages. The lake's tranquil blue waters and picturesque landscapes make it a …
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Cheap
The average costs for backpacking in Guatemala can vary depending on your travel style and preferences. On average, budget backpackers can expect to spend around $20 to $30 per day. This would cover accommodation in budget hostels or guesthouses, …
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People
Guatemalan people are incredibly warm and welcoming, often going out of their way to make visitors feel at home. They are known for their genuine hospitality, treating guests like family members and making sure they are well taken care of. Whether …
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💡 HighlightsTop-5 things to do in Guatemala
- Explore Tikal: Tikal is an ancient Mayan city located in the heart of the jungle. It is famous for its impressive temples and pyramids, offering a glimpse into the fascinating Mayan civilization.
- Visit Lake Atitlán: Surrounded by volcanoes and colorful indigenous villages, Lake Atitlán is one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. Take a boat ride, hike the surrounding hills, or simply relax and enjoy the stunning views.
- Discover Antigua Guatemala: This charming colonial town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its well-preserved Spanish Baroque-influenced architecture. Explore its cobblestone streets, visit the historic churches, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere.
- Hike Acatenango Volcano: For adventurous travelers, hiking Acatenango Volcano is a must-do. This challenging trek offers breathtaking views of the neighboring Fuego Volcano and the surrounding landscape, making it a truly unforgettable experience.
- Experience Semuc Champey: Located in the heart of the Guatemalan jungle, Semuc Champey is a natural paradise. Swim in its crystal-clear turquoise pools, explore the nearby caves, and marvel at the stunning beauty of this hidden gem.
But Guatemala offers more...
Traveled route: Guatemala, Tikal, Huehuetenango, Antigua
🌤️ When to go?Best time to go backpacking Guatemala
The best time to visit Guatemala for backpacking is during the dry season, which runs from November to April. During this time, you can expect sunny and warm weather, making it ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking, exploring ancient ruins, and visiting the beautiful lakes and volcanoes. The rainy season, from May to October, can bring heavy downpours and make some areas inaccessible. However, if you are on a tight budget, visiting during the rainy season can be advantageous as accommodation and transportation prices tend to be lower.
Risk level: medium (58%)Safety advice for Guatemala
- Demonstrations are continuing in Guatemala. Avoid demonstrations and public gatherings. Leave affected areas as soon as it's safe to. (see 'Civil unrest and political tension').
- Violent crime, including murder, carjacking and kidnapping, is common. It increases at night. Take extra care after dark. Only use ATMs during daylight.
- Border crossings have a high crime rate. Only cross during daylight hours. Allow enough time to reach a major city before dark.
- Criminals target travellers at the airport and driving to hotels. Use only pre-paid or radio taxis. Don't flag taxis on the street or use taxi stands. Always keep vehicle windows and doors locked, even when moving.
- Guatemala has 4 active volcanoes. Know where your nearest shelter is. Know how to protect yourself in the event of an eruption. If you climb a volcano, use experienced guides and follow local advice.
source: smartraveller.gov.au
source: www.gov.uk
GuatemalaMy tips to get you on the way!Does Guatemala sound like your next backpacking destination? Use these steps to get you on the way.
Get inspiration 📚
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.
Prepare your trip ✅
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for Guatemala. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. Guatemala may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for Guatemala. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. Guatemala may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.
Book your flight ✈️
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute). A final tip would be to check airports in neighbouring countries. Not necessarily for cost saving but it can be intriguing to journey into Guatemala, travel overland to one of its neighbours and fly back home from there.
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute). A final tip would be to check airports in neighbouring countries. Not necessarily for cost saving but it can be intriguing to journey into Guatemala, travel overland to one of its neighbours and fly back home from there.
Book your first night(s) 🛌
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.
My personal packing list 🎒
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Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
Money & Documents
Clothing
Electronics
Health
Others
Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.Money & Documents
Clothing
Electronics
Health
Others
Moneybelt
[Amazon]
“Best way to carry your important documents”
Quick dry pant
[Amazon]
“Nothing beats these quick dry and light pants when traveling”
Light rain jacket
[Amazon]
“Hiking in rainy season? These keep you dry”
Thermo underwear
[Amazon]
“Less weight and volume than bulky sweaters or jackets”
Quick dry towel
[Amazon]
“Normal towels get smelly and heavy when traveling”
Power bank
[Amazon]
“Pick a small and light one, with 10.000mAh or more”
Travel adapter
[Amazon]
“Needed as each country has its own electricity plugs”
Number lock
[Amazon]
“No chance of losing your key; handy for lockers in dormitories”
Packing cubes
[Amazon]
“Keep your wet or dirty clothes separate from the rest”
Travel pillow
[Amazon]
“Light and great for flights and long bus journeys”
last page update: 29 September 2024