Before I visited Guatemala, it had been on my bucket list for over a year and I had planned out a few trips that I never ended up going to, because I was too nervous. Guatemala would be my first country outside of Europe that I would solo travel to. As an American, we constantly hear about how dangerous it is in Central America. We’re told that its countries are full of crime, and an American visiting anywhere outside of an overpriced all-inclusive resort is just asking for trouble.
Because of this, I had a lot of people telling me that Guatemala wouldn’t be safe for me, especially as a solo female traveler. Of course, these people had never visited the country and were basing their opinions on things they had heard on the news. So I trusted my gut (and the other female solo travelers that I found online who have visited and had good experiences) and went on a two week trip to Guatemala.
Within the first few hours of my trip, it quickly became one of my favorite countries, and I was so happy I didn’t let fear and ignorance stop me from visiting. If you’re like me, and Guatemala is on your bucket list but you are nervous about traveling there solo, keep reading! I hope my experiences give you some peace of mind when visiting this beautiful country!
Is Guatemala safe for solo female travelers?
Of course, just as in most countries, there are areas in Guatemala that aren’t the safest. In particular, Guatemala City is known for being unsafe, so if you are traveling solo, plan to travel straight to Antigua or another destination after your flight to GUA, instead of staying in Guatemala City. If you stick to the traditional backpacking/tourist route, you will surely find Guatemala to be safe.
Personally, I felt safer in Guatemala than other countries I have visited in Europe and Asia. Guatemalans are respectful and keep to themselves, so you won’t have a lot begging or haggling, which I found to be inescapable in South East Asia. I always kept my personal items close to me in a fanny pack, but I was never worried about pickpocketing like I am in Europe, since there were no big crowds. I was catcalled a couple times, but it was the same as the catcalling I have experienced walking the streets of New York City. Oh to be a woman 🙂
Why Visit Guatemala?
Beautiful Nature
Guatemala has beautiful and diverse natural landscapes. It is home to 37 volcanoes, including some active ones! A popular activity is to hike up one of the volcanoes, such as Acatenango or Pacaya, making Guatemala perfect for adventure lovers and hikers.
Mayan Culture
One of my favorite things about Guatemala was the rich Mayan culture that was present throughout Antigua and the towns of Lake Atitlan. I learned so much about Mayan cultures through going to museum, participating in tours, and by staying with a local Mayan family. If you have time, you can also visit ancient Mayan ruins in Tikal.
Affordability
It’s affordable, with budget friendly accommodations, food and activities. Basic hostels are as low as $8 a night, but there are some nicer options, including private rooms, for $15 a night.
The People
Guatemalans are SO FRIENDLY, literally the nicest people I have encountered throughout my travels. As soon as I arrived in the country, I felt welcomed by everyone I met. My Spanish was rough when I arrived, but everyone was patient and made an effort to talk to me, which I really appreciated.
Spanish Schools
Guatemala is known for being a great place to learn Spanish, and has many Spanish schools throughout the country. There are a few programs where you can attend a Spanish school while staying with a local family. Read more about my experience attending Spanish school here.
Are you convinced?? If so, here are some tips that solo travelers should know before visiting Guatemala…
Tips for Solo Female Travel in Guatemala
1. Prebook your transportation from the airport.
After arriving in Guatemala, you will most likely travel straight to Antigua (1+ hours away) or Lake Atitlan (4+ hours). Therefore you should book your airport transfer before arriving to eliminate the stress of having to find transportation. If arriving during the day, you can do a shared shuttle to your destination, such as this one. If arriving after 8 pm, you will have to book at private transfer, which is a bit more expensive, but will allow you to choose a specific time to be picked up. I booked this private transfer and had a great experience which you can read about…
This was actually what I was most nervous about before my trip. My flight was landing at 11 pm and I had a private transfer booked to Antigua. I booked it through a reputable website with good reviews, but of course, I was still terrified that I man would pick me up and kidnap me instead of taking me to my hostel. Just girly things!
This did not happen, of course. I ended up having the kindest man pick me up, who made me feel so safe and welcome in his country. We used the little English he knew, and the little Spanish I knew to communicate and get to know each other during the one hour ride. He then waited with me for ten minutes outside of my hostel as I waited for someone to answer the door. After the ride, all of my fears were gone, and I knew I would be ok in this foreign country. This kindness continued throughout my whole trip, with everyone I met making an effort to talk to me, either with their rough English or my rough Spanish.
2. Plan for traffic
On the subject of transportation, always account for traffic! The route between La Aurora Airport and Antigua is known for having horrible traffic. It should take about 40 minutes, but the route can take 2+ hours depending on the time. On my way back to the airport, it took 2.5 hours, so I was very grateful that I left plenty of time before my flight.
3. Always have internet
Always make sure you can access the internet so you can find your way around or get an Uber if necessary. I don’t like to depend on finding wifi so I love to buy eSIMs when traveling internationally. It’s a lot easier than having to buy a physical SIM card, which aren’t compatible with most phones now.
I use the app Airalo, where you can download eSIMs for any country. Make sure you download the eSIM before you board your flight, so you can activate it and have internet as soon as you arrive.
4. Stay at hostels
There are lots of affordable hostels, where you can meet other young, solo travelers, so take advantage! I use HostelWorld to find hostels when I’m solo traveling. Here are my two recommendations for Antigua:
Casi Casa
Hands down the most beautiful hostel I have ever stayed in. You can’t beat this view of the volcano from the rooftop! I stayed in the female only dorm which was comfortable with curtains on the beds. And the free breakfast everyday was amazing!
Maya Papaya
Another beautiful hostel, and I loved that they had affordable, single rooms with shared bathrooms! As an introverted solo traveler I need to stay in private rooms sometimes, so I love when I find an affordable option in a hostel.
5. Learn basic Spanish phrases
Although a lot of people speak basic English, I would recommend learning some Spanish before you go. I was surprised when I arrived at my first hostel that the person checking me in didn’t speak English. Thankfully I was able to understand most of what he said in Spanish because I had been practicing for a few months before. As I said Guatemala is an amazing place to learn Spanish, so definitely take advantage of the Spanish schools!
6. Always carry cash
Always have cash on you. A lot of stores and restaurants don’t accept card, and the ones that do often charge a small credit card fee. I also had to pay for a few expensive experiences with cash, including the Acatenango hike and Spanish school. Exchange some money before you are arrive or at the airport. Yes, I know the exchange rate will be worse, but it is best to have some cash on you while you’re en route to your first destination.
If you’re an introverted solo female traveler like me, make sure to read my
7 Tips for Introverted Solo Travelers!
3 Must do Experiences for Solo Travelers in Guatemala
If you are looking to make friends, get out of your comfort zone, and become immersed in Guatemalan culture during your solo trip, add these three activities to your itinerary!
1. Hike to the top of Volcan Acatenango
This is a challenging but incredibly rewarding experience that you must do if you’re visiting Guatemala. Volcan Acatenango is an inactive volcano that offers some of the best views in Central America. The best part is that it offers views of Volcan Fuego, an active volcano that erupts about every 10-15 minutes. It’s an incredible sight to see, especially at night! If you are up for it, you can also hike to Volcan Fuego to see the lava up close. I hiked with Wicho & Charlies, which offers comfortable cabins to sleep in and serves vegan food!
2. Participate in a chocolate making class
Doing a chocolate-making class in Antigua, Guatemala is a fun way to learn about the rich history of cacao in the region. Guatemala has deep roots in chocolate-making, as cacao was sacred to the ancient Maya civilization. In the class you’ll roast, peel, and grind cacao beans just like the Maya, then create traditional drinks and your own personalized chocolate bars from scratch. The experience blends history, culture, and delicious flavors, leaving you with a newfound appreciation for chocolate and some tasty treats to take home! I took a class with Ekchuah in Antigua but the one at ChocoMuseo is also popular.
3. Attend a Spanish School
The main reason I visited Guatemala was to attend a Spanish school and the experience was better than I could have imagined! Guatemala is known for being a great place to learn Spanish because the people speak slowly and clearly. I attended Lake Atitlan Spanish School, a well known school in San Pedro with amazing programs for travelers. Through the school, you are assigned a Spanish teacher and have one-on-one lessons throughout the week in this beautiful location on the lake. My classes were mostly conversational, which allowed my vocabulary and speaking confidence to skyrocket in the week I was there. You also have the option to do a homestay with a local Mayan family which was my favorite part of the experience. I was able to practice my Spanish at home, eat delicious meals cooked by my host mom, and connect with the other students staying at the house.
Read my blog post all about my experience at Spanish School here!
If Guatemala is calling your name, I hope this guide gives you the confidence to answer! From the vibrant culture to the breathtaking landscapes, this country offers endless opportunities for solo female travelers to explore and grow. Don’t let fear or misconceptions hold you back—trust your gut, plan ahead, and embrace the adventure. My two weeks in Guatemala were nothing short of magical, and I can’t wait for you to experience it too!
