Backpacking Guatemala is often described as one of the most unforgettable travel experiences in Central America.
Many travelers arrive with no idea what to expect, yet within just a day, Guatemala’s dramatic volcanic landscapes, vibrant Mayan culture, and diverse scenery make a lasting impression.
The appeal of Guatemala backpacking comes from its mix of adventure, culture, and natural beauty, making it a top choice for both new and experienced backpackers. Whether exploring ancient ruins, hiking volcanoes, or wandering colorful colonial towns, the country offers endless opportunities for discovery.
This guide covers everything needed to plan the ideal Guatemala backpacking route, including the top places to visit in Guatemala, how to get around, recommended accommodations, and essential travel tips.
BACKPACKING GUATEMALA OVERVIEW
Guatemala is a relatively small country in Central America, and there are so many epic things to do in Guatemala that you could easily spend months here and not get bored.
For the majority of travelers who are under a time constraint, 2 weeks backpacking in Guatemala is enough time to visit all of the top Guatemala attractions!
2 WEEK GUATEMALA ITINERARY
- Arrive in Guatemala City and bus to Antigua (1 day)
- Antigua (1 day)
- Acatenango volcano hike (2 days)
- Lake Atitlan (4 days)
- Semuc Champey (3 days including travel days)
- Flores (2 days)
- Depart to Belize (1 day)
Another common route that travelers take is a shuttle bus that departs from San Cristobal de las Casas in Mexico and arrives at Lake Atitlan in Guatemala.
This is a very loooong and tiring journey, but it’s definitely doable.
I personally traveled from Mexico across the border to Guatemala and first arrived in Lake Atitlan, then moved onwards to Antigua, Semuc Champey, Flores, and eventually departed to Belize.
GUATEMALA BACKPACKING ROUTE
DAY 1: GUATEMALA CITY TO ANTIGUA
The majority of travelers begin their Guatemala backpacking adventure in Guatemala City when arriving by plane.
I didn’t personally arrive in or visit Guatemala City, as I heard it’s a pretty unsafe place, and the city didn’t appeal to me whatsoever.
However, if you have an extra day or so up your sleeve and you’d like to explore Guatemala City, then by all means do so; otherwise, I recommend jumping on a bus that is headed directly to Antigua.
HOW TO GET FROM GUATEMALA CITY TO ANTIGUA
The best way to get from Guatemala City to Antigua is by minivan, and the journey time takes around 1.5 hours, depending on traffic. The cost of a shared minivan is around $10 – $15 USD.
Search and book a shared minivan on the Bookaway website.
Alternatively, you can jump on the local bus, commonly known as a Chicken bus, and the cost is much cheaper at around $1 – $2 USD.
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ARRIVING IN ANTIGUA
If you didn’t already know, Antigua is one of the most popular and beautiful colonial towns in the world!
Boasting narrow cobblestone streets, colorful European architecture, a lively cafe scene, and nearby active volcanoes.
I think it’s safe to say that Antigua is not to be missed when backpacking Guatemala!
You are most likely going to arrive in Antigua in the afternoon, and I am sure you’ll be eager to start exploring.
Conveniently, the small town of Antigua Guatemala can easily be explored on foot, and I guarantee it won’t take you long to get your bearings.
WHERE TO STAY IN ANTIGUA
There are hundreds of accommodations in Antigua Guatemala, so I have narrowed it down to a few of the best places to stay in Antigua to suit all types of travelers.
See the list of accommodations below that I personally recommend:
Luxury: El Convento Boutique Hotel
Mid Range: Selina Antigua
Budget: Hotel Casa El Calvario
FOR MORE OPTIONS IN ANTIGUA, SEARCH ON BOOKING.COM
DAY 2: ANTIGUA
On day 2 of backpacking Guatemala, spend a full day exploring the colorful streets of Antigua!
See below for a list of the 5 best things to do in Antigua that are worthy of adding to your Guatemala itinerary:
- Arco de Santa Catalina (Antigua’s famous arch)
- Cerro de la Cruz viewpoint
- Ruins of Antigua
- Parque Central
- Antigua’s artesian market
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DAY 3 & 4: ACATENANGO VOLCANO HIKE
Next up on this Guatemala backpacking guide is the epic 2-day hiking expedition to Acatenango Volcano, which is located on the outskirts of Antigua.
Hiking to the summit of Volcán Acatenango near Antigua was hands-down the highlight of my Guatemala trip, and it’s definitely not to be missed on your list of what to do in Guatemala!
The Acatenango hike is a 2-day and 1-night adventure, which isn’t an easy feat, but it’s 110% worth it.
Not only will you be rewarded with an incredible 360-degree view of the region at the Acatenango summit (which, by the way, sits at 3,976 meters above sea level), but you will also get to experience a close encounter with the neighboring and erupting Volcán de Fuego.
RELATED ARTICLE: 4 WEEK MEXICO ITINERARY
ACATENANGO HIKE OVERVIEW
Day One is approximately a 5 – 6 hour hike from the starting point to base camp, on Day Two it’s a further 1-hour hike to the summit of Acatenango for sunrise, followed by a 3 – 4 hour hike back down again.
These hiking times vary depending on your level of fitness and previous hiking experience. In saying that, the Acatenango hike is suitable for the common traveler with a sense of adventure and a love for the outdoors.
I even saw people walking their dogs along the trail, so you’ve honestly got nothing to worry about!
WHERE TO BOOK YOUR ACATENANGO HIKE
Countless tour agencies in Antigua offer overnight tours to Acatenango, though it can be quite overwhelming trying to decide where to book.
I recommend booking your Acatenango hike online in advance on the Get Your Guide website to avoid unnecessary hassle when you arrive in Antigua.
Book Now: Acatenango Hike
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WHAT TO EXPECT AT VOLCAN ACATENANGO
As I mentioned earlier, the Acatenango hike was the highlight of my backpacking in Guatemala trip and unlike any other adventure I have been on.
Camping on the side of a volcano, overlooking another volcano that frequently erupts, is something you don’t get to experience every day!
Volcán de Acatenango is an impressive mountain in itself, though the main attraction of this hike is being able to get up close and personal with the nearby Volcán de Fuego.
Witnessing a volcano spewing lava, rocks, and smoke from its vent is a very unique experience that I am sure you will never forget. So pack your bags and get ready to hike Acatenango!
Full Blog Post: Acatenango Volcano Hike
DAY 5, 6, 7 & 8: LAKE ATITLAN
Lake Atitlan is arguably one of the most beautiful lakes in the world that sits inside a massive volcanic crater, and it’s not to be missed when backpacking Guatemala!
Lago de Atitlan is surrounded by several cone-like volcanoes and verdant cliff faces that look too good to be true.
The landscape here is otherworldly, and it has some magic about it, which is why I have included Lake Atitlan on my Guatemala travel blog.
HOW TO GET FROM ANTIGUA TO LAKE ATITLAN
Daily minivans depart from Antigua bound for Lake Atitlan, and the journey time is around 3.5 hours, depending on traffic.
There is also the option to ride the chicken bus (public bus), which is the cheapest way to get from Antigua to Lake Atitlan, costing only 30 Quetzal.
Do note that if you take a chicken bus, they tend to do a lot of pick-ups and drop-offs along the way, making the journey to Lake Atitlan a lot longer.
The most comfortable and reliable option is to book a minivan from Antigua to Lake Atitlan, which is a more direct route, and the cost is around $20 USD.
Search and book a shared minivan on the Bookaway website.
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WHERE TO STAY IN LAKE ATITLAN
Lake Atitlan has hundreds of accommodations to choose from, which are spread across the many different villages around the lake.
As the majority of travelers typically stay in San Pedro, I have listed a few accommodations from this area to suit all types of travelers.
Luxury: Sababa Resort
Mid Range: Mikaso Hotel
Budget: Hotel Peneleu
FOR MORE OPTIONS IN LAKE ATITLAN, SEARCH ON BOOKING.COM
THINGS TO DO IN LAKE ATITLAN
There are so many great things to do in Lake Atitlan, and I guarantee once you arrive, you won’t want to leave!
See below for a list of 11 Awesome Things To Do In Lake Atitlan:
- Go kayaking on Lake Atitlan
- Have lunch at Sababa Restaurant
- Hike to the Indian Nose viewpoint
- Take a boat to the Lake Atitlan villages
- Rent a stand-up paddleboard
- Spend the day at Sababa Resort
- Walk around Lake Atitlan
- Watersports on Lake Atitlan
- Spend 1 night in Santa Cruz
- Take Spanish classes
- Visit the woman weavers
Full Blog Post: Things To Do In Lake Atitlan
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DAY 9, 10 & 11: SEMUC CHAMPEY
Semuc Champey is one of Mother Nature’s most beautiful creations, tucked away in the depths of the Northern Guatemalan jungle, and it’s rated as one of the best things to do in Guatemala!
Featuring a natural bridge of limestone around 300 meters long and cascading turquoise-colored swimming pools, Semuc Champey is a must-see on your Guatemala backpacking adventure!
HOW TO GET FROM LAKE ATITLAN TO SEMUC CHAMPEY
Unfortunately, there is no easy way to reach Semuc Champey other than sitting on a bus for an entire day to get there and then another entire day when departing Semuc Champey to your next destination.
Firstly, you will have to make your way back to Antigua from Lake Atitlan.
The cost of the shuttle bus from Antigua to Lanquin (the nearest town to Semuc Champey) is around $37 USD, and the journey from door to door takes 8 to 10 hours, depending on traffic.
There are minibus departures from Antigua to Semuc Champey, including an overnight bus or a daytime bus.
The easiest way to book the bus from Antigua to Semuc Champey is online on the Bookaway website.
HOW MANY DAYS DO I NEED AT SEMUC CHAMPEY?
Most travelers spend 1–2 full days in Semuc Champey, which is enough time to enjoy the natural pools, hike to the viewpoint, and explore the nearby Lanquín caves without feeling rushed.
Full Blog Post: Semuc Champey Travel Guide
WHERE TO STAY IN SEMUC CHAMPEY
Semuc Champey has dozens of hotels and hostels to choose from, and it can be overwhelming trying to figure out which one is best.
The majority of the nicer hotels are situated in the town of Lanquin, and from here it’s approximately a 45-minute drive to reach Semuc Champey.
Whereas most hostels and eco-lodges are located much closer to the park and are within walking distance to the entrance of Semuc Champey.
See my recommendations of places to stay in Semuc Champey below and book online ahead of time.
Mid Range: El Retiro Lanquin
Mid Range: Utopia Eco Hotel
Budget: Pachamaya Eco Lodge
FOR MORE OPTIONS IN SEMUC CHAMPEY, SEARCH ON BOOKING.COM
SEMUC CHAMPEY TOUR
The best way to experience Semuc Champey is to book an all-inclusive tour, which I recommend booking online in advance.
The Semuc Champey tour is a full-day adventure that includes all entrance fees and transport, a visit to Kanba Cave, river tubing down the Kahabon River, and swimming in the turquoise pools of Semuc Champey.
Book Now: Semuc Champey Tour
DAY 12 & 13: FLORES
Last but not least on this Guatemala backpacking itinerary is the enchanting town of Flores, which is most famous for playing home to the ancient Mayan ruins known as Tikal.
HOW TO GET FROM SEMUC CHAMPEY TO FLORES
As I mentioned earlier, it’s a full day’s bus ride from Semuc Champey to reach Flores, which takes approximately 8 to 10 hours.
You’ll arrive in Flores late at night and most likely be too exhausted to do anything other than grab a quick bite to eat and head straight to bed.
The easiest way to book the bus from Semuc Champey (Lanquin) to Flores is online on the Bookaway website.
WHERE TO STAY IN FLORES
Flores has hundreds of accommodations to choose from, so I have narrowed it down to a few of the best places to stay in Flores to suit all types of travelers.
See the list of accommodations below that I personally recommend:
Luxury: Hotel Isla De Flores
Mid Range: Hotel Casazul
Budget: Ciao Cacao Hostel
FOR ALL OTHER PLACES TO STAY IN FLORES, SEARCH ON BOOKING.COM
THINGS TO DO IN FLORES
Up until now, this Guatemala itinerary has been quite full-on, so I recommend having a relaxing first day in Flores.
You can go for an easy wander around the main town, eat some delicious food at one of the many restaurants, and simply admire the lake that surrounds Flores.
On your second day in Flores, it’s an obvious choice to book a tour of Tikal and spend the day exploring this ancient Mayan citadel in northern Guatemala.
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TIKAL TOUR
Tikal is truly one of the most fascinating man-made creations on Earth.
Hidden deep in the lush rainforests, a visit to these remarkable ruins in Flores is one of the best things to do in Guatemala!
I booked my Tikal tour with Tikal Go and can’t recommend them enough.
The entire day was incredible from start to finish, not to mention their tour guides are the most top-ranked in the country and full of knowledge when it comes to Mayan history. Ask them anything!
Tikal Go has a few different Tikal tour packages to choose from, such as the Exclusive Tour, Sunrise Tour, Sunset Tour, and Bird Tour.
All tours include private transport from your hotel in Flores, Tikal entrance fee, a tour of Tikal with an experienced guide, and a hearty lunch with beverages.
I personally went on a private Tikal Exclusive Tour, which is a full-day guided tour of Tikal from 6:00 am to 3:00 pm.
Full Blog Post: Tikal Tour
DAY 14: DEPART FROM FLORES TO BELIZE
I personally took a bus from Flores to Belize on day 14 of my Guatemala backpacking adventure, and the journey time is around 4 to 5 hours, including the border crossing.
Book the bus from Flores to Belize online in advance on the Bookaway website.
If Belize isn’t your next stop after Guatemala, you can also depart by plane to your next destination from Flores Airport.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
The currency in Guatemala is Quetzal (Q), and the exchange rate is approximately $1 USD = 7 Q.
Guatemalans prefer to receive cash for goods rather than a credit or debit card payment. For any online bookings, such as tours, accommodations, or private shuttles, using your bank card is fine.
There are plenty of ATMs in Guatemala Airport and City, Antigua, Lake Atitlan, and Flores, where you can easily withdraw cash to have with you when backpacking in Guatemala.
To be on the safe side, I recommend purchasing a hidden money belt to keep your cash out of sight.
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VISA FOR GUATEMALA
Guatemala welcomes all kinds of travelers, offering visa-free entry for stays of up to 90 days so you can freely explore its many incredible destinations
You don’t need to apply online for the 90 days Guatemala Visa, simply fill in some forms at the border crossings and you’ll be on your way.
BEST TIME TO VISIT GUATEMALA
The best time to go backpacking in Guatemala is in the dry season which is between the months of December and May. Temperatures are moderate and there is minimal rainfall.
The wet season in Guatemala is from June to November and it can get quite chilly during these months, especially at high altitudes when hiking volcanoes.
The upside to traveling to Guatemala in the wet season is that things are generally quite cheaper as it’s their low season.
More Guatemala Travel Guides
Click the button below to view all articles related to Guatemala!
FINAL THOUGHTS ABOUT BACKPACKING IN GUATEMALA
Having only done a little bit of research before backpacking Guatemala, I can honestly say this incredible country exceeded expectations.
The epic landscapes, kind people, delicious food, and perfect weather were just some of the reasons that made this a trip to remember.
If you have any questions or want help with your Guatemala itinerary, please leave me a comment below this post and I will get back to you as soon as I can.
For a quick response, be sure to join Jonny Melon’s Travel Tribe on Facebook and post your questions or recommendations to our awesome community.
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THANKS FOR READING
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