Okay, so Guatemala, right? Man, where do I even begin? It was a trip. A real trip. Not always easy, but totally worth it.
First things first, I landed in Guatemala City. I’d heard some sketchy stuff about it, so I didn’t stick around. Jumped straight onto a shuttle to Antigua. Antigua’s a vibe, you know? Cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, volcanoes looming in the background. Postcard perfect. I spent a few days just wandering around, soaking it all in.
Volcano Acatenango Hike: This was the big one. Everyone told me I HAD to do it. Two-day hike, camping overnight, watching Volcán Fuego erupt every few minutes. Sounds epic, right? It was… and it was BRUTAL. The climb was relentless. I’m talking straight uphill for hours. My legs were screaming. I almost gave up a bunch of times, but the thought of seeing that volcano up close kept me going. And man, was it worth it. Seeing Fuego erupt at night, with the lava flowing down its sides… unforgettable. I was freezing my butt off in the tent, but I couldn’t stop staring.
- Get good hiking boots. Seriously. My cheap ones almost killed me.
- Pack layers. It’s hot during the day, freezing at night.
- Bring snacks. Lots of snacks. You’ll need the energy.
Lake Atitlán: After Acatenango, I needed a chill pill. Lake Atitlán was exactly what the doctor ordered. I based myself in San Pedro, which is known for being a bit of a backpacker haven. Lots of cheap eats, Spanish schools, and good vibes. I spent my days swimming in the lake, kayaking, and just chilling in hammocks.
Mayan Nose: I hiked the Mayan Nose. It’s a pretty easy hike (compared to Acatenango!), you get amazing views of the lake. I started super early to catch the sunrise. So worth it, even though it meant waking up at like 4 am.
San Juan la Laguna: One day I took a boat over to San Juan la Laguna. It’s a smaller, more traditional village than San Pedro. I visited a women’s weaving cooperative and learned about how they make their textiles using natural dyes. It was really interesting to see the whole process, from the plant to the finished product. And of course, I bought a few souvenirs. Couldn’t resist.
Tikal: Okay, after Atitlán, I flew up to Flores to visit Tikal. Tikal is an ancient Mayan city, hidden deep in the jungle. I spent a whole day exploring the ruins. Climbing to the top of the temples and looking out over the rainforest… it was incredible. You can almost feel the history.
Some Random Thoughts:
The Food: Black beans and rice, everywhere! But seriously, the food was pretty good. I ate a lot of street food, which was super cheap and delicious. Pupusas are a must-try. Also, the coffee in Guatemala is amazing. I brought back a ton of beans.
The People: The people in Guatemala were generally really friendly and helpful. Even if they didn’t speak English, they always tried to help me out. A lot of smiles, you know? But keep your wits about you. Be smart about your belongings, especially in crowded areas.
Final Thoughts
Guatemala is a country of contrasts. It’s beautiful and challenging, vibrant and raw. It’s not always easy, but it’s an adventure. And if you’re up for it, it’s an adventure you won’t forget.
