Honestly, planning this Guatemala trip felt overwhelming at first. So many names floating around online, everyone claiming their spot was unmissable. I grabbed a giant cup of coffee, spread out my worn map on the kitchen table, and started digging into my scribbled notes from years of reading travel blogs, talking to fellow backpackers in hostels, and even chatting with my cousin’s friend who grew up there. It was messy work.
The Starting Point
My first move was hitting up Antigua. You really can’t skip it. Landed in Guatemala City early, hopped in a shuttle that rattled along winding roads for an hour and a half. Stepping onto those cobblestones instantly felt right – colorful buildings sandwiched between volcanoes, the constant smell of roasting coffee in the air. Spent two days just getting lost down alleys, tasting street food, and wincing as my legs burned climbing up Cerro de la Cruz. Saw the Santa Catalina Arch at sunrise. Crowds? Yeah. Picturesque? Absolutely worth it.
Chasing Volcanoes & Mayan Magic
Next, volcano time. Pacaya was calling my name. Hired a local guide right in Antigua – cost a bit, but saved me the hassle of figuring out transport solo. The hike itself? Steeper than I expected! Hiking boots saved me. Standing near active lava flows, roasting marshmallows over volcanic vents? That heat wasn’t just the marshmallows melting, I promise you. Pure magic. After that, Lake Atitlan. Took another packed shuttle – Guatemalan buses are an experience alright – winding down crazy steep roads to Panajachel. Found a little boat and spent four days bouncing between villages:
- San Pedro: Cheap eats, kayaking at dawn.
- San Juan La Laguna: Amazing woven textiles everywhere and strong coffee.
- Santiago Atitlan: The Maximon statue… wild local traditions.
- Santa Cruz: Peaceful vibes for chilling.
The lake shimmered different colors each day. Unforgettable.
Deep Jungle & Ruins Adventure
Then came the big push: Tikal. Took an overnight bus because it’s way cheaper, even though sleeping sitting up sucks. Seriously. Arrived in Flores super early, dumped my bag in a cheap hostel room, and jumped in a collectivo packed with folks heading towards the park. Walking into the jungle at sunrise? Humid as hell, howler monkeys roaring like dinosaurs waking up. Climbing Temple IV, looking out over the canopy as mist rose, spotting other temple tops poking through… felt like stepping back in time. Spent hours sweating and exploring before the big tour groups swarmed.
The Unexpected Gems
Thought I was done, right? Nope. Locals kept mentioning Semuc Champey. “Hard to get to,” they said. They weren’t kidding. Another long, bumpy ride that rattled my bones. Ended up in Lanquin at dusk, stayed overnight in a basic hostel definitely chosen for its location, not luxury. Next day, open-air truck packed with people up a dirt track to the park entrance. Walking down through the jungle, the first glimpse of those turquoise pools cascading over limestone… worth every dusty bump. Spent the day swimming in natural jade pools, explored the cave system nearby with a single candle (spooky!), swung off ropes into the river. Pure, raw fun.
Wrapping it Up & Why You Go
Finished back in Flores, just decompressing by Lake Peten Itza before the flight out. Look, Guatemala isn’t super polished. Buses break down sometimes. “Direct” routes rarely are. But the people are incredibly kind, the landscapes blow your mind, and the history is everywhere you step. You want safe comfort? Go elsewhere. You want adventure that feels real? That’s what my top spots delivered:
- Antigua
- Pacaya Volcano
- Lake Atitlan (and its villages)
- Tikal
- Semuc Champey
Packed my bug spray, comfy shoes, kept an open mind, and used common sense. That’s how you do Guatemala right. It sticks with you.
