An as the name of the hotel says you can see beautiful sunsets from the rooftop terrace. The most popular backpacker town around Lake Atitlan is undoubtedly San Pedro,thanks to its cheap bars, restaurants (check out Zoola!) And why not use what youve saved to treat yourself to something nice upon arrival? UP YOUR PACKING GAME! 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. We had read before that Caye Ambergris ismuch louder and busier than Caye Caulker and that there are much more parties here than on the sister island. Valladolid is just under 150 km from Cancun and yet it is a completely different world. Often times you will have the national park to yourself to wander around the massive temples with spider and howler monkeys swinging above you. The market is only open on Thursdays and Sundays, so plan accordingly. This has created wonderfully calm pools above the caves. Understanding the locals, their traditions and habits will make your visit a lot more interesting and in some cases, even easier! We spent a few more days here than planned due to illness, but we didnt regret it at all. Otherwise, the beach is very beautiful and is completely public. Backpacking In Guatemala - Market stall in Antigua Our Breakdown Total amounts including % spent in each area Accommodation = 3,240 GTQ 33.1% Our accommodation was mainly hostels such as Matiox in Antigua, Los Amigos in Flores but for the most part we used AirBnB for our stay in The Treehouse on Lake Atitlan. Hiking to the summit of Volcn Acatenango near Antigua was hands-down the highlight of my Guatemala trip and its definitely not to be missed on your list of what to do in Guatemala! This city blends mountain scenery, indigenous life, and wonderful architecture. Hiking time is about 5 hours from Santa Maria de Jess. As someone who is half Guatemalan, this country holds a special place in my heart. If you take the local bus, you will end up spending at least one night in Belize, so you may as well make a trip out of it. Weve tested the Geopressrigorouslyfrom the icy heights of Pakistan to the tropical jungles of Cuba, and the results are in: it WORKS. However, tourists can have a great time and stay safe by taking a few precautions. A decent head torch could save your life. The prices are much lower than in the surrounding countries of Central America (e.g. You are most likely going to arrive in Antigua in the afternoon and I am sure youll be eager to start exploring. If you didnt know that one of the most important Mayan sites is located here and you just happened to walk through this forest, you wouldnt even recognize these green hills as temples. After the first day, I was already in complete awe of this incredible country in Central America! We found Bacalar on our trip to be a super introduction to a round trip of southern Mexico, as the town is quite quiet and relaxed and yet has a huge highlight to offer. The lagoon is one of the few bodies of water on the Yucatan Peninsula and is also called Lagunade los Siete Colores (Lagoon of Seven Colors) because it is said to shimmer in a total of 7 shades of blue. We never thought we would see so many cool things right on the beach. At the point where the pirate canal meets the lagoon of Bacalar, the turquoise blue color play looks particularly beautiful. Catch a long bus to Lanqun and base yourself here for 3 days exploring the nearby caves and Semuc Champey. That being said, it is a cool experience to grab a kayak or rent a boat and explore the river. I spent 2 weeks in Guatemala and honestly had no idea what to expect before I arrived. All the more surprised we were, which sights and highlights beautiful Guatemala would give us on our backpacking trip through the country. It is really crowded on the beach and especially in front of the hotels one sunbed follows the next. You can access the lesser-visited highland area of Guatemala, like the Ixil Region (the most targeted area during the Civil War), here. Ive spent a lot of time in the city, but I dont recommend that tourists spend much time here. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The sandy beach in Placencia has, like many beaches in Belize (e.g. I can also recommend Tropicana Hostel for the nearby volcano climbs like Volcano Acatenango. My favorite town is Santa Cruz, next to San Pedro. But that should not stop you from visiting this unique site. Theoretically you can swim through this split, but you should be careful. This volunteer-based non-profit company guides various hikes out of Xela while raising money for the local schools. Check out Blazed Backpackers 101 for tips on how to stay safe whilst backpacking Guatemala! So before you ask, yes, Guatemala is our favorite country too! Because then we would have missed a lot. Destinations of our Central America itinerary through Guatemala, Belize and Mexico: On Google Maps we have marked the individual route points. Costa Rica) and you can travel with the tourist shuttles very easily and cheaply through the country. One thing I love about Guatemala is the prominent and beautiful Mayan culture despite centuries of discrimination. In 2015, the UN anti-corruption agency claimed Prez administration was taking bribes from importers in exchange for reduced customs fees. Both backpackers and families vacation in Antigua. 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. You can climb up waterfalls, scramble along walls, and just in deep, pitch-black pools. 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. Of course, this may have been due to the fabulous weather and our really cozy accommodation near the beach*. My favourite part about Guatemala is the prominent, vibrant Mayan culture that is still alive and well (despite hundreds of years of persecution due to Spanish colonization and racism, but thats another story). For Guatemala you do not need a visa if you have a German passport. Although San Ignacio has only 10,000 inhabitants, it is still the second largest city in Belize. Make sure to hike up the nearby San Pedro Volcano. I highly suggest backpacking Guatemala if you are in search of an adventure. It's easy to travel through these three connected countries and along the way, you'll stop by quaint seaside towns and islands, eating some of the most delicious food known to man, diving in some of the world's best locations, and soaking up Mayan ruins. Before Spanish conquest under Corts, Maya people lived in Guatemala for centuries building extravagant cities you can still visit today (Tikal, for example). We think Antigua is worth spending a few days there, no city in Guatemala we found so relaxed and almost picturesque. Make sure to visit a coffee farm for an afternoon, or better yet, volunteer at one. The water is turquoise blue and wonderfully clear. As I mentioned earlier, its a full days bus ride from Semuc Champey to reach Flores which takes anywhere between 10 12 hours. Punta Sur is the most southeastern point of Mexico and with its 20 meters above sea level also the highest point of the whole Yucatan. Best time to travel: Anytime. Sumidero Canyon. Weed is definitely common on the backpacker scene throughout Guatemala. One, stay in Antigua and explore the nearby surroundings. To find out more about TEFL courses and how you can teach English around the world, read my in-depth report on teaching English abroad. In addition to giving you the qualifications to teach English online, TEFL courses open up a huge range of opportunities and you can find teaching work all over the world. Right when you go into the water you see many small garfish (needle fish) and other fish. Te market is only open on Thursdays and Sundays, so plan accordingly. Mexico: There are buses and tourists vans that pass through La Mesilla border, mostly to San Crstobal de las Casas, Chiapas, Mexico (one of my favorite areas of Mexico). Cash is the only way to pay at outdoor markets, food stalls, small bakeries, and chicken buses. You wont just save serious $$$, youll experience a different culture, cool projects, meet new people and integrate into the community in a different way. I consent to my personal information being processed in accordance with The Broke Backpackers. The current Presidential Administration still refuses to admit there was a genocide in the Ixil triangle in the 1980s, even though Ros Montt was charged with genocide. If you truly want to explore Guatemala, I suggest setting aside at least 4 weeks. Guatemala is a relatively small country, so you can cover a lot of ground with minimal time. Considering all the loud and crowded tourist hotspots on the Yucatan Peninsula, Bacalar is a welcome change. El Mirador is a remote Mayan settlement in the middle of the jungle Pacaya is a live volcano you can hike to the top Chichicastenango is a town near lake Atitlan famous for markets The Road to Semuc Champey. Flights are pretty cheap to Cancun Mexico from North America, so often times I would fly here from Toronto, even if I was planning a trip to Belize or Guatemala. If you are travelling south on the Central American gringo trail, you can bus to the Caribbean side of Guatemala. Not only is it a great place to swim. And so began the series of military presidents with counterinsurgency training and money from the US government. The island of the women is really very beautiful and has paradisiacal beaches, but due to the sheer crowds we didnot really feel comfortableon Isla Mujeres. Mayan ruins of Palenque. Staying in Antigua is an excellent to explore close by volcanos; a few are still active and its possible to watch Volcano Fuego erupt a must-see on any Guatemala travel itinerary. No, we dont think so! Deep in the jungle, Tikals ruins were never discovered by Spanish invaders, so they remain remarkably brilliant and restored. We have researched most of the cenotes nearby and many look quite similar. Backpacking Central America - Itinerary Guatemala, Belize & Mexico. I'm looking to spend about 10 days in Guatemala. You are allowed to stay in the country for 90 days. From there we flew to our next destination: Colombia. Cost: about 12 per person for the bus. 2-week Travel Itinerary for Central America: Mexico to Guatemala I didnt personally arrive in nor visit Guatemala City as I heard its a pretty unsafe place and the city didnt appeal to me whatsoever. At least Belize and Guatemala are small enough to see the main highlights in a relatively short time. Very different from Mexico and Guatemala. With RFID-blocking and a slash-resistant strap, youll never be pick-pocketed again! For any online bookings such as tours, accommodations, or private shuttles, using your bank card is fine. Day 1. From Xela,hike to Lake Atitlan with the awesome crew at Quetzal Trekkers. Backpacking Guatemala/Mexico - 4 wk itinerary advice please Hike up the steep hill to visit the locals! You can visit local co-ops, take a weaving class, or visit the beautiful shops and cafs. Lake Atitlan. Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market andditch the plastic. Having only done only a little bit of research before backpacking Guatemala, I can honestly say this incredible country exceeded expectations. You wont have that. Travel with a filtered water bottle instead and never waste a cent nor a turtles life again. document.getElementById("ak_js_2").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); Backpacking Guatemala Travel Guide (Updated for 2023). Youre connected. @media(min-width:0px){#div-gpt-ad-roads_and_rivers_com-small-rectangle-1-0-asloaded{max-width:728px!important;max-height:90px!important}}if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[728,90],'roads_and_rivers_com-small-rectangle-1','ezslot_19',601,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-roads_and_rivers_com-small-rectangle-1-0'); Scenically, the country also has a lot to offer and accordingly we were thrilled by Guatemala. The Ultimate Guide to Backpacking in Guatemala - STINGY NOMADS We imagined Valladolid as a typical Mexican small town and found it exactly the same. With this Central America itinerary, an open jaw flight (e.g. You should go a book a snorkel tour at Caye Caulker* to visit the best snorkel spots. Most other tourists in Mexico immediately continue to Tulum, Playa del Carmen or Cancun. Sign in. Another great multi-day hike is Nebaj to Totod Santos four days of trekking through the stunning and varied scenery. Semuc Champey was truly one of the scenic highlights of our Guatemala itinerary. Youll want at least 3 days here, especially since the journey to/from is tiring. Central America is a region made up of eight countries. They even have gas stations to fill up. Many Mayans in remote places do not speak Spanish, let alone English. They organise yo packing and minimise its volume too so you can pack MORE. Its just that easy. You will pass through a lot of traffic in Honduras. The staff here are what makes this place special. This makes the beaches in Tulum unswimmable at the moment. A mad experience, which we have never experienced anywhere in the world. Camping on the side of a volcano, overlooking another volcano that frequently erupts is something you dont get to experience every day! 3 Best Mexico Backpacking Itineraries - Indie Traveller Get free accommodation in exchange for volunteering a few hours a day. Best Places to Stay in Guatemala Dormitory beds in nice backpacker hostels vary between $5 and $12 and a double room in a hostel is 14-$25. There are numerous language institutes to choose from. The Ultimate Mexico Belize Guatemala Itinerary These 2 weeks in Guatemala feature a little bit of everything you could possibly want from this great little country. Or, yknow you can stick to ziplock bags. Just because of the sand. The Gran Cenote near Tulum is not completely inside a cave, like many cenotes in Valladolid. Buses are the main way to travel in Guatemala. Always ask your hostels and hotels for up-to-date safety information. Jorge also offers delicious food and tortilla chips with guacamole. However, our initial negative opinion quickly turned into the opposite and we felt very comfortable in Placencia after all. If youre feeling quite adventurous, you can also jump into the water from the small suspension bridge that crosses the river. You can also take private deluxe buses for long journeys, like Antigua to Xela, or from Guatemala City to Tikal. Plus, everyone gets around via boat, so you kind of get stuck at your accommodation after hours (swatting away the mosquitoes and cockroaches). Jorges Rope Swing is a small bar on the opposite side of the lake. Not only does this sound like a to of fun, it is. Backpacking Guatemala: an extensive guide for first timers 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. I always travel with a hanging toiletry bag as its a super-efficient way to organize your bathroom stuff. While it technically makes sense to head toLake Atitlanfirst, Im going to suggest you get a bus to the city of Xela next. San Cristbal de las Casas. They stop every few minutes though, so be prepared for long travel days. People are warm and inviting in Guatemala, and you should have no problem getting around, but I am not going to sugarcoat the economic situation in Guatemala. To get into the water you always have to climb down a ladder or stairs. Book your transport on 12Go nowand guarantee your seat easily. A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic booooring. You can read what our highlights in Antigua were in our separate trip report. 8 per person, Placencia is a very relaxed village on a small peninsula in the south of Belize. You are rights at the lake and everything is well organized. You do not have to pay anything when entering the country. Lake Atitlan (Lago de Atitlan) is surrounded by several cone-like volcanoes and verdant cliff faces that look too good to be true. Unless you bag a political or non-governmental organisation job, your best bet to find work is teaching English English teachers can usually find work pretty easily. Maybe one reason was that on the day of our stay the Guatemala Triathlon passed through Tikal. This is to maintain the style of the city and it works pretty well. See below for a list of 11 Awesome Things To Do In Lake Atitlan: We all know accidents can happen and having Heymondo Insurance will save you thousands of dollars if something goes wrong. In the end, we were glad that we didnt choose the much more expensive option of staying directly in Tikal. Mexico. And it is a wonderful and easy introduction to the Caribbean country. Plus it even includes free breakfast! The lake is rather large, and all of the surrounding towns are completely unique to one another. But the special feature here is that there are two entrances to the cenote and they are connected by an underground cave. Just a few hours from Antigua, Lake Atitln is an easy bus journey or hitchhike away. The sand in Placencia is not as fine as on other beaches and also the waves are a bit rougher. The atmosphere of the city reminded us a bit of Bacalar, in the south of Mexico. They are served with salsa and cabbage on top. I have covered the overland border crossings in the onward travel from Guatemala section below. Other areas are included for reference in the suggested itinerary routes, but we have not personally visited other areas than the states listed above. But we didnt feel like sitting in the bus for that long, so we chose Bacalar, a small town with a big sight: the Seven Colors Lagoon of Bacalar. Essential Tips and Information: Border Crossing from Mexico to Guatemala You can travel through Guatemala, Belize and Mexico from south to north or the other way around. Its not ideal, but its the only way to get there. Alternatively, you can also book an excursion with a catamaran. This does not only look unattractive, but also spoils the bathing fun. Especially the center of the island with its church perched on the hill is much quieter than the outskirts with the many restaurants and bars. When arriving in a new country, not being able to charge your phone and gadgets is a nightmare. Again, some are not that spectacular, so the entrance fee, which is usually around 100 MXN (5) per person, is not worth it in our opinion. Within 3 weeks this route would be doable in our opinion, but only if you cut out some points. You cant quite make out the 7 different shades of blue, of course, but in any case they are great colors and you can definitely make out 2-3 shades of blue. The dry season lasts from November to May. Be a part of the solution and travel with a filter water bottle. Most locals get around by chicken bus, which are essentially tricked-out and bedazzled old American school buses. Guatemala might not be super well-known for its scuba diving. After visiting Tikal you can travel onward to Belize or Mexico by bus. Icons made by Freepik fromwww.flaticon.com, Created with in Germany by Sabrina & Andreas| 2022, Frhstck auf dem Vulkan Acatenango, Guatemala, Wanderung auf den Vulkan Acatenango zum Sonnenaufgang. That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we dont believe are up to scratch. Then feel free to write us a comment! This lake is surrounded by seven picturesque Mayan villages, each offering something different. There are 8 ways to get from Mexico to Guatemala by plane, shuttle, bus or car Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner. Read more about Caye Ambergris and the Secret Beach in our travel report: @media(min-width:0px){#div-gpt-ad-roads_and_rivers_com-small-square-2-0-asloaded{max-width:300px!important;max-height:250px!important}}if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'roads_and_rivers_com-small-square-2','ezslot_23',198,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-roads_and_rivers_com-small-square-2-0');Bacalar was the first stop on our itinerary through the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico and was more due to the fact that we didnt want to drive that far after crossing the border from Belize. Who doesnt want to wake up on a boat and dive in the sea everyday for a week? There is sand, but it is not a typical beach that leads shallowly into the water. Tepoztln. On this map you can see our exact route through Guatemala, Belize and Mexico. Make sure to support the locals, visit some co-ops, and kick back with a cerveza on the lake! Depending on your qualifications (or your motivation to obtain qualifications like a TEFL certificate) you can teach English remotely from your laptop, save some cash for your next adventure, and make a positive impact on the world by improving another persons language skills! In addition, there is a magnificent play of colors of the two differently colored rivers, which is most beautiful to see from my drone.Branch Mouth Park, San Ignacio. Whether by plane to distant countries or with our campervan Bruno, we just love to travel. Make sure to bring a couple layers for the nights in the Highlands. The sea here has a wonderful turquoise blue and you can hike around the cliffs on several paths above or just above sea level. Read more about Tulum and the Gran Cenote in our separate trip reporthere: From Tulum to Isla MujeresBy ADO bus we went to Cancun in about 2 hours. Backpacking Mexico - 4 Week Mexico Itinerary [2023] - Jonny Melon These hiking times vary depending on your level of fitness and previous hiking experience. However, US dollars are also accepted everywhere. This assumes you're staying in a hostel dorm, cooking most of your meals, sticking to free activities (like hiking and the beach), limiting your drinking, and using public transportation to get around. 2023 Backpacking Mexico Itinerary [Ridiculously In-Depth Guide!] Backpacking Guatemala Travel Guide (Updated for 2023) Guatemala's steaming jungles, diverse highlands, active volcanoes, and crumbling Mayan temples will keep even the most adventurous travellers busy for weeks. Playa Norte is the main beach on Isla Mujeres. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); I have included 3 Guatemala Travel Itineraries below to inspire your next visit! But the atmosphere still remains totally relaxed and serene. Tikal is a truly amazing place. Learn how to create your own. We found it great to walk around, take pictures and explore the secret passages, paths and temples.