You’re not going to need a tonne of money, right? 10+ Best things to do in Xela Guatemala: authentic Guatemala . The surface above the river has a series of limestone pools that look like they’re from another … There are many reasons why people travel to Guatemala, and not once did I ask myself if Guatemala was safe. Ireland simply HAS to make the list of best backpacking destinations in Europe. Unfortunately, there was no public transportation available so late at night, and had to take a taxi from… You can find a wide range of attractions from paved streets to majestic architecture. I stayed in dormitory rooms at hostels, ate cheap and didn’t drink alcohol. On this page, you have our main Central America backpacking route which takes in part of Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama. We also have a couple of other itineraries in the region which can easily be combined with this one: 5 weeks in Mexico| 2 weeks in Jamaica Guatemala is a very affordable country and as such is perfect for backpackers. Guatemala’s steaming jungles, diverse highlands, active volcanoes, and crumbling Mayan temples will keep even the most adventurous travellers busy for weeks. It’s no wonder travellers (and hippies) have been backpacking Guatemala for decades. Though part of the fun of backpacking Guatemala is exploring on your own, there are situations, especially when venturing off the tourist trail, when it does make sense to go with a guide or a small group. I flew into Guatemala City groggy and frustrated. Guatemala is an exhilarating country that’s recently seen a massive surge in popularity – in fact, it’s one of our hottest backpacking destinations for 2019. Backpacking Guatemala budget. We often ordered breakfast somewhere and cooked the other meals at the hostel. I am a passionate traveler, photographer, and an … 14 of the very best Hostels in Lake Atitlan – Where to stay . Guatemala. Semuc Champey is a natural gem that every traveler in Central America should include in their backpacking Guatemala trip. My flight had been delayed over and over and over again, and slowly, my hopes of spending the night planning and preparing for Guatemala disintegrated. No matter how long or short your trip, don’t forget to purchase travel insurance. If you are heading to Guatemala after backpacking Belize, San Ignacio is an obvious departure point as it is very close to the border. In the centre of Lago Petén Itzá lays Flores, an island town of red corrogated rooftops and colourful, painted buildings. If you are backpacking and coming up from Guatemala then I recommend taking a bus from Guatemala to San Cristobal and then heading to Oaxaca for a night or 2 before traveling to Cancun. Semuc Champey: A Backpackers Delight! City Antigua, Guatemala. Posted on Last updated: October 17, 2019 By: Author Macca Sherifi and Brianna Wiens. Share; Pin It; Tweet; WhatsApp; Seeing Guatemala through the eyes of the Brit. Typical lunch for us, we ate lots of fruit, cheese and tortillas backpacking in Guatemala! I’ve not specified where you should visit in the Riviera Maya, because that really is up to you. After all, I … This is especially a good option for those travelling … Personally I would choose Playa del Carmen and Tulum over Cancun. Lobke. Most travelers base themselves here because… There are many reasons why backpacking in Guatemala is a rewarding experience. The perfect 2 week itinerary for backpacking Guatemala. Well, hobbit holes at least, in Hobbitenango. First of all, it’s less crowded than other parts of Central America — for example, tourist-filled Costa Rica. Backpacking Central America - Antigua on a budget, including tips and price guide. If your backpacking Belize itinerary extends to Guatemala, there are two ways to reach Belize’s neighbor to the south. Rather like Hobbiton in The Shire of New Zealand, Lord of the Rings fans can now visit … Travel agents can organize minivans for travelers who want to go from Belize, through the border crossing, to Guatemala. I’ll start with a slight warning. The Garifuna are descended from West Africans (following the shipwreck of a slave ship) and … 3 Top Hostels in Xela Quetzaltenango . Top 5 Reasons to Backpack Guatemala . 1. Our "Grand Tour" puts you on the right track. Categories Central America, Destinations, Guatemala, Videos. Located … Guatemala was our first country of our backpacking trip through Central America for four months. The journey to Lanquin is not for the faint-hearted. Where to go in Guatemala to see the best ruins, where to spot wildlife in Guatemala and the best adventure sport areas in Guatemala. Secondly, Guatemala has a bit of everything: from dense jungles and shimmering lakes to vibrant colonial cities and ancient Mayan ruins. The indigenous Mayan culture is alive and full, and Guatemala is home to the most beautiful natural and Mayan sites in the world. Although some people will argue this point. Regardless of where you’re coming from, you’ll have a few transportation options: shuttles, buses, or flights. Ireland. Central America Backpacking Guide - 2 Month Route & Travel Tips Guatemala to El Salvador Bus (Updated 2021) Cheap Eats in San Pedro, Guatemala. We reached the park in an hour, bought entrance tickets, then started hiking in the dark to the top of one of the Mayan structures for the sunrise. For these times, a popular option among backpackers is G Adventures. Backpacking Guatemala Suggested Budgets As a budget backpacker in Guatemala, expect to pay around 250 GTQ per day. Backpacking in Guatemala. Guatemala. Backpacking Guatemala Where Is Guatemala? This guide to Guatemala focuses on the best adventure activities in five of the most popular places to visit in the country. It’s Guatemala for God sake! 10 Things to do in Guatemala to make your trip unforgettable! From huge, bustling cities to ancient Mayan ruins and everything in between, Guatemala deserves its moment in the spotlight. Did you know there are hobbits in Guatemala? You can easily get by on $30 per day or less, but it’s true that if you won’t want to live solely on street food or sleep in dorms, you’ll have to stretch your budget a little. It shares land borders with four countries, Mexico, Belize, El Salvador and Honduras. As such, Whatever you decide to see in Guatemala, this country will definitely not disappoint! Semuc Champey is a relatively remote place to reach, with most backpackers choosing to spend a day or two in the hilltop town of San Agustín Lanquín, 11km away, and visit Semuc on a day trip. Kak’ik. A holiday in Guatemala but don't know where to start? Guatemala. My solo backpacking adventure began in Guatemala City, this year in July. A Backpackers Guide To Flores, Guatemala. Posted on July 17, 2017 April 18, 2020 by Claire. Backpacking in Guatemala will reward you with incredible scenery and natural wonders, from volcanoes to limestone pools and huge lakes, strong indigenous cultures and colourful clothes, delicious food and a warm welcome. While Guatemala doesn’t rank highly on the United Nations Development Programme, the costs sometimes belie travellers’ first impressions of the country. Here is a breakdown of how much money I spent over 2 months of travel there. Guatemala is a true backpacker experience from the rainforests and Mayan temples in the north to the active Volcanoes in the south. They hand-select local guides to ensure authenticity and quality. Guatemala's former capital – a mandatory stop – is a heady vision of cobbled streets, colonial mansions, Baroque churches and the nation's best dining scene. Guatemala. From the jungle pyramids of the north to one of the most atmospheric colonial cities in the Americas there is so much to see while backpacking in Guatemala. Guatemala is a very popular spot on the backpacking Gringo Trail through Central America, due to its diverse towns, ancient Mayan sites, enchanting jungles and awe-inspiring volcanoes. FloresFlores is a charming colonial town located on an island on Lake Peten Itza. Most travelers base themselves here because… This assumes you’re staying in a hostel dorm, cooking most meals, sticking to free activities (like hiking and the beach), limiting your drinking, and using local transportation to get around. This isn’t your usual type of guide to budget backpacking Guatemala. Accommodation, Backpacking in Guatemala, Blog, Hostel & Hotel Reviews, Unique Experiences Hobbitenango – Hobbits in Guatemala’s Middle Earth. Xela is one of the cheapest places in the country to visit and as a result, it is a place where long-term travelers go to learn Spanish … The shores around Central America are home to many coral reefs. Guatemalan breakfast (Desayuno chapin) involves eggs, refried beans, tortillas and coffee for about Q15-Q20 ($1.50). Definitely go to both — the smaller site will give you a much better idea of how people actually lived. Ultimate Guatemala Backpacking Travel Guide 2020. Chichicastenango Market: Save Your Pennies For Another … The Backpacker’s Guide to Antigua, Guatemala. Getting to Lanquin from Flores. I did lots of tours, buses, and adventures and my two-week total was just under $500 USD. Backpacking Guatemala – 1 Guide to rule them all . Everything You Need To Know About Choosing A Spanish School in San Pedro, Guatemala. When I was backpacking Guatemala in 2015, the sunrise tour was the most popular – waking up at 2:50am to get on the bus at 3:00am! Get Insured Before Backpacking Guatemala. General Guatemala Backpacking Costs Guatemala prices were a bit of a shock at first after coming straight from India but it is very backpacker friendly. Food & Drink: $575 US (groceries, restaurants, water, alcohol) Accommodation: $406 US (hostels, hotels, camping fees) Transportation: $126 US (buses, taxis, boats) Activities: $379 US (entrance fees, rentals, classes, tours, etc.) Home » Central America » Guatemala » Backpacking in Guatemala. Most people are here to see the ruins. You never know what will happen and trust us, you don’t wanna get stuck with thousands of dollars in medical … Blog, Central / North America, Guatemala Firmly on the Central America backpacker trail (AKA the Gringo Trail); Guatemala is home to all sorts of natural and historic wonders. Guatemala Itinerary 1 - Grand tour. Kak’ik is one of the national dishes from Guatemala. Plus, there was no one there and we got a personal guided tour by th… What I found in Guatemala, was an incredibly warm people who are open and happy for the tourism coming to their country. It was SO cloudy, we were hardly able to see the steps in front of us, even when the sun came up. Key to the east is Lívingston, a town on the Caribbean coast that’s the hub of the country’s Garifuna culture. It’s a spicy stew with a turkey leg with … Also includes information on where to stay, what to see, route map and suggestions to extend your … Cancel Unsubscribe. Guatemala travel budgets can vary greatly. I am Lobke . 10 Days: Islands and Coast You can find serenity in the small towns of Guatemala, in the highlands, and … While backpacking in Guatemala’s eastern region is usually deprioritised by travellers, I’m hoping you can see from this list of things to do in Guatemala that it’s definitely an area worth visiting. Located in the heart of the Guatemalan jungle, these turquoise natural pools lie on top of the fast flowing and wild Rio Cahabon, which goes underground for a few hundred meters. Antigua. The ticket is $15 and it includes the main ruins site and a second, smaller site a couple kilometers away. If you’re interested in visiting a city in Guatemala that’s not so touristy where you can get a real sense of life in the country, then head to Quetzaltenango, or as the locals call it ‘Xela’. See ALL of the main highlights of Guatemala including Tikal, Antigua, Lake Atitlan & Semuc Champey. Subscribe Subscribed Unsubscribe 3.78K. A culturally highlighted country in Central America, Guatemala offers a blend of travel options for adventurers, beach lovers, culture enthusiasts, and travelers looking for leisure. Pacaya can only be accessed with an authorized guide so you will need to book a tour. Be aware the cheap tours often just offer transportation and a Spanish speaking guide. If you don’t speak Spanish you will need to ask for an English-speaking guide. Expect to pay 80-540 GTQ ($10-$70 USD). 5. Wander Flores Now the … Two weeks in Guatemala | A Backpacking Itinerary | ExpLaura ExpLaura. There are many reasons why backpacking in Guatemala is a rewarding experience. First of all, it’s less crowded than other parts of Central America — for example, tourist-filled Costa Rica. Secondly, Guatemala has a bit of everything: from dense jungles and shimmering lakes to vibrant colonial cities and ancient Mayan ruins. As you may or may not know, Guatemala has a backpacking culture that can inspire you to travel and explore more of Central America. Guatemala is located in Central America which is part of the North American continent. Hi! Ground … For me, Semuc Champey & Lanquin are must-visits if you’re backpacking in Guatemala. Loading... Unsubscribe from ExpLaura? Along the typical Guatemala backpacking circuit, Flores makes for a super convenient stopping point between more popular spots like Antigua and Guatemala City in the south, Semuc Champey and Lanquin further inland, and Rio Dulce or Livingstón in the north. And is bound by the Pacific Ocean in the south-west and Caribbean in the east. So yeah, backpacking Guatemala on a budget is very possible as long as you live like a local, eat like a local and take public transportation like a local. From San Ignacio, you can explore the surrounding area including the Mayan ruins at Caracol. As soon as I stepped foot in Guatemala I knew it was a … As I was supposed to arrive late-10 p.m- I decided to spend the night in the city before heading for Antigua Guatemala the next morning. Flores is a charming colonial town located on an island on Lake Peten Itza. Belize to Guatemala overland, from major Belize hubs like Belize City or San Ignacio, to Flores, Guatemala.