Guatemala solo travel can be incredibly rewarding. There’s so much that this country has to offer, and travelling alone means you can go at your own pace and do exactly what you want to experience.
Of course, there are some considerations to make when solo travelling through Guatemala, including safety considerations. We’ll break down everything you need to know in the guide below.
Guatemala Solo Travel: An Overview
Guatemala solo travel may seem intimidating on paper. The country has high crime rates and is known for its dangerous gangs. However, this doesn’t really affect tourists, and solo travel to Guatemala is a safe and amazing experience.
Guatemala offers a wide range of experiences for travellers. No matter what kind of solo travel adventure you’re after, you can find it in this country.
Here are some of the highlights you can expect from a Guatemala solo travel trip:
Exploring ancient Mayan temples and ruins. Guatemala is the heart of the ancient Mayan empire.
Hiking up volcanoes and trekking through jungles. Whatever your experience level is, hiking in Guatemala is incredibly rewarding and offers something for everyone.
Visiting the beautiful old colonial cities and towns, with their vibrant markets, buzzing energy, and unique Guatemalan charms.
Chilling on the picture-perfect white sandy beaches, and possibly learning how to surf in the great waves on offer.
Experiencing the many national parks and incredible natural sights in Guatemala, such as Lake Atitlán and the turquoise pools of Semuc Champey.
Want more info to help plan your trip? Then check out our complete Guatemala travel guide for all the details.
Is it Safe to Travel to Guatemala Alone?
Guatemala is not exactly known for being a safe country. As mentioned above, Guatemala often appears in the list of countries with the highest crime rates. It’s generally considered to be one of Central America’s most dangerous countries.
But, before that scares you away, let’s make something clear - this crime is restricted mainly to gangs and certain areas. Guatemala also has a well-established tourism industry, and as a traveller, you’ll steer clear of the dangerous areas and crime networks within the country. This means that travelling through Guatemala is generally a very safe experience.
So, is Guatemala safe to travel alone? Absolutely, as long as you’re careful, take the necessary precautions, and stick to areas that are well-established for tourism. You’ll also want to pick the
best time to travel to Guatemala to ensure all the activities are open and there are other tourists around.
If you’re concerned about safety on your solo trip to Guatemala, we recommend joining a guided tour to ensure you experience the country with the peace of mind a tour package offers.
Guatemala Solo Travel as a Woman
What about travelling alone as a woman - is solo female travel in Guatemala safe?
Going by our previous answer, yes. Of course, crime does exist in Guatemala, and there’s a lot you need to be aware of while you travel alone. But, as long as you keep a keen eye on your belongings, use common sense safety measures, and stick to reputable tourist areas, then solo female travel in Guatemala should be a safe and rewarding experience.
Best Destinations for Solo Travel Guatemala
Guatemala offers some amazing destinations for solo travellers - here are some of our top picks.
This charming colonial city is packed with colourful buildings, cobblestone streets, and vibrant markets. It's safe to explore alone, and you can visit historical sites like the Santa Catalina Arch or hike up to Cerro de la Cruz for a stunning view.
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Surrounded by volcanoes and indigenous villages, Lake Atitlán is a breathtaking destination.
You can take boat rides between villages, hike the surrounding hills, or simply relax by the serene waters. If you’re feeling active, you could also join a group hike up the Acatenango Volcano while you’re there, which is one of the
best volcano hikes in Guatemala.
Explore ancient Mayan ruins in the heart of the jungle at Tikal.
Solo travellers can join guided tours to learn about the history and significance of this archaeological site, or you can wander through the towering temples at your own pace.
For adventure seekers, Semuc Champey lets you explore caves, tube down rivers, and swim in crystal-clear pools. While it's a bit more off the beaten path, solo travellers can easily join tours from nearby towns like Lanquín.
This highland city is a hub for outdoor activities and soaking up the authentic Guatemalan culture.
Solo travellers can take Spanish classes, hike up nearby volcanoes, or visit indigenous markets to experience local life up close.
Famous for its bustling market, Chichicastenango offers a vibrant cultural experience.
As a solo traveller, you can wander through the maze of stalls selling traditional textiles, handicrafts, and local produce. Don't miss the opportunity to witness the colourful Mayan rituals at the Santo Tomás Church.
Tucked away on Guatemala's Caribbean coast, Livingston has a unique Afro-Caribbean culture.
Solo travellers can explore the town's colourful streets, taste delicious seafood dishes, and relax on the beautiful beaches. Boat tours to nearby attractions like the Seven Altars Waterfalls are also a great idea.
This scenic river journey takes solo travellers through lush rainforests and past dramatic limestone cliffs.
You can take boat tours along the Rio Dulce, visit the historic Castillo de San Felipe, or unwind in hot springs along the riverbank. It's a peaceful destination perfect for solo exploration.
Known for its stunning natural beauty and indigenous culture, Huehuetenango offers a rich cultural experience for solo travellers.
You can visit traditional Mayan villages, hike through cloud forests in the Sierra de los Cuchumatanes, or sample delicious local coffee at one of the region's many coffee farms.
As the main port city on Guatemala's Caribbean coast, Puerto Barrios is a lively and diverse place to visit.
As a solo traveller, you can explore the bustling markets, relax on nearby beaches like Playa Blanca, or take boat trips to explore the nearby islands and coral reefs.
Solo Travel Tips for Guatemala
To make your Guatemala solo travel adventure even more rewarding, here are some top tips to keep in mind:
Safety First: Always prioritize your safety. Stick to well-lit and populated areas, especially at night. Keep your belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings. A bit of common sense will go a long way when travelling through Guatemala.
Learn Some Basic Spanish: Knowing some Spanish can really help make your trip to Guatemala more interesting. It helps with communication and shows respect for the local culture. Even just a few phrases can make a big difference to your solo adventure.
Know Your Transport Options: Familiarize yourself with the different modes of transportation available, such as buses, shuttles, and taxis. Be cautious when using public transportation, especially late at night. We advise using reputable taxi apps or joining professional guides for longer-distance travel when you’re by yourself.
Join Group Tours: If you’re travelling alone, joining a group tour is the best way to make the most of your experience. This ensures your safety, it gives you access to expert local guides, and you’ll get to meet other travellers along the way.
Travel Insurance: It's always a good idea to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unforeseen circumstances. Having good travel insurance helps ease some concerns about travelling on your own.
As long as you’re well prepared for what to expect, Guatemala solo travel is an awesome experience. Use your common sense, visit the right places, and you’ll be sure to have an amazing time travelling by yourself.
Interested in joining a group tour while you’re there? Then check out our eight-day
guided Guatemala adventure for the ultimate experience in this country.
