Solo Female Travel in Guatemala

Nestled in the heart of Central America, Guatemala stands as a captivating fusion of natural beauty, ancient traditions, and spectacular Mayan heritage. Known for its diverse landscapes, the country is home to stunning volcanoes, lush jungles, and beautiful beaches - a paradise for adventurers and nature lovers alike. Guatemala is particularly famous for its well-preserved Mayan ruins, with the ancient city of Tikal being a must-visit destination. Its colorful local markets, rich coffee culture, vibrant textiles, and holidays such as Day of the Dead, create an intoxicating cultural tapestry that lures in visitors from all over the world.

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Is Guatemala good for solo travel?

Safety:

Safety:Moderate

Guatemala does have a high level of crime and it's recommended for solo female travelers to maintain a heightened level of caution. Particularly in major cities, it's recommended to steer clear of less populated areas, especially at night. However, if precautions are taken such as not displaying signs of wealth, using reputable transportation services, and staying in safe accommodations, it can be manageable. It is also advisable to learn some basic Spanish, as English is not widely spoken.
Transport:

Transport:Moderate

Guatemala offers a mix of experiences for solo female travelers. The country boasts of a decent network of local transport, which includes buses and taxis, making it relatively easy to navigate major cities. However, rural areas can be a bit challenging due to less frequency and reliability of public transportation. Additionally, language can be a barrier as English is not widely spoken outside tourist areas. Always keep safety in mind, especially during night travel and in less crowded areas.
Things to do:

Things to do:Interesting

Guatemala teems with a rich combination of history, culture, and nature. The country's numerous Mayan ruins, such as Tikal and Yaxha, provide captivating insights into an ancient civilization. Its diverse landscapes encompass volcanoes, lakes, and forests, providing ample options for outdoor activities like hiking, trekking, and bird-watching. The vibrant, indigenous culture can be seen in the markets, crafts, textiles, and towns around the country.
Food:

Food:Above average

Guatemalan cuisine is a delightful fusion of Mayan, Spanish, and Afro-Caribbean influences. You can expect a good variety of dishes featuring beans, corn, chili peppers, and locally sourced meat and fish. Fruits and vegetables are fresh and flavorful, making salads and smoothies a delightful treat. Beware though, street food while tasty, might not always agree with foreign stomachs so it's good to go slow and allow your body to adjust. The cuisine is hearty and delicious, utilizing a variety of spices which adds to the breadth of flavors and dishes to discover, but it may not be considerably diverse if compared to global gastronomy standards.
Budget:

Budget:Affordable

Guatemala is significantly budget-friendly. Daily expenses are manageable, with cheap local food, affordable transportation, and reasonable prices for accommodations. You can explore many natural and historical attractions at minimal cost. However, frequenting customer-oriented places like upscale restaurants and luxury resorts can raise your costs.

Is Guatemala worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.6 /5

based on 35 experiences

Things to do

4.7/5

Safety

4.2/5

Food

4.7/5

Budget-friendly

4.5/5
Franllely

Franllely

Costa Rica

Antigua Guatemala, Solo travel

It was my first time solo traveling amazing experience It’s really affordable and local food is cheap and delicious the people amazing love the culture Be ready to walk a lot in September it’s really hot Take pictures everywhere those are nice memories

Posted: August 9, 2024
Things to do: 3/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Ayla

Ayla

Netherlands

Antigua Guatemala, Solo travel

When you visit Antigua please do the Acetenango Vulcano hike if you can! This was one of the most challenging things I’ve ever done but also the most special and most fulfilling! We saw so many eruptions and lightning and it was definitely a core memory moment. Antigua is a beautiful city surrounded by vulcano’s and for me it felt like a magical place. All the cute restaurants are so pretty with their little courtyards. I stayed at Adra hostel and Ojala hostel which I would both definitely recommend!!

Posted: June 14, 2024
Things to do: 5/5Food: 4/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 4/5
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Zoe

Zoe

United Kingdom

Lake Atitlán, Couple travel

My time on lake atitlan was amazing! Such an amazing experience and met so many great people. perfect place to meet other people especially at free cerveza everyone was so welcoming, and the food was amazing! There was a place that did falafel wraps(i can’t remember the name sorry) which was INSANE ! i’ve had a LOT of falafel in my life and that was one of, if not THE BEST

Posted: June 7, 2024
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 4/5Safety: 5/5
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Quetzaltenango, Solo travel

I loved Quetzaltenango. There are gangs that target buses to the capital but otherwise, it was a safe place when I traveled.

Posted: March 29, 2024
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 4/5
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Antigua Guatemala, Couple travel

Beautiful place full of history. Most of the structures are colonial in this city, you can easily get to other locations like Atitlan, there is also a street market nearby where you can find a lot of locals selling handicrafts.. :)

Posted: March 16, 2024Experienced: March, 2019
Things to do: 3/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 2/5Safety: 5/5
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Antigua Guatemala, Solo travel

Guatemala is a destination abundant with natural places to explore. Throughout my trip, I felt safe even though I was travelling alone. The best experience was climbing the Volcano of Fire and Acatenango. I highly recommend it!

Posted: March 5, 2024
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 2/5Safety: 5/5
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Andressa

Andressa

Brazil

Antigua Guatemala, Solo travel

The city is extremely pretty, all cute with colonial houses. To eat I highly recommend the street food in front of Iglesia de la Merced. Everything is delicious and really cheap. During the day is always super safe and people are really friendly. During the night I did not felt as safe to walk alone too far from my accommodation, but did not have any incident.

Posted: February 21, 2024
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 2/5Safety: 3/5
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Antigua Guatemala, Solo travel

I traveled to Antigua Guatemala and it was my first solo trip. I hiked Acatenango Volcano, what a challenge, and, view but it was worth it. I felt super safe in Antigua and walked almost everywhere.

Posted: February 8, 2024
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Ames

Ames

Canada

Antigua Guatemala, Solo travel

I love Guatemala! I did 10 days solo! I spent most of my nights in Antigua at Somos Hostel. I walked around the markets and ate some local food. I visited a few monumental sites. I completed Acetenango volcano over night on my birthday with the best views. I went to panajchel and stayed on the island for a bit and travelled around by boat. Paddle boarding was so much fun on lake atitlan. Only thing I didnt like was that there wasnt a lot of street food around Antigua. Didnt feel all that safe in Guatemala city when I was catching my flight back home. Other than that it was so much fun!!

Posted: December 31, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 3/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 4/5
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Antigua Guatemala, Solo travel

Antigua seemed very safe. I only spent two days there, which were good for exploring the city, but I regret not adding another two for hiking up the Acatenango volcano. I heard it's amazing but also challenging.

Posted: December 25, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Meet locals in Guatemala

Meet local women in Guatemala who are open to meet up for a coffee or a drink, show you around, give local advice or practice a language with.
Andy

Andy

About Me

Trabajaré en esta introducción... Por el momento cuento que soy Diseñadora, trabajo remoto, me gusta tomar fotos y estaré visitando Europa este año por primera vez. Me encanta tomar café, cerveza, vino y comer de todo, me gusta mucho conversar y escuchar.

Speaking

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Lu

Lu

About Me

Hey! I'm Lu LGBTQIA friendly and I like learning about different cultures.

Speaking

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Local tips

As a local Guatemalan and someone who travels extensively around the country, I can say that tourist areas are very safe, as long as you don't do generally dangerous things, such as walking alone at night where there are few people, or entering dangerous zones in Guatemala City. You can travel by chicken buses during the day without any problems, I've done it all my life, just watch out for your belongings. You can use transfers or private buses at night. Of course, there is violence and many other bad things, just like in any other country, just try to be careful and everything will be fine.

Posted: September 25, 2023
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Avoid public transport, avoid local taxis (you are more vulnerable to assault being a woman and a foreigner), use only Uber. Do not talk to strangers on the street, if they approach you, say "hello" and move on. Dress modestly, Guatemala has a very high rate of femicides. If you plan to walk around, try to stay in places with lots of people (avoid isolated areas). I am now in Guatemala and I walk a lot, but I only move in certain zones. Safety is an illusion. If something feels off to you, trust your instincts.

Posted: September 21, 2023
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Stay with locals in Guatemala

Stay with local women in Guatemala who offer free accommodation as part of cultural exchange. Hospitality exchange is a great way to meet new people, learn more about new cultures and experience destinations like a local.
Amanda

Amanda

San Juan Comalapa

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Spent the last few years in Guatemala working with a local school in green building Open to connect with people and support how I can

Speaking

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Mirna

Mirna

Guatemala

Can host for:

2 days

About me

Passionated about traveling and animals. Enjoying simple things in life and looking to meet some New friends in this path called life.

Speaking

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Upcoming visitors to Guatemala

Connect with upcoming visitors to Guatemala who are looking for travel buddies or meet ups.
Gloria

Gloria

About Me

Currently I plan to travel through Central and South America around September/October. I’m looking for people who have been there or are from there to connect with before my trips :)

Speaking

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Gloria

Gloria

About Me

Currently I plan to travel through Central and South America around September/October. I’m looking for people who have been there or are from there to connect with before my trips :)

Speaking

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Explore Guatemala