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.

Travel rating

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Travel index

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: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: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: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: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

Rating summary

Things to do

4.7/5

Safety

4.2/5

Food

4.7/5

Budget-friendly

4.5/5
Haley

Haley

United States

Solo travel experience

Guatemala was great! I visited Lake Atitlan, Antigua and Acatenango. I felt very safe as a solo female traveler even though I was there during local protests. Lake Atitlan has many towns to visit, Antigua is rich in culture and a beautiful city, and Acatenango is an unforgettable experience seeing a live volcano erupt. Lots of fun adventure to be had.

Posted: November 5, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 3/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 4/5
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Solo travel experience

I had a short trip to Guatemala. I spent 2 nights at Lake Atitlan (staying in San Pedro and visited San Juan, Santiago and Panajachel) and 1 night in Antigua. I felt very safe and I had a great time.

Posted: October 11, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Group travel experience

I felt very safe in Antigua and Lake Atitlan. It seemed incredibly easy to join tours and meet people. Personally, I wouldn't choose to explore Guatemala City alone, but I was only there for one night.

Posted: October 9, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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I felt very safe in Antigua and Flores. I did not use public buses, only small buses with other tourists. I did not leave my hotel in Guatemala City on my own because I heard that it is not the safest place.

Posted: October 7, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 4/5
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Solo travel experience

I stopped in El Remate, Antigua, Xela and San Pedro la Laguna. I didn't have any problems all the time and everywhere I stopped, I really liked it. I heard from a few people that it's not a good idea to travel between towns around the lake late at night - many roads are not safe.

Posted: October 5, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

I stayed in Guatemala for 4 weeks in Flores, Semuc Champey/Lanquin, Xela, Antigua, Lake Atitlan and El Paredon. I felt very safe. For extra peace of mind, I avoided chicken buses, especially at night.

Posted: October 4, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 4/5
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Solo travel experience

I have traveled alone as a woman to Guatemala many times and I have never had any problems. I used common sense and guides, stuck to tourist areas, safe modes of transportation etc. I loved being there.

Posted: October 2, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

I went to Lake Atitlán, to Antigua and Guatemala. I felt safe there and didn't experience any strange vibes. From my experience, people there were incredibly friendly and helpful.

Posted: October 1, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 4/5
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Solo travel experience

I traveled alone to Guatemala. I mostly felt safe there, the tourist areas were fine, such as Flores, Semuc Champey, and Antigua. I avoided Guatemala City, I heard very often that it's not safe there, and by Lake Atitlan there are also trails that are not safe.

Posted: September 29, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 4/5
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Solo travel experience

I have traveled alone through Guatemala twice. It's an incredible country. Very unique and so beautiful. I did not feel dangerous there at all, except for Guatemala City.

Posted: September 27, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 4/5
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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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Explore Guatemala