Solo Female Travel & Backpacking in Guatemala
Travelling to Guatemala alone? Connect with like-minded solo female travelers and local women, share your experiences, and make new friends along the way.
About Guatemala
Meet locals in Guatemala
Molly
Hi! I’m 27, living full time in New York City but currently am an artist in residence at Gracia, in Antigua, Guatemala. My residency is quite small and very much self lead so I would love to meet some like minded women who want to have a coffee, a drink, love great design but most importantly love to laugh!
Krista
Hi, I'm Krista. I like to meet new people and places, I like to learn about business, entrepreneurship, and culture and languages. I love to take a walk in nature, I like to dance, sing, swim, and talk haha
Mirna
Passionated about traveling and animals. Enjoying simple things in life and looking to meet some New friends in this path called life.
Stay with locals in Guatemala
Mirna
Can host for 2 days
Passionated about traveling and animals. Enjoying simple things in life and looking to meet some New friends in this path called life.Krista
Can host for 3 days
Hi, I'm Krista. I like to meet new people and places, I like to learn about business, entrepreneurship, and culture and languages. I love to take a walk in nature, I like to dance, sing, swim, and talk hahaUpcoming visitors to Guatemala
Nadine
I‘m an outgoing girl always in the search for new adventures and good conversations. I live close to the Black Forest and like the mountains in general. I enjoy doing sports outdoors or just being outside drinking a glass of wine or bottle of beer watching the sunrise / sunset. Go with the flow is one of my essences. 💫Experiences from Guatemala
Overall rating
based on 9 experiences
Rating summary
Things to do
Safety
Food
Budget-friendly
Solo travel experience
I have been to Guatemala three times, twice as a solo traveler and once with a boyfriend. It’s an amazing country, I highly recommend the Lake Atitlan area (stay in colonial Antigua or Panajachel), Semuc Champay is a must, and if you go to the ruins at Tikal stay in the charming town of Isla de Flores (a little island). Avoid Guatemala City, there isn’t as much to do there and I was robbed at my hostel (the thief ransacked my backpack while I was at dinner).
Solo travel experience
I travelled to Antigua, Guatemala alone to study Spanish for a month right after grad school. Guatemala was a wonderful place to visit. I travelled to Lake Atilan and took the ferries to the various villages surrounding the Lake. We also had a day of class held on a volcanic black sand beach. I found the yoga community in Antigua easily enough. There were many lively parades the July-August I was there. One late afternoon, there was a parade of furries which was surreal. I'd love to return.
Solo travel experience
I spent a month in Guatemala last summer. Antigua is likely my favorite Central American city. Lake Atitlán was heaven on earth. Guatemala City was clean and void of tourists. I found a local bus company in Antigua and they arranged all my transport. I do speak Spanish and had 0 issues for the month. Guatemala was so great that it kind of ruined me. I just want to go back. Kind people, phenomenal vegan food, a slower pace, Mayan culture miraculously very intact.
Solo travel experience
Guatemala is my favorite place I've ever been besides Spain. There are tons of outdoor activities- hiking volcanos, visiting coffee plantations, zip lining, surfing, etc. It's very affordable, people are very friendly and the food/drink is fantastic. In my experience there is very little English.
Solo travel experience
Gutatemala is amazing! I did the Acatenango hike in March with Wicho and Charlies and could recommend, they’re a little pricier but I had a good experience. Loved Lake Atitlan. Stayed there for 5 days and split the time between San Juan and San Pedro with some day trips. In San Pedro I can recommend a pizza place El Gato Perdido I had the absolute most amazing pizza, still dreaming about it. In San Juan I did volcano hike which was amazing (a day trip). So worth it though for the sunrise! I think San Juan is one of the bigger towns with more travelers, same with San Marco which has more yoga, vegan places.
Solo travel experience
I loved Guatemala! Antigua is so cute and charming, and I also hiked Acatenango and it was one of my all-time fave travel experiences. Being that close to an active volcano was wild. And waking up in the night to the sounds of the eruptions — wild!
Solo travel experience
I’ve been to Guatemala twice to volunteer. I always felt very safe and Guatemala in fact it’s one of my favorite places that I go. The people are very friendly, the food is delicious, and it’s a very beautiful country. Definitely go to the lake and climb the volcano. There is also a place near the lake that you can do zip lining. I did that and it was great very safe. I would highly recommend that it was super fun.
Solo travel experience
Such a beautiful country, with such kind people. If you enjoy the outdoors, hike Acatenango or Pacaya. Acatenango is rather difficult but so worth it, while pacaya is more of a simple hike. If you get a chance to go to Semuc Champey, do it - even if it’s only for a few days. And I couldn't recommend Lake Atitlan more. As for Guatemala City... there’s a cool nightlife scene but that’s risky as a solo traveler. I personally did not feel safe in the city.
Solo travel experience
I have spent a month in Guatemala visiting Antigua, hiking Acetanango volcano (highlight of my trip so far, it's an amazing experience to be so close to an active volcano), Lake Atitlan - hiked Indian Nose and San Pedro volcano there, Semuc Champey, Rio Dulce, Livingston, Puerto Barrios.
Get answers to your travel questions
Frequently asked questions
Is Guatemala safe for solo female travellers?
Yes, Guatemala is generally safe for solo female travelers. However, it is important to take the same precautions as you would in any other country. Be aware of your surroundings, avoid walking alone at night, and keep your valuables secure. It is also recommended to dress modestly and to avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
Is Guatemala good for solo travel?
Yes, Guatemala is generally considered to be a safe destination for solo travelers. However, it is important to take the usual precautions when traveling alone, such as avoiding walking alone at night, being aware of your surroundings, and not carrying large amounts of cash. Additionally, it is recommended to dress modestly and to research the local customs and laws before traveling.
Is Guatemala expensive for solo travellers?
No, Guatemala is not expensive for solo travelers. The cost of living in Guatemala is quite low, and you can find budget-friendly accommodation, food, and transportation. Prices for activities and attractions vary, but there are plenty of affordable options.
What do I need to know before traveling to Guatemala?
Language
Spanish is the official language of Guatemala, although many people also speak English and some indigenous languages. It is helpful to learn some basic Spanish phrases before traveling to Guatemala.
Currency
The official currency of Guatemala is the Quetzal (GTQ). U.S. dollars are widely accepted, but it is best to have some local currency on hand for smaller purchases.
Safety
Guatemala is generally safe for travelers, but it is important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
Vaccinations
Certain vaccinations are recommended for travelers to Guatemala, including hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and rabies.
Climate
Guatemala has a tropical climate with two distinct seasons: the dry season (November to April) and the wet season (May to October).
What is the best time to travel to Guatemala?
The best time to travel to Guatemala is during the dry season, which runs from November to April. During this time, temperatures are mild and rainfall is minimal. The months of December and January are the most popular for tourists, as the weather is usually sunny and dry.
Is Guatemala safe to travel alone?
No, it is not safe to travel alone in Guatemala. The country has a high crime rate, and travelers should exercise caution when visiting. It is best to travel with a group or with a local guide who is familiar with the area.
Travel alone in Guatemala
Antigua Guatemala
Tikal
Petén
Coban
Guatemala City
San Juan del Obispo
Panajachel
Lake Atitlán
San Pedro la Laguna
Quetzaltenango
Puerto Quetzal
El Paredon
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