Backpacking Guatemala: COMPLETE Guide + ROUTES (2023)
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Thinking of backpacking Guatemala? Yay! Guatemala is one of the most beautiful countries we have ever travelled to, and I cannot recommend it enough.
In February 2023, we spent 5 action-packed, fun-filled amazing weeks in Guatemala, and I wouldn’t change our trip for the world.
In this post, I outline everything you need to know about backpacking Guatemala. From safety, to where to eat, how to get there, how to make friends, eSIMs and even where to travel to after. So, let’s get planning and start backpacking Guatemala!
Need more specific planning advice? Check out either my 2-weeks in Guatemala route or 3 days in Antigua.
Other Guatemala posts:
- Pacaya VS Acatenango: Which Volcano Hike Is Best?
- Acatenango Hike Difficulty: COMPLETE Guide
- Free Cerveza Hostel Review: Lake Atitlan Guatemala
Backpacking Guatemala: A Summary
Guatemala is one of the most popular and beautiful countries to visit on a Central America backpacking trip.
The transport system is good, and it’s easy to get around using tourist shuttles. There are plenty of hostels to choose from, and there’s fun nightlife in both Antigua and Lake Atitlan.
Whilst Spanish is the national language of Guatemala, we found most people wanted to practice their English with us, so it was easy to communicate with locals and people all over the country.
There are also some incredible Spanish schools in Guatemala (especially in Lake Atitlan and Antigua), where you can have 1:1 lessons for a low price.
If you’re on the fence about whether or not to include Guatemala in your backpacking trip, don’t be. It was one of our favourite countries in Central America for so many reasons.
With its abundance of volcanoes, epic views and landscapes, Mayan ruins, greenery, wildlife, beautiful people and locals, once-in-a-lifetime bucket list experiences and delicious traditional food, Guatemala is a country not to be missed!
Backpacking to different locations around the world? You need to be using eSIMs! Simply download and connect to local data within minutes. Hunting down free Wifi is a thing of the past! You can check out eSIM prices and compatibility options here.
How long do I need to backpack in Guatemala?
Knowing the right amount of time to backpack in Guatemala depends on how long you have in each area.
There are four major areas I would recommend travelling to if you are backpacking Guatemala for the first time (Flores & Tikal, Antigua, Lake Atitlan and Semuc Champey).
If you are backpacking Guatemala for the first time, 3 weeks is enough to see the highlights. If I were to visit Guatemala again, I would do the following route:
- 2 nights in Flores
- 3-4 nights in Semuc Champey
- 7-8 nights in Antigua
- 5 nights in Lake Atitlan
- 2 nights in El Paredon
We had 5 weeks in Guatemala doing Route 3 (see detailed routes in the next section). This was the perfect amount of time to explore and enjoy each area to its fullest.
If you don’t have as long as us, Route 3 can be completed in 3 weeks or less (you’ll just have to be prepared to whizz around a little).
SHORT ON TIME? Skip Flores and Semuc Champey. It’s a shame because Flores is the gateway to Tikal, which was one of our favourite days in Guatemala. But both Flores and Semuc Champey are difficult to get to, especially if you are flying into Guatemala City Airport.
But if you’re short on time, Antigua and Lake Atitlan are pretty special places, and will still make for an epic Guatemala backpacking trip.
Not sure which areas to skip or see in Guatemala? These posts might help:
- Is Flores Guatemala Worth Visiting?
- Is Semuc Champey Worth It? A COMPLETE Guide
- Best Time to Visit Guatemala: Complete Guide
Related post: 2 Weeks in Guatemala | Is Guatemala Safe for Solo Female Travellers?
Popular backpacking Guatemala routes
🗺️ ROUTE 1: this is Guatemala’s most popular and common backpacking route.
- Flores (Tikal) > Semuc Champey > Antigua > Lake Atitlan > El Paredon.
If you are travelling to Guatemala from Belize, you will need to get a shuttle from San Ignacio to Flores to begin your trip.
Arriving from Guatemala airport? Most backpackers fly to Flores to avoid the long bus journey, however, this is a personal preference.
🗺️ ROUTE 2: Travelling to Honduras AFTER Guatemala? Try this route instead:
- Flores (Tikal) > Semuc Champey > Antigua > Lake Atitlan > Rio Dulce (Livingston) > Honduras
🗺️ ROUTE 3: Visiting El Salvador next? This was our Guatemala route:
- Flores (Tikal) > Semuc Champey > Antigua > Lake Atitlan > Antigua > Santa Ana (El Salvador)
🗺️ ROUTE 4: Travelling north? Try this Guatemala route:
- Guatemala City > Lake Atitlan > Antigua > Semuc Champey > Flores (Tikal)
All of these routes can be changed and altered to suit you. There are also other places you can visit in Guatemala, like Xela, a town full of locals which is great for backpackers wanting to learn Spanish.
We had 5 weeks in Guatemala doing Route 3. This was the perfect amount of time to explore and enjoy each area to its fullest. If you don’t have as long as us, Route 3 can be completed in 3 weeks or less (you’ll just have to be prepared to whizz around a little).
Related post: 3 Perfect Days In Antigua | One Week In El Salvador | 2 Perfect Weeks in Guatemala | Lake Atitlan To El Paredon: Step-By-Step Guide
Visa requirements for backpacking Guatemala
If you are a UK or US resident, you will automatically get a 90-day visa when entering Guatemala. This means you do not need to apply for any other visa.
However, if you are backpacking Central America, you get a total of 90 days in four specific countries: Guatemala, Nicaragua, El Salvador and Honduras. If you are planning on visiting all four of these countries, make sure your trip is under 90 days.
If you are planning to stay longer than this, you will need to apply for an extension, or change your route, leave for another country (ie. Costa Rica, Panama…) and then return.
Related post: Best time to visit Guatemala | OX Expeditions Guatemala Review: Volcano Hikes + More
Getting around Guatemala
The most popular and best way to travel around Guatemala as a backpacker is via shuttle buses. Whilst the public buses may be more adventurous and authentic, they can double your trip time, be unpredictable and often take longer.
If you are backpacking Guatemala for the first time, I highly recommend using shuttle buses to travel around the country.
Shuttle buses can be booked via your hostel or at local travel agents, or pre-booked online here.
Public buses in Guatemala
Guatemala is known for its ‘chicken buses’, which are old school buses donated from the USA. Guatemalans have painted and turned these school buses into public party buses. Yes, they do play loud 80’s music as you travel!
Public buses are by far the cheapest way to travel around Guatemala, but they can take much longer than the shuttles and are a lot bumpier. It’s also a bit riskier with your bags and luggage, but not impossible. If you’re the more adventurous type, travelling via chicken bus in Guatemala should be on your bucket list.
Related posts: Lake Atitlan To El Paredon: Step-By-Step Guide
Best time of year to backpack Guatemala
You can visit Guatemala at any time of year and have a good time. However, the rainy season in Guatemala is from May to October, but rain can last until later in the year (even as far as December), so if you want to avoid the rain, January to May is the best time to visit.
We visited Guatemala in February and had a real mix of sunny days with blue skies, then grey clouds overcast and sporadic rainy showers. Visiting Guatemala during the month of September? Check out the Guatemala Independence Day festivities!
Related post: Best time to visit Guatemala | Pacaya VS Acatenango | 7 Best Spanish Schools In Antigua Guatemala
Learning Spanish in Guatemala
Guatemala is one of the best countries in Central America to learn Spanish. As it becomes harder and harder to communicate in English the further south you travel, I recommend stopping for a week or two in either Lake Atitlan or Antigua to brush up on your Spanish skills.
Lake Atitlan is home to some of the best Spanish schools in the country. It’s likely that your classroom will overlook volcanoes and the sun glistening on the lake.
Antigua is also a great place in Guatemala to learn Spanish, as the city is full of culture, history and lots of things to do with your new classmates!
Most Spanish schools also offer homestay experiences. Booking a week in a traditional Mayan homestay whilst learning Spanish is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and one you’ll remember forever!
Most schools even run extracurricular activities, such as movie nights, weekend hikes, day trips and salsa classes!
If you’re unsure about what’s included and how the week would work, check out my full guide and recommendations for Lake Atitlan Spanish schools or Antigua Spanish schools here!
Bucket list activities whilst backpacking Guatemala
So, what are the best things to do whilst backpacking Guatemala? Honestly, there are so many things to do in Guatemala, and all of them are pretty special. From bucket list activities to cultural experiences, there’s something to do in Guatemala for everyone.
Here are some of the best things to do when backpacking in Guatemala:
FLORES
- Visiting the ancient ruins of Tikal (you’ll need a full day for this)
- Taking a lancha to the museum (Museo Santa Barbara)
- Jumping off Jorge’s rope swing
- Going shopping at Centro Comercial Paseo de las Flores
- Drinking cocktails and watching the sunset at the Sky Bar
- Having dinner at Mangos bar
- Walking around the butterfly sanctuary at Maracuyá Cafe
- Eating breakfast at Cool Beans
- Browse the small local shops on the island
- Take a tuk-tuk to the mainland to explore
SEMUC CHAMPEY
- Swimming in the natural waterfalls and pools
- Staying at an epic destination hostel like Greengo’s
- Tubing down the lazy river
- Hiking to the El Mirador viewpoint
- Eating chocolate made by locals
- Hiking one of Guatemala’s most active volcanoes: Acatenango
- Making your chocolate in a chocolate workshop
- Coffee tasting tours
- Hiking Pacaya Volcano
- Rooftop bar hopping
- Drinking cocktails at Ulew
- Browsing the second-hand markets
- Hiking to the Cerro De La Cruz viewpoint
- Learn Spanish at one of the best Spanish schools in the country
- Drinking coffee overlooking the volcanoes in one of Antigua’s rooftop cafes
- Dancing to DJs at sunset at the Antigua Brewing Company
- Walking around the cobbled streets
- Tasting local foods at the street markets
- Sightseeing – the famous Antigua Arch and churches
Related post: 3 Perfect Days In Antigua | 2 Perfect Weeks in Guatemala: Routes + Itineraries | BEST Hostels In Antigua Guatemala
LAKE ATITLAN
- Staying at a destination hostel like Free Cerveza
- Learn Spanish in one of the best Lake Atitlan Spanish Schools
- Hiking to the Indian Nose at sunset
- Partying in the smaller towns
- Kayaking, paddleboarding or swimming in the lake
- Trying new foods in Panajachel
- Visiting a unique hippy town – San Marcos
- Standing under the colourful umbrellas in San Juan
- Partying on Mr Mullet’s boat party
➡ Travelling to Lake Atitlan? Check out my full post on how to travel around the lake via a lancha and visit all of the beautiful lakeside towns!
EL PAREDON
- Surfing
- Lazy beach days
- Crazy hostel and beach parties
Related post: Is Guatemala Safe for Solo Female Travellers? | What To Wear In Antigua Guatemala (That Isn’t Ugly) | Lake Atitlan To El Paredon: Step-By-Step Guide
Backpacking Guatemala: Budget and Costs
Guatemala isn’t the cheapest country in Central America, and you will need a good budget to be able to enjoy it properly, especially if you are only there for 2 weeks.
Guatemala has similar expenses to its neighbour Belize, which is again, not known for being the cheapest country! But, as backpackers, we did find both Guatemala and Belize cheaper than being in Mexico, so that’s a plus!
| Accommodation (per night) | Food (per day) | Activities (some activities are free!) | |
| Low-budget backpacker | Shared dorm: £8-15 | £10-30 | £0-50+ |
| Mid-range backpacker | Private room: £40-60 | £30-60 | £0-80+ |
Prices will vary and depend on the time of year that you are visiting. My biggest tip when backpacking Central America is to book hostels in advance. We found the nicest and most popular hostels in Guatemala book up quickly, and if you don’t book with enough time, you could end up missing out!
TOP TIP: Most places in Guatemala only take cash. But, this is changing, and some now take cards (just expect a 5-10% fee on top). If you do need to withdraw cash, there are ATMs to use in all major towns like Antigua, Panajachel and Flores.
Backpacking to different locations around the world? You need to be using eSIMs! Simply download and connect to local data within minutes. Hunting down free Wifi is a thing of the past! You can check out eSIM prices and compatibility options here.
Where to stay in Flores
If you’re visiting Flores for the first time, I recommend you stay on the island rather than the mainland to get the full experience.
Flores Island in Guatemala is exceptionally small. That means all of the accommodations, hostels and hotels are within walking distance of each other.
Again, my biggest piece of advice is to book hostels in advance. We missed out on so many of the best hostels in Central America as they fill up so quickly – get booking!
- Los Amigos Hostel: This is by far the most popular hostel in Flores, but also the most expensive! A dorm will cost over £20 a night, and a private room up to £120. When we were staying in Flores, there was no availability even 4 weeks in advance, so make sure you book early! ⮕ BOOK THIS HOSTEL NOW!
- Hotel Peten Express Tikal: Another popular hostel in Flores with a good location on the water. It has a calmer atmosphere than Los Amigos. ⮕ BOOK THIS HOSTEL NOW!
⮕ View all other Hostelworld hostels in Flores here, or check out my detailed Flores hostel guide here.
Related post: Lake Atitlan To Flores: COMPLETE Guide
Where to stay in Semuc Champey
There are four main hostels to choose from when visiting Semuc Champey: Greengo’s, Utopia Eco Lodge, Ch’i Bocol and Zephyr Lodge. So, which is better? Well, they’re all off the beaten track, and all have their pros and cons.
- Greengo’s Hostel is just 400m from the Semuc Champey entrance, meaning you can visit the site without a guide. It has its onsite bar and restaurant (with reasonable prices), with nightly backpacker activities such as trivia, bonfires and drinking games. Views of the surrounding mountains are unbeatable. Greengo’s tends to be booked up at least 3-4 weeks in advance, so get booking! ⮕ BOOK GREENGO’S HOSTEL NOW!
- Utopia Eco Lodge: A unique natural lodge-style accommodation around 3.5km from the Semuc Champey entrance. ⮕ BOOK UTOPIA NOW!
- Ch’i Bocol: This is the most ‘off-the-beaten-track’ hostel, which requires a 30 minute uphill hike to reach even after the shuttles have dropped you off. Stay here if you want a true, authentic experience amongst Guatemalan nature! ⮕ BOOK CH’I BOCOL NOW!
- Zephyr Lodge is another popular hostel near Semuc Champey. To reach the Semuc Champey waterfalls, you will need to take a 4×4 for around 45 minutes which can be arranged by the hostel. From other backpackers, I’ve heard it’s another great choice, and the jungle views from the dorm rooms are incredible. ⮕ BOOK ZEPHYR LODGE NOW!
Overall, they’re all great choices when it comes to staying in Semuc Champey.
I’m biased because we stayed at Greengo’s and had such an epic time there, but I’m sure both hostels will give you an incredible experience. But things change quickly when it comes to hostels, so make sure you always read the reviews first.
Again, my biggest piece of advice is to book hostels in advance. We missed out on so many of the best hostels in Central America as they fill up so quickly – get booking!
Related post: Lake Atitlan to Guatemala City | Lake Atitlan To Semuc Champey: Step-By-Step Guide
Where to stay in Antigua
There are so many amazing hostels to choose from in Antigua that it’s hard to pick the best one! However, after staying in some myself, and talking to other backpackers, we’ve found these are the most popular choices.
Remember: things change quickly when it comes to hostels! Make sure you always read the reviews first.
- Somos: a social hostel with amazing rooftop views
- Hostel Antigueno: another social hostel with a large communal garden
- The Purpose Hostel: beautiful rooftop views of all 3 volcanos
- Barbara’s Boutique Hostel: the most expensive hostel in Antigua, but also one of the most luxurious!
- Casi Casa: a ‘home away from home‘ kind of hostel with comfy beds, a roof terrace and homemade breakfast
- Tropicana: best for solo travellers wanting to party in Antigua!
Related post: 3 Perfect Days In Antigua | 7 Best Spanish Schools In Antigua Guatemala | BEST Hostels In Antigua Guatemala
Where to stay in Lake Atitlan
Lake Atitlan has many different areas for backpackers to stay in. Some are more popular than others for several reasons. Where you stay in Lake Atitlan will depend on what kind of traveller and person you are.
For example, if you’re keen to party, you’ll want to stay in San Pedro. Or if you want to experience the zen, hippy part of the lake, head to San Marcos. For a remote hostel experience (with little around, so you’re all-in with your hostel friends), look at hostels in Santa Cruz (like Free Cerveza). And another popular location is to actually stay in Panajachel, Lake Atitlan’s main town.
I recommend either staying in a social hostel or a hotel/apartment with a lake view.
We stayed in a few different locations around the lake, and whilst we liked our Airbnb in Panajachel, it was so far away from the lake that it didn’t feel like we were there. If we were to return, we’d splurge a little more and stay in an apartment in one of the smaller towns overlooking the volcanoes and water.
But of course, most backpackers (like us!) can’t afford this, so we stick to the hostels. Our favourite hostel on Lake Atitlan was Free Cerveza (a full review can be read here).
So, if you’re staying in Lake Atitlan for the first time, I recommend the following accommodations:
- Free Cerveza (Santa Cruz): for backpackers wanting to SUP, swim, socialise, be off the grid for a few days and soak in everything the lake has to offer ➡ BOOK NOW! (Check out my full Free Cerveza guide here)
- Dreamboat Hostel (Panajachel): if you want to party in Panajachel ➡ BOOK NOW!
- Mr Mullet’s (San Pedro): for BIG party backpackers and solo travellers (they run their own crazy boat party)➡ BOOK NOW!
- Chirris Hostal (San Juan): for a nice hostel in the middle of San Juan ➡ BOOK NOW!
➡ Travelling to Lake Atitlan? Check out my full post on how to travel around the lake via a lancha and visit all of the beautiful lakeside towns!
What to pack for backpacking Guatemala
When packing for backpacking Guatemala, make sure you have the following items:
- All the obvious holiday wear (swimwear, sunglasses, sandals, beach clothes)
- Trainers to walk/hike in, especially for the Acatenango Volcano Hike (I wear these trail running shoes for all hikes whilst backpacking)
- Sun cream (my favourite reef friendly one can be bought here)
- Day backpack for hikes and day trips
- Reusable filter water bottle (you cannot drink tap water in Guatemala!)
- Shower gel, shampoo and conditioner (these are really hard to buy in Central America!)
- Skin cream (skin dehydrates quickly in the sun; this is my favourite skin cream which I wear every day whilst backpacking!)
- GoPro waterproof camera to film all of your water footage.
Local food and drink in Guatemala
FOOD
The national dish of Guatemala is pepián, a thick meat stew, which is known as the country’s national dish. It is influenced by both the Spanish and Mayan cultures of the country. Pepian is usually served with rice and corn tortillas.
DRINK
Guatemala’s national drink is Gallo beer. You can buy Gallo all over the country, and it’s one of the cheapest drinks you can buy (usually cheaper than a Sprite or Coca-Cola!).
Visiting Guatemala during the month of September? Check out the Guatemala Independence Day festivities!
Making friends in Guatemala as a backpacker
As a backpacker, you’re going to want to make friends to make the most of your experience in Guatemala. If you’re a solo traveller with a lot of confidence and an extroverted personality, this is going to be easy. But for some of us, it just isn’t!
We actually found it easy to make friends in Guatemala. There were many other backpackers and tourists, as well as locals who were exceptionally friendly and welcoming. We made friends pretty much everywhere we went, even when we stayed in private rooms!
Here are my best tips for making friends whilst backpacking Guatemala, regardless of if you’re travelling in a couple, solo, with friends or you’re a bit of an introvert (like me!)
- Use shuttle buses to get around. This may sound odd, but it’s one of the ways we made most of our friends in Guatemala! The shuttles are full of other backpackers so it’s impossible to not get chatting on your journey.
- Book tours! In Antigua, our volcano tours were full of other backpackers who we inevitably became friends with.
- Stay in a hostel (even if it’s a private room). Our favourite hostel in Guatemala –Free Cerveza – had a huge communal space where we made a lot of friends without having to do anything!
Related post: BEST Hostels In Antigua Guatemala: Read before you book!
Guatemala emergency numbers
Knowing your emergency numbers when travelling is vital. Hopefully, you’ll never need to use them, but it’s so important you know them just in case! These numbers are totally free and even work with low signal.
🚓 For police emergencies, dial 110 or 120 for the fastest response.
🚑 For medical emergencies, dial 122 or 123 for the fastest response.
If you don’t have a Guatemalan SIM, this number will still work via your UK/USA contract.
However, I do recommend picking up a local SIM when you arrive in Guatemala. Packages are cheap and affordable and will make your life a whole lot easier when trying to get around. You can buy either a local SIM from a convenience store, or purchase an eSIM online here.
Related post: Is Guatemala Safe for Solo Female Travellers?
Where to travel to AFTER Guatemala
Where do you head to after you’ve finished backpacking in Guatemala? The most popular options are:
If you are travelling NORTH through Central America:
- Finish your Guatemala trip in Flores. From Flores, it’s an easy land crossing to San Ignacio, Belize. You can find out more about the Flores > San Ignacio journey here.
- Alternatively, you can get a bus directly to Mexico from Flores (locations such as San Cristobal).
If you are travelling SOUTH through Central America, you have a few options. They include:
- Travelling south to El Salvador. The easiest route from Guatemala > to El Salvador is Antigua to Santa Ana, another simple land crossing.
- Want to visit Honduras? End your backpacking Guatemala trip in Rio Dulce/Livingston. From here, you can easily cross into Honduras.
Or, you can book a flight from Guatemala City to your next destination. Then the opportunities are endless!
Backpacking El Salvador next? I have a complete backpacking El Salvador guide explaining the best routes, things to do, where to stay and how to stay safe. Check it out!
Backpacking Guatemala FAQSs
1) Should I visit Guatemala City?
Most backpackers do not visit Guatemala City. This is for several reasons, but as I have never been myself, so I can’t confirm whether they are true or not.
In the ‘backpacking world’, it is said that Guatemala City isn’t the safest of locations to visit, and there simply isn’t much to do there. For these reasons, we skipped Guatemala City entirely.
If you have been to Guatemala City and think it’s worth visiting, I’d love to hear from you!
2) What is the rainiest month in Guatemala?
The heaviest rainfall months in Guatemala are May, June and September. During these months you can expect long and heavy showers and a possibility of being stuck inside for the majority of your trip!
Related post: Best time to visit Guatemala: detailed information on weather, festivities and events! ☀️
3) What is the hottest month in Guatemala?
March and April are the hottest and driest months in Guatemala. January to April is an ideal time to take your Guatemalan backpacking trip!
4) Is Guatemala safe for solo female travellers?
Yes, Guatemala is a safe place for solo female travellers to visit. Throughout the entire time I spent in Guatemala, I felt safe. This includes on my own during the day and at night. I also met a lot of solo female travellers who said they felt safe backpacking in Guatemala.
But everyone’s experiences of Guatemala are different. What might feel safe to me, might not feel safe for you. But in general, I found there to be no issues or problems in Guatemala, no immediate threat of danger and most importantly, the people were kind!
As always, make sure you have travel insurance to have extra peace of mind. As a previous solo female traveller myself, I always use SafetyWing for insurance. They have the best cover for backpackers, and signing up is easy! You can check out their cover here.
Related post: Is Guatemala Safe for Solo Female Travellers? Tips and Advice
5) Can you fly a drone in Guatemala?
Yes! You can fly a drone in Guatemala. There are some amazing spots in Semuc Champey, Flores, Antigua and Lake Atitlan to fly your drone – especially at sunrise and sunset.
At the time of writing this, there are no laws prohibiting you from flying a drone in Guatemala.
Some of the best spots to fly a drone in Guatemala include:
- Flores Island
- Semuc Champey waterfalls and the El Mirador viewpoint
- Cerra de la Cruz viewpoint in Antigua
- Acatenango volcano base camp (Antigua)
- The Fuego ridge (on the Acatenango trek in Antigua)
- Pacaya volcano summit (Antigua)
- El Paredon beaches
- The summit of the Indian Nose hike (Lake Atitlan)
Other Central American backpacking locations
If you’re backpacking Central America, go you! Travelling Central America is an epic experience, so I’m so glad you’re here reading this and considering it!
Not sure what route to take? You’re in the right place! This blog is full of Central America backpacking advice.
If you’re not sure what other countries to visit in Central America, this is the most common route backpackers take:
- Mexico
- Belize
- Guatemala
- El Salvador
- Honduras
- Nicaragua
- Costa Rica
- Panama (ending with the San Blas Island trip to Colombia)
How long you stay in each location is down to you, but if you need more information about any of these locations, sign up for my newsletter and keep an eye on the blog for when they’re published!
Related post: One Perfect Week In El Salvador
Other backpacking Guatemala posts
Backpacking Guatemala? This blog has a whole heap of helpful resources to make sure your trip runs as smoothly as possible! You can check out some of the best posts here.
- Best Time to Visit Guatemala: Complete Guide
- Is Flores Guatemala Worth Visiting? Review
- Free Cerveza Hostel Review: Lake Atitlan Guatemala
- Semuc Champey From Antigua: Step-By-Step Guide
- OX Expeditions Guatemala Review: Volcano Hikes + More
Best backpacker travel insurance for Central America
If you’re visiting Central America as a backpacker, or even for a short vacation, it is so important to have travel insurance. And if you ended up on a post that’s called ‘epic party tips’, you know (just as well as I do) that you definitely need travel insurance.
Personally, I recommend SafetyWing. As a digital nomad and world traveller myself, I can confirm it is the best travel insurance out there. And one of the cheapest – they have deals that start at just $42 USD per month.
I know, I know, you’re thinking ‘but I can’t afford that!’. I was the same! It’s tough to fork out $42 a month on something ‘you might not need’. But what if something DOES happen? That extra Mezcal shot results in you falling down the stairs, or you eat something dodgy from a street food van.
If you need medical help at any point whilst in Central America, you need travel insurance.
With SafetyWing, you’re covered on travel emergencies, basic medical costs and medical expenses throughout your trip, so you can travel without worry (at a backpacker’s price!)
Don’t even think twice about getting travel insurance for Central America. Trust me, I have heard enough horror stories about backpackers who haven’t had insurance and have ended up in a lot of debt. Don’t be that person!
If you’ve been putting the job off because it takes a lot of time and effort to research the best travel insurance companies, I understand. That’s why I’ve done the hard work for you. Sign up for SafetyWing, and the job is done!
Backpacking Guatemala: In a Nutshell
So, there you have it! Over 5000 words later, you should know everything about backpacking Guatemala! Phew, if you’ve got this far, I’m impressed!
When you’re planning a trip to Guatemala, make sure you let me know over on Instagram or in the comments below. I’d love to know about your experience in Guatemala and if you found it as special as I did!
If you haven’t seen my blog before, I write informative and honest posts aimed at backpackers. Researching and planning your trip whilst backpacking can be so overwhelming, so I’m here to make it as easy as possible!
I’m currently backpacking Central America with my boyfriend (read more here!), whilst creating guides and itineraries for you to follow in our footsteps!
Keep an eye out for more Guatemala content, all written from a personal and realistic point of view. You can sign up for my newsletter and juicy travel updates here!
As always, thanks for reading and supporting the blog!
Happy travelling 🙂
Jennie x
Other Guatemala posts:
- Free Cerveza Hostel Review: Lake Atitlan Guatemala
- Is Flores Guatemala Safe? Solo Female Travellers Advice
- Antigua To Lake Atitlan Guatemala: COMPLETE Guide
- Is Tikal Worth Visiting? COMPLETE Tikal Guide
- Pacaya VS Acatenango: Which Volcano Hike Is Best?
MEET THE AUTHOR!
Hi! I'm Jennie! As a part-time travel blogger based in London, I'm using my 10+ years of travel expertise to encourage & inspire you to step out of your comfort zone through sustainable, mindful and purposeful travel.
If I'm not writing, I'm either reading, drinking coffee or taking a wild swim (all at the same time if I'm feeling impressive).
