Last updated on May 11, 2023
Traveling through Guatemala was an unexpected pleasure; I landed in Central America with the vague idea I would travel south from Mexico and stop in every country for a few weeks, a month if I loved a place.
And then I crossed the border into Guatemala and instantly fell a bit in love.
Over the succeeding three months, I would travel through major touristy spots like Tikal, Pacaya, and Lake Atitlán, Antigua, and into Western Highlands to study Spanish at a language school in Xela, or float on a boat down the Rio Dulce. I loved the cadence of life in Guatemala, the openness the people, and the colorful Guatemalan textiles—people walking around with a riot of colors on their woven shirts and skirts.
This month, the Amateur Traveler Podcast invited me onto the show to talk about all the things I love and recommend for short (think one- or two-week) vacations to Guatemala. We cover language schools, volunteering, traveling on and off the conventional route through Guate, and some anecdotes and fun in between. Chris, the host of the podcast, linked to tips and interest points we talk about on his site if your planning travels, and in the slideshow below the podcast link, I created a slideshow of my favorite photos from the trip—please peruse and enjoy as you listen.
List to the Amateur Traveler Podcast:
~Shannon
Looking for a good day back pack . Really like the Camo type but friend of mine said it is not a good idea because it draws attention to you as red neck American . I would not wear Camo outfit ever but just daypack in Camo . What do you think
Hi Mark. I can’t see why that would bring you any issues. People travel with all sorts of backpacks — some with their national flag emblazoned all over it. You should be totally fine to bring a pack that you like, no one will think you a redneck. :)
HI,
I’m so glad you discuss volunteer opportunities on your blog! I have read countless central america travel blogs, and it is amazing to me how few include volunteering in their travels. Thank you!!
Thanks Aodette! I loved volunteering in Central America because I could access the local language more easily and it made it a much richer experience for me. Safe travels and happy volunteering to you as well, thanks for sharing your own thoughts! :)
Awesome photos! We really need to check out Central America
Thank you Andrea and John — Guatemala really does rank highly for me on my list of favorite places!! :)
Oh god, Shannon…look at how happy you are…this would be anyone’s dream life.
Great going.
Rishi, Mumbai, India
Thank you Rishi! There have been highs and lows, even in travel, but you’re right, I wouldn’t change it for the world :)
How are the couchsurfing opportunities and hostels in Guatemala? Many to choose from? Central America is on my list of places to visit after I walk the camino in April and come back to North America for a bit.
Many, many hostels to choose from in each city, there are a lot of both expat and local run hostels and they are listed out on the big hostel sites too should you need that. I know that there were a few people I met who couchsurfed in Guate, but I did not–there are a good number of expats, as I mentioned, so I think you should be able to find something good! And the prices are very good, private rooms were $10-20 at hostels, and shared could be found for just a few dollars many places. Let me know when you’re heading that way if you have any questions :)
Love your photos!! I am planning a two month trip to Central America this summer and I’m most excited about Guatemala!
Hi Sarah! So glad to hear you are heading there–and though I don’t want to hype it up too much, I think Guatemala is great and that you will really love your travels throughout the region. Safe travels and let me know if there is ever anything I can do to help. :)
I loved the podcast! I often forget that Guatemala is so close to me in Honduras… maybe for my next visa run!
Oh you definitely should go there! It’s culturally *really* different than Honduras too, so it would prove to be a change of pace in many ways methinks! :)
Woo, big hairy spider! Fabulous pictures it looks like a great place to visit.
I was a little terrified by him since we plunked him from a hole, but couldn’t resist seeing what it felt like to have the spider crawl on me! :)