Guatemala is a fantastic destination for solo travelers, offering a mix of rich culture, history, and natural beauty. From the cobblestone streets of Antigua to the serene waters of Lake Atitlán, you’ll find plenty of unforgettable experiences awaiting you. In this guide, I’ll dive into a perfect solo adventure, focusing on must-visit spots, activities like village-hopping, chocolate making, riding a horse or hiking up a volcano, and even pizza cooked by a volcano! Plus, I’ll highlight unique accommodations, such as Good Hotel Antigua, Casa Prana, Tzampoc Resort, and La Fortuna Atitlán.
Antigua: Where to Stay
Antigua: Stay at Good Hotel
If you’re looking for a place to stay that combines stylish comfort with a positive social impact, Good Hotel Antigua is the perfect choice. Located in a restored colonial house, this boutique hotel is not only beautifully designed with minimalist aesthetics but is also a social enterprise that reinvests its profits back into the local community.
Good Hotel focuses on training and employing local people from disadvantaged backgrounds, offering them opportunities to grow within the hospitality industry. Additionally, they support education programs in Antigua, helping children in vulnerable communities access better schooling. Staying here means you’re directly contributing to the local economy and helping improve the lives of Guatemalans.
The hotel’s peaceful garden, rooftop terrace, and communal spaces make it a great spot for solo travelers who want a cozy environment to relax after a day of exploring. And don’t worry, you won’t be isolated — the hotel’s warm atmosphere makes it easy to connect with fellow travelers.
Antigua: Things to Do and See
Night Food Tour in Antigua
Food lovers will rejoice on a night food tour through Antigua’s vibrant streets. Sample Guatemalan street food like Shucos (Guatemalan versions of HotDogs) pupusas, tamales, and chuchitos (Guatemalan-style tamales) while learning about the culture behind each dish. These guided tours are a great way to meet other travelers and experience the city after dark, when it truly comes alive with energy. See my Instagram Reel of this experience here!
Chocolate Making in Antigua
Chocolate has a rich history in Guatemala, dating back to the Mayans, and you can dive into this tradition with a chocolate-making workshop at Ek Chuah (ChocoMuseo is an alternative). During this fun, hands-on experience, you’ll roast cacao beans, grind them, and create your own handmade chocolate bars. It’s a delicious way to spend an afternoon and learn about a key part of Guatemala’s heritage. See my Instagram Reel featuring this experience here!
Visiting Churches and Ruins
Antigua is filled with historical sites, including churches and ruins that showcase its colonial past. La Merced Church, with its bright yellow facade, is a must-see, and nearby you’ll find San Francisco Church and the ruins of Santa Clara Convent. Exploring these sites lets you step back in time while also enjoying the vibrant culture that remains today. My favourite ruins were the Ruins of Catedral San José (pictured below). The famous yellow arch in Antigua, Arco Santa Catalina, is a must visit spot to snap a photo!
Hobbitenango: A Fantasy in the Hills
For a whimsical day trip, visit Hobbitenango, a mountaintop eco-village inspired by “The Hobbit.” Nestled in the hills outside of Antigua, this retreat offers stunning views, cozy hobbit-style cabins, and outdoor activities like hiking and zip-lining. The vibe is relaxed, making it a great spot to unwind and enjoy nature.
Speakeasy Bars in Antigua
Antigua is not just about history and culture — it also has a lively nightlife scene, with hidden speakeasy bars offering a unique experience for those who know where to look. Behind unmarked doors and secret passageways, you’ll find cozy, dimly lit bars serving craft cocktails with a creative twist. One standout is Ulew Cocktail Bar, hidden within a colonial courtyard, where mixologists craft drinks inspired by Guatemala’s heritage using local ingredients like cacao, coffee, and rum. For solo travelers, these intimate bars are a great way to unwind after a day of exploring, meet locals, and enjoy the more modern, sophisticated side of Antigua’s vibrant culture. Just ask around, and you might get tipped off to one of these secret spots!
Lake Atitlán: Where to Stay
Lake Atitlán: The Perfect Getaway for Serenity Seekers
Once you’re ready to leave Antigua, Lake Atitlán awaits. Choose from one of these unique, solo-friendly accommodations:
Casa Prana – A tranquil retreat in Santa Cruz La Laguna, Casa Prana offers breathtaking views and a wellness focus, with yoga, meditation, and spa services.
Guatemala
Tzampoc Resort – Also in Santa Cruz, this boutique hotel has luxury accommodations with an infinity pool overlooking the lake, ideal for solo travelers seeking relaxation.
La Fortuna Atitlán – An eco-lodge near Panajachel, with rustic-chic cabins and stunning lake views, allowing you to connect with nature in a peaceful environment.
Lake Atitlán: Things To Do and See
Village Hopping Around Lake Atitlán
Lake Atitlán is surrounded by unique villages, each with its own character and culture. As a solo traveler, you can explore these villages by taking a lancha (water taxi) and hopping from one to the next:
- San Marcos La Laguna: Known for its spiritual and wellness community, San Marcos is the perfect place to join yoga classes, meditation sessions, or holistic retreats.
- San Pedro La Laguna: A lively village with a backpacker vibe, San Pedro offers plenty of cafés, bars, and live music. It’s also a good base for hiking adventures, including climbing Volcán San Pedro.
- Santa Catarina Palopó: This small village is famous for its colorful murals and traditional weaving. It’s a great place to learn about the local Mayan culture and shop for handmade textiles.
- Santiago Atitlán: The largest town on the lake, Santiago is home to Maximón, a unique Mayan deity. You can visit his shrine and witness traditional rituals that combine ancient Mayan beliefs with Catholicism.
Volcano Pizza with David on Pacaya Volcano
For one of the most unforgettable meals of your life, head to Pacaya Volcano for a pizza-making experience like no other. With the help of a local guide named David, you’ll hike up the volcano and cook pizza using the heat from volcanic vents. The hike offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, and the pizza — baked by nature’s fiery furnace — is deliciously unique. See my Instagram Reel of this experience here!
Tips for Solo Travelers
- Support Local Communities: Staying at places like Good Hotel not only provides you with a memorable stay but also contributes to meaningful social projects. Be mindful of supporting local businesses and artisans as you travel.
- Take Safety Precautions: Guatemala is generally safe, but be cautious in isolated areas and avoid traveling alone at night around Lake Atitlán. Stick to well-populated areas, especially in the evenings.
- Meet Other Travelers: Group tours, workshops, and communal dining spaces in hotels like Good Hotel make it easy to meet fellow travelers, even if you’re flying solo.
- Disconnect and Reconnect: One of the greatest joys of solo travel is having time for self-reflection. Enjoy the quiet moments by the lake, read a book, or simply take in the natural beauty of Guatemala’s landscapes.
- Getting Around: I used taxis to get from Antigua to Lake Atitlan and to and from the airport. Otherwise while in Antigua I walked around (the town is very walkable- nothing is more that 15-20 mins walking). After dark I felt pretty safe walking around but I would advise to take a taxi depending on where you are staying and how comfortable you feel.
A solo trip to Guatemala offers the perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and cultural discovery. With the colonial charm of Antigua and the tranquility of Lake Atitlán, this trip is sure to leave you with lasting memories. Whether you’re indulging in chocolate-making workshops, hopping between villages, or eating volcano-cooked pizza, Guatemala is a place where the extraordinary meets the everyday.
So, are you ready for your solo adventure? Book your stay at Good Hotel and other eco-friendly accommodations, and let Guatemala reveal its magic!
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