In this post, I’ll help you map out an epic El Salvador itinerary, plus where to stay, what to eat, and everything in between. Let’s dive in!

Imagine volcanic peaks rising behind lush jungles. Black sand beaches dotted with surfers and coconuts. Colorful pueblos with cobblestone streets and murals splashed across adobe walls. And you can’t forget about the pupusas, fresh fruits, and ice-cold coconut water, of course! El Salvador may be tiny, but it’s bursting with dramatic landscapes and vibrant culture. And I loved every second of it (including the sizzling tropical heat).

To be honest, El Salvador hadn’t been on my radar for very long. I always assumed it was way too risky to visit, so didn’t even entertain the idea of going. But when things started taking a massive turn, I instantly put it on my bucket list. 

I’d been to other countries in Central America (Guatemala, Belize, and Panama thus far) and LOVED them, so knew I needed to check out El Salvador eventually. So when I saw nonstop flights to San Salvador from SFO (my home airport), I bought those tickets right up and started planning my El Salvador itinerary!

I spent just over a week in El Salvador and honestly, I was surprised by how much I loved it. The landscapes are insanely diverse for such a small country – one day I was hiking a volcano, the next I was lounging on the black sand beaches of El Tunco with a fresh watermelon juice in hand. It’s affordable, packed with adventure, and still flying under the radar for most travelers, which means fewer crowds and a more authentic vibe all around. A perfect combination in my book!

So let’s get to it – the most perfect El Salvador itinerary coming right up! But first, some important logistics.

Week in El Salvador Itinerary Logistics

This El Salvador itinerary starts in the capital city of San Salvador, makes a few day trips (including a spectacular volcano hike), and ends by the beach in El Tunco. It’s a wildly varied itinerary, offering a little bit of everything – from cultural exploration to natural wonders (my fave!) and beachside relaxation.

Where is El Salvador and How To Get There

El Salvador is a compact but diverse country in Central America, bordered by Guatemala to the west, Honduras to the north and east, and the Pacific Ocean to the south. It’s the only Central American country without a Caribbean coastline, but what it lacks there, it makes up for with nearly 200 miles of Pacific shoreline, perfect for surfing and beach-hopping. The country is roughly the size of Massachusetts, which means you can go from misty mountain towns to black-sand beaches in just a couple of hours.

How to Get to El Salvador

Flying Internationally 

Of course you’ve gotta get yourself there! 

You’ll be flying into San Óscar Arnulfo Romero International Airport (SAL), the only international airport in the country. And since El Salvador is so tiny, it’s sandwiched about 45 minutes from both the capital and the coast!

The airport is well-connected to major cities in North and South America, as well as some destinations in Europe. If you’re flying from the US, you’ll find direct flights from cities like Miami, Los Angeles, and Houston, with flight times ranging from 3 to 6 hours depending on where you’re flying from. 

Coming from San Francisco, I was able to take a nonstop flight directly from San Salvador on Avianca. I thought flights were a decent price (I paid around $500 roundtrip with a checked bag). 

Note that Avianca is technically a budget airline so expect to pay for literally everything like bags and even drinks (water/soda) on the plane. Yup, they don’t even hand out water… (although you can always ask for a courtesy water which I think they have to give you).

Coming from Elsewhere in Central America 

Already in Central America?! Getting to El Salvador is super easy (so yup, it’s a great addition if you’re planning a longer Latin American trip). If you’re coming from neighboring Guatemala or Honduras, buses are a popular option, though the ride can take anywhere from 3 to 6 hours, depending on where you’re traveling from of course. Including San José (Costa Rica), Managua (Nicaragua), and Antigua (Guatemala). 

There’s also daily flights from nearby countries (such as Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Nicaragua), available to the San Salvador International Airport.

Visas in El Salvador

Most visitors to El Salvador can skip the visa process and just grab a Tourist Card when they land or cross a border. It’s a quick $12 fee, and it gives you 90 days to explore the country (although I got lucky and was granted 180 days!). 

You can get the card at airports, border crossings, or seaports – super easy. Just remember, your passport needs to be valid for at least six months beyond your trip. Some countries are exempt from this fee or may need to get a visa ahead of time, so double-check before you go!

How to Get Around El Salvador

Uber: I used Uber as my main mode of transport, and honestly, it was great. I felt prices were super fair – like, a 45-minute ride cost me about $10. The priciest Uber I took was from San Salvador to El Tunco, which was about ~$40 or so. 

I always prefer Uber so I know exactly what I’m paying upfront and there’s no communication barriers (since my Spanish is still kinda subpar, although I’m definitely getting better). Uber is thankfully available in the major tourist areas of El Salvador, and I found it way more convenient than dealing with taxis or trying to figure out chicken buses/public transit.

Shuttle Buses: When I first arrived in San Salvador, I used a private shuttle transfer to get to my hotel. It was late at night and I didn’t wanna chance an Uber costing more than it should be. Plus, whenever I travel solo, I like that security knowing I have a trusted company picking me up.

Taxis: Traditional taxis are easy to find, especially in urban areas. They’re also a safe and reliable way to get around, but be sure to negotiate the fare or insist that they use the meter, as taxi prices can vary. Always try to grab a taxi from a reputable spot, like a hotel or a taxi stand. 

To be honest, if you don’t speak Spanish, I’d stick with Ubers so there’s less of a chance you end up in the wrong place, haha. 

Renting a Car: Renting a car is a great choice if you plan to explore more remote parts of El Salvador. Most roads are paved and in decent condition, but be prepared for plenty of speed bumps (or “topes”), especially in towns and on quieter roads. Some are clearly marked, but others might sneak up on you, so stay alert! 

Keep in mind that El Salvador now has a zero-tolerance alcohol policy – meaning no driving if you’ve had even one drink. I personally LOVE this and think more countries should adopt this policy. 

As for getting around San Salvador, expect heavy traffic, especially during rush hours. Always give yourself more time than you think you’ll need to get in and out of the city! If I wasn’t traveling solo I think I’d consider renting a car, but it wasn’t something I was interested in doing myself.

Public Buses: El Salvador’s public buses are an experience in and of themselves. You’ll mostly be hopping on the famous “chicken buses” – old American school buses decked out in bright colors (which you’ll also see all over Guatemala as well). 

They’re cheap and take you just about anywhere, but they’re not the most comfortable or reliable option if you’re in a hurry. They’re definitely a fun way to dive into the local culture though – just don’t expect luxury!

Day trip tours: I took a few day trips that included transportation and they were amazing! It’s a great way to see more of the country without worrying about logistics or renting a car. 

Many tours offer hotel pickup and drop-off, so it’s super convenient – especially if you’re not keen on navigating the roads yourself. Plus, I learned so much from my local guides, and they gave me some of the best food recommendations of the whole trip!

When to Plan Your El Salvador Itinerary

El Salvador has a tropical climate, so expect heat and humidity, especially in the lowlands. Like other tropical warm weather destinations, El Salvador kinda has two main seasons – dry season and wet season. (Psst – you’ll most likely wanna go during dry season, wink wink).

When planning your El Salvador itinerary, the best time to visit is from November through February. This period falls within the dry season, where you can expect sunny days, clear skies, and comfortable temperatures, perfect for exploring the country’s beaches, volcanoes, and cultural sites. The weather is warm but not too hot, making it ideal for outdoor adventures, from surfing to hiking.

March and April can be pretty hot, especially along the coast, which I found surprising since inland areas are usually the hottest during my other travels. The coastal heat is more intense, and the humidity can be pretty unbearable at times, making it a bit uncomfortable for extended outdoor activities. 

That said, prices tend to be a bit lower compared to the peak dry season, so if you can handle the heat and humidity, you might score some deals while avoiding large crowds.

For reference, I visited the end of March to early April, and had mostly perfect weather. Yes, it was hot and steamy along the coast (I almost melted), and I experienced one massive rainstorm, but all in all no major complaints.

The rainy season in El Salvador runs from May to October. While the rain usually comes in short afternoon showers, it can still put a damper on beach days or hiking. However, the rain brings lush greenery and fewer tourists, so if you prefer a quieter, more budget-friendly experience, this time of year can work – just be prepared for a more unpredictable climate.

Coastal areas can be particularly damp during this time, so if you’re planning to explore the beaches, consider a light jacket and quick-dry gear. But the rain isn’t all bad – it cools things off a bit and brings out the vibrant green of El Salvador’s forests and farmlands, so the scenery is lush and beautiful, even if the rain occasionally puts a halt to outdoor plans.

Is a Week in El Salvador Enough?

I think so – but only if you plan it right! This little Central American country is packed with adventure, and while it’s smaller than most US states, there’s honestly tons to do. 

With just a week in El Salvador, you can surf world-class waves in El Tunco, hike up an active volcano (hey, Santa Ana), explore colorful colonial towns like Suchitoto, swim in crater lakes, and maybe even squeeze in a pupusa-making class. It’s fast-paced, sure, but totally doable. 

Just don’t expect to cover every corner of the country – this El Salvador itinerary hits the highlights without making you feel rushed. If you’ve got more time, even better – but for a one-week trip? You’re golden.

For reference, I spent exactly a week in El Salvador, and felt it was the perfect amount of time. Sure, I would’ve been fine with an extra few days, but I really feel like I saw 90% of what I wanted in that short time frame (I decided to skip Suchitoto because I didn’t feel like dealing with a long-ish bus ride).

Health and Safety in El Salvador

Ahhh – the million dollar question. Is El Salvador even safe to visit? 10 years ago when I first visited nearby Guatemala I had a layover in San Salvador (El Salvador’s capital city) and was low-key freaking out. IN THE AIRPORT. But now it’s completely different.

It’s true; the country has a more-than horrible reputation. I mean, it used to be known as the Murder Capital of the World (yup…). Friends and family were questioning why I even considered visiting El Salvador for a vacation. 

I get it, BUT the recent reality is WAY different and a lot more nuanced than the outdated reputation suggests.

In recent years, El Salvador has undergone a massive shift when it comes to safety. Thanks to major reforms and a crackdown on gang activity, crime rates – especially violent crime – have dropped significantly. 

While the country used to be considered one of the most dangerous in the world, that narrative is quickly changing, and fast. Tourism is on the rise, and travelers (myself included!) are starting to see the country in a totally different light.

Safety in El Salvador has improved dramatically in recent years, and it’s all thanks to the country’s current president, Nayib Bukele. Since taking office in 2019, he’s launched an aggressive crackdown on gang violence – most notably through his controversial “state of emergency” in 2022. That allowed mass arrests (we’re talking over 70,000 alleged gang members) and the creation of a massive mega-prison to hold them. 

The result? Homicide rates are now at historic lows, and in 2025, the U.S. even updated El Salvador’s travel advisory to a Level 1 (the safest rating). To put things in perspective, at the time of writing, France and Turks & Caicos are at Level 2… 

Of course, it’s not without criticism – some human rights groups have raised concerns about civil liberties and due process. But from a traveler’s point of view? El Salvador feels safer than it has in decades. To be honest, I felt totally safe traveling throughout El Salvador, and even safer than I do at home walking the streets of San Francisco (or any other large city in the USA). And this includes everywhere I went, even at night walking around Zona Rosa as a solo female traveler. 

The locals were warm, welcoming, and genuinely excited to see travelers discovering their country. Like anywhere, stay aware of your surroundings and keep your valuables secure – but overall, you’ll likely be pleasantly surprised by just how chill it feels.

That said, common sense goes a long way here. Petty theft can still happen (like anywhere), so don’t flash valuables, keep your belongings secure, and stay aware of your surroundings – especially in crowded areas or public transport. Stick to well-reviewed accommodations and use registered taxis or rideshare apps instead of random cabs. And if you’re heading into more remote areas or volcano hikes, always go with a guide.

As with any destination, be smart, stay alert, and do your research – but don’t let fear stop you from experiencing this beautiful (and wildly underrated) country.

Is El Salvador safe for a solo female traveler?

I’d say, yes, it’s safe. I traveled throughout El Salvador as a 30-something solo female and would have no hesitations going again. 

However, I’d recommend this destination for experienced solo travelers only. Meaning, I wouldn’t make El Salvador the first place you ever travel solo. 

Not necessarily because of safety, but because of other inconveniences and challenges – namely unpredictable public transportation, limited access to reliable Wi-Fi, a lack of widespread English speakers (possibly causing language barriers), and a lack of consistent infrastructure in more remote areas.

Health in El Salvador

Health-wise, El Salvador’s pretty straightforward for most travelers, but there’s a few things to keep in mind of course.

Vaccinations: You don’t need any special vaccines to enter El Salvador, but the CDC recommends being up to date on your routine shots – think Hepatitis A and B, typhoid (especially if you’re adventurous with food), and tetanus. 

Malaria isn’t a big concern in most tourist areas, but dengue fever is present, so bring insect repellent (with DEET or picaridin) and wear long sleeves and pants when you can – especially if you’re spending time in more rural or coastal areas.

Water: The tap water here generally isn’t safe to drink. Most locals don’t even drink it. Stick to bottled or filtered water for drinking and brushing your teeth (although I used tap for the latter and was completely fine). 

Many hotels and Airbnbs provide purified water – some even have water coolers or large jugs you can refill from. It’s smart to travel with a reusable water bottle that has a built-in filter (like a Grayl or Lifestraw) for peace of mind.

Street food: El Salvador is a pupusa paradise, and street food is often totally fine to eat – but trust your gut (pun intended). Stick to vendors with high turnover, eat food that’s cooked fresh and served hot, and skip raw stuff if you’re not sure about the cleanliness.

A small travel medicine kit with anti-diarrheal meds, electrolytes, and a probiotic can go a long way, especially if you have a sensitive stomach. I ate street food in both El Tunco and San Salvador and had zero stomach issues thankfully. 

Healthcare access: In El Salvador, clinics and antibiotics are free for citizens and even tourists (a welcome surprise!). Still, make sure you’ve got travel insurance that covers medical emergencies just in case. Better be safe than sorry of course!

Other El Salvador Itinerary FAQs

Currency in El Salvador

El Salvador uses two official currencies: the U.S. dollar (including $1 coins) and the Bitcoin (yes, crypto!). While the U.S. dollar has been the main currency since 2001 (previously the colon), the country made headlines in 2021 by adopting Bitcoin as legal tender, becoming the first country in the world to do so (!!!). Kinda wild!

While Bitcoin is gaining ground, especially in El Zonte, aptly named “Bitcoin Beach”, the U.S. dollar remains the dominant currency for most transactions. If you’re visiting, you’ll find that cash is king, but don’t be surprised if some places start offering Bitcoin payment options.

Cash vs. Card: While credit and debit cards are widely accepted in major cities and tourist areas, it’s always a good idea to carry cash when venturing out to smaller towns or more remote areas. You’ll definitely want some small bills and $1 coins (yes, they’re used here!) for market purchases and street vendors. 

ATMs are easy to find in cities, but just be sure to withdraw enough cash for your day trips, as some rural spots may not have reliable ATM access.

Tipping in El Salvador: Tipping in El Salvador is appreciated but not mandatory. The standard tipping rate is around 10% of your bill in restaurants and cafes, which I gladly gave. If the service is exceptional, feel free to tip more! 

Language in El Salvador

Spanish is the official language of El Salvador, and you’ll hear it everywhere – from the streets to the markets to the restaurants. So, if you know some basic Spanish, you’ll have no trouble getting around! 

That said, there are a few indigenous Mayan languages like Nahuatl still spoken in rural areas, though you’re not likely to hear them much unless you’re deep in the countryside. 

My Spanish is pretty basic – I can get by with simple conversations and can understand a bit more – but I quickly realized that many locals speak little to no English. Even hotel staff and restaurant employees often knew just a few words or none at all. I noticed that English wasn’t as commonly spoken here compared to other parts of Latin America. 

So, if you’re planning a trip, definitely brush up on a few basic Spanish phrases to make life easier! A few helpful phrases to start you off:

• Hola = Hello
• Adios = Goodbye
• Buenos dias = Good morning
• Buenas tardes = Good afternoon 
• Buenas noches = Good night
• Cuanto cuesta? = How much does it cost?
• Cómo te llamas? = What is your name?
• Me llamo… = My name is…
• Soy de… = I am from…
• Cerveza = Beer
• La cuenta, por favor? = The check, please?
• Muchas gracias = Thank you so much
• Para llevar = take away

Where to Stay in El Salvador

If you’re planning to explore a few different regions of El Salvador (and you should!), I highly recommend splitting your stay between the beach and the city. I based myself in El Tunco and San Salvador, and that combo worked out perfectly. 

Here’s a quick breakdown of where to stay depending on your travel style and itinerary:

El Tunco: Chill Surf Vibes & Sunset Magic

If you’re craving beachy energy and laid-back days, El Tunco is the place to be. This tiny coastal town is known for surfing, sunsets, and smoothie bowls, and it’s super walkable. I stayed here for four nights and honestly could’ve stayed longer. 

Accommodations range from budget hostels with social vibes to boutique hotels and beachfront resorts. Just know it gets busy on weekends (locals love it too), so definitely book ahead if you’re coming in high season.

I stayed at Casa Makoi in El Tunco ($), a cute guest house which was the perfect spot to relax after days in the sweltering sun. It’s less than a 5-minute walk from the beach (literally down the street) and right in the center of town (meaning plenty of restaurants and pupusas). Plus, the owner’s dog Pepe was so cute!

They made a killer made-to-order breakfast every morning – I loved my desayuno típico (eggs, beans, plantains, and toast)! And there’s a cute little plunge pool that I totally took advantage of almost every afternoon. The perfect spot for a gal traveling solo!

If I was traveling with friends or my husband, I would’ve chosen Balance Surf Yoga Retreat, Boca Olas Resort & Villas, or Hotel Casa Miramar El Tunco. I was trying to save a bit of money since I have tons of travel coming up, haha. 

• Pro tip: Many places include surfboard rentals or can hook you up with a local instructor. If you want a pool, there’s great options that still keep the beach-town charm.
• Wi-Fi was decent in most places, and I always felt safe walking around solo.

San Salvador: City Base for Day Trips & Culture

San Salvador might not be love-at-first-sight, but hear me out: it’s absolutely worth a stay. I used it as a hub for day trips (like the Santa Ana Volcano and Ruta de los Flores), and it worked beautifully. I stayed at Hotel Citlalli in the Zona Rosa/San Benito area, which is modern, clean, and packed with restaurants, coffee shops, and grocery stores. It’s also one of the safest neighborhoods in the city and super walkable. 

I also contemplated staying at Barceló San Salvador, but decided to save some cash so opted for Hotel Citlalli.

• Bonus: There’s free walking tours and tons of cultural spots right in the city.
• Uber makes it really easy to get around, and most hotels are well-versed in helping with tours and transportation (although English is a bit lacking).

Other Places to Stay in El Salvador

• Santa Ana: The perfect base for volcano adventures! If you want to stay closer to the Santa Ana Volcano or Coatepeque Lake, consider spending a night or two in Santa Ana. It’s a pretty town with a striking Gothic cathedral and a more local feel. I didn’t stay overnight here, but it’s a solid option for breaking up your travel days.

• Ruta de los Flores: Wanna sleep in a flower-filled mountain town?! Though I only visited Ruta de los Flores as a day trip, lots of people choose to stay a night or two in one of the small towns along the route. Juayúa, Apaneca, and Ataco are all great options with charming guesthouses, boutique hotels, and local markets. Staying here means you can enjoy the food festivals (if you’re lucky enough to be there on a weekend), go coffee tasting, or just soak up the peaceful small-town vibe.

• El Zonte: This is the perfect (quiet!) coastal escape! If El Tunco’s a little too busy for your taste, head to El Zonte. It’s just 15–20 minutes down the road but way more chill. El Zonte has a strong surf culture and a growing ecotourism scene. Think yoga retreats, boutique hostels, and slower beach days. Great for relaxing, surfing, or just avoiding crowds.

What to Eat in El Salvador 

El Salvador may be small (I know I keep saying that, haha), but its food scene is full of bold flavors and comforting, homey dishes you won’t forget. From cheesy pupusas to hearty soups and sweet plantain treats, there’s a whole lot to love (and eat!) here. Come hungry – you’re gonna wanna try everything. 

For the record, I ate over a dozen pupusas during my week in El Salvador – I just couldn’t get enough! So fresh and gooey and delicious!

• Pupusas: The national dish! Thick corn tortillas stuffed with cheese, beans, chicharrón (pork), or loroco (an edible flower). Always served with curtido (a tangy cabbage slaw) and tomato salsa.
• Yuca frita: Fried cassava root, often served with chicharrón and curtido. Super crispy on the outside, soft inside.
• Pan con pollo: A Salvadoran-style chicken sandwich with roasted chicken, fresh veggies, and a flavorful tomato sauce, all tucked into crusty bread.
• Tamales: Made with corn dough (masa) and filled with chicken, pork, or veggies, then steamed in banana leaves for extra flavor.
• Sopa de res: A hearty beef soup with chunks of corn, yucca, carrots, and cabbage. Total comfort food.
• Sopa de gallina india: Traditional country-style chicken soup, rich and flavorful, often made with free-range hen.
• Empanadas de plátano: Not your average empanada. These are made with sweet mashed plantains, filled with either sweet milk custard or beans, and lightly fried.
• Riguas: Griddled corn cakes made from fresh corn, sometimes with cheese inside. Great as a snack or side.
• Atol de elote: A warm, sweet corn-based drink (kinda like drinking a creamy corn pudding). Cozy and super traditional.
• Fresco de ensalada: A refreshing fruit drink made with finely chopped apples, pineapple, and other fruits floating in a lightly sweet juice (kinda like in Tlaquepaque in Guadalajara, MX).
• Elote loco: “Crazy corn” slathered in mayo, ketchup, mustard, cheese, and hot sauce. Wild, messy, and oddly addictive. Similar but different to my fave elote I love in Mexico City. 

And now, what you’ve been waiting for, a complete week in El Salvador itinerary! 

The Best One Week in El Salvador Itinerary

But first, a few notes about this El Salvador itinerary.

• This El Salvador itinerary assumes you have a full 7 days in El Salvador. Meaning if your flight arrives mid-day or late at night, you’ll want an extra day in order to see and do all the things on this itinerary.
• It starts off busy, busy, busy, then gets into a more relaxed pace later on in the week. I recommend doing all your adventurous, active stuff early on in your trip, then hanging at the beach on the last few days.
• You can technically stay in the same accommodation for the entire week in El Salvador (the country isn’t terribly large), but I liked having different areas to explore at night. Plus, certain attractions/activities just make more sense from one area vs. the other.

El Salvador Itinerary At-A-Glance

• Day 1: San Salvador City Tour and El Boquerón
• Day 2: Santa Ana Volcano Hike and Lunch at Coatepeque Lake
• Day 3: Ruta de las Flores
• Day 4: Scenic Views and Lago de Ilopango – OR – Suchitoto
• Days 5-6: El Tunco Beach
• Day 7: El Zonte 

Day 1: San Salvador City Tour + El Boquerón + Dinner in Zona Rosa

Your first full day in El Salvador is all about diving into the heart of the country – its capital, San Salvador. This city’s got grit, charm, history, and some surprisingly beautiful spots. It’s a great way to ease into the rhythm of El Salvador before heading off to the beaches or mountains.

Stop 1: Explore the Historic Center 

Start your morning in the bustling historic center, where old meets new in the most chaotic, colorful way. I did a walking tour around San Salvador and it was one of the highlights of my trip. 

The guide was super knowledgeable, gave great historical context, and pointed out things I’d never have noticed on my own. Plus she took us to a local market where I got the most delicious local cookies for only a few cents and then a super refreshing coconut water (in a bag)! If you’re a foodie and interested in trying some of the local foods, this food and market tour looks perfect.

You can really see so much – most highlights of San Salvador are only a few blocks away from each other. Here’s a few sights to prioritize:

• Plaza Libertad: the heart of the city, full of locals, street vendors, and music.
• Iglesia El Rosario: By far my favorite stop. It looks like really nothing special on the outside, but step in and you’re surrounded by rainbow-colored stained glass that arcs over the ceiling. Hands down one of the most unique churches I’ve ever seen (maybe besides that church we saw in Helsinki, Finland years back).
• Catedral Metropolitana: massive, imposing, and holds the tomb of Archbishop Óscar Romero (a major figure in Salvadoran history).
• National Palace and Teatro Nacional: beautiful architecture and historical significance, even if you’re just admiring from outside.

On a walking tour, you’ll also learn a ton about the civil war, the city’s resilience, and how things are changing fast in El Salvador.

Bonus: If you’re not into walking tours (they can be crowded), or just want a more structured day, there’s combo day tours that include both San Salvador and El Boquerón – some even throw in a stop at Picnic Steak House, where you can ride the Insta-famous rainbow slide with views of the city. This one got rave reviews and is super popular (book in advance for sure). Here’s another walking tour option if that one’s all booked up.

Stop 2: Parque Cuscatlán

From there, head to Parque Cuscatlán – a shady, peaceful park that feels like a little oasis in the middle of the city. Inside, you’ll find the Monumento a la Memoria y la Verdad, a long, black granite wall engraved with the names of over 75,000 people who lost their lives during the Salvadoran Civil War. It’s incredibly moving, and worth taking a few minutes to walk the length of it and reflect. This was one of those spots that really stayed with me.

There’s also a modern cultural center and some cool sculptures scattered throughout the park.

Stop 3: Pupusa Lunch

You can’t come to El Salvador and not eat pupusas. Trust me, the ones you’ve had outside the country don’t even compare. Head to Pupusería Doña Isabel or Dips Terraza for your first real taste. I’m obsessed with cheese + loroco, but revueltas (pork, beans, and cheese) are the classic. Top ‘em with spicy curtido (fermented cabbage slaw) and tomato salsa – don’t be shy.

They’re cheap, filling, and so good you’ll probably want them every day. I know I did, haha!

Stop 4: Afternoon at El Boquerón National Park

Once you’re fueled up, grab an Uber or join a tour and head to El Boquerón, a massive volcanic crater that looms over the city. It’s part of Volcán San Salvador and only about 30 – 40 minutes from the city center, but the change in scenery is wild – suddenly you’re surrounded by pine trees, cool mountain air, and panoramic views. It felt SO nice after sweating so much that morning, haha.

There’s a short loop trail that takes you around the edge of the crater with several scenic viewpoints. It’s super doable even if you’re not a hiker, just be prepared for a some steps! There’s also a couple of small stalls near the entrance selling souvenirs, snacks, and hot drinks if you get hungry.

Remember, if you’d rather come here with a tour (to get more context and such), this one includes a walking tour of downtown San Salvador, a visit to the insta-famous rainbow slide, and El Boqueron. 

A few tips:

• It can get chilly up here, so bring a light layer – especially if you’re visiting in the late afternoon like we were.
• You’ll need EXACT change. It’s $2 to enter the national park, and they do NOT take credit cards. I almost couldn’t enter because I could only scrounge up $1.90 from my pockets. Thankfully I found an extra dime lost in my purse. 

Stop 5: Dinner in Zona Rosa or San Benito

Finish your day in Zona Rosa or San Benito, two of San Salvador’s most upscale and expat-friendly neighborhoods. These areas are clean, safe, and full of great restaurants and bars. I had a delicious meal at Delikat – Italian-inspired with a leafy garden vibe – (my avocado pizza star was absolutely delicious), but there’s something for every craving – Salvadoran, sushi, steaks, you name it.

After dinner, if you’re up for it, grab drinks at Cadejo Brewing Company, Republik Bar, or Beer Station – all solid spots for a relaxed night out. Don’t miss gelato at Andián Bistro & Café (I loved it so much I went twice during my time in El Salvador) and/or coffee at Alquimia Coffee.

Day 2: Santa Ana Volcano Hike + Coatepeque Lake Lunch

Time to trade the city for volcano views! Day 2 is all about getting outside and soaking up some of El Salvador’s epic natural beauty. Trust me, this day on my El Salvador itinerary was one of my favorites.

And what a memorable and rewarding day of my trip – a perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. To make things simple, I joined a guided day tour from San Salvador that included both Santa Ana Volcano and Coatepeque Lake, and I’d totally recommend it. Not only did it make logistics easy (no stress about transportation or timing), but our guide also shared tons of cool info along the way. And it was super enjoyable hiking with other people and motivating each other to get to the top.

This is the exact Santa Ana hiking tour I joined if you’re interested in doing the same one!

Stop 1: Hike the Santa Ana Volcano (Volcán Ilamatepec)

Santa Ana Volcano (aka Volcán Ilamatepec) is the highest volcano in all of El Salvador, standing tall at over 2,300 meters (7,750 feet). And it’s one of the most iconic hikes in the country – and for good reason. 

The trail winds through cloud forests and rocky switchbacks before spitting you out at the summit, where you’re rewarded with a surreal view: a bright turquoise crater lake bubbling at the center of the volcano. It’s still considered active (the last eruption was in 2005), but don’t worry – it’s closely monitored, and hikers are only allowed to go up during safe conditions. 

We left the city around 6:30am (yes, early!) and made the 2-hour drive to Cerro Verde National Park, where the hike begins. You’ll start at the ranger station, then join a mandatory guided group hike (we started around 8:30am). 

The hike itself is about 4 hours round-trip and considered moderate. We climbed through cloud forest, rocky trails, and volcanic gravel, gaining around 1,500 feet in elevation. Don’t worry – it’s not a brutal climb, and people of all ages do it, but I definitely felt it for sure.

Not gonna lie, I was pretty nervous before the hike. Our guide mentioned that it’s not uncommon for people to turn back before reaching the top, which definitely planted some doubt. But I pushed through, used a walking stick (highly recommended!), and totally crushed it. 

I felt so proud standing at the summit, staring into the electric turquoise crater lake bubbling inside the volcano. Don’t miss a homemade paleta at the top (I had a passionfruit one and it was delicious)! Just FYI – the crater’s gases continuously smoke, so you may need to wait a bit for it to clear.

Going up was steady and challenging, but the way down was harder for me – loose rocks, wobbly legs, you get the idea – but I did it!

Need-to-knows:

• Bring cash for park entry (~$3) if your tour doesn’t include it plus tips for the guide/s
• It’s cooler up there, so layer up.
• You can certainly go yourself if you can get to the base of the volcano, but you’ll still need to join a local guide (and be aware you’re only allowed to start the hike before a certain time, so plan on getting to the volcano before 10am at the latest).
• If you’re not planning on joining a guided tour from San Salvador, I recommend spending the night beforehand in Santa Ana so you’re significantly closer to the volcano. 

Stop 2: Chill and Lunch at Lago de Coatepeque

After the hike, we drove about 45 minutes to Coatepeque Lake, a massive crater lake with stunning water that shifts from deep blue to bright emerald depending on the sunlight. It’s a total local favorite and the perfect place to unwind after the climb.

We had lunch right by the water at La Octava Maravilla – fried fish (my first time having mojarra!) and plantains just hit different after a sweaty(ish) hike. And the views, OMG! I’ll never say no to a meal overlooking a bright blue lake! I couldn’t stop taking photos, haha.

A few other spots you can check out:

• La Pampa Restaurant 
• Restaurante Las Palmeras
• Tekunal Lago De Coatepeque

Some restaurants here even offer day passes to their pools or waterfront lounging areas, so bring a swimsuit if that’s your vibe. Since I was on a tour (which was amazing by the way) I didn’t get to choose the restaurant, but I was more than pleased with the one we went to. Some tours bring you to super touristy spots, so thankfully this wasn’t the case. 

Heads up: If you’re going back to San Salvador after, plan for traffic – especially on weekends. It definitely took a while to get back. Don’t make any major plans afterwards. 

I learned a lot from my guide, soaked in views I’ll never forget, and proved to myself I could conquer that hike. If you’re up for an active day with a big payoff, this one’s for you!

Once you get back to the city, you can totally hang out and grab dinner. I was honestly way too exhausted to even think about a night out though, haha. Rest and take out it was for me!

Day 3: Ruta de los Flores

Next up – an adventure west of San Salvador for a full-day tour along the iconic Ruta de los Flores – aka the Flower Route. 

What is it exactly?

A scenic mountain route that winds through five charming colonial towns: Nahuizalco, Salcoatitán, Juayúa, Apaneca, and Concepción de Ataco (most people just call it Ataco). Each town has its own personality, but they’re all incredibly colorful, covered in murals, surrounded by nature, and full of artisan markets, street food, and coffee culture.

While I didn’t make it to all five (totally understandable on a one-day trip), the towns I did explore were packed with color, culture, and most importantly, coffee!

I booked a guided day tour, which was honestly the best way to do it. Not having to drive those winding roads myself was a blessing, and our guide was amazing – super knowledgeable and fun. She shared stories about the local Indigenous communities, pointed out plants and volcanoes along the drive, and even gave us restaurant and food recommendations at each stop.

One of my favorite stops was at a 100-year-old family-run coffee farm, where I learned all about how coffee is grown, harvested, and roasted in the region. I’ve been on coffee tours before (namely Panama and Colombia), but I found it fascinating (and the tasting at the end didn’t hurt either). And the lush mountain scenery made it even better – like sipping your morning brew right in the middle of where it all begins.

We also stopped at Café Albania, one of the most instagrammable spots on the route, and I couldn’t resist trying their famous rainbow slide – yes, it’s as exhilarating as it looks. It’s pretty touristy and expensive ($10 for one ride), but I couldn’t not do it since I was right there! To be honest, I wouldn’t go all the way to the Ruta de Los Flores just for the rainbow slide, but I’m glad I got to go!

Other people in my group opted for the bike zipline (which looked equally as epic) and the canopy course, so there’s definitely something for every vibe.

If you happen to visit on a weekend, definitely time it with the Juayúa food festival – it’s held every Saturday and Sunday. Think grilled meats, pupusas, stews, and sweets all set up in a lively plaza atmosphere. I didn’t end up visiting Juayúa on the weekend, which meant I missed the famous food festival – kind of a bummer but oh well. 

Highly recommend bringing cash for souvenirs and snacks – and don’t forget your camera. You’ll definitely wanna take some pictures!

A few extra things to know about the Ruta de los Flores:

• Best time to visit: The route is especially beautiful between November and February, when the namesake flowers are in full bloom. The roads are lined with colorful bursts of bougainvillea, wildflowers, and lush greenery – it’s honestly like driving through a painting. I went in early April and while there were some flowers still in bloom, I can’t even imagine how stunning it must be a bit earlier in the season!

• There’s different tours to book: If you’ve got the rainbow slide on your El Salvador bucket list (like me!), sign yourself up on this tour. Other ones visit more towns, and some even make a stop at the hot springs!
  
• Street art & artisan goods: Many of the towns, especially Ataco and Nahuizalco, are known for their vibrant murals and local crafts. You’ll find handwoven textiles, wood carvings, and all sorts of souvenirs that actually feel special (not touristy junk). If you love murals and colorful facades, Ataco is your town.
  
• Markets & local eats: Even if you miss Juayúa’s weekend food fest like I did, there’s still loads of local spots and street vendors to try. Don’t skip pupusas from a roadside stand, or a cup of atol, a warm traditional drink made from corn. You’ll also find unique treats like yuca con chicharrón or fried plantains with crema.
  
• Coffee is the star: This region is El Salvador’s coffee heartland, so take full advantage – whether that’s visiting a finca, sipping single-origin brews in a mountain café, or stocking up on beans to bring home. You’ll honestly taste the difference – smooth, rich, and so fresh.
  
• Bring layers: The Ruta climbs into the mountains, so it can be cooler and breezier than the coast. I was glad I brought a light jacket for the morning.
  
• Photo ops galore: Between flower-lined streets, hillside views, charming architecture, and mural-covered walls, it’s all so pretty! Have your camera or phone ready.

Day 4: Scenic Views and Pupusas with a View – OR – a Colonial Detour to Suchitoto

On my fourth day, I had two very different options in mind: either stick close to San Salvador and explore the scenic hills and local eats around Puerta del Diablo and Lago de Ilopango, or make a longer day trip to the colonial town of Suchitoto. 

I chose the first option – mostly because I’ve been to Antigua, Guatemala a few times, and I kept hearing Suchitoto had a similar vibe. Plus, I was trying to save a bit of money and I couldn’t find a day tour that fit my budget (cost-effective tours to Suchitoto are harder to find for solo travelers unfortunately). I could’ve taken the local bus, but Suchitoto’s kinda far and I didn’t feel like figuring out the bus situation, haha. But if you’ve never been to Antigua or you love quaint cobblestone towns and lake views, it’s still totally worth considering!

Option 1: Puerta del Diablo + Lago de Ilopango + Pupusas

What I chose! Start your day with a trip to Puerta del Diablo (“Devil’s Door”), a dramatic mountain pass just 30 minutes from the city with sweeping views of the valleys and volcanoes below. You can hike around the cliffs or just enjoy the breezy vistas – it’s stunning on a clear day. If you’re afraid of heights, fair warning: it gets steep and rocky, but you can take it at your own pace. 

Next, head over to Lago de Ilopango, a massive crater lake just east of San Salvador. I grabbed lunch at a spot overlooking the water (Cafe Santa Cruz), but there’s others like Las Tres Pedras perched up on the cliffs with panoramic views. And just like Coatepeque Lake, Ilopango is absolutely stunning. I found the lake to be especially pretty in the early afternoon when the sun hit it just right, and you might even spot some boats or jet skis out on the water.

In true travel magic fashion, I actually met a super sweet family while exploring Puerta del Diablo – they were visiting relatives in El Salvador and invited me to join them for lunch at Lago de Ilopango. I didn’t have any set plans after my morning hike, so I figured, why not? We ended up sharing a lovely lakeside meal, chatting about their favorite local spots, and soaking up the view together. It was one of those spontaneous moments that reminded me why I love solo travel so much.

Wrap up your day in Los Planes de Renderos, a scenic hilltop area known for its cool climate, pine trees, and – most importantly – pupusas! I went to Abbi Pupusería just a few minutes away from the viewpoint, and, oh my god, the view + the crispy edges on those pupusas? Unmatched. 

It’s the perfect place to wind down the day with a cold drink and a plate (or three) of your favorite fillings. I of course had my favorite bean and cheese, as well as loroco, then watched the sunset (with a view of more volcanoes!) from Los Planes de Renderos and had a chill night.

Option 2: Full Day Trip to Suchitoto

If you’re craving cobblestone streets, pastel-colored colonial buildings, and a relaxed small-town vibe, Suchitoto is a solid day trip option from San Salvador. Often called the cultural capital of El Salvador, this charming town sits about 90 minutes northeast of the city and is known for its well-preserved architecture, rich artistic traditions, and beautiful views over Lake Suchitlán.

You can explore Suchitoto on your own with a rental car, but I’d recommend booking a guided tour – especially if you’re short on time or want to pack in multiple activities. Here’s another option!

Most day tours include hotel pickup and a stop at the lake, plus time to explore the town’s highlights: the whitewashed Church of Santa Lucía (built in the 1800s), the local art galleries, and the small but interesting Museo de los Recuerdos. If you’re into handicrafts, there’s plenty of places selling indigo-dyed textiles and handmade souvenirs – since this area has a long history with indigo production. This tour even stops at the stunning Ilopango Lake as well!

Many tours also include a scenic boat ride on Lake Suchitlán (bonus: great birdwatching), or even a visit to a nearby indigo workshop where you can try dyeing your own cloth. The pace is slower here than in San Salvador, making it a perfect place to unwind and get a feel for El Salvador’s artistic side.

As noted above, I personally skipped Suchitoto this time around since I’ve been to Antigua, Guatemala a few times. But if you haven’t experienced a place like this before – or if you just want a relaxing day full of art, culture, and lake views – it’s absolutely worth considering. Next time for me!

Days 5 and 6: El Tunco

Get ready for some BEACH TIME! After bouncing around volcanoes, lakes, and colonial towns, it’s finally time to chill – and there’s no better place for it than El Tunco. 

This little beach town on El Salvador’s Pacific coast is the place to be if you’re into surfing, sunsets, and an easygoing vibe. It’s just over an hour from San Salvador but feels like a completely different world.

Unlike its neighbors, El Salvador doesn’t have a Caribbean coastline – but trust me, the rugged black sand beaches and dramatic cliffs of its Pacific shore more than make up for it. Whether you’re a seasoned surfer or a total beginner (like me), this is the perfect place to take a surf lesson or just watch the pros do their thing while you sip a cold beer on the beach. And the sunsets here? Absolutely unreal. 

The town gets its name from a funky rock formation just off the shore that looks like – you guessed it – a pig (“tunco” in Salvadoran slang). That rock becomes a silhouette superstar at sunset, when basically the entire town gathers on the beach to watch the sky turn wild shades of orange and pink. And when you’re walking around, make sure to keep your eyes peeled for toucans (!!!) — I saw a few collared aracari’s flying around (which are in the toucan family).

How to Get to El Tunco from San Salvador

It’s super easy to get here from the capital. El Tunco is just about an hour’s drive from San Salvador (give or take, depending on traffic). I used Uber to get there and back, and the prices were fair – around $40 for an hour’s ride. You can also take a private shuttle, hop on a bus (Route 102A will drop you nearby), or rent a car if you’re doing more of the country by road. 

Just be warned: El Salvador LOVES speed bumps. Like, really loves them. If you’re driving, stay alert unless you want your coffee to end up in your lap, haha.

Things to do in El Tunco

I kept my time in El Tunco pretty flexible – wandering/photographing the town, grabbing pupusas and smoothie bowls, and simply watching the waves roll in. There’s not really a “checklist” of things to do, and that’s exactly what makes it so appealing (no FOMO here). The best days here are the ones that unfold slowly – sun on your skin, salt in your hair, and a fresh coconut or cold beer in hand. 

At first I was a bit worried I’d be super bored in El Tunco, but I ended up getting into a sort of routine or so. Wake up, walk a block to the beach and watch the sunrise, snooze for another hour or so, have a delicious homemade meal at my cozy hotel, hang in a hammock for a bit and read, go for a long beach walk, get a smoothie bowl at a local cafe, wander the town, hang at a restaurant and get a watermelon juice, watch the surfers and sunset at the beach, and then grab pupusas for dinner.

But if you’re itching for some activities (I get it!), here’s what I recommend:

Take a Surf Lesson: Whether you’re a total newbie or just rusty, El Tunco is a great place to hop on a board. They don’t call it Surf City for nothing! Tons of local instructors offer affordable, low-pressure lessons, and the beach break here is known for being beginner-friendly. You’ll find solid options right in town, like Wayo Surf School, Bamboards Surf Academy, and El Tunco Surf School – all of which are super easy to book with once you arrive.

That said, don’t be surprised if your instructor suggests heading to a different beach nearby instead – the surf conditions at El Tunco can vary depending on tides and waves, so some lessons will take place in spots like El Zonte or Sunzal (just a short drive away) where the waves might be better for learning that day. It all depends on the swell, but the instructors know what they’re doing and will take you where you’ve got the best shot at standing up and catching a wave.

And if surfing’s not your thing, no worries. Post up on the beach and enjoy watching everyone else wipe out with style (that’s what I did!). It’s surprisingly entertaining. After visiting a few surf hot spots around the world (namely Bondi Beach, Australia, Sayulita/San Pancho, and now El Salvador), I can totally see why the sport is so addicting.

It just so happened that I was in town for the epic Surf City El Salvador Pro surf competition (part of the World Surf League’s Championship Tour!), which was super exciting!

Wander the Town: El Tunco is teeny-tiny, but there’s enough to explore: cute shops, smoothie stands, tattoo studios, and colorful murals tucked into every corner. You’ll probably loop around the whole town in less than 20 minutes, but that doesn’t mean it gets old. Every time I walked through, I noticed something new.

Tamanique Waterfall Day Trip: One of the best short hikes in the area, this half-day guided adventure takes you through a palm-filled canyon to a series of waterfalls (yes, you can totally swim in them!). 

It’s a bit steep in parts, especially the way back up, so wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water. The waterfalls are gorgeous, with smooth rocks to lounge on and cliff-jumping spots for the bold. I decided to skip this as I had just hiked a few days before and wanted to relax a bit, and to be honest, I’m not too fussed with waterfalls (they just don’t do it for me – especially if I need to hike to them, lol).

Live Music on Tuesdays at Mopelias: If your visit overlaps with a Tuesday, don’t miss this. Mopelias is one of my favorite spots in town – super chill and great food – and the live music nights are a whole vibe. Locals and travelers gather with drinks, the music’s always good, and it’s the perfect way to wind down after a beach day. I stayed a few hours with some friends I met at my hotel, and it was such a fun night!

Pool Day Passes: Not in the mood for sand in your shoes? Nearby resorts like Atami Escape Resort offer day passes with infinity pools, epic ocean views, cocktails, and loungers. There’s also Papaya Surf Garden right in town, which is super easy to access. I spent a few hours here and it was *chef’s kiss*. The change of scenery (and access to a real bathroom, let’s be honest) was so worth it.

Watch the Sunset: Seriously, don’t miss a single one. Whether you’re sitting on the beach, sipping something cold at a rooftop bar, or wandering back from dinner, the sunsets here are some of the best I’ve seen. The sky lights up in pinks and golds, and the silhouettes of surfers riding the last waves of the day? Magic.

And when I visited in early April the beach was hardly crowded at sunset! I felt like I kinda had the beach almost to myself, which is all kinds of crazy.

Nightlife: El Tunco may be tiny, but it knows how to party. There’s something happening every night – beach bonfires, bars bumping reggaeton, random dance floors, and people just vibing by the waves. I’m not a big nightlife person when I travel, but even I found myself out way later than expected, cocktail in hand, soaking up the energy.

Where to Eat/Drink in El Tunco

I’ve gotta admit, I didn’t have too many full-on meals in El Tunco. It was hot hot hot, and when I’m feeling sticky and a little gross, heavy food is the last thing I want. Instead, I kept it light with smoothie bowls, tons of fresh fruit, refreshing watermelon juice (obsessed), and of course – pupusas, because duh.

Here’s a few spots I went:

• Esquina los Amigos: THIS is the spot to go for pupusas. And where I went every single night I was in town, haha. This little local establishment had the best pupusas I had in all of El Salvador, and I had my fair share of course. Such a large variety of flavors and fillings, including loroco (a unique edible flower), revuelta (a mix of pork, beans, and cheese), and frijoles con queso (beans with cheese).
• Mr. Coffee: I went here my first night in El Tunco after getting in late, and while I enjoyed my smoothie, the pupusas were so-so compared to Esquina los Amigos. Just FYI. There’s lots of coffee drinks as you’d expect from the name, so a great spot to come in the AM.
• Bao House Playa El Tunco: A great spot to go if you’re craving Asian food in Central America. Yummy dumplings and shrimp bao buns!
• Day Cafe, Surfcafe, and Point Break Cafe: All great spots for smoothie bowls, which seem to be an extremely popular thing here in El Tunco. I had them everyday and loved them (and almost as good as the ones I’ve had in Tulum, haha).
• Ohana Surf Cafe & Ice Cream Shop: Coffee, pastries, ice cream, and frozen bananas!
• La Bonita Beach Club: A great spot to watch the surfers at sunset with some drinks and appetizers. Yes, it’s kinda pricey (especially for El Salvadorian standards), but I loved the super trendy decor and the views were great.

Day 7: Day Trip to El Zonte

Next up, El Zonte, a laid-back surf town about 20 minutes from El Tunco (easy to get to with a $5 Uber). It’s quieter, more relaxed (yes, even more so than nearby El Tunco), and known for its black-sand beaches, consistent waves, and unique claim to fame: Bitcoin Beach. 

Yep, El Zonte is one of the first communities in the world to fully embrace Bitcoin. You’ll see Bitcoin ATMs right in town and can actually pay for food, drinks, and even your surf lessons using crypto. It’s wild.

I actually met a sweet couple during my walking tour in San Salvador who traveled to El Salvador specifically because they wanted to use Bitcoin in real life. We ended up having dinner together and chatted all things Bitcoin for over three hours. It’s that big of a thing here – and now I’m kind of fascinated by the whole concept and starting my own research.

But back to the beach! El Zonte has a mellow vibe and is a great spot for beginner surfers or anyone just wanting to chill by the ocean. You’ll find a few surf schools in town and plenty of locals out catching waves.

If surfing’s not your thing, it’s just as nice to relax on the sand or grab a cold drink and soak up the sun. El Zonte itself is tiny but packed with personality – think vibrant murals, chill cafés, and a laid-back, surf-town rhythm. It’s kinda El Tunco’s smaller little sister, kinda like how San Pancho relates to Sayulita over in Mexico!

If you’re craving a more relaxed, resort-style vibe, El Zonte has several great options for pool day passes. Both Palo Verde Sustainable Hotel, Puro Surf Hotel, and Esencia Nativa all offer access to their pools, plus tasty food and drinks. Poolside ceviche and a cold drink? Say no more.

I started my day at Covana Seaside Kitchen, the breezy oceanfront café inside the super stylish Puro Surf Hotel. While I didn’t get a day pass there, I did sip a smoothie and snack on fresh fruit before strolling down to the beach (not without first admiring the infinity pool and coastal views for a few minutes of course – wow!).

Later in the afternoon, I got a day pass at Palo Verde and spent hours lounging in the pool, sipping fresh coconuts, and practicing my Spanish with some friendly locals. For lunch, I walked over to Palma – a laid-back café nearby in town – and had a delicious smoothie bowl. Highly recommend it. I would’ve LOVED to take a pupusa making class, but I was too busy in the pool, haha.

Psst – This wouldn’t be a complete El Salvador itinerary without the mention of Nawi Beach House in Mizata, another especially popular spot on the coast that offers day passes. BUT unless you’ve got a car or plenty of people to share an Uber with, I don’t think it’s worth the cost since it’s about an hour away and will cost a pretty penny to get there. Personally, I loved my time at Palo Verde and that was way easier (and cheaper) to get to, haha.

Hope this helps you plan the most epic El Salvador itinerary! Are you headed to Central America soon?!

The post An Epic El Salvador Itinerary: Volcano Hikes, Pupusas, and Pacific Sunsets appeared first on A Passion and A Passport.

Caye Caulker, Belize: a jewel in the Caribbean Sea that’s got the friendliest locals and a rugged laid-back atmosphere. The island is a literal dream come true, and I loved every minute of my blissful time in Belize! I truly felt like I was living in a postcard come to life. This post will not only share all my favorite things to do in Caye Caulker, but exactly how to have the best possible trip too!

Imagine snorkeling alongside spotted eagle rays, nurse sharks, and sea turtles. Quaint streets lined with palm trees and airy pastel colored houses. Cute beach bars with swings and sting rays gliding over your toes. Flying over the expansive Belize barrier reef and Great Blue Hole. Freshly caught lobster grilled up right on the street. Sipping boozy drinks at sunset under a palapa in the turquoise waters. 

To say I reveled in island life is a complete understatement – I beamed with happiness my entire 3 days in Caye Caulker. Must be something about that sweet, sweet salty air.

The island is oh so laid back, filled with small dusty lanes, colorful cafes, and beachfront bars. And oh, there’s no cars here. Everyone gets around by either golf cart, bike, or on foot, because let’s face it – there’s no need for anything else! Caye Caulker is the true definition of “Caribbean island vibes” and you’ll love settling into island life.

Caye Caulker reminds me of Gili Air (just off the coast of Bali) a tad. Both are small islands with zero cars, activities centered around the gorgeous blue waters, a chilled laid-back atmosphere, ridiculously beautiful sunsets, and the friendliest locals. 

Before we get into all the fun and exciting things to do in Caye Caulker (trust me, there’s loads to do here despite being a tiny blip in the sea), there’s a lot of logistics to get out of the way first!

Caye Caulker Trip Planning Logistics

Where is Caye Caulker, Belize

Caye Caulker is a small island off the coast of mainland Belize in Central America. It’s located about 20 miles northeast of Belize City. 

One of the best parts about Caye Caulker?! It’s part of the Belize Barrier Reef System, meaning there’s TONS of great snorkeling and diving around here. Think crystal clear waters – perfect if you’re a mermaid (or merman) like me! 

Caye Caulker is situated amongst other islands in the reef, including Ambergris Caye to the north (where you’ll find the ever-so-popular San Pedro), Caye Chapel to the south (with luxurious Four Seasons private residences), and Long and Hicks Cayes (even further south).

It’s also only about a 20-minute plane ride to the otherworldly Great Blue Hole, which I flew over, and it was just as spectacular as I imagined (way more on that later).

Note that in order to get to other parts of Belize, you’ll either need to fly or ferry back to Belize City, then travel onwards from there. For reference, Caye Caulker is about 3 hours from San Ignacio, a town on mainland Belize (on the border of Guatemala) many visitors head to afterwards. Want jungles, mountains and waterfalls? Head to San Ignacio afterwards.

How to Get to Caye Caulker

If you wanna partake in all the fun things to do in Caye Caulker, you of course gotta get yourself there! Thankfully getting to this tiny island isn’t very difficult. Regardless of where you’re coming from, you’ll need to get yourself to Belize City first.

Flying Internationally to Belize City

The nearest international airport to Caye Caulker is Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE) in Belize City. This is the easiest and most popular way to get to Belize from the USA. Plenty of major airlines offer direct flights to Belize City from cities in the USA, although most of these are in the southeast (think Miami, Dallas, Houston, and Atlanta). 

And you won’t believe it, but flights are only about 2-3 hours from these cities! There’s even nonstop flights from New York City, taking under 5 hours! Wild that hardly anyone even considers visiting Caye Caulker!

For reference, since I was flying from San Francisco, my flight had a connection in Dallas-Fort Worth, which significantly increased my travel time (my layover was over 5 hours long!). If you’re able to get a nonstop flight, do it! 

I paid about $750USD to get to Belize City which I thought was kinda expensive, but considering it was prime Spring Break season and my dates weren’t very flexible at all, I paid up! 

For some reason, Belize is one of those places where the flights always seem kind of expensive, unlike Guatemala where I seem to easily find cheap flights.

From San Ignacio (Belize) or Flores (Guatemala) to Belize City

If you’re elsewhere in Belize (say, San Ignacio), or even in Flores, Guatemala, it’s quite simple to get to Belize City. There’s plenty of shuttle buses that run straight to the Belize City ferry terminal (your departure for Caye Caulker). 

Note if you’re coming from Flores in Guatemala, you’ll need to cross the Guatemala-Belize border. It can be kinda confusing but just ask your driver and they’ll direct you towards the line, haha. Psst – don’t be alarmed if your driver changes once you leave Guatemala and enter Belize; this is super common and what I experienced.

I actually spent a few days in Flores myself, then headed back to Belize City via tourist shuttle bus. There’s quite a few transfer companies who make this trip every day, most leaving quite early in the morning (my shuttle left Flores at 8am and arrived in Belize City around 3pm or so). Yes, it’s a long and tiring travel day, but it only costs about $20-30USD! Can’t complain! 

I booked in-person with Marlin Espadas at their local agency in Flores, but I also heard good things about Mayan World Travel Agency and Adrenalina Tours. 

Shuttles get booked up since they’re smaller and don’t have tons of seats. Book your $20 shuttle transfer from Flores to Belize City ahead of time.

Getting from Belize City to Caye Caulker

Once you’ve made it to Belize City, you’ve got two options on getting to Caye Caulker. You’re almost there, just one more step, and I promise all this hassle is well worth it!

Flying to Caye Caulker

The fastest way to get to Caye Caulker from Belize City is by taking a short domestic flight – and by short I mean a quick 15 minutes!

There’s two airlines that operate regular flights between Belize City and Caye Caulker: Maya Island Air and Tropic Air. Both airlines offer multiple flights per day, and should cost about $50-75 USD one way, with roundtrip tickets being slightly cheaper than two one-ways.

Note that the planes used by all regional airlines are TINY. And when I say tiny, I mean 3 or 12-seater-plane tiny. If you’ve never flown on a plane this small it’ll be an experience for sure. 

While I took the ferry from Belize City to Caye Caulker, I took a scenic flight over the Blue Hole with Tropic Air (the same planes they use to fly back and forth between Belize City and Caye Caulker) and felt completely safe!

Once you arrive in Caye Caulker, you’ll land on the southern end of the south island. Depending on where your accommodation is, you might even be able to walk, or you can take a golf cart to get to your hotel (there’s usually some waiting by the airport).

Psst: Some people I talked to on the island didn’t even realize there was a ferry, and absolutely HATED the tiny plane ride. So, now you know you’ve got options!

Ferry to Caye Caulker

If you’re not up for the thrill of riding in a 12-seater plane, don’tchu worry – you can always take the ferry instead! The main ferry company connecting Belize City with Caye Caulker is San Pedro Express, and you’ll find boats leaving all throughout the day. Ferries take about 45 minutes to reach Caye Caulker.

I took the ferry to Caye Caulker, and found the entire process to be super smooth with no problems. The water can be kinda choppy depending on the wind, so take some dramamine if you get sea sick easily.

Prices are $20 USD (40BZD) one way, and $36.50 USD round trip (77BZD) – book round trip as it’s cheaper! If you see someone getting tickets for much cheaper, they’re probably locals who all get reduced rates. Staff will take your luggage and store it safely in the ferry.

Remember, if you’re flying into the Belize International Airport, you’ll need to take a 25 minute taxi ride to the ferry terminal. Expect this to cost about $25 USD (50BZD).

Note: If your flight lands after 4pm, it’s not advisable to take the ferry that day, since the last one’s at 5:30pm. Better to stay in Belize City for a night and take an early morning ferry the next day. Sucks but what’re you gonna do? Find the water taxi schedule here. Psst – the first ferry runs as early as 8am.

The ferry will arrive at the Caye Caulker Water Taxi Terminal, which is located on the island’s south side. From there, you can walk or take a golf cart to your accommodation (there’s plenty waiting nearby for passengers).

Woo – you made it! Time to experience all the fun things to do in Caye Caulker!

How to Get Around Caye Caulker

Caye Caulker is a teeny-tiny island just like Flores, Guatemala (no joke, you can walk the entire “downtown” in less than 20 minutes), so it makes sense the main mode of transportation is either walking or using a bicycle or golf cart. 

There’s no cars on this island (except for the rare construction vehicle), and nor is there an actual reason for them! 

• Walking: The island is so tiny you can totally walk around the whole thing in an hour. I even saw a few people walking around barefoot – the ultimate definition of island vibes, haha. 

• Bicycles: Biking is a super popular way to get around Caye Caulker, and plenty of locals use their bikes as their primary mode of transport. Most hotels offer bikes to their guests, and if not, there’s plenty of shops on the island where you can rent one for a few bucks a day.

• Golf Carts: You can easily walk and bike everywhere on the island, but if you’re tired or too hot, there’s golf carts all around town that’ll take you anywhere on the island for $5USD. Golf carts are a popular mode of transport for both tourists and locals. You can either use them like a taxi, or they can be rented for about $50 a day.

• Boats: If you wanna get across the Split, you can take the Split to Split ferry. Plus, you’ll definitely be on a boat while snorkeling around Hol Chan!

• Uber/Lyfts: Note that Belize does not have any rideshare services like Uber or Lyft, especially on Caye Caulker where there aren’t even any cars!

When to Visit Caye Caulker

The time of year you visit Caye Caulker will have a drastic impact on your experience. Belizeans say there’s two 2 seasons: hot and hotter, haha. But in reality, there’s actually a dry season and a rainy season.

Dry Season

The best time to visit Caye Caulker is during the dry season, from December to May. Expect sunny and warm weather, with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to mid-80s F (around 23-30 C). Pure paradise! The water is also typically clear and calm, making it perfect conditions for snorkeling, diving, and other water activities.

For reference, I visited Caye Caulker in late March, and had nearly perfect weather with sunny blue skies. I had heard it was pretty windy a few days prior, which caused many snorkeling and boat tours to get canceled. Because of that, I recommend scheduling water activities early on in your trip just in case you need to reschedule!

Rainy Season

June to November is the rainy season in Belize, and although it can still be a good time to visit, you can expect more rain and much higher humidity (no thanks!). Rain showers don’t typically last all day, and the sun usually peeks out a few times.

Just remember that most of the best things to do in Caye Caulker are outside, so if it rains, there’s not really tons and tons to do (besides hole up in a cute cafe and/or do some yoga).  

I’d stick to the dry season to be on the safe side.

Hurricane Season

Rainy season peaks in September and October – and this is when prime hurricane season is. 

It’s also important to note that June to November is the official hurricane season in the entirety of the Caribbean. 

While Caye Caulker is not often directly hit by hurricanes, there’s still a chance of storms or strong winds affecting your travel plans. Hurricanes hit every 5 years or so, with massively destructive ones hitting every 10-15 years.

Language in Caye Caulker

You’ll probably be surprised by this, but the official language in Belize is actually English! Everyone I ran into spoke perfect English – and after coming from 10 days in Guatemala and 2 weeks in Mexico, it felt strange to be completely understood again!

However, due to the island’s location and history, many locals also speak Creole (a mix of African, English, and Spanish languages), Spanish (many as a second language), and/or other local languages (like Mayan and Garifuna). But don’t worry – 99% speak English as well.

Local Currency in Caye Caulker

The official currency for Belize is the Belize Dollar (BZD; symbol BZ$). And it’s got one of the easiest conversions to US dollars around – 1 USD = 2 Belize Dollars (this conversion doesn’t change, that’s what it always is). 

Just cut all prices in BZD in half and you’ll get the USD equivalent!

In Caye Caulker, you can pay in either USD or BZD; every single place I went to accepted either, even golf cart taxis. Should you bring USD to Belize? You certainly can! I took about $200USD cash to Caye Caulker and didn’t need to go to the ATM once. 

The two currencies are used interchangeably, and you’ll get both USD and BZD back for change. Meaning, you’ll always end up having both currencies in your wallet anyways! It’s a little confusing using two currencies at first (I somehow never had enough of just one currency to pay), but I got the hang of it after a day or so.

If I remember correctly, I didn’t use my credit card once while in Caye Caulker – except to pay for my hotels. A few restaurants accepted cards, but all tacked on pesky fees (5-8% of the total bill) so I decided against using them to save a bit of money.

Psst: Coming from Mexico? Don’t bother bringing Mexican pesos — you’ll get a horrible exchange rate. 

How Long to Stay in Caye Caulker

Most people spend between 2-5 days on Caye Caulker. Any more than 5 days and I’d kinda go stir crazy – the island is super tiny afterall, and unless you plan to do a LOT of relaxing, you’ll probably be over and done with it after a few days.

The motto of Caye Caulker is “Go Slow” after all, so don’t rush around too much. I spent 4 nights and 3 full days on the island, and felt it was the perfect amount of time for me.

I typically travel pretty fast-paced, and after 2 days or so, kinda felt like I had done practically all the “activities” on the island and nearby. But it was so nice to kinda just relax a bit and take things slow on my last day. 

Where to Stay in Caye Caulker

For such a tiny island, there’s no shortage of places to stay in Caye Caulker. There’s plenty and plenty of cheap hostels, and a bunch of affordable basic hotels. Nothing is overly luxurious or over the top, and that just fits with the laid-back, rugged island vibes. Definitely no chain hotels here!

I stayed 4 nights in Caye Caulker, and split my time between a basic hotel in the middle of town (Jan’s Hotel), and a more secluded, upscale resort a bit further south (Weezie’s). 

This combo worked well enough for me, but in hindsight, I kinda wish I decided to stay right in town the entire time. Walking 20 minutes in the heat doesn’t sound terrible until you have to do it multiple times per day!

Weezie’s Ocean Front Hotel and Garden Cottages: This hotel is probably the most “upscale” spot on the island, although kinda far from the main town (a 20 minute walk, 10 minute bike ride, or 5-10 minute golf cart ride). 

I stayed here for 2 nights and while I loved the grounds, pool, and private dock, I honestly found the room a bit basic for the price. I’d stay here if you’re looking for some peace and quiet, and don’t mind renting a bike/golf cart, or making the long walk into town everyday.

Iguana Reef Inn: Iguana Reef is one of the more luxurious inns around town that blends casual elegance with barefoot informality. It’s located right on the water’s edge; this is where the stingrays congregate every night around sunset!

With a fresh-water swimming pool, free breakfast, and complimentary bikes and canoes, I’d stay there in a heartbeat.

Jan’s Hotel: I stayed here another 2 nights, and while it was pretty basic, the location was perfect and the staff were super helpful and friendly. A no-thrills spot, but honestly, there’s not many of those on the island.

Looking for hostel life? My new friends stayed at Bella’s Backpackers (a party hostel), Blue Wave Guesthouse, and Go Slow Hostel and gave positive reviews about each one.

Other Important FAQs about Caye Caulker

• Are there beaches in Caye Caulker? Kinda, not really. Caye Caulker just isn’t known for their beaches. There’s a few sandy patches around the island, but I wouldn’t consider them true beaches. Head to Northside Beach Club on the North Side for the best beach on the island.

• What’s a Caye? Glad you asked! A Caye (or “key” in English) is a small, low-lying island or coral reef, typically found in tropical regions such as the Caribbean Sea or the Gulf of Mexico. And yes, Caye Caulker is one of these!

• Sargassum/seaweed in Caye Caulker: Unfortunately, like other places nearby (namely Tulum and spots in Riviera Maya), seaweed and seagrass washes up on the “beaches” and on the shores on occasion. When I visited, Caye Caulker was being swamped by sargassum (mostly on the south side of the island), but it didn’t negatively affect my stay.

• How to properly pronounce Caye Caulker: It’s “Key Caw-ker”, not Kay like it reads. I totally said it wrong my entire first day, haha. No shame!

• Caye Caulker vs San Pedro: Although they’re only a 30 minute water taxi ride apart, these two islands have completely different atmospheres. San Pedro is kinda like a mini Cancun (but with less beach hustlers), while Caye Caulker is much quieter and more laid back. 

• Can you drink the tap water in Caye Caulker? Nope, stick to bottled water, and make sure all ice is purified. 

• Safety in Caye Caulker: I visited as a solo female traveler, and felt exceptionally safe on the island. Locals were very friendly, never pushy, and super helpful. It definitely helped that I met a great group of friends my first day and hung around with them almost my entire trip!

• Can you swim across The Split in Caye Caulker? While you technically could, it’s definitely not advised. The current can be quite strong and unpredictable, especially during high tide or when boats are passing through.

• Is Caye Caulker a party island? Not necessarily, but there’s a (tiny) bit of nightlife here. There’s two bars everyone hangs out at after hours – Sports Bar, then Reggae Bar once Sports Bar closes (around 1-2am). I ended up at Sports Bar two nights in a row — super fun vibes and lots of music/dancing/drinking. If you want real parties with clubs and such, you’ll be better off staying north in San Pedro. 

• What’s the motto “Go Slow” about? To basically enjoy and take it all in! By embracing the “Go Slow” mentality, you’ll fully experience the island’s charm, soak up the laid-back Caribbean vibes, and create lasting memories. It’s an invitation to relax, rejuvenate, and let go of the stresses of everyday life. Sounds pretty perfect to me! 

Explaining Caye Caulker’s Two Sides

Not many visitors initially realize this (myself included before I did some research), but the island of Caye Caulker is actually split right down the middle. It’s divided into two main areas: the north side and the south side, split by, well, The Split!

Here’s a bit about each side:

• North Side: The north side of the island is quieter and way less developed than the south side. Honestly, you’ll be spending most of your time on the south side, but definitely make your way over for a few hours to hang out at the beach club (currently known as Northside Beach Club, previously Koko King, although it kinda keeps changing names, haha). If you wanna explore the north further, you can rent a bike. 

• South Side: The south side of the island is where most of the action takes place. It’s the more developed area of the island, and this is where you’ll find a wide variety of restaurants, bars, and accommodations. The south side is the starting point for most of the island’s tours. Almost everything is found on the south side of Caye Caulker, and this is where you’ll wanna stay.

A note about the locals in Caye Caulker

Hmm… how do I put this lightly? The locals in Caye Caulker are, well, more than friendly. Never in my life have I gotten more attention than I did during my 3 days in Caye Caulker, haha.

By the end of my trip locals around the island even remembered my name. I talked to more locals on the island than anywhere else around the world combined. I learned so much about the country and just them as people in general. 

Sure, they’re a bit over-friendly, and could be annoying to some, but I honestly kinda liked it after getting used to it. 

I felt super welcome and everyone was extremely helpful, generous, and down for a chat. You’ll probably feel a bit apprehensive if you’re more introverted, but as an extrovert, I loved it. I never once felt threatened and enjoyed all the convos.

What to Pack for Caye Caulker

No one dresses up in Caye Caulker – I mean I practically lived in bathing suits my entire time there! Leave your fancy clothes at home; you honestly don’t need them on the island. I admittedly brought too many cute dresses and hardly wore any!

Besides your typical beachwear, here’s a few other things you’ll wanna pack for your trip:

• Polarized sunglasses (better for blocking out the harsh UV rays)
• Beach bag and/or backpack: make sure it’s large enough to fit a beach towel or two!
• Hat/s: The sun is strong here! I love taking a wide-brimmed sun hat for the beach and a fun trucker hat when hanging around town.
• A waterproof kindle or other e-reader for reading at the beach clubs/The Split and hotel pool (I’d be worried a physical book may accidentally get wet!)
• Your hotel may give you towels, but we love traveling with a sand-free beach mat
• Reusable water bottle: better for the environment and a must at the beach! 
• Aloe Vera Gel: always have some handy in case you get a sunburn; aloe will give the burn some much-needed relief
• Dramamine: This will help with motion sickness on your snorkeling tour (which is the #1 thing to do in Caye Caulker!)
• Bug spray will come in handy during Caye Caulker’s humid months (June to October), and calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream is good to have on hand for when you undoubtedly get bitten
• Portable battery charger: Charge your phone on the go and never run out of battery! I always need to borrow my friends so I’ve finally made it a habit to start bringing my own.
• Noise-canceling headphones: Great for both the plane and the beach! I’m obsessed with my AirPods and Noah loves his Bose Quiet Comforts.
• Foldable tote bag: If you’re planning on doing some shopping in Caye Caulker (you must!), bring your own fold-up tote bag as not all street vendors give out bags. I love this collapsible reusable tote bag (hardly takes up any room in your suitcase and it’s so lightweight)
• Some meds for an upset stomach/antidiarrheal medicine (just in case you accidentally drink the water or something doesn’t agree with you – bound to happen, just be prepared)
• Sunscreen: The sun is strong here (Belize is right near the equator afterall!), just know you’ll need reef-safe sunscreen for snorkeling 
• Dry bag for storing all your stuff on your snorkeling tour! We got way wetter on board the boat than we originally thought we would. Oh well, it felt great in the sun!
• Underwater camera: All my underwater photography tips and gear here. I’d pack an underwater phone case too, which is perfect for protecting your phone on the boat and hanging in hammocks above the water.

Best Things to do in Caye Caulker, Belize 

Finally – what you’re probably here for! All my favorite things to do in Caye Caulker, plus a few I wish I had time for! 

Snorkel in Hol Chan Marine Reserve 

Throw on your fins and tighten that mask – it’s time to go snorkeling! Have you ever swam with sharks before?! What about sea turtles and spotted eagle rays?! If not, you need to add it to your Belize bucket list, pronto! I’m a HUGE fan of snorkeling (I’ve been snorkeling in Maui more times than I can count), and never get tired of swimming alongside the marine life.

Hol Chan is a reef in the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve, and it makes for a great day trip from Caye Caulker. Heck, it’s one of the most popular things to do in Caye Caulker afterall! Honestly, if you don’t go snorkeling off the coast, you haven’t really visited the Belizean islands. Did you know the Belize Barrier Reef is actually the second largest reef in the world?! Yup, right after the Great Barrier Reef in Australia!

The water is warm and crazy clear, with excellent visibility to see the underwater world of Belize up close. Don’t miss Shark Ray Alley and Coral Gardens – my two favorite snorkel spots near Caye Caulker. We even saw a few manatees; I almost cried tears of joy.

There’s plenty of companies you can sign up with, but I highly recommend Salt Life Eco Tours. This is the exact full day snorkel tour I went on (honestly, it was epic), and had such a fantastic time swimming with nurse sharks, sting rays, sea turtles, tons of tropical fish, and above the colorful corals. 

I chose Salt Life Eco Tours because they’re one of the very few companies who don’t feed the fish (doing so can greatly disturb the delicate marine ecosystem). If you’re not signing up for this tour (the exact one I chose), make sure you do your due diligence and please choose a company that doesn’t feed the fish. Unfortunately most do, which makes me all kinda mad. We gotta do our part to protect the reef and all the marine life living within it.

Hang at The Split/Lazy Lizard

If you haven’t spent an afternoon drinking boozy slushies at The Split, you haven’t visited Caye Caulker. 

The Split is one of the most iconic spots on Caye Caulker afterall, and for good reason. It’s the narrow channel that separates the northern and southern ends of the island (naturally created in 1961 after a hurricane hit the island, and basically separated it in half), and it’s the perfect place to swim, relax, and soak up the sun. This is the most popular hangout spot on the island, and it’s tons of fun, all day, everyday.

It’s easily one of the most relaxing things to do in Caye Caulker, especially when you’ve got a cold beer in your hand! Drinks are crazy outrageously priced, but understandable since it’s The Split we’re talking about. The perfect place to soak up the sun and enjoy a few drinks with friends.

You can spend an entire afternoon lounging around on the chaise lounges with friends, sipping some frozen slushee drinks from The Lazy Lizard (the bar at The Split), and taking a dip in the shallow crystal-clear waters. You can even jump off the nearby dock – something I’m way too chicken to even think about, haha. So easy to enjoy the laid-back island vibes!

Wander the colorful town

Honestly, you don’t need to do much to fall in love with the tiny island paradise of Caye Caulker. The whole town is super lively and fun! 

Wander through the streets and you’ll be greeted by a burst of colors from the brightly painted wooden houses – which are of course super fun to photograph! Head into the local shops and boutiques and you’ll find unique crafts, local handmade jewelry, and touristy souvenirs. Stop for a lobster or Caribbean jerk chicken on the side of the street. Oh, and don’t forget about a fresh coconut, or two!

On my third day on the island, I had no plans at all, and simply wandered around until I got hungry/thirsty, haha. Then stopped for a bite, then walked some more! My kinda day!

Fly over the Great Blue Hole 

If there’s one thing you do in the Belizean islands, make it a scenic flight over the reef. I swear, flying over the Blue Hole in Belize is easily one of the most spectacular things I’ve experienced in my entire life. 

The Great Blue Hole in Belize is a giant marine sinkhole, kinda like an underwater cave. It’s a whopping ~1000 feet in diameter and over 400 feet deep, making it the largest blue hole in the entire world. 

It’s so large it’s even visible from space – easily identified by its circular formation and deep, dark blue waters within the Belize Barrier Reef system.

Can you blame me? Just look at all those photos, full of beautiful atolls and all the blue-hued colors you can imagine in the Caribbean Sea. It’s all kinds of amazing, and one of the most impressive things to do in Caye Caulker. Such an exhilarating, once-in-a-lifetime experience, albeit a pricey one. 

Logistics and Additional Info:

Who to Fly With: There are currently two main airlines that offer scenic flights of the Belize Barrier Reef and Blue Hole: Tropic Air and Maya Air. Both are reputable companies and have been flying for plenty of years. 

I chose to fly with Tropic Air (read about my experience here) and felt safe and comfortable for the duration of the flight. And everyone thankfully gets a window seat!

Flight Duration: The scenic flight is a full hour, and you’ll fly over Lighthouse Reef, the Great Blue Hole (multiple times), and an ocean freighter shipwreck. You might even spot a few sharks, rays, and manatees below!

Cost: Flying over the Blue Hole is definitely one of the priciest things to do in Caye Caulker, there’s no doubt about that. Expect to pay upwards of $250-300 USD, plus a bit more if you wanna sit up front next to the pilot (for the best views by far).

I wrote an entire post on my experience flying over the Great Blue Hole with Tropic Air – check that out for way more info and tons of gorgeous photos of the Caribbean Sea from above.

Get a cold drink at Sip N’ Dip Beach Bar

Sip N’ Dip Beach Bar is kinda synonymous with Caye Caulker – it’s got fun island vibes, strong drinks, friendly staff, and funny island decor. It’s a colorful and vibrant spot that’s known for its delicious drinks and lively atmosphere. It’s one of the first places I went to in Caye Caulker, and it totally set the tone for the rest of my trip. 

You can’t go wrong with a panty ripper (one of their signature concoctions), or a frozen paradise pineapple drink like I had. There’s also your typical classic margaritas and piña coladas. Come during happy hour from 3-5pm if you wanna score a great deal (typical prices otherwise).

Plus, Sip N’ Dip’s the only bar truly over the water in Caye Caulker, with swings and hammocks to relax on. You can sit under a palapa at a table directly IN the water (super refreshing and relaxing), or sit inside in the shade if you’ve had too much sun (or wearing a dress like I was – a fail on my end, whoops).

Tarpon Feeding Dock 

Care to see some more wildlife? You can watch large schools of tarpon fish gather for daily feedings, and you can actually feed them yourself! Buy a bucket of small fish from the shop on the deck, hold the tail of the fish high-ish above the water between two fingers, and watch as the tarpon frantically jumps out of the water to grab it. 

It was honestly way more exhilarating (and scary/nerve-wracking) than I initially imagined it to be!

What’s so special about tarpon anyways? Well, these silver-colored fish can grow up to 8 feet long (!!!) and weigh over 200 pounds (!!!). Damn! 

To be quite honest, I’m a bit hesitant to recommend this as it’s by far from the most ethical thing to do in Caye Caulker. Feeding wildlife (including these tarpons) can have negative impacts on their behavior and health. Make sure you follow all posted rules and regulations, and treat the fish and the surrounding environment with respect.

Go slow! 

You’ll see “Go Slow” on plaques and signs around town. No – it’s not telling you to drive your golf cart at a slower pace, haha. 

The motto “Go Slow” of Caye Caulker encapsulates the laid-back and relaxed lifestyle that defines the island. Things move at a slower pace around here – don’t expect food to come out ASAP or for 5 minutes to really mean 5 minutes (more like 10-15, ish!). 

There’s no need to rush; everyones on island time. It’s a philosophy and reminder to both visitors and residents to embrace a slower pace of life – you’re away from the hustle and bustle of the modern world and on a Caribbean island! Treat it as such!

So embody the island’s spirit – take a step back, unwind, and truly savor the present moment. Take a sunset walk along the water, have a long leisurely brunch (preferably at Ice n Beans or Namaste Cafe), get lost in a book while swinging on a hammock, but most of all, just relax and enjoy. 

Once you find yourself rushing from place to place, you’ve really lost the true spirit of the island. I typically travel fast (hey, when you’ve got a 9-5 you gotta make the most of your PTO), but Caye Caulker reminded me to slow down and really soak it all up. 

I had an entire day with zero plans. I ended up talking to locals (some of the warmest and super welcoming people I’ve ever met), hanging on a hammock for far too long, drinking fresh coconut water straight outta a coconut, and sipping some iced cacao tea and nibbling on some chocolate from Belize Chocolate Factory – one of the best things to do in Caye Caulker on a hot day (which is basically like all the time, haha).

Watch the sunset

I made it my mission to watch the sunset every night I was in Caye Caulker, and I’m happy to report I wildly succeeded 4/4 nights! To be completely honest, I kinda planned my afternoons and nights around sunset – the perfect way to end a day on the island.

Looking on a map, you’ll notice that the island of Caye Caulker is vertically long. This is amazing for us sunset lovers since there’s a bunch of west-facing spots – aka plenty of different places for sunset! 

For the absolute best sunset views, you’ll need to venture over to the west side of the island. While you can simply watch from anywhere west-facing, these were my favorite sunset spots in Caye Caulker:

• The Split (at the tippy top of the south island)
• Iguana Reef Inn (where the stingrays hang out)
• The Pelican Sunset Bar (come for sunset, stay for frozen drinks and dinner)  
• Maggie’s Sunset Kitchen (come early for the best seat in the house)

I also watched the sunset from Koko King Beach Club (over on the north island) and I HIGHLY recommend doing that one night as well. We sipped our cocktails and mango juices and just stared out at the sun dipping below the horizon. And we were practically the only ones there! Pure island magic. I smile just thinking about that night.

Take a Picture with the Caye Caulker Sign

One of the quickest things to do in Caye Caulker? Taking a photo at the Caye Caulker sign! It sits right on the main drag on the way to The Split, so you really can’t miss it! 

I also loved taking pictures at the The Split sign and Sip N Dip Sign – it seems these bright, bold large signs are synonymous with Caye Caulker!

Nightlife at Sports Bar then Reggae Bar 

Caye Caulker isn’t known for its nightlife (that’s what San Pedro’s for), but thankfully, there’s a few spots for some late-night shenanigans. Okay, fine, really only two – Barrier Reef Sports Bar and I and I Reggae Bar. Told you this island isn’t known for its wild parties!

Barrier Reef Sports Bar (simply known as “Sports Bar”) is easily the best place to go out at night. There’s live bands and DJ’s and sometimes even karaoke – something different is going on every night.

I somehow ended up at Sports Bar three out of the four nights I was in Caye Caulker. It’s kinda a local hangout for locals and expats – not just backpackers. So much dancing and loud music and all around a good time.

The bar gets rowdier and rowdier as the night goes on (understandably), and by the end of the night it was a madhouse (with free shots poured by pretty girls standing on the bar, haha). I had the time of my life singing and dancing with my new friends I had met earlier that day while snorkeling.

Once Sports Bar closes around midnight, if you wanna continue the party, head over to I and I Reggae Bar (open until around 2am or so). After all that dancing at Sports Bar I never made it to the reggae bar, but I heard it’s a pretty fun club style island bar. Expect to pay a cover charge, and know that drinks are kinda pricey.

See the stingrays at Iguana Reef Inn 

Imagine giant stingrays gliding over your feet in the shallow waters – yes, that’s what you’ll find over here! The island is famous for this, and it really is one of the most iconic things to do in Caye Caulker. It’s an experience that shouldn’t be missed, so let me share the inside scoop with you! 

Every evening at sunset, the owner of the Iguana Reef Inn feeds the giant Southern Stingrays fish remnants from the day’s catch. Over time, these stingrays have become accustomed to this daily ritual, and like clockwork, around 4 to 4:30 pm, dozens of giant stingrays gracefully gather in the shallows just beyond the reef. 

Dip your toes in the water – the stingrays will come right up to you! And when they touch you with their soft underbelly? OMG, it feels so weird and slimy and just overall strange. I got used to it after a few times, but at first whoa… what an odd sensation. You can also pet their rough outer skin if you’d like.

All this happens at Iguana Reef Inn, one of the fancier accommodation options on the island (I’d love to stay there sometime). Thankfully everyone is allowed to partake in the fun, even if you’re not staying at Iguana Reef Inn. I’d buy a cocktail or two if you’re using the facilities.

A few things to note:

• For safety reasons, you cannot venture past the stingrays in the water. You MUST stay close to the shore when the stingrays are feeding.
• Decide for yourself if you feel good about this experience – it’s clearly not one of the most ethical things to do in Caye Caulker, as feeding wild animals is always questionable.
• Pelicans also hang out here, and the staff feeds them a bit after they feed the stingrays. Stick around to see them waddle around as well – they’re too funny!

Seahorse Reserve at Iguana Reef Inn

After hanging out with the stingrays for a bit, head over to the left side of Iguana Reef Inn and you’ll find a tiny seahorse reserve in the water! Try and spot a seahorse in the nets – they’re kinda hard to find and downright amazing at camouflaging in the nets, seaweed, and ropes; a nearby kid helped me find a few!

You really only need a few minutes but truly worth it if you’ve never seen seahorses out in the wild. They are such magnificent little creatures.

Watch sunset at The Pelican Sunset Bar 

Ohhh – sunset at Pelican Sunset Bar is legendary! I don’t typically include specific restaurants on my lists, but I needed to include it on this list of things to do in Caye Caulker. It was that memorable – promise!

I ordered shrimp skewers with potatoes and veggies (so fresh and delicious and such a generous portion), and it came rather quickly considering how busy this place was! All the food on the menu sounded outstanding — you really can’t go wrong! I also heard AMAZING things about the lobster ceviche – I’m still kicking myself I didn’t order some!

The food is high quality, and the ambiance and views are stellar. It gets really busy, especially around sunset, so plan to come early! The restaurant’s a great spot to hang out and chill, with perfect sunset views and overwater seating on the dock. Such a fun atmosphere!

Note that The Pelican Sunset Bar can be a bit hard to find as it’s away from the main tourist town and down a little dirt path. A few local kids had to show me where it was! But don’t worry, you’ll make it!

This was easily one of my favorite things to do in Caye Caulker, and I’d sit here with a frozen drink watching the sunset every night of my life if I could. This place has such a chill vibe, and the bar staff are so, so fun. I met a sweet gal living in Tulum at the time, so we had lots to chat about since I had just been!

Go sailing with Ragga Sailing Adventures

Imagine sailing to remote and inaccessible islands of Belize’s barrier reef. Spending your mornings snorkeling in the sea (alongside loggerhead turtles and Caribbean stingrays). Laying out on the deck soaking up the sun. Grilling up the bounty from spearfishing in the afternoon. That’s what a sailing trip with Ragga is like!

I really wanted to go on the sailing trip with Ragga Sailing Adventures but just couldn’t fit it into my schedule! I only planned for 3 days in Caye Caulker, and I had to decide between visiting Flores and Tikal, or adding additional nights in the Belize islands to go on the sailing trip. Ultimately, Guatemala won (I’m low-key obsessed with the country), so it just gives me an excuse to visit Caye Caulker again!

Note that the overnight sailing trip is strictly one way. There is not a round trip option, and ends in Dangriga, off the coast of southern Belize. 

Logistics:

• Departs: twice weekly, on Tuesdays and Fridays from Caye Caulker
• Visits: Ragga Caye (private island), Tobacco Caye, and Rendezvous Caye, with plenty of snorkeling stops in between
• Ends: Dangriga

Shop Local!

I love shopping for unique, handmade souvenirs when I travel, and Caye Caulker was no different!

You won’t find many real “stores” on the island, but what you will find are local boutiques and vibrant marketplaces. In the center of town beneath all the palm trees, there’s outdoor shopping stands that are set up all day. Expect to find hand-carved wooden sculptures, intricate woven baskets, handmade jewelry, and colorful paintings, all made by local artisans on the island.

I bought a beautiful handmade pink quartz necklace for 20 BZD ($10USD) – the lady made it right in front of me and I was able to pick out the exact stone I wanted. Not only did I love supporting her (she was lovely for a chat as well), but now I have a one-of-a-kind piece from the island itself!

I also recommend checking out the local grocery stores and markets – here you can stock up on local spices, hot sauces, and snacks! You know I love a good chip! Try Mama Belize chips, Cotton Tree chocolate, and Mullins Creek candied ginger – all made locally right in the country.

Hang at Northside Beach Club (Koko King Beach)

While researching things to do in Caye Caulker (before my trip), I didn’t notice many white sandy beaches on the list. Why? Because there aren’t very many… yes, even on a Caribbean island like Caye Caulker!

However, there’s (thankfully) an exception! Northside Beach Club’s beach (on the northern part of Caye Caulker) is widely regarded as the best beach on the entire island of Caye Caulker. After spending an afternoon swinging in the hammocks, wading in the warm, clear water, and sipping some pina coladas at sunset, I can assure you it’s well worth the trip! 

There’s also tubes to float around on the water, chaise lounges to relax on, and even picnic tables directly in the water. Easily the best beach on the island. 

Out of all the things to do in Caye Caulker, I’d make sure to add this one to your itinerary. A way different atmosphere and environment than The Split, and super, super laid-back with no minimum spend!

A little backstory: Northside Beach Club (formerly Koko King) used to be home to We’Yu Boutique Hotel, a lively and top-quality restaurant and beach bar. They even had wild full moon parties once a month, with top DJs and crazy entertainment. Apparently there were issues with management (and lots of bad Google reviews), so the hotel closed. However, the beach club remains open!

And yes, while Google Maps says it’s ‘permanently closed’, the beach club is actually open and ready for visitors. They’re even charging a small entrance fee now, albeit it’s all kinda makeshift.

Logistics:

• Getting there: You’ll need to take a super short boat ride to the north side of the island (remember, Caye Caulker is split in two). Head to The Split to find rides for 5BZ each way. There’s also the Split-to-Split ferry, but you’ll need to either bike or walk to the beach club. Just ask around and someone will take you directly to Northside Beach Club.
• Admission fee: It now costs 5BZ ($2.50USD) to enter the beach (was free for a bit but they started charging again). I promise you the beach club is well worth the few bucks.
• Food/drink: There’s a beach bar towards the right with cocktails, beers, and drinks. We loved chatting with the bartender – he plays his own trap music at the bar (he’s really talented and has his own record out).

Snorkel with Manatees

Imagine my surprise when I realized you could go snorkeling with manatees in Belize! Such a dream come true. And one of the most unique things to do in Caye Caulker! 

These gentle, slow-moving creatures are such an iconic species to the region – I actually had no idea until visiting! They can grow up to 10 feet long and weigh over 1,000 pounds, making them one of the largest aquatic mammals in the world (and frequently known as sea cows for this very reason).

You’ll find them in the shallow waters of Swallow Caye, an island not far from Caye Caulker, feeding on the vast beds of seagrass. The Swallow Caye Wildlife Sanctuary, founded in 2002, serves primarily to protect manatees.

There’s a few tour operators in Caye Caulker that you can book with, with Friends of Swallow Caye being one of the most popular! If I had known I could swim with manatees before I made all my plans, I would have totally included it on my list of things to do in Caye Caulker! Kinda bummed I missed out, but there’s always next time for me.

I was lucky enough to see a few manatees poke their noses out of the water on our snorkel trip with Salt Life Eco Tours. They’re honestly oh so cute, and kinda just float around like the peaceful giants they are. 

Remember, manatees are a protected species in Belize, and unfortunately threatened. This means you need to make sure you observe responsible wildlife viewing practices and maintain a safe distance from them. 

Under ZERO circumstances are you ever allowed to touch them, feed them, chase them, pet them, etc. Tour operators must adhere to strict guidelines to ensure that manatees are not disturbed and that their natural behavior is not disrupted.

Yoga at Namaste Cafe

Rooftop yoga with a view, anyone?! Yogis will love this open-air studio on Caye Caulker, listening to the soothing sounds of the Caribbean Sea while practicing. Classes are held on the top floor of Namaste Cafe, with a gorgeous panoramic view of Caye Caulker. You better believe there’s a great breeze up here!

And better yet, classes are completely FREE (they do take donations; you decide how much you pay). Just show up for the 8 or 9:30 am class, and you’re all set (find current yoga schedule here). 

Classes cater to all levels of practice (including beginners), and are island-paced Vinyasa flow style. I had plans to meet my friends here for the 8am class, but… since we had a bit too much fun dancing the night before, I didn’t make it there on time, whoops!

Once you’re done getting your yoga on, head downstairs to the cafe for a healthy breakfast!  Namaste Cafe is one of the best breakfast/brunch spots on the island, and there’s a whole menu full of bagels, sandwiches, and egg dishes, plus their signature hibiscus-lime kombuchas, tons of refreshing smoothies, and plenty of coffee/tea options. 

I ordered the PB and banana bagel (it was honestly so filling) and a pineapple lime smoothie, and loved every bite/sip.

Sunset Sailing Cruise

One of the most romantic things to do in Caye Caulker is to book yourself on a sunset cruise with your honey! Imagine gently cruising along the Caribbean Sea in a well-equipped catamaran or sailboat, looking out at the panoramic views of the coastline with a boozy drink in hand. My kinda afternoon!

I absolutely love being out on the water, and if I was traveling with my husband, this is something I would have 100% signed us up for.

Dine at the island’s best foodie spots

I was pleasantly surprised with everything I ate in Caye Caulker – mostly everything was fresh and the Caribbean flavors were great. Make sure you try some local Belizean cuisine – exotic tropical fruit, succulent seafood, rice and beans, fry jacks, and conch fritters!

There’s so many great spots (including Namaste Cafe and The Pelican Sunset Bar which I already mentioned), but here’s more of my absolute faves and spots you need to visit:

• Ice and Beans Cafe: One of the most popular breakfast spots on the island for a reason. Come for the free mini donuts, iced coffee, and smoothie bowls, stay for the laid back atmosphere and hammock views. 

• Maggie’s Sunset Kitchen: Typical Belizean food; we tried the garlic shrimp, conch fritters, coconut curry, jerk chicken, and rice and beans. All amazing, and the best sunset views, too! Grab a table early – this place gets booked up, fast.

• Chef Kareem’s Unbelizable Lunch BBQ: Hands down the best place for grilled snapper, lobster, and jerk chicken on the island! Everything’s cooked and seasoned to perfection, and the coconut rice and slaw were great compliments to the main. So simple yet so, so delicious. Eat right at the water’s edge underneath a palm tree.

• Errolyn’s House Of Fryjacks: A tiny shack frying up the best fry jacks on the island. I tried one with eggs, beans, & cheese – and lemme tell ya, if they weren’t so huge, I’d eat one everyday, haha. Light, fluffy, and incredibly delicious. Come early as they close before lunch.

• Chef Juan’s Kitchen and Pastries: Known for their amazing curries and cakes, although I shared a slice of key lime pie here and it was absolutely divine!

Try some spiny lobster

Caye Caulker is the BEST place to get lobster in all of Central America. So it makes sense there’s an official lobster season in Belize (!!!), typically running from June 15th to February 14th. 

During these months, expect to find oh so much Caribbean spiny lobster everywhere, in any and all dishes – from simple grilled lobster, lobster kebabs, and lobster ceviche, to lobster tacos and even lobster thermidor and lobster chowder.

And unlike lobster being the pricey delicacy it is here in the states, lobsters are only $10-20 in Belize. Meaning you can have one every meal and not go broke. Why? Because there’s SO much lobster available during the summer that they’re wildly affordable.

The annual Caye Caulker Lobster Fest, yes, it’s a thing over here, features tons of live music, lots of dancing and games, and of course, all the lobster dishes you can imagine. Including a Miss Lobsterfest pageant – yup, how cool is this island?!

Lobster season is over from mid February through mid June. Unfortunately I visited the island at the end of March once lobster season was already over, and there was basically ZERO lobsters left on the island. Besides a few that the bbq chefs on the street told me they save for “special” guests, myself included, haha.

Go Scuba Diving

Even though I’m not a diver, of course I need to include scuba diving on this list of things to do in Caye Caulker. It’s one of the best diving spots in the world afterall! Remember those pictures of the Belizean reef from above? Yup – just imagine what’s hiding under those waters!

The waters surrounding Caye Caulker have excellent visibility, often exceeding 100 feet (30 meters)! And don’t worry, the island is home to a whole slew of dive centers and professional instructors offering a range of services, including certification courses, guided dives, and equipment rentals.

A few of the most popular diving sites near Caye Caulker:

• The Blue Hole: Located in the nearby Lighthouse Reef, the Blue Hole is an iconic dive site in Belize. It’s a massive underwater sinkhole, over 300 meters (984 feet) in diameter and 124 meters (407 feet) deep. Diving here offers a unique opportunity to explore the breathtaking geological formations and encounter fascinating marine life, including reef sharks and giant groupers.

• Tres Cocos: Situated near Ambergris Caye, Tres Cocos is a popular dive site with a mix of coral gardens and sandy patches. It’s an excellent spot for encountering nurse sharks, turtles, and barracudas. Divers can also explore underwater canyons and tunnels, all adding excitement to the dive!

• Long Caye Wall: Just south of Caye Caulker lies Long Caye Wall, an impressive dive site known for its sheer walls covered in corals, sponges, and sea fans. It offers excellent visibility and is home to a diverse range of marine species, including nurse sharks, stingrays, and moray eels.

• The Aquarium: As the name suggests, The Aquarium is teeming with marine life. This site features a stunning coral garden filled with colorful fish, lobsters, and a variety of invertebrates. It’s a great spot for underwater photography.

Day Trip to San Pedro

Once you’ve exhausted all the fun things to do in Caye Caulker (how?!), you can take an easy day trip over to San Pedro on Ambergris Caye. With ferries leaving every hour or so, taking about 30 minutes, and costing only $35 roundtrip, it’s super simple and relatively inexpensive!

I visited San Pedro on my first visit to the Belizean Islands a number of years ago, and loved strolling the town, exploring via golf cart, and witnessing the infamous Chicken Drop (every Thursday night at Wahoo’s Lounge)! Being 5 times larger than tiny Caye Caulker, there’s understandably a lot more to see and check out.

Whatever you do, don’t miss Secret Beach (and grabbing a few drinks at Pirate’s Not So Secret Bar & Grill) – it’s one of the most popular spots on San Pedro! 

If you only have 2-3 days in Caye Caulker, I wouldn’t leave it for San Pedro, but if you have a bit longer, definitely go for it! 

Hope this helps you plan out your trip to this tiny Belizean island! Which of these things to do in Caye Caulker are you most excited about?!

The post 20+ Things to do in Caye Caulker: Belize’s Laid-Back Tropical Paradise appeared first on A Passion and A Passport.

Towering Mayan temples. Spectacular sunrises and sunsets. Picturesque small-town charm. An impressive amount of waterfront restaurants and bars. That, my friends, is Flores, Guatemala. And as soon as I got there, I was in love with everything about it. Psst – you will too!

Located in the heart of Lake Peten, this tiny island town (known as Isla de Flores) is full of colorful colonial-style houses, cobblestone streets, and a laid-back, peaceful attitude – three of my favorite things. It actually reminded me a bit of Guatape in Colombia, another colorful town set on a lake with loads of charming character.

Most people head to Flores as a base for exploring the nearby Tikal National Park, one of the largest and most important Mayan archaeological sites in the world. But I promise you – there’s many more things to do in Flores than the impressive ancient ruins! This Flores blog posts proves just that!

To say I loved this tiny island (Isla de Flores) is an understatement – I could have easily stayed a week and gotten into a routine of strolling the colorful, cobblestoned streets, having brunch overlooking the lake, and watching the sunset with a watermelon juice in hand every single night. So much pure joy; I never wanted to leave!

There’s just something so special about this tiny island, I can’t put my finger on it. And that just means I’ll be back – hopefully sooner than later!

Flores Trip Planning Logistics

Where is Flores, Guatemala?

Flores is a small area located in the Petén area of Guatemala, in the far north of this spectacular country (where you’ll find all those lush rainforests)! It’s not too far from the Belizean border, and many actually combine these two countries into one extended trip.

There’s technically three “neighborhoods” in Flores (Isla de Flores, Santa Elena, and San Miguel). While I’m sharing a bunch of things to do in Flores (and nearby), this guide mainly focuses on Isla de Flores – where all the cute and colorful homes are! 

• Isla de Flores: Where I stayed and loved; oh so charming and picturesque.
• Santa Elena: Isla de Flores is connected to the mainland of Guatemala by a causeway/bridge that leads to the neighboring town of Santa Elena. This is where all the major transport of the area is found (airport, bus station, etc).
• San Miguel: Located across the lake from Isla de Flores, and where many top attractions are found (including the famous rope swing!).

If you look on a map, you’ll notice Isla de Flores is an island (!!!) in Lake Petén Itzá (surrounded by dense jungle), and located in the Maya Biosphere Reserve. Because of this, expect lots of pretty water views (and sunrises and sunsets!). I totally took full advantage of this.

But one of the best parts about Flores’ location?! The fact that it’s only about 40 miles (65km) southeast of Tikal – yes, those crazy impressive Mayan ruins you’ve heard so much about. Easily one of the most popular things to do in Flores; more on that later!

Psst – You may also hear about El Remate, San Andreas, and/or San Jose. Those are other areas around the lake. I’ll be touching upon El Remate below as it makes for a great day trip from Flores if you’ve got the time.

Distance from other areas of Guatemala

Yes, it’s true… Flores is hella far from the rest of the country’s hotspots. Like, it’ll take you 13 hours on a GOOD day (meaning no traffic and no construction and everything going completely perfect) to get from Antigua to Flores by shuttle. Just keep this in mind when planning your Guatemala itinerary!

• Guatemala City: 500 kilometers (310 miles)
• Antigua: 335 kilometers (208 miles)
• Lake Atitlan: 420 kilometers (260 miles) 
• Semuc Champey: 250 kilometers (155 miles)

Hint, hint: it doesn’t have to be that horrible (aka you don’t need to sit your bum on a bus for over a dozen hours). Way more info below.

How to Get to Flores

Flores is quite far from other popular areas of the country, which is why many people unfortunately don’t include the island on their Guatemala itinerary. Don’t be one of them! I loved this tiny island oh so much, and would hate for you to miss it!

Traveling from Belize to Flores, Guatemala

Not everyone visiting Flores realizes this, but Belize is actually just an hour and a half away! Meaning you can totally make your way from Belize to Flores in just a few hours. Tourist shuttles are super popular from both Belize City and San Ignacio (in Belize), and plenty of people visit both Caye Caulker and Flores in one longer combo trip – that’s what I did!

From Belize City

Flores is a super common stop (on the backpacker trail) after Belize, so there’s tons of tourist shuttles from Belize City. A public shuttle (what I used) will take around 5-6 hours or so to reach Flores (typically with a short stop in San Ignacio). 

You’ll see plenty of companies offering shuttles directly from the ferry terminal, but if you wanna arrange something in advance, check out these companies: 

• Marlin Espadas
• Adrenalina
• Mayan World 

They’re all kinda the same and should cost between $20-40USD, no more. I booked with the company Marlin Espadas, and am happy to report I made it to Flores safe and sound. A friend I met in Caye Caulker recommended this company to me, and I was able to book it a few days prior.

I searched far and wide, but I couldn’t find any shuttles from Belize City that left later than noon. Keep that in mind if you’re hoping to take a shuttle directly after your flight to Belize. It ain’t possible – I tried (which is why I decided to make Caye Caulker the first stop on my trip).

Note that you can technically fly from Belize City to Flores, but you’ll need to make a stop in Guatemala City (which is totally out of the way). I think it’s faster (and honestly simpler and way cheaper) to just take a shuttle bus.

Sitting on a bus for 6 hours is no joke. While the shuttles are relatively comfortable, they’re basic with zero amenities. Bring your own entertainment, snacks, and drinks. My shuttle had no bathroom, just FYI, so go ahead of time (there’s a bathroom at the border crossing thankfully).

My 12pm bus from Belize City arrived in Isla de Flores around 6pm or so – way too late to check off anything on my list of things to do in Flores. Plan to get some dinner and have a chill night.

From San Ignacio

Similar to the shuttles from Belize City, tourist shuttles from San Ignacio to Flores take about 4 hours and cost about the same. You’ll want to book these in advance, although there’s always shuttles running a few times everyday!

From Caye Caulker

If you’re on the island of Caye Caulker, you first need to ferry yourself over to the mainland in order to get on a shuttle from Belize City to Flores. Make sure to account for the ~45 minute ferry ride when planning your transport. I promise it’s super easy!

I actually visited Flores as an add-on to my Caye Caulker trip, and it worked out great! I took a 10:30am ferry from Caye Caulker to Belize City in order to make my 12pm shuttle bus to Flores. Super simple and efficient!

Some important notes and tips traveling from Belize to Guatemala:

• Regardless of where you’re coming from in Belize, you’ll need to cross the Guatemala-Belize border at Melchor de Mencos. Like literally cross it, on foot. Expect to get out of your shuttle in Belize, go through two immigration stations (exiting Belize and entering Guatemala), and walk out into Guatemala. 

• Melchor de Mencos is the only major border crossing between Guatemala and Belize. Because of this, it sometimes gets super busy (meaning you may need to wait in line for an hour or so). Don’t make any important plans/reservations that day – you’ll likely be arriving in Flores pretty late (I arrived just after sunset taking a 12pm shuttle).

• During the immigration process, you’ll need to pay a 40BZD ($20USD) Belize exit fee (unavoidable even if you’re headed back to Belize later on and flying out). I read on some older blog posts that only cash is accepted, but I was able to use my credit card to pay the exit fee, just FYI!

• After the border crossing, make sure to find the right bus afterwards! Sounds silly but they all look alike! I recommend sticking with a few people from your bus so you’re all together. Depending on the day, it can get kinda hectic and you can easily get confused.

• Don’t be alarmed if your shuttle bus driver changes at immigration. You may have one driver from Belize to the Guatemalan border, than a different driver once you cross into Guatemala. This is normal and happened to me both ways (Belize City to Flores, then back again).

• You’ll need your passport – you’re traveling from one country to the next! Don’t forget it; you won’t be allowed to exit Belize and enter Guatemala!

Traveling from Guatemala City or Antigua to Flores, Guatemala

What’s crazy is that it’s actually easier to get to Flores from Belize, haha – yes, even if you’re already in the country of Guatemala! That’s because Flores is really far north from the other major tourist spots in Guatemala (including Antigua, Lake Atitlan, Semuc Champey, etc).

Thankfully, there’s two ways of getting from Guatemala City/Antigua to Flores – the horrendous, 13-hour long way, or the short, 45-minute way! Take your pick!

Tourist shuttles

Feeling brave and got lots of extra time? You can totally book yourself a shuttle bus from Antigua (or Guatemala City) to Flores – but it’ll take at least 13 hours. No, thanks! If you’re tight on time and trying to cram everything into your Guatemala itinerary, I definitely don’t suggest this option!

Flying from Guatemala City to Flores

Phew – a much quicker way! Enter, the airport, haha! Since Flores serves as a regional hub for tourism and transportation in the Petén department, it has its very own (albeit very, very small) airport – Mundo Maya International Airport. It offers domestic flights to and from Guatemala City and other nearby destinations, with the flight from Guatemala City to Flores taking less than an hour or so.

Look at TAG airlines and Avianca – there’s a few flights per day, so if you book well in advance you’ll have some options. TAG has numerous nonstop flights a day, and last I checked, Avianca has at least one. If you’re flexible on time and book in advance, you may even be able to get a flight for $50! Can’t beat that.

Obviously if you’re in Antigua, you’ll need to make the 45 minute drive to the Guatemala City airport – keep this in mind.

How to Get Around Flores

Walk: Isla de Flores is small enough that you can easily explore it on foot. Note that the streets are paved with slippery (and uneven) cobblestones, so I’d 100% recommend having comfy shoes. Sandals don’t really work too well over here – I found out the hard way, whoops. 

Regardless of all that, I loved wandering the island, enjoying the picturesque streets, colorful buildings, and waterfront views. Easily the most convenient way to get around.

You can get basically anywhere on the island in no more than 15 minutes walking. And don’t worry, it’s nearly impossible to get lost considering it’s tiny size, but with the maze-like streets, you’ll definitely want a map if you’re looking for something specific! 

Lanchas: Like in Lake Atitlan, lanchas (small boats) serve as a primary mode of transportation. If you want to explore Lake Petén Itzá (which you totally should), you can hire a lancha to take you around the island, making stops at the different tourist attractions nearby. There’s a whole bunch of things to do in Flores that are off the island, so plan a ½ day to explore via boat.

The cost will highly depend on how many stops you wanna make, and how many friends you’re sharing the boat with! I didn’t see any public schedules or anything of that sort, which makes me think the boats work more like private taxis. 

You’ll find lanchas at various points around the lake, with plenty near Maracuya (my favorite cafe on the island) and along the waterfront of Calle Sur (near the Yo Amo Petan sign).

Tuk-tuks and taxis: Small, motorized tuk-tuks (kinda like rickshaws) are super popular over here (like in other parts of Guatemala). You can easily find them near the central square and other busy areas. Always make sure to negotiate the fare with the driver before getting in. 

Tuk-tuks are particularly useful if you’ve got heavy luggage or need a quicker ride to a specific spot on the island. But really, besides this, I think walking is just easier, and of course cheaper!

Taxis are also available on the island, but they’re way less common compared to tuk-tuks (and not as fun!).

When to Visit Flores, Guatemala

Flores has a tropical climate with high temperatures throughout the year. Meaning, it never really gets chilly, but like other spots in Latin America, Flores experiences two distinct seasons: wet and dry. 

TLDR: Visit from November to April for the best weather and little to no rain! 

Dry Season (November to April)

The dry season is considered the peak tourist season on Isla de Flores, and the best time to come to experience all the things to do in Flores. Makes sense – the weather’s nearly perfect, with sunny skies and minimal (if any) rainfall. Temperatures are warm, ranging from around 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F), but nothing too scorching. 

It’s the best time to explore the island and its surroundings (no rain and the humidity isn’t terrible yet). However, this just means that it’s also the busiest time of year, so expect accommodations and attractions to be more crowded.

For reference, I visited Flores towards the end of the dry season in early-April, and had picture-perfect weather. Sunny blue-sky days and comfortable temps without an ounce of rain. I didn’t find the island to be particularly crowded, and hardly saw anyone wandering the streets in the AM.

Rainy Season (May to October)

Rainy season obviously brings more precipitation to the region (hey, it’s called the rainy season for a reason!)! But this just means the vegetation is oh so lush and the landscapes are a vibrant green. Thankfully, it usually doesn’t rain all day, with afternoon showers or short bursts of rain interspersed with some sun.

Do note the malecon and surrounding streets may flood if there’s a lot of rain. Bring appropriate footwear!

Temps remain warm at 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F), but humidity levels are unfortunately much higher, making it ultimately feel much hotter and stickier. If you’re visiting during the rainy season, come prepared with rain gear and prepare to sweat. A LOT.

Hurricane Season

Thankfully, Isla de Flores is not typically affected by hurricanes. However, it’s important to note the official hurricane season in the Atlantic Basin runs from June 1st to November 30th. While the risk of direct impact is low, it’s always a good idea to monitor weather forecasts and stay informed during this period.

Regardless of when you’re visiting, pack light and breathable clothing, ALWAYS use sunscreen, and make sure to stay hydrated. All so, so, so important! You don’t wanna pass out on your trip and miss out on all the fun things to do in Flores because you weren’t being smart about the sun!

How Long to Stay in Flores

The majority of visitors spend just one night in the area. Why? Because they’re using Flores simply as a base for visiting Tikal. You can even take a day trip to Tikal from Antigua if you’ve got no time. 

BUT I highly recommend staying a bit longer. Flores is a great addition to your Guatemala itinerary (or even your trip to Caye Caulker) if you’ve got a few days. You can most likely see everything (including a day trip to the Mayan ruins of Tikal) in 2 full days. Or you can stay a bit longer and really experience all the best things to do in Flores, like I did!

For reference, I had 4 nights and 3 full days in Flores, which I found was pretty much perfect. I was able to get all the touristy activities out of the way (Tikal, the mirador, rope swing, etc), and had an extra full day for another day trip (I picked the stunning Crater Azul).

Where to Stay in Flores

When researching hotels in Flores, you’ll see a whole bunch of guesthouses, charming boutique hotels, and inexpensive hostels. Most people prefer to stay on Isla de Flores itself (as it’s the most convenient for all the best things to do in Flores), but note that you can also stay in Santa Elena or elsewhere along the lakefront. 

Isla de Flores

For such a tiny island, there’s quite a lot of accommodation options! I was pleasantly surprised and very impressed at my choices – albeit booking kinda late so some were already sold out.

I was soooo lucky that I scored a private room at Los Amigos Hostel (with a stunning view of sunrise over the lake), and I swear it’s the most eclectic hostel I’ve ever stayed at. Oh so colorful and hip and fun with such good vibes.

The garden restaurant on site looks straight out of a jungle – don’t miss one of their famous smoothie concoctions here! Los Amigos gets booked up fast (it’s crazy popular for a reason, probably the #1 spot in all of Flores), so reserve your bed or private room ASAP. There’s also a travel agency right inside the hostel if you’ve got time for extra activities. 

I originally wanted to stay at the hip and trendy Hotel Isla de Flores, but the rooms were already all sold out. If you want beautiful lake views, check out Hotel Peten and Casazul (I almost stayed here!). 

Hotel Casa Turquesa is another great option that doesn’t break the bank, but do note it’s next to a nightclub with music blasting until around 10pm-ish so keep that in mind. Definitely not as bad as my experience in Tulum though (that music didn’t stop until 3AM, damn)!

Santa Elena

Just across the causeway from Flores is the larger town of Santa Elena. While it’s not directly on Isla de Flores, Santa Elena has a wider selection of accommodations and amenities (with many hotels being slightly less expensive). 

If you’re looking for a more local and less touristy atmosphere, Santa Elena is it. You can easily walk over to Isla de Flores, or take a quick tuk-tuk ride. However, being the commercial and residential center of Flores, it’s not a super attractive city. Tourists don’t typically choose to stay here, although it is convenient for transportation purposes as the airport and bus terminal are over here.

Check out some popular spots to stay in Santa Elena, highly recommended if you’ve got an early morning flight.

Lakefront hotels in San Miguel, San Jose, and San Andreas

If you’re looking for a super scenic stay with the utmost peace and quiet, consider a lakefront hotel on Lake Peten Itza off the island itself. There’s some really unique hotels and resorts that offer stunning views and direct access to the water – some with infinity pools over the lake! 

Note that in order to explore Isla de Flores, you’ll need to take a lancha. And some of these hotels are pretty far. Take that into account if you plan to head to the island a bunch of times. 

Here’s a few inns and boutiques that look pretty cool around the lake:

• Zapote Tree Inn
• Las Lagunas Boutique Hotel
• Hotel Villa Maya
• Bolontiku Hotel Boutique

A few more things to know about Flores

Language in Flores

Spanish is the official language of Guatemala, and I always recommend knowing some basic Spanish phrases when visiting the country. Make an effort; the locals will totally appreciate it! I tried brushing up on my Spanish before I left, and found it super handy.

Many individuals in tourism (at hotels, restaurants, shops, etc) speak some degree of English, and many younger locals speak some level of English as well. However, fluency levels definitely vary, so knowing some Spanish to effectively communicate will be helpful!

Local Currency in Flores

Like the rest of Guatemala, Flores uses the Guatemalan quetzal (GTQ). At the time of writing (April 2023), the quetzal is equivalent to 12 cents USD (or 1 USD = ~ 7.7Q). At first I found it kinda difficult to convert, but semi-figured it out within a few days. I thought of prices in 100Q’s and used that as my base, so for example: 

• 50Q ~ $6 USD
• 100Q ~ $12 USD
• 200Q ~ $25 USD

It takes a bit of practice but after a day or two you’ll be able to do the conversion quickly in your head. And if not, there’s always currency conversion apps (no shame).

There’s only a few ATMs on the island, and they frequently run out of cash. Aim to carry enough cash with you for your few days in Flores, juuuust in case. If all else fails, there’s more ATMs across the causeway in Santa Elena at the Maya Mall.

Some other FAQs about Flores:

• Plumbing and infrastructure: While the infrastructure is decent, it’s not uncommon for the island to lose power. During my 3 days in Flores, the entire island lost electricity a few times. Just something to keep in mind. They’re all very used to it, and the power typically comes back within an hour or so.

• Food and drink: Skip the night market on the bridge connecting Isla de Flores to the mainland. I heard it’s not very sanitary and I wouldn’t risk the possibility of getting sick. Plus, stick to purified or bottled water in all of Guatemala, and be cautious about eating uncooked veggies/fruit.

• Can you swim in the lake? Technically you can (it’s a natural freshwater lake afterall), but you won’t really find too many people swimming. Why? There aren’t many points of access into the lake. For the most part, Lake Petan is pretty clean, but always avoid swimming after a heavy rainfall – runoff can negatively affect water quality. If you wanna go for a refreshing swim, I recommend heading over to Playa Chechenal via lancha.

Safety in Flores

I traveled solo to Flores, Guatemala, and felt relatively safe my entire trip there (4 nights). While you need to be careful like you would in any other destination, Flores is generally considered a safe place for tourists. Of course you should take necessary precautions, like being aware of your surroundings, avoiding isolated areas at night, and keeping expensive electronics hidden.

If you do find yourself in danger, get in contact with Guatemala’s National Tourist Assistance Program (PROATUR). They provide 24-hour emergency assistance and routine guidance to tourists. 

PROATUR also provides additional security in locations frequented by tourists. The call center is staffed with Spanish and English speakers and can be reached 24/7 by calling 1500 or +502-2290-2800. Keep that number handy – better safe than sorry!

What to Pack for Flores

Isla de Flores is super casual, and I was comfortable in sundresses, shorts, and tanks every day. Since Flores has a tropical climate, you’ll wanna pack lightweight and breathable clothing – think loose-fitting cotton dresses, linen pants/shorts, and t-shirts/tanks. 

In terms of footwear, you’ll 100% want and need comfortable walking shoes. Flores is a super walkable island, so bring comfortable shoes or sandals for exploring the streets. 

There’s so much uneven ground and plenty of slippery cobblestone, so make sure you pack shoes with a good grip and lots of ankle support. You’ll definitely want sneakers for a day of wandering around the archeological sites of Tikal.

Besides your typical topical light-weight clothing, here’s a few other things you’ll wanna pack for your trip:

• Bathing suit/s (if you’re planning to swim in the lake or the hotel pool)
• Polarized sunglasses (better for blocking out the harsh UV rays)
• Beach bag and/or backpack: make sure it’s large enough to fit a beach towel or two!
• Hat/s: The sun is strong here! I love taking a wide-brimmed sun hat for the beach and a fun trucker hat when hiking/hanging around.
• A waterproof kindle or other e-reader for reading at the beach, along the lake, and/or hotel pool (I’d be worried a physical book may accidentally get wet!)
• Your hotel may give you towels, but we love traveling with a sand-free beach mat
• Reusable water bottle: better for the environment and a must for the lake/beach! 
• Sunscreen: The sun can be crazy intense in Flores, so be sure to slather on that sunscreen! 
• Aloe Vera Gel: always have some handy in case you get a sunburn; aloe will give the burn some much-needed relief
• Dramamine: This will help with motion sickness if you’re planning to take a ride on a lancha (necessary to get to some of the #1 things to do in Flores)
• Bug spray will come in handy during Flores’ humid months (June to October), and calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream is good to have on hand for when you undoubtedly get bitten
• Portable battery charger: Charge your phone on the go and never run out of battery! I always need to borrow my friends so I’ve finally made it a habit to start bringing my own.
• Noise-canceling headphones: Great for both the plane and the lake/beach! I’m obsessed with my AirPods and Noah loves his Bose Quiet Comforts.
• Foldable tote bag: If you’re planning on doing some shopping in Flores (you must!), bring your own fold-up tote bag as not all street vendors give out bags. I love this collapsible reusable tote bag (hardly takes up any room in your suitcase and it’s so lightweight)
• Some meds for an upset stomach/antidiarrheal medicine (just in case you accidentally drink the water or something doesn’t agree with you – bound to happen, just be prepared)

• I totally wish I had binoculars for Tikal – there’s so much wildlife to see!  
• Rain gear: If you’re visiting during the rainy season (May to October), pack a lightweight rain jacket or poncho to stay dry during occasional showers. A small travel umbrella is great to have on hand as well!
• Daypack or Backpack: A must on a day trip to Tikal. Make sure it’s large enough to hold a camera, water bottle, snacks, sunscreen, and a rain jacket (in rainy season).

Best Things to do in Flores

Finally, what you probably came here for: my favorite things to do in Flores… and a few others I wish I had time for!

Wander the Cute Colorful Town of Isla de Flores

Out of all the things to do in Flores, simply wandering around town was my favorite. It’s true – most people head to Flores simply to visit the Mayan ruins of Tikal, but the colorful island is definitely worth checking out too! And when I say colorful, I really mean it!

I was in heaven strolling around the charming island, checking out the colonial-style architecture, ALL of the colorful doors and buildings, and of course admiring the beautiful views of the lake from the malecon (the lakefront boardwalk surrounding the island).

Plus, the tiny island of Flores (Isla de Flores) is super small so you can practically see all of it in a single morning or afternoon. I must’ve walked every single street a few times during my 3 days in Flores! And I just couldn’t get enough – I definitely took way too many photos! 

There’s no reason to really plan out your walk in advance – just take your camera, throw on some comfy shoes, and start walking. I promise you’ll come across everything you need to see.

Stroll the Malecon

Flores is an island after all, so you betcha there’s lots of beautiful water views of Lake Peten Itza! One of the best views is by simply walking the perimeter of the island, on the malecon. The malecon in Flores is a scenic promenade that runs the circumference of the island – and due to Flores’ small size, it takes less than ½ hour to walk around the whole thing.

Malecons are essentially boardwalks next to the water, and the term is commonly used in Mexico, Guatemala, and other Spanish speaking countries. You’ll find restaurants and cafes along the malecon (I loved CasaBlanca, NATIVO, and Maple y Tocino), many with outdoor seating with gorgeous lake views. Plus some street vendors selling local handicrafts, souvenirs, and snacks.

Most of the path in Flores is paved and well-maintained, and it’s super easy to navigate. However, when I visited, the malecon was flooded in a few spots, so I had to maneuver my way around them. Just something to keep in mind, and maybe don’t wear your favorite sandals/shoes since you may get a tad wet.

One of my favorite times of day to hang at The Malecon? Sunset! If you come to the west side of the island, you’ll find tons of locals hanging out, drinking a beer or two, and witnessing a breathtaking sunset over Lake Petén Itzá.

Visit the Impressive Ruins of Tikal 

Ohhh, Tikal! Easily one of the best things to do in Flores, so naturally, you MUST NOT MISS IT! These impressive Mayan ruins are probably the main reason you came all the way up to Northern Guatemala afterall!

Imagine this: Towering ancient temples amongst the thick jungle landscape. Listening to howler monkeys wake up and then watching them play in the trees. Climbing up ruins before sunrise in the heart of the Guatemalan jungle. Watching colorful toucans and parrots fly from tree to tree. That’s Tikal for you, and it’s absolutely extraordinary.

This complex of over 3,000 Mayan ruins deep in the rainforests of northern Guatemala is 100% pure magic. It’s one of the major sites of Mayan civilization, inhabited from the 6th century B.C. to the 10th century A.D. (so yes, a very long time ago).  

I’m sorry Chichen Itza, but Tikal is easily one of the best sights in all of Latin America, and a definite highlight of Guatemala. I can’t imagine a complete Guatemala itinerary that didn’t include the impressive Tikal. 

Tikal is absolutely enormous, and you can spend hours exploring and climbing the temples, plazas, and other ruins that date back to over a thousand years ago. One of the most iconic structures is the Temple of the Giant Jaguar (Templo 1), which towers over the jungle (but you unfortunately cannot climb this one). 

I also checked out the Gran Plaza, surrounded by impressive ruins such as Templo II (Temple of the Masks) and the central and north acropolis. I loved the Plaza of the Lost World and feeling so tiny beneath Templo 5. 

But Tikal isn’t just about the fascinating history – it’s also a nature lover’s paradise! The surrounding jungle is home to a variety of wildlife, including howler monkeys, toucans, and colorful parrots (I saw a whole bunch!). You might even catch a glimpse of a jaguar or a puma if you’re lucky. 

And while there’s lots of day trip options, if you want a magical experience like no other, I highly recommend heading to Tikal for sunrise. 

Yes, we had to wake up at 3am and were exhausted the rest of the day, but listening to those howler monkeys wake up in the jungle and wandering around the almost-completely empty sites was simply breathtaking. An experience I’ll never forget. 

Book your sunrise tour to Tikal here (don’t wait on this – this is a small-group tour with space for a max of 9 guests).

If your idea of fun doesn’t include an early morning wake up call (hey, I get it!), you can certainly visit later in the morning or midday. Just note it’ll undoubtedly be much, much more crowded, and a lot hotter and stickier. 

Because of that I recommend taking a sunset tour to Tikal instead – you’ll get the best of both worlds; no waking up early, fewer tourists, and even cooler temperatures. I honestly kinda wish I did this – me and mornings don’t get along, haha.

Ride on a Lancha

You’re on an island – get out on the lake itself for a few hours! Lanchas (small boats) are commonly used for boat tours around the lake, and I recommend hiring one for a few hours to take you around. These tours offer a scenic and leisurely way to explore the surrounding area, enjoy the natural beauty, and learn about the local ecosystem.

Cost and stops: Cost depends on how many and what stops you want to make, and will typically cost less per person the more people joining you! I took a scenic trip on Lake Peten with a few girls I met at my hostel, and we each paid about 200Q ($25) to go to Jorge’s Rope Swing, the mirador, and Playa Chechenal with a local on his boat. These are the most common stops, and all boat drivers will know exactly what you mean when you ask to go here.

Psst – You can also visit ARCAS (an animal sanctuary) and the Zoologico Petencito Flores Peten (Flores Zoo), but we decided to skip these as I had heard mixed reviews and I don’t find zoos of any nature to be ethical. 

For a PRIVATE, customized 5 hour tour, we thought the price was more than fair (after haggling a tiny bit). We even watched the sunset on the boat as we were heading back to the island – so super spectacular and one of my favorite memories in Guatemala.

Where to find the lanchas: all around the perimeter of the lake! We hopped on a boat right outside of Maracuya, but there’s more along the malecon – take your pick!

Like taxis, always negotiate price and activities/stops before getting into the lancha. Don’t want there to be any surprises after you get in!

Jorge’s Rope Swing

Jorge’s rope swing is by far one of the best things to do in Flores for adrenaline junkies. And totally a hidden gem. We spent over 2 hours here and easily could’ve stayed longer!

What’s better than swinging out over the water on a rope swing, all while enjoying breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding jungle. The entire establishment is actually a family business, and they sleep there at night! Just imagine waking up to peaceful sunrises on the lake every morning, without a soul in sight.  

And don’t worry – it’s still super fun even if you don’t jump into the lake. Watching all those brave souls was good enough for me! There’s hammocks and areas to chill out, places to sunbathe, plus beers and snacks for purchase. And it’s only a five minute lancha ride from Flores!

• Getting here: If you’re not spending the day activity hopping via lancha (like what we did), you can get to the rope swing by one of the boatmen waiting by the lake. The ride takes less than 10 minutes and costs about 50Q ($7) roundtrip. Head to the area on the island near Maracuya, as it’s closest to the rope swing so you’ll get the best prices.

• Cost: The family who lives here charges just 25Q (~3USD) for entry, which I found extremely fair and affordable. Bring some cash for a few beers and snacks… mmm.. those fries were more than delicious after a day out in the Guatemalan sun.

Admire the Views at Mirador de Canek

Want 360 degree views of Flores?! Head to Mirador de Canek! This scenic lookout point/observation deck has panoramic views of Lake Peten Itza and the surrounding jungle, and it’s absolutely gorgeous, especially on a sunny day. 

You’ll need to do a short hike to get up here (don’t be like me and wear sandals…), but it’s not too bad! The views from the top are well worth the effort! Expect a moderate and quick 15 minute hike up from the lakeshore, then a few flights up on a colorful wooden staircase painted with Guatemalan jungle animals and temples.

Note you’re technically supposed to remove your shoes to climb up the viewing platform, but we didn’t know this so kept our shoes on – whoops. Wear socks if you don’t wanna be barefoot.

I heard it’s especially beautiful at sunrise or sunset, although we didn’t wanna make the trek back in the dark. Coming for sunrise? You may even hear the sounds of the incredible howler monkeys out in the jungle (like I did during sunrise at Tikal!).

• Getting here: Since the mirador is located in a remote and serene part of San Miguel (across the lake from Isla de Flores), you’ll need to hire a lancha. Tell the boat driver you wanna go to the mirador and he’ll know exactly where to take you. Expect to pay about 50Q per person roundtrip. I’d definitely ask the driver to wait for you since you won’t be able to get a boat back.

• Cost: free!

Relax at Playa Chechenal

Flores doesn’t have any real beaches, so that’s where Playa Chechenal comes in!

This is one of the only true beaches near Isla de Flores located on the shores of Lake Peten Itza, and it’s packed with locals enjoying the sun. 

I was honestly a bit disappointed with Playa Chechenal, as it was crazy crowded when we visited and there were no picnic tables near the water left for us. I think I’m spoiled with the beaches in Greece, Hawaii, and San Diego though! Plus, the beach was super rocky and it really hurt walking into the water! 

We loved hanging out on the rainbow dock taking pictures though, haha. If you just want a quick look at it and aren’t planning to swim for long, I’d say an hour or so at Playa Chechenal is enough.

• Getting here: You can take a lancha directly from Isla de Flores (for about 25Q per person), or make the 40 minute drive from Santa Elena. 

• Entrance Cost: 10Q per person

Watch Sunset from a Rooftop Bar

One of my all time favorite things to do in Flores was to watch the sunset – each and every night! With a drink in hand, of course (this is vacation after all!). Such a breathtaking experience watching the sky melt into the lake, with all the colors and boats zipping through the waters. Super romantic, too!

Since Flores is located on a tiny island, you can easily head to the west side in just a few minutes from wherever you happen to be. There’s a small cluster of bars with perfect views of the water. No excuses to miss sunset when it takes just 5-10 minutes to walk there!

In my opinion, here’s the best spots to watch sunset in Flores:

• Sky Bar: I came here not once, but twice to watch sunset – the location was THAT good! Come early as this place gets pretty packed, and be sure to wear sunscreen (the sun seems to set directly on the rooftop). You’ll need to walk up and up and up – but I promise the unobstructed views of the lake are worth the climb!

• Mangos Bar: Located on the roof of Hotel Isla de Flores, this place is such a vibe. Live music, a fun party-like atmosphere, and lots of boozy cocktails. Food is kinda expensive for what it is, so I’d come for drinks and the view only. 

• Terrazza: Right next to Sky Bar, this Italian restaurant is perfect for sunset if you’re hungry for some seafood pasta and homemade pizza! I sat here with a watermelon juice in hand and loved the views.

• From the Malecon: If all else fails, head to the malecon for sunset! Locals love to hang around here, so it’s definitely a great spot for some people watching as well. Just make sure to sit on the west side of the island so you can actually watch the sunset (sunrise happens to the east of course!)!

Take a photo with the Yo Amo Petan Sign

Your typical souvenir photo and one of the quickest things to do in Flores. You’ll probably pass it while wandering around the malecon! The sign translates to “I Love Petan” in English (the area where Flores is located). Find it located right at the waterfront near the bridge to Santa Elena. 

Psst: Taking a shuttle or signing up for a tour to Tikal? The Yo Amo Petan sign is a popular spot to meet the shuttles and tours.

Day Trip to Crater Azul

Imagine a breathtaking underwater “forest” with tons of natural plant life. Crystalline clean waters in a peaceful, tranquil surrounding. Swimming alongside tiny fish in water so clear and blue it’s indescribable. 

That’s Crater Azul in a nutshell – and it’s absolutely amazing.  

Better yet – it feels completely isolated from everything – a whole world away from the charm of Isla de Flores and definitely from the utter chaos of Guatemala City. And because of its location hidden inside the jungle, Crater Azul is hardly touristy – mostly locals come here, probably because it’s only really reachable by boat. 

I had an extra day in Flores, and opted to take a day trip to Crater Azul. Yes, it took a while to reach and there honestly wasn’t tons to do besides swim, but it was just oh so pretty! Look at those photos – so, so, so blue!

Read Next: My Honest Review of Crater Azul near Flores, Guatemala

• Getting there: It takes about 2 hours to get from Flores to Crater Azul, via highway and then a boat ride down the Passion river. 

• Cost: I paid about $45USD for a full day at the Crater, including transportation and lunch. You can certainly get there for less if you’ve got your own vehicle. 

• Worth it? I only recommend making the trek out to Crater Azul if you’ve got AT LEAST 3 full days in Flores. Anything less and you’d be better off allocating that time to Tikal and exploring the island itself.

Hang out at Maracuya

This magical spot deserves its own bullet point on my list of favorite things to do in Flores, because well, I just loved it so much! There’s a reason it’s one of the most popular restaurants and cafes on the island – it’s oh so charming with great decor and super photogenic food. 

It’s the atmosphere that makes the place so special – the whole place is a vibe. The lake’s right there (sit upstairs for sweeping views), there’s a butterfly sanctuary you can take your coffee into, and a water gazebo right on the lake. Easily one of the prettiest restaurants I’ve ever been to – with tons of tropical flowers, ample seating areas, and even hammocks to rest on.

I only had a smoothie here but everything on the menu looked delicious. Next time I’ll come hungry! I peeped my neighbors food and damn the portions were a nice size and oh so pretty – many with flowers decorating the plates.

Maracuya is located on the eastern side of Flores, which is way more serene and peaceful than the busy western end. There’s no sunset here, but come during the day for beautiful lake views!

Explore El Remate

El Remate is a small rural village located on the eastern shores of Lake Petan Itza, not far from Flores. It’s known for its scenic beauty and quiet environment – expect lots of lush vegetation, picturesque views, and a super tranquil atmosphere. 

From the looks of it, El Remate is a super chill area with a few restaurants and cafes right on the lake. It’s more of a locals area, and there’s not a ton to do besides eat and take a walk on the lakefront. El Remate is becoming a popular spot to stay (as you’re closer to Tikal), but I’d prefer to stay in the colorful town of Isla de Flores myself.

El Remate is located on the main road about halfway between Flores and Tikal. I had planned to head to El Remate after my sunrise morning mission at Tikal, but was honestly way too tired after my 3am wake up call, so relaxed by my hotel’s pool instead.

• Getting there: El Remate is about 30km west of Flores, and it’s easily accessible by road in about 40 minutes (no need to take a lancha here – it’ll take longer and be way more expensive). Regularly scheduled shuttle buses leave Flores for El Remate; look out for travel agencies in Flores, and/or ask your hostel/hotel.

• Cost: Expect fares from Flores to El Remate to run about Q30 per person on the low end.

Shop for souvenirs and handicrafts

There’s a few shops around town, but in all honesty, I found them to be kinda lacking. A bunch of other Flores travel blogs claimed there’s tons of small arts and craft shops literally lining the cobblestoned streets, but that wasn’t the case when I visited. Unless I completely missed them, which is very much possible! I did find a few on the street close-ish to the Yo Amo Petan sign on Calle Centro America.

Unfortunately you won’t find any huge textile markets in Flores, and I felt the shops were better in both Antigua and Lake Atitlan, so I didn’t buy anything. If you’re headed to other spots in Guatemala, do your shopping elsewhere.

Where to Eat in Flores

I was pleasantly surprised by all the foodie options in Flores – I found a whole slew of cute brunch spots, plenty (and plenty!) of rooftop bars, some chic bakeries, and even a great taco stand. For such a small island, I never ran out of places to try. Here’s my faves:

• Maracuya: The best place on the island to stop for some brunch, or simply a smoothie and/or snack. I sat on the airy terrace overlooking the lake, but there’s also a bunch of other spaces to hang out in, including a real-life butterfly exhibit!

• Sky Bar: By far the best place on the island to come for sunset. It gets crowded so come early to claim your spot. The food was honestly nothing too special – but let’s face it, you’re coming for the view!

• Terrazza: Probably the best Italian spot on the island! Come for the fresh pastas and pizzas. I came here one night to watch sunset and ordered a refreshing watermelon juice — it was downright HUGE! No complaints here!

• Maple y Tocino: Another favorite of mine – a great spot for a lazy lunch with a perfect view of the lake. My avocado toast with beans and plantains was delish; next time I wanna try the epic Four Seasons waffle. 

• Los Amigos Restaurant: With its jungle-like atmosphere and huge menu, this was one of my favorite spots! It’s apparently only available for guests of the hostel, but I’m pretty sure if you ring the buzzer and ask to sit, they won’t say no. They’ve got a little bit of everything, and a solid choice for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. My smoothie bowl was top notch and oh so filling.

• Delirio Bakery: As soon as I saw this airy, pink cafe, I knew I had to pop in. And what a great choice I made – indulging in some passion fruit pie was the perfect break from all my exploring. 

• Tacos Los Peces: Looking for a quick, low-key casual meal? Head to Los Peces right in the square! We grabbed some tacos and tostadas, and sat on a bench in the park — did some people watching and indulged! Super cheap and tasty; great for backpacker budgets.

Hope this helps you plan your future trip to Flores! Which of these fun (and tasty!) things to do in Flores are you most excited for?!

The post Things to do in Flores, Guatemala: Ruins, Rope Swings, and More appeared first on A Passion and A Passport.

Ah, Lake Atitlan! One of the most beautiful and enchanting places in all of Guatemala. It’s full of natural beauty, surrounded by lush green hills and VOLCANOES – makes sense that it’s considered one of the most scenic destinations in the entire country. It’s known for its magnificent sunsets, immense volcanoes, cultural richness, and thriving arts scene. Plus delicious coffee, great shopping, and colorful textiles.

I first visited Lake Atitlan a number of years ago, but only had one day to explore the area. Because of that, I only visited the town of Panajachel (the main tourist town), and missed out on all the other best towns in Lake Atitlan! So on my next visit, I made sure to include a whole bunch of Lake Atitlan villages into my Guatemala itinerary!

And that I did – I spent 3 full days hopping from town to town, learning about the cultural significance of each one, admiring all the textiles, and taking in the beauty of the lake.

Such a memorable, and FUN few days!

Lake Atitlan is the deepest lake in all of Central America (at a whopping max depth of 340 meters), and quite large as well! And while the lake itself is impressive, it’s the traditional Mayan villages surrounding the lake that really got my attention. Each has its own unique charm and character, distinct cultures and traditions, and personality and vibe. After reading this post, you’ll wanna visit all these Lake Atitlan towns and villages yourself!

Important Info about Lake Atitlan

Where is Lake Atitlan 

Lake Atitlan is located in the highlands of Guatemala, which is a region of Central America that’s known for its high elevation and rugged terrain. The lake itself sits at an altitude of 1,562 meters above sea level, which contributes to its cooler temperatures and a refreshing climate (yay!).

One of the best parts about Lake Atitlan’s location? The fact that it’s surrounded by THREE towering volcanoes – Volcan San Pedro, Volcan Toliman, and Volcan Atitlan. I told you there’s so much dramatic natural beauty here! 

Plus, it’s not crazy far from Antigua (about 3 hours by tourist shuttle), so you can totally visit both on your Guatemala itinerary. If you wanna visit Flores and Tikal after Lake Atitlan, you’ll need to either take a crazy long bus ride (a 10-12 hour journey) or simply hop back to Guatemala City and take a short 45-minute flight.

How to Get to Lake Atitlan

Looking to visit some Lake Atitlan towns yourself? First, you’ll need to get yourself to Guatemala of course! The closest international airport to Lake Atitlan is La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City, which is approximately a 3-hour drive from the lake. From the airport, you can take a shuttle, private car, or public bus.

Once you’re in Guatemala (either at the airport in Guatemala City or in the colonial city of Antigua), you can either take a tourist shuttle or private transfer.

Psst — if your flight gets in late at night, stay in Guatemala City for the night to avoid traveling to Lake Atitlan in the dark. Safety first my friends!

Tourist shuttles: These are a super common method of getting yourself from Antigua or Guatemala City to Panajachel in Lake Atitlan, and cost between $30-50 USD per person one way. Shuttles typically run a few times a day – check out GuateGo for exact companies and bus times. 

There’s also tourist shuttles that run to Lake Atitlan from other popular areas of Guatemala, including El Paredon, Huehuetenango, and even Flores. But most people come directly from Antigua or Guatemala City!

Private transfers: Traveling with a few friends and want to be extra comfy and have max flexibility (bathroom break, anyone)? Consider a private transfer – they’re actually not a bad deal if you’re splitting the cost with 3 or 4 people (as the shuttle would actually cost more per person). 

Plus, they pick you up right from the airport and transport you directly to Panajachel (most tourist shuttles make a stop in Antigua if you’re coming from Guatemala City, making the overall time a bit longer).

Getting from Panajachel to your hotel: Not staying in Pana? Once you arrive in the town of Panajachel (by either shared tourist shuttle or private transfer), you can take a public lancha (small boat) or private water taxi to the other towns around the lake, like San Pedro La Laguna, Santiago Atitlan, or Santa Cruz La Laguna.

Day trip to Lake Atitlan: If you’re super tight on time, you can actually take a day trip from either Antigua or Guatemala City, about two hours away. 

While I honestly don’t think one day is enough to really experience all the cultural richness and downright beauty of Lake Atitlan, if that’s all you’ve got time for, I highly recommend going. You can always plan for longer next time. I visited for 3 days and wished I had at least a week to really immerse myself in the area.

Do yourself a favor and book a guided tour to Lake Atitlan – leave the stress behind. A one day tour allows you to see the highlights of Lake Atitlan without the hassle of planning your own transportation, accommodation, or activities. Plus, you can benefit from the expertise and knowledge of a local guide, and really make the most of your day. 

With only a day (including the drive from Antigua/Guatemala City), you’ll really only have time to visit one village along the lake, at most two. Most tours visit Panajachel, or Pana for short. Some tours even make a quick visit to Chichicastenango, one of the largest markets in Central America.

When to Visit the Towns around Lake Atitlan 

Before planning your visit to the different Lake Atitlan towns, it’s important to understand the area’s weather patterns. Like other spots in Latin America, Lake Atitlan (and Guatemala in general) experiences two distinct seasons, the dry season (November to April) and the rainy season (May to October).

Dry Season (November to April): If you’re looking for comfortable temperatures and little to no rain, I highly suggest you visit during the dry season, which is actually Guatemala’s winter. Expect the sun to be shining, the lake to be mostly calm (although it typically gets pretty choppy later in the day), and the flowers to be in bloom. You’ll find the clearest, sunniest days from January through March.

For reference, we visited the villages in Lake Atitlan in February, and had near perfect weather (besides some wind). We were able to see the volcanoes each and every day, had a relaxing morning in the sun lounging at our hotel pool, and loved all the bright bougainvillea and other leafy greens.

Rainy Season (May to October): This is the worst time to visit the Lake Atitlan towns – I mean, it ain’t called rainy season for nothing! During these months (particularly June through August), frequent afternoon rain showers and occasional thunderstorms are common, with high levels of humidity. Thankfully these don’t typically last all day, and are sometimes followed by some sunshine.

Since most of Lake Atitlan’s beauty is found outdoors (and the only way to really get around to the different towns is by boat), if it’s raining, well, there really isn’t a ton to do. If it’s your first time visiting the area, I’d steer clear of rainy season.

How to Get Between the Different Towns in Lake Atitlan

Lanchas: Since there’s no road that connects all the different villages in Lake Atitlan, you’ll be relying on lanchas (small boats). These are essentially Guatemalan water taxis, and you’ll use them to get between the different towns on the lake. They’re not always the most comfortable and can be quite choppy and bumpy (especially later in the day), but they’re cheap and efficient.

Lanchas are very inexpensive, ranging in price from 10-35Q depending on where you’re headed. For example, a super short ride from San Juan → San Pedro will cost 5-10Q (a 5 minute ride), whereas a longer ride across the lake from say Panajachel to San Pedro (about 45 minutes) will cost significantly more at around 25-35Q. 

Psst: Don’t be alarmed if other people are paying less – there’s different rates for tourists, expats, and locals. 

Public boats follow a schedule of some sorts, stopping at the public docks at the different Lake Atitlan towns. They tend to run like this: Panajachel → Santa Cruz → Jaibalito → Tzununa → San Marcos → San Juan → San Pedro, and vice versa. As long as there’s space, you can get on the boat at any town along the lake. 

While they don’t really have a set schedule in terms of time (they leave when the boat fills up), they generally run between 8am and 6pm.

If you’re staying at a hotel without a public dock (there are many, many private docks), it’ll be harder to use these public boats. The boats don’t typically stop here, and you’ll need to attempt to flag them down (which can be way harder than it seems – the lake is huge!). 

Taking a private boat is always an option, albeit way more pricey (ask your hotel to call one for you). We stayed at a chic eco-hotel between Pana and Santa Cruz (La Fortuna at Atitlan), so relied mostly on private lanchas. Split between a few people the costs really weren’t too terrible at all, but would be a bit much for a solo traveler.

Tuk-tuks: These are small, 3-wheeled vehicles used in the small towns/villages of Lake Atitlan or to get between nearby towns. We took a tuk-tuk between Panajachel and Santa Catarina Palopo, and it was only a few quetzales each. Note that tuk-tuks do not travel far distances – and there isn’t even a road that connects all the towns! 

While most of the towns in Lake Atitlan are small (meaning you can easily get everywhere on foot), you can usually find tuk-tuks on the streets. You’ll find the most in Pana, and you can get anywhere in town for just 5Q or so.

Hiking: Some people like to hike between the villages of Lake Atitlan, but I don’t recommend it. For starters, the paths are not always the safest, and unless you’re with an experienced local who knows exactly where to go, it’s not the smartest choice. Especially after dark.

Quick FAQs About Lake Atitlan

• What’s so special about Lake Atitlan? Just look at all that natural beauty – and that includes all the volcanoes surrounding the lake. The different towns in Lake Atitlan are super colorful, each with their own traditions, personality, and overall vibes.

• Can you drink the tap water in Lake Atitlan? Nope, like in all other areas of Guatemala, stick to bottled water only and make sure all ice/water is purified before consumption.

• Can you swim in Lake Atitlan? Unfortunately most areas of the lake are pretty dirty, and are not recommended for swimming. There are spots near San Marcos that are known to be very clean though, particularly at the Cerro Tzankujil Nature Reserve.

• What to wear in Lake Atitlan? Everyone dresses pretty casually in Lake Atitlan (sundresses, bike shorts, tee shirts, etc), but I say go for bright, happy colors! This is Guatemala afterall! And 100% wear sunscreen – the sun is strong here.

• Cash vs. Card: Not all towns have ATMs! Make sure to stock up on cash in Panajachel or San Pedro before visiting the other towns in Lake Atitlan. Cash is most definitely king here.

• Can you hike between the villages: Not the greatest idea, unless you’re with a local who knows the area very well. The pathways between the towns in Lake Atitlan are not always the safest (although there are a few exceptions). Armed robberies have occurred.

• Lake Atitlan is home to a primarily Indigenous community, most notably the Tz’utujil and Kaqchikel people. You’ll hear a few Mayan languages spoken all throughout the villages – so don’t assume everyone speaks Spanish. Also, Mayan men never catcall or hit on non-Mayan women.

• How long to spend exploring the Lake Atitlan towns: I recommend visiting for at least 3 days, and even a week wouldn’t give you enough time to do everything. You’ll probably wanna spend a few hours exploring each town, and considering there’s about a dozen towns, you do the math!

• How many Mayan communities and villages surround Lake Atitlan? There’s 11 towns in Lake Atitlan, but most visitors don’t make it to them all. The most popular tourist villages in Lake Atitlan are Panajachel, San Marcos, San Pedro La Laguna, and San Juan La Laguna.

• How many Lake Atitlan villages can you see in a day? You can comfortably see 1-2 towns in Lake Atitlan per day, but up to 3 if you just want a quick peek at each. We somehow managed to squeeze in 6 different villages in just 2 ½ days! I would love to come back and explore each one in depth though!

So, let’s get to it! The most popular towns in Lake Atitlan coming up, plus a few more off the beaten path!

Main Tourist Towns in Lake Atitlan

Panajachel (Pana)

Known for: being the gateway to Lake Atitlan, and Calle Santender – the main drag in Pana

Panajachel (commonly known as Pana) is the largest of all the Lake Atitlan towns, and is a great starting point for exploring the area. It’s known as the gateway to Lake Atitlan, and you’ll probably get dropped off here upon arrival to the area. 

Pana is buzzing with life, with indigenous locals and tourists sipping freshly brewed coffee, street vendors haggling with shoppers, and tons of guesthouses and hotels. It’s extremely hectic, and there’s always something fun going on here.

This village in Lake Atitlan is also where you’ll find most of the ATMs and banks in the area. It’s a well-developed town, with all the resources a traveler could need. Here you’ll find a thriving tourist town, filled with plenty of restaurants and cafes, plus shops selling souvenirs, handmade crafts, and textiles. 

If you’re taking a day trip to Lake Atitlan from Antigua or Guatemala City, you’ll most likely be visiting Pana.

Top things to do in Panajachel:

Stroll down Calle Santander: This is the most popular street in Panajachel, and you’ll find everything you need! Cute cafes, local bars, artisan markets, and great restaurants. Plus lots of murals, hip hostels, and tour agencies (offering day trips and tours around the lake). 

We loved grabbing lunch at The Little Spoon upstairs on the roof, I heard Circus Bar is really fun, and Deli Jasmin has the best healthy food in a garden-like setting.

Go shopping: Go shopping here in Pana – it’s a well-known fact that Panajachel has the best selection and prices in Guatemala.

Pop by Tinamit Maya (the Mercado de artesanías) on Calle Santander, the main street in Pana. It’s filled beyond belief with stalls selling handicrafts and textiles. We loved wandering the stalls – so much beautiful, colorful stuff! I should have totally brought an extra suitcase with me because I wanted to buy IT ALL. Fabrics, paintings, national handicrafts, wood carvings, masks, journals, hammocks, you name it! 

There’s also tons of stalls set up on your walk down to the water, but we much preferred the quieter artisan market in the middle of town.

Tip: If you see something you absolutely LOVE, just buy it. While a bunch of the stalls have similar items, all the patterns are different! Don’t forget to haggle on the price a bit – it’s common over here (expect to pay about ½ – ⅔ the original price; it really depends on how good your negotiating skills are!). And remember – the more you buy, the better prices you’ll get.

Visit the Museo Lacustre de Atitlan: A small museum and great for those interested in civilization and geological history. Lots of great info about Mayan and Spanish influence, the volcanoes, and Lake Atitlan in general. Learn about the underwater mayan city – basically magic beneath lake Atitlan! 

Mirador del Lago Atitlán: The best place in Pana for volcano views, without any hiking! Try and visit early morning for the clearest skies and fewer crowds. Super easy to get to, and right at the end of Calle Santander.

Stroll the boardwalk and admire the views: Another great spot for some lake and volcano views! Yes, Pana is known for its bustling activity, but walk the boardwalk for some great people watching; especially beautiful around sunset!

Paraglide over the lake and volcanoes: Looking for an exhilarating and unforgettable experience in Lake Atitlan? Thrill-seekers will love soaring above the crystal-clear waters, lush green mountains, and the majestic volcanoes. I mean, where else in the world can you paraglide over VOLCANOES?!  

Makes sense, but it’s important to note that paragliding is a weather-dependent activity – meaning that flights are subject to favorable wind and weather conditions. You need the perfect amount of wind for the parachute to fly! Unfortunately it was way too windy when I was visiting – guess I’ll just need to go back.

There’s a few tour operators around town, but Realworld Paragliding is the most popular with the best reviews. They only fly in perfect weather conditions (safety first!), so make sure to schedule your flight early on in your trip just in case it needs to be rescheduled.

Have coffee at Crossroads Cafe: Guatemala is known for its high-quality Guatemalan coffee beans, and Crossroads Cafe in Pana is by far one of the best places to try some! No wonder why it’s oh so popular. I greatly appreciated all their alternative milk products and loved the vibes.

We popped in one afternoon to get outta the heat, and loved our coffee drinks. Their baked goods looked delicious (especially that slice of tiramisu), but we were too full from breakfast. A great place for caffeine fix, no matter the time of day.

Partake in a Mayan Ceremony: Start in Pana and transfer to the Sacred Caves of Lake Atitlan where you’ll experience an ancient Mayan custom at a fire cleansing and protection ceremony. Such a unique experience and something I definitely want to do on my next visit.

Mayan Cooking Class: I love taking cooking classes when I travel, and learning how to cook a traditional Maya meal sounds pretty intriguing. In this class you’ll discover the unique blend of Mayan and Spanish colonial flavors that give this Central American cuisine its interesting taste.

Atitlan Nature Reserve: Take a tuk-tuk here, and you’ll find one of most beautiful reserves in all of Guatemala. Monkeys and coati roam freely, there’s a glorious waterfall and a butterfly sanctuary dome, over 10 hanging bridges, plus a secret beach! You can even go ziplining here!

ATV sunset tour: An awesome way to go exploring around Lake Atitlan, this sunset ATV adventure tour takes you up into the mountains around the lake. You even get to visit some locals! 

Where to Stay in Panajachel

Pana has all the facilities any traveler could want or need and tons of restaurant options, but it’s much more chaotic than the other villages surrounding the lake. Don’t stay here if you’re looking for some peace and quiet (other towns in Lake Atitlan are way better for that ). 

This bustling town serves as a popular base for exploring the lake and offers a wide range of accommodations, from budget hostels to luxury hotels. It’s got a happy vibrant atmosphere, plenty of dining options, and easy access to transportation.

Another positive of staying in Pana: You likely won’t need to take a lancha to your hotel as shuttles and private transfers go directly to Pana. 

There’s loads of hotel options here, with Selina Atitlan being one of the best hostels (my friend stayed there so of course I had to peek in), and Hotel y Centro de Convenciones Jardines del Lago, Hotel San Buenaventura de Atitlán, and Porta Hotel del Lago being some great affordable luxury spots!

Santa Catarina Palopo

Known for: it’s brightly colored blue buildings with traditional Mayan symbols

Santa Catarina Palopo is one of my favorite towns in Lake Atitlan – it’s just oh so colorful and fun! 

Plus, it’s a great place to escape the crowds and experience a more traditional way of life in the Mayan highlands. It’s smaller than the other villages and there’s honestly not tons to do here, so it’s perfect for a quick wander through town. 

We loved walking around Santa Catarina Palopo with no plan, and photographing all the blue buildings with their traditional Mayan motifs. I recommend heading here before/after visiting Panajachel, as it’s easily accessible by tuk-tuk for a few Q’s and only about 10 minutes away.

In my opinion, Santa Catarina Palopo is one of the most colorful and prettiest villages surrounding Lake Atitlan. Plus, it’s super instagrammable (with all those colorfully-painted houses and all), so perfect for those of us who love taking photos.

Read Next → The Ultimate Guide to Santa Catarina Palopo!

Highlights of Santa Catarina Palopo:

• Take photos with the brightly painted houses: As soon as I saw a photo of the brightly colored buildings in Santa Catarina Palopo, I knew I needed to visit. Just look at them – oh so colorful and unique, with their distinctive traditional Mayan textile patterns, each with different meanings and blessings.

• Visit Pintado el Cambio: Time to learn about all that color! Pintando el Cambio (which translates to “Painting the Change”) is a community project in Santa Catarina Palopo where you can learn about all the different colors, shapes, and symbols that you’ll see represented around town. ​​

• Mirador De Santa Catarina: Looking for one of the best views in all of Lake Atitlan? Mirador de Santa Catarina is it! From up here, expect phenomenal views of the lake and volcanoes. You can either make the fairly steep 15-minute walk to the lookout point, or take a short tuk-tuk ride (we did the latter, haha).

• Visit the Central Culturo: If you wanna learn even more about the local culture, Kaqchikel traditions, and the long history of Santa Catarina Palopo, head over to the Central Culturo (cultural center). You can even try on some handmade gorgeous Mayan textiles and clothing – all for completely FREE (donations are accepted).

• Swim in the Aguas Termales Natural: Imagine steaming hot water coming straight from the ground in the lake – how odd! While it’s not deep enough to actually swim in, dip your toes, sit in it, or even lay in it; the perfect way to relax your muscles after a hike or two.

Where to Stay in Santa Catarina Palopo

Honestly, not many people visiting Lake Atitlan base themselves out of Santa Catarina Palopo (it’s one of the smaller towns on the lake). BUT it’s actually a great option if you wanna be close to all the action of Panajachel but don’t want all the noise and crowds. I’d seriously consider staying here for a night or two next time!

Since you won’t find anything incredibly cheap here (there’s more luxury boutiques in/near Santa Catarina than hostels), you’ll be able to escape the backpacker crowd if that’s not your vibe. Expect lots more serenity over here! 

• Villa Santa Catarina: We stumbled upon this charming hotel as we were walking down to the dock, and loved its yellow exterior and lovely gardens – plus that pool! Perfect for a scorching hot day and in such a convenient location.

• Tzampoc Resort: Located just outside of Santa Catarina Palopo, this resort looks absolutely spectacular. There’s a sauna, a jacuzzi, and a spa, all with exceptional volcano views of course. I initially wanted to stay here – just look at that epic infinity pool overlooking the lake! Next time for me!

• Casa Palopó — Relais & Chateaux: Another epic place to stay in Santa Catarina Palopo – boasting beautiful 180 degree views of the lake and volcanos, an infinity pool and jacuzzi, and excellent service and staff. Overall, a luxurious, all inclusive stay, with rooms designed by Diego Olivero, a well-known Guatemalan designer. Feels like a dream!  

San Marcos la Laguna

Known for: spiritual and healing centers, plant-based food, and overall hippie haven vibes

San Marcos isn’t everyone’s cup of tea – and I can see why. It’s got an active meditation and New Age community, and it’s kinda over the top all-things-hippie. You’ll see tons of flyers advertising unity circles, tarot card and chakra readings, reiki massages, and lots, lots more.

Makes sense since San Marcos is known for its spiritual and healing centers, yoga centers (Eagle’s Nest is a popular spot), and there’s plenty of vegetarian and vegan restaurants to choose from. I swear I had the best energy ball of my life at Samsara’s Garden (honestly, I thought that thing had magical powers…). 

Personally, I kinda loved the spiritual energy in San Marcos, although I’m not so sure I would wanna stay there (I just wouldn’t fit in – at all). The town was fun to explore for a few hours though.

Top Things to do in San Marcos

• Mirador de San Marcos: A short walk from town will take you to the mirador (viewpoint), with one of the best views from this side of the lake. If you’re brave enough, you can even jump into the lake from here. Unfortunately the viewpoint was closed the day I visited so I couldn’t check it out myself!

• Swim at Cerro Tzankujil Nature Reserve: Close to the mirador, the nature reserve has some hiking trails and more stunning views of the lake. Many say it’s the best spot to go for a swim since the water is typically very clean! Entrance is really cheap, and there’s amazing views of San Pedro from here.

• Experience Yoga and Meditation: San Marcos is a hub for yoga and meditation enthusiasts. Join a yoga class or retreat at one of the many yoga centers in the village and embrace the peaceful and rejuvenating energy of the area. Eagles Nest is by far the most popular spot (offering daily holistic yoga classes), with the Yoga Forest Retreat Center (nestled higher up in the mountains) is another great option.

• Have drinks at Kula Maya: The best way to end the day in San Marcos? With a fruity drink in hand at sunset overlooking the lake at Kula Maya, a chic boutique hotel with the most epic volcano views. Don’t miss it.

• Go Vegan for the day: San Marcos offers a delightful array of vegan food options for plant-based enthusiasts, so why not join in for the day?! The village embraces a health-conscious and mindful lifestyle – think vibrant Buddha bowls, hearty vegan burgers, nourishing smoothie bowls, and delectable vegan desserts. We loved hanging out at Samsara’s Garden (just one of the many cafes in town).

• Indulge in Wellness Activities: San Marcos is known for its wellness offerings. Pamper yourself with holistic treatments, such as massage, Reiki, or sound healing sessions. Many centers and spas in the village provide these services, allowing you to unwind and relax.

• Attend Workshops and Retreats: San Marcos hosts a variety of workshops and retreats on topics like permaculture, natural building, art, and conscious living. Immerse yourself in a transformative learning experience and gain new skills or perspectives.

• Visit the Pyramids of San Marcos: Explore Las Pirámides del Ka, a spiritual site and meditation center located just outside the village. As the OG retreat center in San Marcos, it’s known for its transformative, illuminating, and authentic spiritual experiences (including their intense moon and sun courses), plus life changing silent retreats. The pyramids are believed to have ancient Mayan connections and offer a tranquil space for reflection and meditation.

Where to Stay in San Marcos

Known for its spiritual and wellness-focused community, San Marcos offers a tranquil and serene setting. It features eco-lodges, yoga retreats, and holistic healing centers, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a rejuvenating and peaceful stay.

• LUSH Atitlan: This eco-friendly retreat center features beautifully designed cabins and rooms nestled amidst lush gardens. It offers stunning lake views, a tranquil atmosphere, and a range of wellness activities such as yoga classes, meditation, and spa treatments.

• Hostel del Lago: For budget travelers, Hostel del Lago offers affordable dormitory and private rooms with lake views. The hostel has a communal kitchen, a rooftop terrace, and a vibrant social atmosphere, making it an excellent choice for solo travelers and backpackers.

• Kula Maya: A charming new boutique hotel nestled in the tranquil village of San Marcos La Laguna on the shores of Lake Atitlan. With its cozy rooms, stunning lake views, and a focus on sustainable practices, Kula Maya offers a peaceful retreat for travelers seeking a harmonious blend of comfort and nature. Those luxury geodomes sure do look amazing!

San Pedro La Laguna

San Pedro is a popular backpacker destination with a lively nightlife scene (lets face it, it’s a huge backpacker party town) – there’s always something going on here! It’s one of the buzziest towns around the lake, and I kinda wish I stayed here! The main street is lined with restaurants and bars, and there’s plenty of affordable accommodation options.

The town is known for its many Spanish language schools, Los Termales (heated thermal pools overlooking the lake you can soak in), and La Sababa Resort (super fun and where I’d stay in San Pedro). 

You can also hike Indian’s Nose at sunrise (for spectacular views of the lake), relax at Parque Puerta Hermosa (don’t miss the charming white church over here), and even swim at a black sand beach (easy to get there by tuk-tuk). 

Highlights of San Pedro:

• Relax by the pool at La Sababa Resort: Craving some pool-side relaxation time in the sun with a cocktail in hand? Grab a day pass to use the facilities at La Sababa – it’s a beautiful hotel with great vibes and even more beautiful mountain views. Super instagrammable, too!

• Have lunch at La Sababa Restaurant: This is by far the best restaurant in all of San Pedro, and we thoroughly enjoyed our meals here. Don’t miss a fresh fruit smoothie and some Israeli food to get you through the rest of the day (lots of couscous, shakshuka, etc). There’s some great baked goods here as well. Plus, the ambiance and views were great! Just look at how chic the interior decor is, with cute swings and a thatched roof! Note that the restaurant and resort are in different locations, yet not terribly far (you can walk between them).

• Snap photos at Kayibal – Mirador: A few cute photo spots with views of the lake, town of San Pedro, and volcanoes behind you (currently a fish and butterfly wings). Take some cash to pay the small entrance fee (~10Q per person to take photos).

• Hike to the top of Indian Nose: Hiking Indian’s Nose is easily one of the best things to do in Lake Atitlan if you’re looking for views – even more so at sunrise! While most tours leave around 3am, this early morning wake up call will be more than worth it once you see the view at the top! The climb is pretty short at just about 30 minutes, but the trek is kinda steep so you’ll need to come prepared! Book your climb with local guide here.

• Go for a soak at Los Termales: Cold and hot thermal baths in a peaceful setting with views of the lake and volcanoes? Yes please! I heard the owners are extremely friendly and it’s a very fun and enjoyable experience. Perfect to soothe those muscles after hiking Indian Nose! Note you’ll need to reserve your spot at least 30 minutes ahead of time so they can prep the baths. And just FYI – it’s BYOB so bring whatever you like to drink!

• Hang out in Parque Puerta Hermosa: A green oasis in the middle of the hectic town of San Pedro with benches to rest on, some cute photo spots, and a small white Catholic church. A quaint little spot to relax for a while! 

Where to Stay in San Pedro

San Pedro is Lake Atitlan’s backpacker hub, with many amenities like Pana has, but it’s a tad more relaxed and not as chaotic (although still very busy). It’s also on the other side of the lake, with lots of nightlife and a wide variety of budget accommodation, hostels, and guesthouses. There’s always something going on here, and a huge selection of restaurants, bars, and cafes.

Sababa Resort: Ready for a high-end resort with trendy, boho-chic decor? Stay here! We wandered through, had one look at the pool, and never wanted to leave. There’s dorm beds as well as private rooms, all with access to the hotel’s stunning outdoor pool and hammocks. Book early as it’s easily the most popular hotel in San Pedro. I can totally see myself staying here next time I visit Lake Atitlan.

Other great options include Hotel Mikaso and Amigos (great for solo travelers).

San Juan La Laguna

Ohh… San Juan. One of the most colorful villages on Lake Atitlan; and one I was most excited to visit. Everywhere you look you’ll see vibrant murals, funky art pieces, and tons of Mayan culture. The perfect small village, and easily one of my favorite Lake Atitlan towns!

The village is full of weaving associations, hidden cafes, and tons of color (after a walk down La Calle de los Sombreros I was in heaven!). I loved watching the tuk-tuks drive down the instagram-worthy umbrella street – what a scene that was! 

I learned so much in San Juan, and wish I had longer to explore. It’s known for its traditional textiles, art galleries, and organic coffee farms (which you can tour). You can easily visit San Juan from San Pedro, as they’re a short distance away from each other.

Top Things to do in San Juan

Visit the Casa Flor Ixcaco Weaving Cooperative: The number one thing to do in San Juan is to visit a weaving cooperative, and Casa Flor Ixcaco is easily the best place for it! Here you can see a demonstration of the weaving techniques, using all organic cotton and natural dyes. Trust me, it’s pretty impressive! 

The wholesale shop is really overwhelming – there’s so much beautiful stuff. Think colorful napkins, table runners, pillow cases, blouses, bedspreads, totes, scarves, etc – you name it, they got it! I actually bought a beautiful overnight bag from their tiny location in Antigua a few days later!

The tags on the items even boast photos of the women who made it, with their name/s and how long it took to make! I highly encourage you to buy from this shop since it’s a women’s cooperative where 80% of sales go directly to the local artisans. Do your part and buy directly from the source!

Visit the Liccor Marron Chocolate Factory: Right around the block from Ixcaco you’ll find the chocolate factory. Pop in for a (free!) chocolate demonstration, and sip on some hot (or iced) chocolate. It’s so fun to learn about the chocolate-making process, and even more fun to pick out which flavors to buy! 

We loved the orange and sea salt mini bars – both dark chocolate and made on-site, which we happily ate in bed at La Fortuna Lake Atitlan each and every night.

Mirador Kaqasiiwaan: This is one of the things to do in Lake Atitlan that I unfortunately missed out on, and I’m still so bummed about it! The 20-minute walk up is pretty sweaty (especially if you hike mid day), but the views and colorful boardwalk are totally worth it! 

You’ll see little tiendas selling food, drinks, hats, clothing, and souvenirs at the top and along the way. Note you’ll need to pay about Q30 as a foreign national to enter.

Wander down La Calle de las Sombrillas: Umbrella street! My favorite street in all of San Juan La Laguna – probably because it’s full of color and highly instagrammable, haha! Super fun to watch the tuk-tuks ride down. Lots of coffee shops, restaurants, tourists, and fun. Note that the street goes up and up and up – expect your legs to get a workout.

La Calle de los Sombreros (5ta Avenida): Another really pretty street with lots of tiendas and tons of colorful murals. The area is highly decorated with hats hanging down – even the floors are painted! Super vibrant and fun!

Learn about Mayan bees and honey: Abejas Nativas and XUNAH KAAB both give short information sessions on Mayan bees and honey. You can even try a bunch of different kinds of honey as well as wine made from honey fermentation (woo, honey wine!). 

Caffe La Cabaña: The most picturesque coffee shop you’ll find in this Lake Atitlan town, sitting right on the water with great views of the lake and a bunch of cute photo spots.

Where to Stay in San Juan La Laguna

Most people choose to stay in nearby San Pedro, but there’s a few cute hotels in San Juan. And plus, these two towns in Lake Atitlan are only a 10-minute tuk-tuk ride away! If you want a quieter atmosphere but still wanna be near the business of San Pedro, a stay in San Juan’s a great option!

• Eco Hotel Uxlabil: This eco-boutique hotel is right on the lake, with a pool, free private kayaks, and a great breakfast with organic coffee! Kinda basic but amazing views and such sweet hosts!

• Eco Hotel Mayachik: High up in town, with rustic bungalows surrounded by the mountains. The rooms are large and clean, the grounds are beautiful and natural, and there’s a traditional sauna and yoga/workout area. The hotel is almost completely sustainable – super admirable!

Other Towns in Lake Atitlan

Most visitors don’t end up visiting these villages in Lake Atitlan, meaning they feel much more authentic and are way less crowded! If you’ve got some time during your visit, hit up one or two of these.

Jaibalito

If you’re looking for a hidden, low key town, make your way over to Jaibalito. There’s not much to do here, and honestly, that’s the beauty of it! Jaibalito is a small indigenous Mayan village located on the north shore of Lake Atitlan, sandwiched between Santa Cruz and Tzununa (another tiny town in Lake Atitlan).

It’s quiet and peaceful, and offers stunning views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. Jaibalito is known for its natural beauty, and there’s lots of hiking, swimming, kayaking, and birdwatching in the area. Don’t miss the trail to the top of Cerro Tzankujil, which offers panoramic views of the lake.

One of the most unique features of Jaibalito is the Santa Cruz Maya School, a non-profit organization that provides education to local children in both Spanish and the Tz’utujil Mayan language. You can support the school and give back to the area by taking a tour or volunteering.

Hotel Options in Jaibalito: La Casa del Mundo, 100%. Close to Santa Cruz, this resort is perched on a secluded cliff, has gorgeous gardens, and even has a hot tub hanging over the lake. I heard SUCH good things about it and kinda wanna stay here on my next trip to Lake Atitlan.

Santiago Atitlan

Santiago Atitlan is a traditional Mayan town located on the southwestern shore of the lake. It’s actually the largest of all the towns, and has a much more local feel (it’s not visited by many international tourists – we only saw one other group besides us). 

I appreciated getting a glimpse into the more traditional way of life of the Mayas, and felt it was authentically different from the other villages around the lake (there’s nothing purposefully attracting visitors here). There’s lots of indigenous traditions to watch and observe.

We visited a bustling local market (full of possibly everything and anything you can think of), and were able to see both women and MEN in their traditional outfits (not super common anymore). You can also visit the main church, Saint James the Apostle, visit the iconic Maximón shrine inside a local family’s home, and do a lot of people-watching. It was interesting to learn that Federal Militia are not allowed inside the town (only local police)!

Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz is a quiet village located on the northern shore of the lake. While there’s honestly not a ton to do here, it’s perfect for a lazy afternoon of lake viewing, SUPing/kayaking, and taking in the stunning scenery. 

It’s true – Santa Cruz may just have the best view of all 3 volcanoes in Lake Atitlan. The village is built on a hill (meaning it’s super steep!), and there’s only a few small shops and restaurants. Hike to secret waterfalls, have a meal at Café Sabor Cruceño, meet local Mayan women (take a cooking class, learn about local handicrafts, and relax with a steam bath in a traditional adobe temazcal), and just take in the spectacular volcano views.

Hotel Options in/near Santa Cruz: This village is way more peaceful, and doesn’t really see many tourists since there’s honestly not tons to do here. Get a hotel right on the lakefront and you’ll get great views of all three volcanoes! Note that you’ll need to plan in advance for food/make restaurant reservations here since it’s pretty remote. 

• Casa Prana Hotel: A STUNNING luxury hotel located next to the town of Santa Cruz, but crazy expensive by Guatemala standards (~$300/night). Probably one of the bougiest spots on the lake – I’m sure my husband would love it, haha. And who wouldn’t? There’s panoramic views of the magnificent Lake Atitlan and its surrounding volcanoes, a saltwater pool with plenty of sun beds, wellness facilities, and even a helipad! 

I also heard good things about Atitlan Sunset Lodge and La Iguana Perdida (where my friends stayed before joining us at La Fortuna at Atitlan)!

San Antonio Palopo

San Antonio Palopó is another small indigenous village along the shores of Lake Atitlan, located only about 30 minutes away from Santa Catarina Palopo. It’s primarily known for its traditional pottery, which has been produced in the area for centuries and centuries! You can even witness the pottery-making process yourself at a local workshop.

Like Santa Catarina Palopo, it’s one of the smaller villages, and a great way to get a glimpse of the traditional way of life of the indigenous Maya people. We unfortunately didn’t have time to visit San Antonio Palopo, but I’d love to get there next time!

Tzununa

Tzununa is a small indigenous Mayan village located on the north shore of Lake Atitlan in Guatemala. It is situated between the larger towns of San Marcos La Laguna and San Pablo La Laguna. Despite being a small and relatively unknown town, Tzununa offers a tranquil and authentic experience for visitors seeking a quieter alternative to the more touristy areas around the lake.

One of the highlights of Tzununa is the Tzununa Waterfall, which can be reached via a short hike through the surrounding hills. The waterfall is a popular spot for swimming and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Another popular attraction is the Tzununa Yoga Center, which offers daily yoga classes, retreats, and workshops in a peaceful and natural setting.

So there ya have it – all the best towns in Lake Atitlan! Which of these Lake Atitlan villages will you be adding to your Guatemala itinerary?!

The post 10 Epic Towns to Visit in Lake Atitlan, Guatemala (My Favorite Villages) appeared first on A Passion and A Passport.

Imagine a breathtaking underwater “forest” with tons of natural plant life. Crystalline clean waters in a peaceful, tranquil surrounding. Swimming alongside tiny fish in water so clear and blue it’s indescribable. That’s Crater Azul in a nutshell – and it’s absolutely amazing. 

Better yet – it feels completely isolated from everything – a whole world away from the charm of Isla de Flores and definitely from the utter chaos of Guatemala City. And because of its location hidden inside the jungle, Crater Azul is hardly touristy – mostly locals come here, probably because it’s only really reachable by boat.

To be completely honest, I hadn’t heard about Crater Azul until I got to Flores, Guatemala myself. It’s practically unheard of, unlike the (understandably) crazy-popular Tikal National Park (psst – you need to go). The Blue Crater is a bit off-the-beaten-track and a spot most tourists don’t make it to, let alone even hear about. Everyone prioritizes Tikal, which I totally understand!

Add Crater Azul to your Guatemala itinerary if you’re looking for a bit of unspoiled adventure!

I could not for the life of me decide if I wanted to go to Crater Azul or not. I couldn’t find much recent information online (and trust me, I read almost every single review on Google Maps). Honestly, I wasn’t sure the long trek was worth it. But once the staff at Los Amigos Hostel showed me their own personal photos and promised me they weren’t overly saturated/edited , I was convinced.

I decided at 9pm the night before (and I was getting picked up at 8:00am on the dot, haha). Was it worth it? I think so – just look at those pictures! Was it the best experience of my life? Nope, but still worthy of a few hours, especially if you have nothing else planned. Thankfully I met some really interesting people (including a few locals!) that made the time go by, haha.

More on that in a bit, but first some logistical info about visiting Crater Azul near Peten, Guatemala.

Crater Azul Info and Logistics

What is Crater Azul

Crater Azul is a natural sinkhole known for its crazy clear intense blue waters – it ain’t called the Blue Crater for nothin’ my friends. This deep blue circular pool of water is surrounded by lush jungle vegetation – and kinda reminded me of a cenote in Mexico, especially below the surface!

The crater is approximately 60 meters wide (~200 feet), and between 5-7 meters (~16-23 feet) deep (in its deepest parts) depending on the time of year. It looks smaller than it is though, especially when there’s a bunch of people swimming around.

Where is Crater Azul

Crater Azul is located in Northern Guatemala, about 35 miles southwest of Flores, in the municipality of Sayaxché, in the department of Petén. There’s no major cities around here, with the small town of Las Cruces being the closest. Looking on a map, it’s not terribly far from the border of Mexico!

It’s a beautiful place although very remote, and kinda feels like you’re in the middle of nowhere!! So don’t expect to get here relatively quickly or easily. It’s well worth making the trip if you’ve got an extra day in Flores – imagine swimming in the middle of a remote jungle!

How to Get to Crater Azul

Getting to Crater Azul is kinda tricky, as the only way to reach this stunning body of water is by boat (since it’s part of the Pasion River). You’ll first need to get over to Las Cruces or Sayaxche, and then take a boat from there. Adding all the details below (psst – I took a tour which made it super easy to get to!).

Regardless of whether you take a tour or manage to get there yourself, expect the journey from Flores to Crater Azul to take roughly two hours each way (the drive plus time on the boat).

The Drive to Sayaxche/Las Cruces

From Flores, it takes about an hour and a half by car or shuttle to Las Cruces, and about the same to Sayaxche. The first hour will be easy highway driving, then the last 20-30 minutes are on back dirt roads. 

After an hour and half or so on the bus, my tour arrived at the mouth of the river. Besides a few snack and fruit stands and an outhouse which a few of us gals changed in/used, there’s not much there. Just a decently sized parking lot.

And then there’s the river! I couldn’t believe my first glimpse of the water – already so, so blue! Makes sense why a few locals were swimming in the river right here!

Boat Ride on the River Pasion

From the parking lot, you’ll need to take a 30-60 minute boat ride on the Pasión River to get to the actual Crater Azul. You’ll ride in a lancha, kinda similar to the ones in Lake Atitlan and Flores. 

The boat ride was super scenic and pretty exhilarating — we passed by mangroves filled with gorgeous water lilies and lily pads, and even saw a few turtles and birds. Our boat went pretty fast, even zipped around some bends, so be sure to take some anti-nausea medication if you get motion sickness.

The boat ride reminded me a bit of the boat ride I took at Rio Lagartos in the Yucatan, although it went way faster and we didn’t see as much wildlife.

Do note that most boats take the shorter route (20-30 minutes) from Las Cruces (what my tour did), but some come the “long way” from Sayaxche — about an hour or so each way. I’d find out ahead of time which route your tour will be using so there’s no surprises. 

Crater Azul Tours from Flores

I booked my tour at Los Amigos Hostel and I think I paid about 400Q (~$50), which I felt was a fair price for all that transportation. Looking online, I see tours being offered for $150-$230 USD. DOLLARS. AMERICAN DOLLARS. This is preposterous, and unless you really feel the need to overpay a ridiculous price, just book when you get to Flores.

I tell you that because I’d hate to see you get ridiculously overcharged.

But hey, I get it – sometimes you want everything booked before your trip (I’m like that too most of the time). 

This tour from Flores to Crater Azul (although wildly overpriced) sounds like a super fun day – it picks you up from your hotel in Flores, drives you to the base of the river where you’ll board the 30 minute boat, and gives you plenty of time at Crater Azul. Plus water and a picnic lunch.

Heading to Crater Azul Sans Tour 

Not many people rent cars for their Guatemala itinerary, but if you did, you’ll be glad to know you can actually drive to the parking lot of Crater Azul yourself. There’s a small parking lot at the base of the river where you can leave your car for the day, and take the boat over to the Blue Crater.

You’ll need to negotiate on price, but if your Spanish skills are up to par, there shouldn’t be a problem.

When to Visit Crater Azul

Time of Year

Like the rest of Guatemala, it’s a good idea to visit Crater Azul during the country’s dry season, from December to April. Temps are perfect (between the high 60s and low 80s), and the weather is usually sunny and dry (hence dry season). Do note it’s when the country sees the most visitors, so you probably won’t have the entire crater to yourself.

For reference, I visited in early April and had the most beautiful weather during my time at Crater Azul – it was warm but not too hot, with a slight breeze, and hardly any clouds in the sky.

If you visit during the rainy season (May to November), it’ll likely be pretty wet in the area around Crater Azul. Be extra careful as the ground is all dirt – meaning the trails will be slippery and possibly quite muddy.

Time of Day

If you’re looking for a peaceful experience at Crater Azul, I highly recommend visiting on a weekday. Local Guatemalan families like to visit on the weekend, making the entire place kinda crowded and way more rowdy/noisy. 

I visited on a Sunday, and let’s just say I shared those glistening blue waters with lots and lots of others, haha. Still a very fun experience though, and felt a tad more authentic swimming with locals instead of swarms of other tourists.

Visiting Crater Azul

What to Expect at Crater Azul

After the boat ride on the Pasion River, you’ll take a short walk in the jungle along a narrow path to Crater Azul. In just a few minutes you’ll reach the crystal clear waters, filled with tiny fish and a wooden jetty to get in and out of the water. Oh so peaceful and lovely to swim in something so natural. 

But there’s all there is – the crater, and a small jetty.

No bathrooms, no chairs to lay out on, no changing rooms, no shops, and certainly no restaurants. It’s very barebones. While I loved being in nature, if you get bored after swimming (like I did), there’s really nothing else to do. Not even a place to sit. 

What to Bring to Crater Azul

• Change of lightweight clothes (to wear after you swim so you can make the 1.5 hour drive back feeling fresh – no one likes to wear a wet bathing suit longer than they have to)
• Water shoes (sneakers will totally get gross and dirty here; leave them in your hotel – I wore flimsy sandals and so wished I had water shoes)
• Sunscreen (this is Guatemala afterall – the sun is strong here!)
• Snacks and drinks (there’s zero shops here, so definitely bring some water if your tour doesn’t include it)
• Bathing suit (there’s no changing facilities at the site so come prepared)
• Towel (multi-purpose; to sit on the ground with, and dry off afterwards)
• Goggles/mask and snorkel (my tour included a mask, but no snorkel which I thought was kinda odd, but could’ve been due to sanitary reasons/the pandemic)
• Underwater camera (I brought my GoPro and got some great footage!)
• Bug spray (there can be horseflies and other critters nearby)
• What NOT to bring: tons of cash and valuables (expensive camera, jewelry, etc)

Since there’s no chairs or lockers or really anywhere to put things, you’ll be keeping your bags and all your stuff on the ground. FYI – things will undoubtedly get dirty, so don’t bring your best stuff.

Swimming in Crater Azul

Get ready to swim – this is what you came all this way for! Although the crater itself is pretty small, it feels super refreshing. And yes, this is the clearest water you will ever swim in – it’s really quite magical! Look under the water; kinda like an underwater garden with crazy turquoise waters.

Don’t expect much marine life – only some small fish – but I loved exploring the aquatic plants and depth of the crater. Amazingly clear cool water deep in the jungle!

My tour provided life jackets, which I actually used! I typically prefer swimming/snorkeling without a life jacket, but since Crater Azul is fresh water, it’s harder for our bodies to float naturally. Hence the life jacket!

Not everyone realizes this, but there’s actually two swimming spots over here; the true Crater Azul, and one a few minutes walk away through the jungle. At first the second was hardly crowded, but as soon as everyone realized it was there (myself included), it got much busier.

Underwater Photography at Crater Azul

One of my favorite parts of visiting Crater Azul was (attempting) to take photos! If you have an underwater camera or GoPro, don’t forget to bring it – the photos really come out that blue! No editing required.

The “guide” on my tour had an underwater camera, and took plenty of photos of each of us underwater. I say “guide” in quotes because I’m pretty sure he was simply the son of someone working there, haha. The photos he took were decent, but nothing absolutely spectacular.

Try to take your photos before all the other tours get there, as the photos don’t look as great if you’ve got strangers floating around in the background, haha. 

Important tip: Try your absolute hardest to steer clear of touching the ground underwater. Doing so will unfortunately raise the sediments and ruin the clarity of the water.

Being Responsible at Crater Azul

A few tips to keep this place as gorgeous as possible:

• Do your part and don’t even think about littering – there are some garbage pails on site, but I recommend packing out whatever you brought in.

• Never take any plants/animals from the crater or jungle nearby. It’s actually forbidden!

• Apply sunscreen and bug spray well before you enter the water of the crater. These harmful chemicals can unbalance the pH levels and contaminate the water.

• Unfortunately, the recent increase of boats pollutes the waters of the River Pasion. If you’re not on a tour, it’s best to wait until a boat fills up so as to not require unnecessary contamination in the water. 

Other Crater Azul FAQs

Are there any admission fees?

Nope, visiting Crater Azul is completely free once you get there! Just remember, it’s pretty remote in the jungle, so you’ll need to pay for transport.

Is the water really that blue?! 

YES! These photos are not photoshopped (okay, just a teeny bit to make them a bit brighter, but I didn’t adjust the color tones at all)! I swear I’ve never seen anything like it (well, besides particular cenotes in the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico). I heard it even looks this blue on cloudy days. 

Regardless of the weather, make sure not to kick the sand/touch the ground under the water – doing so raises the sediments and creates particles in the water, giving it that unfortunate cloudy look.

Is Crater Azul safe? 

Although the water is deep and there’s no lifeguards on duty, I found it relatively safe as long as you stay in the crater and don’t venture out into other parts of the river. 

Tours provide life jackets which I recommend wearing since Crater Azul is made of fresh water – meaning way less buoyancy than in salt waters. 

Due to the fresh water, your body needs to work harder to maintain alignment in the water. Simply put, it’s more difficult to swim in water that lacks salt, like River Pasión where Crater Azul is. Don’t over do it – remember, you can’t touch the bottom and there’s no edge to hang on to. 

To stay afloat, you’ll either need a life jacket (what I used), or to simply tread water. Even though I consider myself a strong swimmer, I got tired pretty quickly!

Swim at your own risk, and always with a buddy. 

Note: I was told there’s crocodiles in the river, and that royally freaked me out. But thankfully nowhere near Crater Azul. Because of this, only swim with an experienced local guide who knows where it’s safe to swim.

Is there a place to change at Crater Azul? 

There’s no private spots to change once you get to the Blue Crater. It’s a wide open space with a bunch of trees and such, so you can always get your partner or friend to hold up a towel for you if need be. Because of this, I highly recommend wearing your bathing suit under your clothes since there aren’t any formal changing rooms at Crater Azul. 

However, you’ll see two outhouse-like structures at the beginning of the lake where the parking lot is. You can change in there, although it’s not the cleanest and there’s nowhere to put your things as you change.

Are there bathrooms at Crater Azul? 

Nope! This place is deep in the Guatemalan jungle, and there’s practically no facilities here. I recommend using the outhouses before getting on the 40-minute boat ride. Need to pee while at Crater Azul…well, it’s a huge body of water… just saying haha.

My Overall Impressions of Crater Azul

Is visiting Crater Azul worth the trip and cost? Yea, I think so, but I was honestly a bit underwhelmed by the whole experience – partially because of how long we had there. We were given 4 full hours at the Blue Crater, which I appreciated (since what’s the point of coming all this way for a measly hour or so), but felt all that time was a bit too long. 

I would have been satisfied with 2 hours MAX – there’s really not that much to do besides swim for a while, take some underwater photos, and hang out. Plus, it was relatively crowded since there were tons of locals, so it wasn’t the peaceful experience I had initially hoped for. 

Other tours arrived at the crater after we did, and left a bit before us. I think they had about 3 hours or so, which I would have preferred. If you’re like me and have a hard time relaxing/sitting still, be sure to ask about timing before signing up for a tour.

If you happen to have an extra day in Flores and aren’t interested in seeing any more ruins, I’d visit Crater Azul. However, I wouldn’t necessarily plan an entire extra day in the area for it, especially if you’ve recently swam in cenotes in Mexico like I did.

Hope this helps you plan a refreshing day at Crater Azul near Flores, Guatemala! Have you seen waters this blue before?!

The post Swimming in Crater Azul near Flores: Guatemala’s Breathtaking Blue Crater appeared first on A Passion and A Passport.

Imagine wandering a local village full of brightly painted blue buildings. Watching local women dressed in their rich purple headdresses making gorgeous textiles on traditional backstrap looms. Admiring all the geometric patterns known to lure in visitors. In this traditional Kaqchikel Mayan village, you’ll see it all!

In my opinion, Santa Catarina Palopo is one of the most colorful and prettiest villages surrounding Lake Atitlan. Plus, it’s super instagrammable (with all those colorfully-painted houses and all), so perfect for those of us who love taking photos.

The moment our tuk-tuk arrived in Santa Catarina Palopo, I knew I’d love this charming little town in Lake Atitlan. And I was right – it ended up being one of my favorites! And it’s not hard to see why! Santa Catarina Palopo is known as the Blue Town, for all its brightly painted blue buildings and geometric patterns throughout. I was in rainbow heaven!

But Santa Catarina Palopo wasn’t always like this. 

A few years ago, a local organization called Pintando el Cambio (Painting the Change), painted over 850 buildings and homes throughout the town in varying shades of blue, purple, and green hues. Why? To make the town more appealing and aesthetic with the hopes to increase tourism! Pretty colors and patterns bring people, right?! 

I’m such a sucker for cheerful colors – I have to admit the brightly colored buildings and fun textile patterns were the main reason I wanted to visit. Yup, they got me! Their efforts surely paid off (and I’m almost positive I’m not the only one). 

Regardless, Santa Catarina Palopo felt much more local and authentic than nearby Panajachel, and way less busy and chaotic. I loved the fact that we didn’t see a ton of tourists (possibly because we were there earlier than most though), and we got to see the locals milling about, getting on with their day.

Here’s everything you need to know to plan your own trip to Santa Catarina Palopo!

Read Next: 10 Epic Towns in Lake Atitlan You Need to Visit

Visiting Santa Catarina Palopo

Where is Santa Catarina Palopo and How to Get There

Santa Catarina Palopo is located on the northeastern shores of Lake Atitlan in the Guatemalan highlands, nestled between Panajachel (the main tourist hub) and San Antonio Palopo (the pottery village).

To get there, you’ll need to first get yourself to Lake Atitlan of course, which is about 3-4 hours from Guatemala City, and 2-3 hours from Antigua via tourist shuttle, depending on traffic of course. Most international visitors arrive in La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City. 

From either Antigua or Guatemala City, you’ll most likely arrive in Panajachel (the main village in Lake Atitlan and where most of the shuttles/private transports end). You can then make your way over to Santa Catarina Palopo quite easily!

If you’re already in Lake Atitlan, get yourself over to Panajachel. You can simply hop in a public lancha to Pana for 15-25Q depending on what part of the lake you’re coming from.

• Tuk-tuk from Pana: There’s plenty of tuk-tuks along the main drag in Panajachel, and they’re very affordable. We took a tuk-tuk between Panajachel and Santa Catarina Palopo, and it was only a few quetzales each. Plus, our driver didn’t mind making a stop at a lookout on the way for free (we tipped him extra).

• Taxi from Pana: You won’t find tons of taxis in Pana, and regardless, tuk-tuks are way more fun anyways!

• Pick-Up Truck from Pana: I heard that you can also ride in the back of a pick-up truck with locals (known as “carros”) to get to Santa Catarina, but I honestly didn’t see any in Pana, nor was I looking too hard. Apparently you can find them on El Amate Street, the main road that goes to Santa Catarina. 

• Lancha from Pana and other villages surrounding the lake: Santa Catarina Palopo has a public dock, although it’s not as large as most others. Since not all public lanchas stop in Santa Catarina, you may have an easier time taking a private boat. Expect to pay anywhere from 15-35Q for a public lancha – price is based on how far you’re going, and significantly more for a private boat, between 150-300Q (although always negotiate a price beforehand).

• Walk from Pana: Technically, you can walk from Pana to Santa Catarina Palopo since they’re only 4 km apart, but after seeing how far it is by tuk-tuk, I’d advise against it. Also, hiking between the towns in Lake Atitlan is not always the safest, so I’d find another way.

The Indigenous Kaqchikel Maya of Santa Catarina Palopo

It’s important to acknowledge the indigenous people of Santa Catarina Palopo, as this is their home and we’re merely visitors. The village is predominantly inhabited by the Kaqchikel Maya, and they speak Kaqchikel, an indigenous Mesoamerican language.

The Kaqchikel Maya have a rich cultural heritage that has been preserved through their clothing, language, weaving techniques, cultural traditions, religious beliefs, and ceremonies. While walking around town, you’ll see locals wearing brightly colored huipiles (blouses) and cortes (skirts) – this is their traditional clothing and it’s downright gorgeous and all woven by hand. Pretty impressive if you ask me!

Where to Stay in Santa Catarina Palopo

Honestly, not many people visiting Lake Atitlan base themselves out of Santa Catarina Palopo (it’s one of the smaller towns on the lake). BUT it’s actually a great option if you wanna be close to all the action of Panajachel but don’t want all the noise and crowds. I’d seriously consider staying here for a night or two next time!

Since you won’t find anything incredibly cheap here (there’s more luxury boutiques in/near Santa Catarina than hostels), you’ll be able to escape the backpacker crowd if that’s not your thing. Mornings and nights will be way more peaceful!

Here’s a few of the most popular, highly rated hotels nearby:

Villa Santa Catarina: We stumbled upon this charming hotel as we were walking down to the dock, and loved its yellow exterior and lovely gardens – plus that pool! Perfect for a scorching hot day and in such a convenient location.

Tzampoc Resort: Located just outside of Santa Catarina Palopo, this resort looks absolutely spectacular. There’s a sauna, a jacuzzi, and a spa, all with exceptional volcano views of course. I initially wanted to stay here – just look at that epic infinity pool overlooking the lake! Next time for me!

Casa Palopó — Relais & Chateaux: Another epic place to stay in Santa Catarina Palopo – boasting beautiful 180 degree views of the lake and volcanos, an infinity pool and jacuzzi, and excellent service and staff. Overall, a luxurious, all inclusive stay, with rooms designed by Diego Olivero, a well-known Guatemalan designer. Feels like a dream!  

Brief History of Santa Catarina Palopo

This picturesque destination has a fascinating history that actually spans back hundreds of years. Santa Catarina Palopo was originally inhabited by the Tz’utujil Maya people, who were known for their vibrant textiles and ceramics. During the Spanish conquest, the village was taken over by the Spanish and became a center for the production of cochineal, a red dye made from a type of insect that was highly valued in Europe.

By the mid-19th century, the village became a hub for coffee production, which brought prosperity and growth to the community. The village has also played an important role in Guatemala’s political history.

Unfortunately, more recently, traditional sources of income (fishing and agriculture) have been rapidly declining due to environmental changes. Hence the need for the Pintando el Cambio to make the village more appealing for visitors!

Other FAQs about Santa Catarina Palopo

• How long to spend in Santa Catarina Palopo: We simply wandered around for a few hours, and that was more than sufficient. Honestly, there’s not too many things to do in Santa Catarina Palopo, so you really don’t need too much time. I’d give yourself at least an hour to walk around, and half a day if you wanna see and do all the things on this list. 

• When to visit Santa Catarina Palopo: I strongly urge you to visit Santa Catarina Palopo (and Lake Atitlan in general) during the dry season, from December to March. You’ll encounter blue, sunny skies and comfortable temps. We visited in mid-February and had perfect weather in Santa Catarina Palopo. On the flip side, the rainy season runs from mid-May to mid-October, with September being the rainiest month.

• Do locals speak Spanish here? Since Santa Catarina Palopo is home to the Kaqchikel Maya, you’ll hear a lot of Kaqchikel, a Mayan language spoken in the village. However, Spanish is widely understood as well.

• Can you swim in the waters near Santa Catarina Palopo? While most of the lake isn’t the cleanest, the waters surrounding the hot springs of Aguas Termales Natural are relatively safe and clean. Feel free to go for a dip!

A few things to know about Lake Atitlan in general:

• You absolutely cannot drink the water here in Guatemala – you’ll need to stick to bottled/purified water, which most restaurants and hotels have. Also, make sure all ice is purified (which it typically is in tourist areas, but it never hurts to double check if you’re not positive). 

• Don’t hike between villages without a local – the pathways between them are not always the safest (although there are a few exceptions). Armed robberies have occurred.

• Cash is king here; I don’t think I used a credit card once in Lake Atitlan! You’ll wanna stock up on cash in either Panajachel or San Pedro before visiting Santa Catarina Palopo, as we didn’t come across any ATMs in town. There’s plenty of street vendors, local markets and tiendas, and tuk-tuks and lanchas which you’ll undoubtedly need cash for.

• Lake Atitlan is home to a primarily Indigenous community. You’ll hear a few Mayan languages spoken all throughout the villages – so don’t assume everyone speaks Spanish. Also, Mayan men never catcall or hit on non-Mayan women.

Things to do in Santa Catarina Palopo 

One of my favorite things about Santa Catarina Palopo was how small it was – we were able to simply wander and come across all the things we wanted to do!

You won’t find a laundry list of sites and activities here, so just soak up the atmosphere and enjoy local life. 

The village is a great place to escape the crowds of the larger, more well-known towns, and experience a more traditional way of life in the Mayan highlands. It’s smaller than the other villages and there’s honestly not tons to do here, so it’s perfect for a quick wander through town.

We spent a morning here before checking out Panajachel and San Marcos, and it was one of my favorite villages in Lake Atitlan! Definitely include it on your Guatemala itinerary!

Mirador De Santa Catarina

Looking for one of the best views in all of Lake Atitlan? Mirador de Santa Catarina is it! From up here, expect phenomenal views of the lake and volcanoes – we couldn’t get over how expansive and blue the lake was! Absolutely outstanding and just didn’t seem real!

From Santa Catarina Palopo, you can either make the fairly steep 15-minute walk to the lookout point, or take a short tuk-tuk ride. We simply asked our tuk-tuk driver if he could stop at the mirador for a few minutes on our way back to Panajachel and he was more than happy to.

Like elsewhere in Lake Atitlan, the clouds tend to roll in in the afternoon, so I recommend visiting the mirador in the early morning for the best chance of volcano views and clear skies.

Go Textile Shopping

Lake Atitlan is known for its traditional markets and handicrafts, and Santa Catarina Palopo is definitely no exception. Walk along the path down to the main dock, and you’ll find plenty and plenty of market stalls with tons of beautiful stuff for sale. 

As you walk by the stalls, be sure to admire the women in their gorgeous and distinctive blue huipiles (traditional blouses) and colorful woven skirts. We even watched a few women at work right on the street – weaving their intricate textiles on traditional backstrap looms. 

You’ll see everything from beautiful Kaqchikel weaving and colorful blankets and scarves to locally grown coffee and handmade crafts like coin purses, postcards, and purses. All so gorgeous!

We found a women’s cooperative that we loved (unfortunately I’m not sure of the name!), and we each bought a few things. It was relatively close to the lakefront and had the sweetest lady working inside.

We loved supporting the local economy and knowing we were doing our part helping to sustain this community. Plus, all the goods are absolutely gorgeous and we got to meet the women who made them all – we wish we each brought an extra suitcase (no joke)!

Take photos with the brightly painted houses

As soon as I saw a photo of the brightly colored buildings in Santa Catarina Palopo, I knew I needed to visit. Just look at them – oh so colorful and unique, with their distinctive traditional Mayan textile patterns, each with different meanings and blessings (learn more about these at Pintando el Cambio – more info below). 

The colors of the village are inspired by the nearby lake, volcanoes, and plants – think vivid blue hues (from the sky and lake), deep purples (from the colorful sunsets), and vibrant greens (from all the plant life). Blue is super prominent since the women of Santa Catarina Palopo traditionally wear their distinctive blue huipiles (blouses).

If you’re looking to take photos, head to the Central Plaza/Town Square – where the most photographed buildings are located. Talk about instagrammable! 

The whole area is full of bright pink bougainvillea, potted leafy greens, and rainbow pom poms gently swaying in the wind from the building’s exterior. An absolute dream! I loved hanging around the colorful plaza, photographing the buildings and doing a bit of people watching. The tiled steps next to the Central Plaza are great for photos as well.

While there’s color and geometric patterns around the entire town, I found some of the best designs along the way to Centro Cultural. The alley’s a bit hidden, but follow the path and you’ll find it no problem.

Visit Pintando el Cambio

Time to learn about all that color! Pintando el Cambio (which translates to “Painting the Change”) is a community project in Santa Catarina Palopo where you can learn about all the different colors, shapes, and symbols that you’ll see represented around town. 

It’s this association (started in 2016!) that initiated painting over 850 buildings and homes with bright colors and traditional Maya designs throughout the town. Families get to design and paint their own home, working with local artists and using patterns from indigenous textiles. Why? To promote tourism and social change through art and design. And I’m all for it! 

These geometric patterns and symbolic drawings are based on traditional weaving patterns and traditional colors. Look closely and you’ll see butterflies, deer, corn, cats, and the quetzal (the national bird) depicted in the symbols on the buildings. These are the same patterns local women have been weaving into their blouses for generations – how cool is that?!

Visit the Central Culturo

If you wanna learn even more about the local culture, Kaqchikel traditions, and the long history of Santa Catarina Palopo and the surrounding area, head over to the Central Culturo (cultural center). 

Here locals provide an in-depth background about all things Santa Catarina and the indigenous Kaqchikel people, and it’s all authentic. You can even try on some handmade gorgeous Mayan textiles and clothing – all for completely FREE (donations are accepted).

A great first stop on your visit to Santa Catarina Palopo – it’ll make the rest of your village visit that much more meaningful!

The cultural center is a tad hard to find without directions, as the signage isn’t super obvious. We followed directions on Google Maps and thankfully made it there no problem. 

Don’t miss heading up to the 4th floor – there’s a cafe with the best views of the town. I’m sad we missed coffees and traditional cocoa drinks here – I learned about the cafe at Central Culturo after coming home!

Santa Catarina Palopó Church

The Santa Catarina Palopó Church is located right in the center of town next to the Pintando el Cambio – take a few minutes to admire this colonial Catholic church.

We just popped in really quickly to see it – there’s a few sculptures and some decorations, but not anything crazy. Sometimes there’s even colorful flags decorating the exterior of the church, which were unfortunately not there when we visited. 

Viewpoint above Blue Buildings

One of the best views of all the blue buildings of Santa Catarina Palopo from above! Not quite Chefchaouen levels, but still pretty special to say the least.

I totally wish this viewpoint had an actual name, but I saw it on our way in (via tuk-tuk) and knew I wanted to stop here on the way back to Pana. After looking on a map, it looks like we stopped near Artesanal Café and/or Restaurante El Mirador. 

Day Pass to Tzampoc Resort

This hotel has recently gotten popular due to IG, and I admit I even looked into staying at Tzampoc Resort myself. That infinity pool, my goodness! 

Thankfully, if all the rooms are booked (there’s only 6…) or you’re not planning to stay near Santa Catarina, you can snag a day pass to Tzampoc instead! 

A day pass costs 200Q (~$25USD), and you’ll get access to the resort and gorgeous infinity pool. Honestly, that infinity pool is worth the $25 alone. 

I totally wish we spent some time at Tzampoc in the morning before heading to Antigua later on in the day! Next time! There’s even space to store your luggage at the pool!

Enjoy the slow pace of life and the admire the views

One of my favorite things about Santa Catarina Palopo – no FOMO! Since there’s not really much to do here, I say put down the map and simply wander. You have no idea what you’ll come across.

On our walk, we found some local women making some traditional tortillas, and I got a piping hot fresh tortilla for only one quetzal (less than 15 cents USD). One of the best things I ate all day!

Swim in the Hot Springs of Aguas Termales Natural

The Aguas Termales Natural of Santa Catarina Palopó is easily one of the most unique things to do in Lake Atitlan. Imagine steaming hot water coming straight from the ground in the lake – how odd! While Aguas Termales is not so much an actual hot spring, it’s still pretty impressive.

While the hot water doesn’t get very deep (meaning you can’t actually swim here), you can put your feet in it, lay in it, or even just sit in it. Feels so nice to relax your muscles after a hike or two. If you really wanna swim, the waters surrounding the hot springs will be nice and warm, kinda like a bath!

Tip: Wanna enjoy the warm waters? Come in the morning, as the lake gets a bit choppy/windy in the afternoon and it’s not as relaxing.

You can get here by walking on a trail from the main pier that leads directly to the hot springs (a 10 minute walk or so).

Visit San Antonio Palopó

San Antonio Palopó is another small indigenous village along the shores of Lake Atitlan, located only about 30 minutes away from Santa Catarina Palopo. It’s primarily known for its traditional pottery, which has been produced in the area for centuries and centuries! You can even witness the pottery-making process yourself at a local workshop.

Like Santa Catarina Palopo, it’s one of the smaller villages, and a great way to get a glimpse of the traditional way of life of the indigenous Maya people. We unfortunately didn’t have time to visit San Antonio Palopo, but I’d love to get there next time!

Hope this helps you plan a fun few hours strolling through Santa Catarina Palopo! Are you headed to Lake Atitlan soon?!

The post Santa Catarina Palopo: Lake Atitlan’s Most Charming Blue Village appeared first on A Passion and A Passport.

Imagine wandering around tiny colonial towns full of colorful homes and quaint, cobblestone streets. Sipping cocktails on a rooftop terrace while watching the sunset over a horizon full of volcanoes. Learning how to make traditional textiles and then finding the perfect pieces at a local market.

Listening to howler monkeys in the jungle at sunrise after climbing up a Mayan temple. Swimming in the clearest blue waters you’ve ever seen (true story). Zipping from colorful village to colorful village by lancha boat. 

That’s Guatemala in a nutshell. And it’s absolutely glorious.

If gorgeous natural lakes, delicious coffee, bustling outdoor markets, towering and impressive Mayan ruins, and hiking active volcanoes are your thing, I can guarantee that you’ll love Guatemala just as much as I did. Oh – you can’t forget about that Guatemalan cacao tea, all the fresh fruit juices you could want, and that sweet, sweet Guatemalan chocolate. Delish! Such a rich cultural heritage we couldn’t get enough.

I recently came home from 10 days in Guatemala and am urging everyone I know to get there sooner than later. Everyone heads to Panama and Costa Rica; Guatemala is unfortunately kinda forgotten about. But I have a feeling this Central American country is about to get a whole lot more popular!

Here’s everything you need to know to plan the absolute best Guatemala itinerary, promise!

10 Days in Guatemala Itinerary Logistics

Main Regions Visited on this Guatemala Itinerary

• Lake Atitlan (plus Chichicastenago)
• Antigua (plus Pacaya Volcano)
• Flores (with a side trip to Tikal, obviously)
• Guatemala City (for a delicious dinner)

This Guatemala itinerary starts in Guatemala City (since it’s where most international flights arrive), heads over to Lake Atitlan for a few days, then makes its way back to charming Antigua.

With 10 days in Guatemala, you can also visit Flores and Tikal – the most impressive of the Mayan Ruins in all of Latin America.

If you’ve got your heart set on visiting Semuc Champey, you’ll need to add on an extra few days as getting there takes quite some time. I decided not to tackle the hella long bus ride on this trip – just gives me an excuse to visit Guatemala again in the future!

So let’s get to it – the most perfect 10 day Guatemala itinerary coming right up! But first, some important logistics!

Where is Guatemala and How to Get There 

Guatemala is located in Central America, bordered by Mexico to the north and west, Belize to the northeast, the Caribbean Sea to the east, Honduras to the east and southeast, and El Salvador to the south. 

Flying Internationally

You of course gotta get yourself to Guatemala! Flying is the most common and convenient way to get to the country, with two main international airports:

• La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City
• Mundo Maya International Airport in Flores

Many major airlines offer direct flights to Guatemala from the United States, Mexico, Central and South America, and Europe. 

For the sake of this 10 day Guatemala itinerary, you’ll wanna fly into La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City (the airport in Flores is about 10 hours away, haha). However, if you wanna do the itinerary in reverse, feel free to fly into Flores, although I suspect it’ll be way more expensive (if you’re not already in Central America).

Coming from San Francisco, my flight connected in Mexico City first, then we continued on to Guatemala. For reference, I chose to fly basic economy (the cheapest ticket you can possibly buy), and paid around $350 on AeroMexico round trip from the West Coast USA during Guatemala’s prime busy season of January/February. 

I thought flights were super economical, although I saw flights rise in price a week or so later. My advice – see a flight price you like? Buy it ASAP, like that very minute (then decide within 24 hours if you want to keep it). 

Coming from Elsewhere in Central America or Mexico

If you’re traveling from a neighboring country, you can also drive or take a bus to Guatemala. Guatemala shares borders with Mexico (you can easily take the ADO bus), Belize, Honduras, and El Salvador, so there’s plenty of border crossings available.

On my last trip to Guatemala, I actually took a shuttle bus from Belize City to Flores (a very common route)!

Visas: No visa is required for U.S. citizens traveling to Guatemala as long as a valid tourist passport and proof of onward travel is in possession, and you’re traveling to the country for 90 days or less.

How to Get Around During Your 10 Days in Guatemala

For our Guatemala itinerary, we used quite a few methods of transportation! Shuttles, taxis, Ubers, back of rickety pickup trucks (yup!), tuk-tuks, lanchas (boats), and our own two feet. You may even need to fly between some destinations that are terribly far by road.

Despite its small size, Guatemala’s infrastructure and transportation system are not up to par. Because of this, it’ll likely take longer than expected to get from one area to another, even if they look close on a map.

I’ll explain in detail how to get from place to place in the Guatemala Itinerary below, but here’s some info on each: 

• Tourist shuttles: Shared shuttles run all throughout the country, and are readily available to all major tourist destinations, including Guatemala City, Antigua, Lake Atitlan, and Flores. Find schedules and pricing info on GuateGo.

• Lanchas (water taxis): You’ll be using lanchas to get around both Lake Atitlan and Lake Peten in Flores.

• Uber: Uber operates in both Antigua and Guatemala City.

• Private transfer: This is how we primarily traveled around Guatemala – perfect if you’re traveling with a few others as the cost is obviously higher than booking yourself on a shared shuttle.

• Tuk-tuks: These are small, 3-wheeled vehicles used in the small towns/villages of Guatemala. You’ll see them around Antigua, Lake Atitlan, and Flores.

• Chicken buses: These are a popular and affordable mode of transportation in Guatemala, used mainly by locals. They’re essentially retired American school buses that’ve been brightly painted and decorated with various designs and slogans. They’re called “chicken buses” because they’re often used to transport not only people, but also livestock, including chickens! However, chicken buses are usually pretty crowded, so they’re not the most comfortable. Plus, safety can be a concern. If you can afford another way of getting from Point A to Point B, skip the chicken buses.

• Domestic flights: If you wanna squeeze Tikal and Flores into your 10 day Guatemala itinerary, it’s highly recommended to take a short 45-minute flight from Guatemala City.

When to Plan Your Guatemala Itinerary (Weather and Crowds)

Before planning your Guatemala itinerary, it’s important to understand the country’s weather patterns. Like other spots in Latin America, Guatemala experiences two distinct seasons, the dry season (November to April) and the rainy season (May to October).

If you’re looking for comfortable temperatures and little to no rain, I highly suggest you visit during the dry season, which is actually Guatemala’s winter. Don’t be put off by “winter”, as the temperatures are still quite pleasant almost every day! 

Also, it’s worth noting that temps can vary depending on the region, so it’s important to pack smartly. The highlands (including Antigua, Lake Atitlan, and Guatemala City) can be quite cool, especially at night, while the lowlands (including Flores and Tikal) can be hot and humid year-round.

Dry season (November to April): Dry season is high season for a reason – the weather is generally sunny and dry, making it easier to travel and explore the country’s outdoor attractions, like hiking volcanoes and sightseeing around the colonial cities.

This is the busiest time of year in Guatemala (although it never feels crazy crowded), and there’s definitely higher prices for accommodations and tours (but nothing is crazy expensive in Guatemala so don’t worry).

The town is especially crowded over Christmas and Semana Santa (Holy Week), so you’ll definitely want to book accommodations and tours in advance. A few friends I met in Flores were headed to Antigua during Semana Santa and they had suuuuch a hard time finding rooms at the last minute. Book ahead of time (at least a month or so out) and you should be ok. 

For reference, I visited in February/March, and had almost perfect weather.

I was able to see the volcanoes in both Antigua and Lake Atitlan each and every day (they’re sometimes covered by low-hanging clouds/overcast skies), and temps were really comfy (never too hot nor too cold). Jacaranda trees (with those gorgeous purple flowers) were in full bloom in Antigua, and I couldn’t get enough. Absolutely perfect!

Rainy Season (May to October): It ain’t called rainy season for nothing! During these months (particularly June through August), frequent afternoon rain showers and occasional thunderstorms are common, with high levels of humidity. Thankfully these don’t last all day, and are typically followed by some sunshine!

While the rain can make some areas more difficult to access (think mudslides and flooding), it also means that the landscape is greener and the waterfalls and rivers are at their fullest. 

But honestly? If this is your first time to the country, I’d plan your Guatemala itinerary in the dry season to stay on the safe side. Can’t beat near perfect weather!

Are 10 Days in Guatemala Enough?

Yes…. but no?! The country isn’t very large (it’s about the same size as Tennessee, and slightly smaller than Ohio), so you can really see a whole lot within just 10 days in Guatemala.

It’s double the size of Costa Rica, and almost quadruple the size of Belize. So you’ll definitely want to allocate at least 10 days in Guatemala to see the main highlights. 4 or 5 days won’t cut it, unless you’re only visiting one (or max 2) region/s.

This Guatemala itinerary includes big city life in Guatemala City, sunsets over the lake in Flores, walks in the colorful colonial town of Antigua, village exploring in Lake Atitlan, and impressive Mayan ruins in Tikal. You can also visit Hobbitenango and Chichicastenango as day trips.

But with that being said, there’s SO much to see in Guatemala, you’ll 1000% wanna come back. I already have a list of spots I missed on this trip that I wanna see next time, including both Semuc Champey and the challenging Acatenango hike.

Guatemala Itinerary FAQS

Currency and Exchange Rates in Guatemala 

The local currency in Guatemala is the Guatemalan quetzal (GTQ). At the time of writing (April 2023), the quetzal is equivalent to 12 cents USD (or 1 USD = ~ 7.7Q). At first I found it kinda difficult to convert, but semi-figured it out within a few days. I thought of prices in 100Q’s and used that as my base, so for example: 

• 50Q ~ $6 USD
• 100Q ~ $12 USD
• 200Q ~ $25 USD

It takes a bit of practice but after a day or two you’ll be able to do the conversion quickly in your head. And if not, there’s always currency conversion apps (no shame).

I was surprised that a lot of market vendors and transport services accepted US dollars.

However, I strongly urge you to always pay in Guatemalan Quetzales – you’ll get the best price, no matter what. Most times, the price will be highly inflated if you pay in US dollars, and you’ll wildly overpay for the same exact service/good. If you get quoted in USD, always ask for the price in Q.

Cards vs. Cash in Guatemala: For this 10 day Guatemala itinerary, you’ll wanna have a mixture of both credit cards (Visa/Mastercard) and cash on hand.

You’ll need cash for street food, for shopping in the handicraft markets, to pay for taxis/shuttles/lanchas, for tips, and in remote villages. Look for the yellow 5B ATM machines – they’re common around Guatemala and typically accept foreign debit cards (while some others do not).

Plus, not all businesses accept cards, especially in more remote areas, so it’s a good idea to carry around some cash as a backup. Also, those that do accept cards sometimes impose a fee to use them (upwards of 5-8%), making the overall bill higher. I used cash whenever I could, and honestly spent way less than I initially thought. 

How to Get the Best Exchange Rate: I always take out cash at an ATM upon arrival in the new country I’m visiting, and never ever through an exchange desk or beforehand in my home country. ATMs provide the best exchange rate, always. 

If you want to avoid those pesky ATM fees every time you take out cash, simply look into a no-fee debit card, such as through Charles Schwab (which I have and love).

Language in Guatemala

Spanish is the official language of Guatemala, and I always recommend knowing some basic Spanish phrases when visiting the country. Make an effort; the locals will totally appreciate it! I tried brushing up on my Spanish before I left, and found it super handy.

Many individuals in tourism (at hotels, restaurants, shops, etc) speak some degree of English, and many younger locals speak some level of English as well.

However, don’t expect everyone to speak English, as some taxi/Uber drivers, local residents, and market/street food vendors only spoke Spanish (or Mayan). Even most staff at the main bank in Antigua didn’t speak a word of English.

A few helpful phrases to start you off:

• Hola = Hello
• Adios = Goodbye
• Buenos dias = Good morning
• Buenas tardes = Good afternoon 
• Buenas noches = Good night
• Cuanto cuesta? = How much does it cost?
• Cómo te llamas? = What is your name?
• Me llamo… = My name is…
• Soy de… = I am from…
• Cerveza = Beer
• Margarita = Margarita
• La cuenta, por favor? = The check, please?
• Muchas gracias = Thank you so much
• Para llevar = take away

In addition, there’s also 22 (!!!) different Mayan languages plus two other Indigenous languages (Garífuna and Xinca) spoken in various parts of Guatemala. Since many indigenous Maya people live in the country, you’ll hear some of these Mayan languages as well (although Spanish is the primary language spoken in the country). 

For reference, we heard the most Mayan at Lake Atitlan. A few times that I attempted to use my broken Spanish, I later realized the person possibly spoke Mayan, whoops! 

Safety in Guatemala

I know what you’re thinking – is it even safe to travel to Guatemala?! What’s the point of this whole Guatemala itinerary anyways?! 

That was the #1 concern of my friends and family when I told them I’d be traveling there. Understandably, since Guatemala is one of the poorest countries in Latin America, with high levels of poverty, violence, and social unrest.

Unfortunately, petty crimes such as pickpocketing and muggings do happen quite frequently, including to tourists.

I’m not gonna lie – it’s not the safest country in the world, but I didn’t feel threatened or concerned about my safety once while there. As always, use normal precautions like elsewhere in the world. A few tips to help ensure your safety, which make sense no matter where you’re traveling:

• Let friends/family back home know where you’re traveling
• If you’re taking a taxi/Uber alone, send the taxi # and/or license plate to a friend/family member.
• Be extra cautious when visiting local bars and nightclubs. Know your alcohol limit.
• Don’t make yourself an easy target. Keep expensive jewelry/watches at home, and keep those electronics hidden. Ladies – wear your bags cross-body, and men – keep your wallets in your front pockets.
• Be extra careful and observant at banks and ATMs.
• Don’t buy or do drugs, ever – plain and simple.

Also, before traveling anywhere, I always check safety warnings and scams on travel.state.gov. This is not to scare you or deter you from going on your trip, but knowledge is power my friends.

If you do find yourself in danger, get in contact with Guatemala’s National Tourist Assistance Program (PROATUR). They provide 24-hour emergency assistance and routine guidance to tourists.

PROATUR also provides additional security in locations frequented by tourists. The call center is staffed with Spanish and English speakers and can be reached 24/7 by calling 1500 or +502-2290-2800.

Is Guatemala safe for a solo female traveler? After my few times in the country, I’d say yes, but for experienced solo travelers only. I wouldn’t make Guatemala the first place you ever travel solo. 

For reference, I traveled with a group of friends for part of my Guatemala itinerary (Lake Atitlan and Antigua), and then solo for the remaining bit (to Flores and Tikal). During my time solo in Guatemala, I met over a half dozen females traveling by themselves.

If you stay on the main backpacker trail (Antigua, Lake Atitlan, Flores, and Semuc Champey), you’ll undoubtedly run into tons of other solo travelers. Would I go back to Guatemala solo? Totally.

Health and Food in Guatemala

First of all, know that you absolutely cannot drink the water here in Guatemala – you’ll need to stick to bottled/purified water, which most restaurants and hotels have. Also, make sure all ice is purified (which it typically is in tourist areas, but it never hurts to double check if you’re not positive). 

In terms of food, know that normal stomach problems are unfortunately pretty common here. I have a bunch of friends who traveled to Guatemala before me and they all had stomach issues… I didn’t want that happening so I was very particular about what I ate.

My friends and I were extra, extra careful – probably overkill, but we didn’t get sick once. We stuck to restaurants with high reviews, didn’t eat many uncooked veggies, and ate relatively healthy in general.

When it comes to street food, you always wanna look for vendors that are busy and have a high turnover of food. Always avoid food if it’s been sitting out in the sun for a while.

And now, what you’ve been waiting for, a complete 10 days in Guatemala itinerary!

The Perfect 10 Days in Guatemala Itinerary

A few notes about this Guatemala itinerary: 

• This Guatemala itinerary assumes you have a full 10 days in Guatemala. Meaning if your flight arrives mid-day or late at night, you’ll want an extra day in order to see and do all the things on this itinerary.

• It’s very GO GO GO and busy. I tend to travel quite fast. If you’d prefer a more relaxed type of trip, I recommend leaving off an entire region entirely (skip Tikal and Flores). While the country isn’t huge, it does take time to get from place to place, which can sometimes mean waking up early to get to the next destination with enough time to explore a bit afterwards.

• Most people visiting Guatemala start in Antigua and make their way to Lake Atitlan afterwards. While you can technically go from Guatemala City → Antigua → Lake Atitlan, I chose to head to Lake Atitlan before Antigua. Why? To get the long drive out of the way first. I think it just makes more sense this way, especially when you’re battling jet lag and/or are tired from a long travel day.

• These 10 days in Guatemala don’t account for any long hikes, including the popular Acatenango Volcano Hike. If you’ve got this on your bucket list and wanna see everything else on this itinerary, consider spending an additional day or two in Antigua (where the hike begins).

10 Day Guatemala Itinerary At-A-Glance

This classic 10 day Guatemala itinerary packs in the key highlights of the country, including Lake Atitlan, Chichicastenango, Antigua, Flores, and Tikal. 

• Day 1: Guatemala City to Lake Atitlan
• Day 2: Lake Atitlan
• Day 3: Lake Atitlan
• Day 4: Antigua
• Day 5: Antigua
• Day 6: Antigua 
• Day 7: Transfer to Guatemala City; fly to Flores
• Day 8: Tikal
• Day 9: Flores
• Day 10: fly to Guatemala City; depart home

Part 1: Lake Atitlan!

Ah, Lake Atitlan! One of the most beautiful and enchanting places in Guatemala. Picture this: you’re standing on the shore of Lake Atitlan, the sun is shining, and the water is crystal-clear. There’s volcanoes and colorful villages and it’s such a good time. It’s a breathtaking sight and one of my favorite places in all of Guatemala!

Lake Atitlan is located in the highlands of Guatemala, about 1500 meters above sea level. It’s a large volcanic lake, formed thousands of years ago, and it’s considered one of the deepest lakes in Central America.

It’s full of natural beauty, surrounded by lush green hills and VOLCANOES – makes sense that it’s considered one of the most scenic destinations in the entire country. I visited for 3 days and wished I had at least a week!

And while the lake itself is impressive, it’s the traditional Mayan villages surrounding the lake that really got my attention. Each has its own unique charm and character, distinct cultures and traditions, and personality and vibe. You’ll wanna visit quite a few!

Where to Stay in Lake Atitlan

When deciding where to stay in Lake Atitlan, there’s lots of things to consider! All the towns have their own unique feel, and where you stay makes a huge difference. 

Do you wanna be closer to all the action in Panajachel, have a more remote/romantic stay in a small hotel right on the lakefront, or spend your few nights in a buzzy, eclectic town with lots of backpackers?

Do you want your choice of restaurants for dinner and be able to easily take cheap, public lanchas or want some privacy and romance with your partner? All questions you gotta ask yourself.

We stayed at La Fortuna at Atitlan, a gorgeous eco-hotel right on the lake with only 5 suites/bungalows. We loved the private dock, eco-luxury bungalows, fantastic dinners, sauna inside an old-school VW bus (yup, really), and impressive pool overlooking the lake. It’s great for photography and chilling out in the sun for a few mornings.  

While we loved our stay overall, there were definitely a few cons. Since La Fortuna’s pretty remote, there were no restaurants/food options nearby; thankfully we loved all the meals at the hotel. Also, it was difficult to get public lanchas to pick us up, so we relied on using private boats which were more expensive. Nothing too horrible for a short stay!

Hotel Options in Panajachel: Pana has all the facilities any traveler could want or need and tons of restaurant options, but it’s much more chaotic than the other villages surrounding the lake. You likely won’t need to take a lancha to your hotel as shuttles and private transfers go directly to Pana. 

There’s loads of hotel options here, with Selina Atitlan being one of the best hostels (my friend stayed there so of course I had to peek in), and Hotel y Centro de Convenciones Jardines del Lago, Hotel San Buenaventura de Atitlán, and Porta Hotel del Lago being some great affordable luxury spots!

Hotel Options in/near Santa Cruz: This village is way more peaceful, and doesn’t really see many tourists since there’s honestly not tons to do here. Get a hotel right on the lakefront and you’ll get great views of all three volcanoes! Note that you’ll need to plan in advance for food/make restaurant reservations here since it’s pretty remote. 

• La Casa del Mundo: Technically in Jaibalito, this resort is perched on a secluded cliff, has gorgeous gardens, and even has a hot tub hanging over the lake. I heard SUCH good things about it and kinda wanna stay here on my next trip to Lake Atitlan.

• Casa Prana Hotel: A STUNNING luxury hotel located next to the town of Santa Cruz, but crazy expensive by Guatemala standards (~$300/night). Probably one of the bougiest spots on the lake – I’m sure my husband would love it, haha. And who wouldn’t? There’s panoramic views of the magnificent Lake Atitlan and its surrounding volcanoes, a saltwater pool with plenty of sun beds, wellness facilities, and even a helipad! 

I also heard good things about Atitlan Sunset Lodge and La Iguana Perdida!

Hotel Options in San Pedro La Laguna

San Pedro is Lake Atitlan’s backpacker hub, with many amenities like Pana has, but it’s a tad more relaxed and not as chaotic (although still very busy). It’s also on the other side of the lake, with lots of nightlife and cheap places to stay. There’s always something going on here.

• Sababa Resort: Ready for a high-end resort with trendy, boho-chic decor? Stay here! We wandered through, had one look at the pool, and never wanted to leave. There’s dorm beds as well as private rooms, all with access to the hotel’s stunning outdoor pool and hammocks. Book early as it’s easily the most popular hotel in San Pedro. I can totally see myself staying here next time I visit Lake Atitlan.

Other great options include Hotel Mikaso, Amigos (great for solo travelers), and El Delfin Hotel.

How to Get Around Lake Atitlan

Lanchas: Since there’s no road that connects all the villages, you’ll be relying on lanchas. These are public water taxis in Lake Atitlan, and you’ll use them to get between the different villages on the lake.

They’re cheap, only a few quetzales (15-30Q), and while they don’t really have a set schedule, they generally run between 8am and 6pm.

Do note the lake is quite large, and it takes about 45 minutes to get from one end to the other (Pana to San Pedro). Lanchas are not always the most comfortable and can be quite choppy and bumpy (especially later in the day), but they’re cheap and efficient.

Tuk-tuk: We took a tuk-tuk between Panajachel and Santa Catarina, and it was only a few quetzales. You can also take tuk-tuks around the larger villages themselves.

Walk: Many of the villages are quite small, so you can easily walk around to all the attractions once you get there.

A few things to know about Lake Atitlan

• Don’t hike between villages without a local – the pathways between them are not always the safest (although there are a few exceptions). Armed robberies have occurred.

• Cash is king here; I don’t think I used a credit card once in Lake Atitlan! You’ll wanna stock up on cash in either Panajachel or San Pedro before visiting other towns though, since not all towns have ATMs! 

• Lake Atitlan is home to a primarily Indigenous community. You’ll hear a few Mayan languages spoken all throughout the villages – so don’t assume everyone speaks Spanish. Also, Mayan men never catcall or hit on non-Mayan women.

Day 1: Arrive in Guatemala City and Transfer to Lake Atitlan

Depending on when you arrive at La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City, kinda determines when you’ll transfer to Lake Atitlan. If you land at night, you’ll wanna wait until the next morning (roads are safest during daylight hours).

Our flight landed at around 11am, and after all was said and done, we didn’t get to our hotel in Lake Atitlan until a bit before sunset. 

Unfortunately, traffic is kinda a gamble. It took us FIVE hours (yes, 5) to get from the airport in Guatemala City to Lake Atitlan, although it’s only supposed to take about 3 hours with private transport. We sat in over 2 hours of traffic (it literally didn’t move for almost the full 2 hours), and we were ready to pull our hair out. 

Thankfully, once we made it there, Lake Atitlan was well worth the drive, but I say this so you’re well prepared. Bring snacks, ask your driver for bathroom breaks if you need it, and stay patient. It’s best not to plan too much on this first day of your Guatemala itinerary just in case you find yourself in our shoes sitting in crazy amounts of traffic.

You’ll most likely arrive in Panajachel (the main village in Lake Atitlan and where most of the shuttles/private transport end), and then need to take a lancha (local boat) over to where your hotel is. You’ll find these at the public dock waiting for tourists for only a few Q (15-35Q depending where you’re going).

If you’ve traveled to Lake Atitlan the day before, you’ve got the entire day to explore (look at days 2 and 3 for ideas)! And if you made it here this afternoon, well, maybe you’ve still got some time to hang out.

Settle in to your hotel, wander around your village/resort, and have dinner while watching the sunset over Lake Atitlan. You’ve certainly earned it!

Days 2 and 3: Explore Lake Atitlan

You’ve made it to the lake (one of my favorite in the world) – now time to explore!

Explore the Villages!

Besides relaxing and taking in views of the volcanoes, the main draw of Lake Atitlan is exploring all the villages surrounding the lake. And there’s quite a few – we LOVED exploring a whole bunch, and since they’re all so unique, our exploring never got old! We somehow managed to visit 6 different villages in only a few short days.

You can easily visit 1-2 villages a day, possibly 3 if you really wanna squeeze them in. With two full days exploring the villages, I recommend the following: visit Panajachel, Santa Catarina Palopo, and San Marcos in one day, and San Pedro, San Juan, and Santiago Atitlan the next.

You can easily get between Pana and Santa Catarina Palopo by tuk-tuk, and San Pedro and San Juan are super close to each other.

Here’s a brief overview of each:

Panajachel: Panajachel (commonly known as Pana) is the largest town on the lake and is a great starting point for exploring the area. It’s known as the gateway to Lake Atitlan, and you’ll probably get dropped off here upon arrival in Lake Atitlan. Pana is also where you’ll find most of the ATMs and banks in the area.

Here you’ll find a thriving tourist town, filled with plenty of restaurants and cafes, plus shops selling souvenirs, handmade crafts, and textiles. We loved wandering the stalls – so much beautiful, colorful stuff! I should have totally brought an extra suitcase because I wanted to buy IT ALL. 

Definitely go shopping on Calle Santander (the main street in Pana), take a walk on the lakefront boardwalk, have a coffee at Crossroads Cafe (the best coffee in Pana), and take pictures with views of the lake. If you’re up for some adventure, you can even go paragliding! 

Have more time? Take a short tuk-tuk ride to Reserva Natural Atitlán and Mirador del Lago Atitlán – two spots I missed that are high on my list for next time!

Santa Catarina Palopo: This village is a great place to escape the crowds and experience a more traditional way of life in the Mayan highlands. It’s smaller than the other villages and there’s honestly not tons to do here, so it’s perfect for a quick wander through town.

We loved walking around Santa Catarina Palopo with no plan, and photographing all the blue buildings with their traditional Mayan motifs. 

Don’t miss the Pintado el Cambio, Central Culturo, and nearby Mirador Santa Catarina (a 15 minute hike for great views of the blue town). I recommend heading here before/after Pana, as it’s easily accessible by tuk-tuk for a few Q’s.

I loved this tiny village so much that I wrote an entire post on it! Come check out everything you need to know about Santa Catarina Palopo.

San Pedro La Laguna: San Pedro is a popular backpacker destination with a lively nightlife scene – there’s always something going on here! It’s one of the buzziest towns around the lake, and I kinda wish I stayed here! The main street is lined with restaurants and bars, and there’s plenty of affordable accommodation options.

The town is known for its many Spanish language schools, Los Termales (heated thermal pools overlooking the lake you can soak in), and La Sababa resort (looks super fun and where I’d stay in San Pedro). 

You can also hike Indian’s Nose at sunrise (for spectacular views of the lake), relax at Parque Puerta Hermosa (don’t miss the charming white church over here), and even swim at a black sand beach (easy to get there by tuk-tuk). 

San Juan La Laguna: Ohh… San Juan. One of the most colorful villages on Lake Atitlan; and one I was most excited to visit. Everywhere you look you’ll see vibrant murals, funky art pieces, and tons of Mayan culture. 

The village is full of weaving associations, hidden cafes, and tons of color (after a walk down La Calle de los Sombreros I was in heaven!). I loved watching the tuk-tuks drive down the instagram-worthy umbrella street – what a scene that was! 

It’s known for its traditional textiles, art galleries, and organic coffee farms (which you can tour). Don’t miss a weaving demonstration (at either Casa Flor Ixcaco or the Lema Association), a visit to Liccor Marron Chocolate Factory for a chocolate demonstration, and an information session on Mayan bees and honey (at Abejas Nativas). 

I learned so much in San Juan, and wish I had longer to explore. You can easily visit San Juan from San Pedro, as they’re a short distance away from each other.

Santa Cruz: Santa Cruz is a quiet village located on the northern shore of the lake. While there’s honestly not a ton to do here, it’s perfect for a lazy afternoon of lake viewing, SUPing/kayaking, and taking in the stunning scenery. 

It’s true – Santa Cruz may just have the best views of all the villages in Lake Atitlan. The village is built on a hill, and there’s only a few small shops and restaurants.

Santiago Atitlan: Santiago Atitlan is a traditional Mayan town located on the southwestern shore of the lake. It’s actually the largest of all the towns, and has a much more local feel (it’s not visited by many international tourists – we only saw one other group of tourists besides us).

I appreciated getting a glimpse into the more traditional way of life of the Mayas, and felt it was authentically different from the other villages around the lake (there’s nothing purposefully attracting visitors here).

We visited a bustling local market (full of possibly everything and anything you can think of), and were able to see both women and MEN in their traditional outfits (not super common anymore). You can also visit the main church, Saint James the Apostle, visit the deity Maximón inside a local family’s home, and do a lot of people-watching.

San Marcos: San Marcos isn’t everyone’s cup of tea – and I can see why. It’s got an active meditation and New Age community, and it’s kinda over the top all-things-hippie. You’ll see tons of flyers advertising unity circles, tarot card and chakra readings, reiki massages, and lots, lots more.

Makes sense since San Marcos is known for its spiritual and healing centers, yoga centers (Eagle’s Nest is a popular spot), and there’s plenty of vegetarian and vegan restaurants to choose from. I swear I had the best energy ball of my life at Samsara’s Garden (honestly, I thought that thing had magical powers…).  

You can also swim at Cerro Tzankujil Preserve, a natural reserve with hiking trails and stunning views of the lake. Instead, we had sunset drinks at Kula Maya, a boutique hotel right on the lake since the mirador and preserve were unfortunately closed that day.

Read Next: 10 Epic Lake Atitlan Towns You Need to Visit

Optional day trip to Chichicastenango: If you’re interested, you can also take a day trip to the Chichicastenango Market, the largest and most colorful outdoor market in all of Latin America. If you’re looking for some culture and don’t mind a lot of chaos, this is the place to be! 

Chichi (as it’s commonly called), is a little over an hour away from Panajachel, meaning you can easily visit for a half day or so. 

Make sure to visit on famous market days – Thursday and Sunday mornings. Vendors sell everything under the sun (figuratively and literally), including (but not limited to) candles, handicrafts, food, spices, masks, pottery, medicinal plants, machetes, pigs, chickens, and baby kittens. Yes, you read that right. Nothing will surprise you after walking through the market a few times.

It honestly doesn’t get more authentic than this! Visiting Chichicastenango was one of the most epic days of my life — it’s just so, so, so hectic! 

Part 2: Antigua

Up next — the cute colonial city of Antigua!

Antigua is full of Spanish colonial architecture (gorgeous red-tiled roofs and intricately carved wooden doors), a vibrant cultural heritage, stunningly beautiful churches, quirky Hobbitenango, and tons of gastronomic delights.

There’s also a whole bunch of amazing coffee shops and cafes (many with volcano views!), the iconic yellow Santa Catalina arch, vibrant markets and street performers, and leafy green gardens and plazas.

There’s a reason it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site afterall!

There’s just something so electrifying and unique about Antigua – maybe it’s the romantic atmosphere, lush gardens, or colorful artisanal crafts (I couldn’t get enough). Or just the fact that there’s volcano views everywhere around town. You’ll love it, I promise!

Where to Stay in Antigua

Antigua’s got a wide range of accommodation options, from colonial-style luxury hotels to cute trendy boutiques to inexpensive yet design-forward hostels. If your aim is to check off a bunch of fun things to do in Antigua, stay in the center of town. Thankfully, there’s tons of choices!

We stayed in a private room at Ojala Hostel, which was honestly more like a boutique hotel, and loved our King size bed, steamy showers (with amazing water pressure I might add), and flower-filled gardens. 

The fact that we could see the fiery red lava from volcano eruptions at night from the common space right outside our room made it all that much more special. Ojala also has dorm beds, which is perfect if you’re rocking solo and on a budget.

Other affordable luxury hotels on my list were Good Hotel Antigua, Porta Hotel, El Convento Boutique Hotel, and Hotel Museo Spa Casa Santo Domingo – but we booked too late and those were all already sold out! If you’re coming between February and April, I’d make sure to book a few months in advance. I was honestly really surprised just how fast accommodations sold out.

On a budget? I’d also look at Selina Antigua, Maya Papaya (Ojala’s sister hostel), Casi Casa, and Barbara’s Boutique Hostel. So many amazing options!

How to get around Antigua

Easy — On your own two feet! We were able to walk practically everywhere during our 3 days in Antigua, besides a few spots further afield. 

The town is compact and easy to navigate, with most of the major attractions located within walking distance of each other. I loved wandering around town, soaking up the atmosphere of Antigua’s colorful streets and colonial architecture. Bring comfy shoes – we walked a ton! 

You’ll also see some tuk-tuks and thankfully, Uber works in Antigua which we used to head to Hobbitenango and El Hato Verde one morning (although it’s not always the most reliable).

Day 4: Transfer to Antigua, then spend the rest of the day exploring 

It’s time to head to the little colonial city of Antigua! Many visitors head to Antigua from Lake Atitlan, which is actually what we did! It should take about 2 to 3 hours to get from Lake Atitlan to Antigua, depending on traffic (and sometimes there’s lots of it).

But if you get an early-morning transfer from Lake Atitlan to Antigua, you’ll have lots of time to explore! 

Note that Uber DOES NOT operate in Lake Atitlan (like it does in Antigua and Guatemala City), so don’t rely on that to get to Antigua.

How to get to Antigua from Lake Atitlan:

There’s private and public shuttles from Panajachel (the main tourist village in Lake Atitlan), and which you decide to use solely depends on how many people you’re traveling with. Since we were a group of 5, we opted for a private shuttle (since it was actually less expensive than each of us paying for a seat on a public shuttle). 

For reference, we paid about $100USD (total) to get from Pana in Lake Atitlan to our hotel in Antigua, Guatemala. Our hotel in Lake Atitlan was able to set up a private shuttle for us – ask your hotel; they’ve typically got reliable drivers they work with. A great option if you’re splitting the cost with a few friends like I was. 

You can also pre-book a private minivan from Lake Atitlan to Antigua ahead of time if you’re not comfortable waiting until you arrive in Guatemala like we did. You can also take a chicken bus but it’s not as comfortable and safe, and takes much longer.

On your first official day in Antigua, I recommend the following:

Hill of the Cross

Why not start off your few days in Antigua with one of the best panoramic views in all of the city? Head on over to Cerro de la Cruz (also known as Hill of the Cross in English). From up here, you’ll get a stunning panoramic view of Antigua, the surrounding mountains and volcanoes, and even the Antigua Guatemala Cathedral. 

The trailhead is located just a few blocks from the main park in Antigua, and you can either walk or take a taxi to reach the start of the trail. To reach the top of the hill, you’ll need to walk up a semi-steep trail (only ½ mile out-and-back), taking about 20-30 minutes roundtrip. Don’t worry – there’s plenty of lookout points along the way if you get tired! 

Wander around Historic Antigua

One of my fondest memories of Antigua was simply wandering around the old colonial streets, camera in hand. I swear, around every bend there was something to photograph in this charming city.

As I was wandering the cobblestone streets, I felt like I was transported back in time to the colonial era, with beautiful architecture, vibrant colors, and stunning colonial-style buildings around every corner.

Exploring the historic center can be easily done in an afternoon since it’s relatively small. To gain deeper insights into the city’s distinctive history and geography, I suggest signing up for a walking tour on your first day in Antigua.

Many of the buildings date back to the 16th and 17th centuries, and their ornate facades and intricate details are a testament to the city’s rich history and culture. You’ll see everything from brightly colored colonial-style homes and shops to grand churches and public buildings, all with their own unique stories to tell. 

A few special spots not to miss:

• Santa Catalina Arch (obviously!)
• Parque Central
• La Merced Church
• The Santa Clara Convent
• San Francisco Church
• Tanque la Union

Rooftop Terrace in Antigua for Sunset

End your first night in Antigua with drinks at sunset on a rooftop terrace. Trust me, there’s no better way to soak up the beauty of this charming colonial city than by grabbing a drink or a bite to eat while taking in the stunning views from above. There’s plenty around the city, many with volcano and city views. 

I recommend Antigua Brewing Company (a craft brewery with volcano views – get a flight to sample a few beers), Cafe Sky (easily the most popular rooftop in the city), and Rooftop Antigua (such a lovely space with views of the ruins and volcanoes).

Keep your eyes peeled – you may even see Fuego, one of those magnificent volcanoes, erupting right before your eyes.

Day 5: Antigua

Morning: Hobbitenango and/or El Hato Verde

Hobbitenango is a really cool and unique attraction located just outside of Antigua, Guatemala! If you’re a fan of J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Hobbit” or “The Lord of the Rings,” you’ll definitely want to add this spot to your 10 day Guatemala itinerary.

Hobbitenango is truly where fantasy meets reality. It’s perfect for Middle Earth fans, and seriously one of the quirkiest spots I’ve ever been to. So enchanting and off-the-grid; it totally feels like stepping into another world. Such a great little escape from the city. 

What is it exactly?! A hobbit-themed eco-park (!!!) that’s nestled in the lush green hills overlooking Antigua. The park features a few hobbit-style houses built into the hillsides that you can explore – we loved going inside; it had such a magical and whimsical atmosphere!

There’s also plenty of hikes (with lots of scenic views), fun and quirky photo spots (including the famous Hobbitenango hand – don’t miss a photo on it!), a giant tree swing, and some archery games.

​​I loved Hobbitenango so much I wrote an entire post on it – check that out over here (including how to take the shuttle to Hobbitenango, ATV tours that head there, the #1 mistake you don’t wanna make – that I made, haha, and way more).

On the flip side, El Hato Verde is a chic space up in the hills –  you get to hang out and relax in cool nets and tree houses overlooking the volcanoes! And it was super spectacular to say the least – I’ve never done anything like it in my life.

We had a perfect view of the lush, green countryside and it felt absolutely wild sitting/relaxing on the nets staring at the volcanoes in the distance. Wow! What an incredible view and place they have created. Such a special memory. 

Getting to El Hato Verde is a tad confusing. You first need to call an Uber or taxi which will take you up the mountain to their parking area (or drive yourself), and then you’ll be greeted by El Hato Verde staff who take you up in golf carts to the viewpoints and restaurant. We didn’t know this at first so we were kinda confused!

Afternoon: Markets, Ruins, and Cafes 

Once you’re back from your morning adventures, it’s time to explore the markets, check out some ruins, and relax at some cafes! And thankfully, Antigua has plenty of each! 

They’re all scattered around the city, and there’s quite a few so you won’t have time to visit each and every one, but here’s a quick sampling of my favorites (find even more info in my huge guide to Antigua).

Cafes:

• El Gran Cafe: A super aesthetically pleasing little shop, with baristas who are super passionate about their job. I picked up a bag of beans here!

• 12 Onzas: Another gorgeous spot, and they have a full brunch and lunch menu with super friendly staff. Really beautiful interior with turquoise tiles and a gorgeous back courtyard.

• Artista de Cafe: Great ambiance and great coffee! I unfortunately didn’t make it here, but it’s firmly planted on my list for next time!

Interested in Antigua’s cafe culture? I wrote an entire post on the best coffee shops and cafes in Antigua – check that out for lots of caffeine!

Markets:

• Mercado de Artesanias (Artisan Market): This is a popular market filled with stalls selling a wide variety of products, from textiles to leather goods, and it’s a great spot to bargain with local artisans for the best prices. Don’t miss the beautiful fountain in the middle! 

• Mercado de Artesanias El Carmen (Carmen Market): El Carmen is a lesser-known artisan market in Antigua, but definitely worth checking out. We actually liked this one much better than the Mercado de Artesanias, as it seemed much cleaner and easier to navigate. 

• Mercado Central: This large open air market is jam-packed with all sorts of vendors selling EVERYTHING under the sun — fresh produce and meats, flowers, spices, electronics, clothes, and tons more! I won’t lie, it was a bit overwhelming to navigate since it’s so huge, but trust me, it’s worth it!

Ruins:

• Convento Santa Clara: This convent and church, founded in 1699 by nuns from Puebla in Mexico, is known for its amazingly beautiful ornate facade and the amazing courtyard with its fountain in the middle. 

• Catedral San Jose: If you make it to one ruin, make it this one. It was completed in the 1680s, and damaged by earthquakes in the 18th and 19th centuries. It’s now a popular tourist attraction known for its towering columns, picturesque giant pillars, intricate stonework, and collapsed ceiling. Psst – it’s also called “Antigua Guatemala Cathedral” and “Catedral de Santiago” – this confused me a whole lot!

• Casa Santo Domingo Hotel: This hotel is located in a former convent and monastery, which was founded in the 16th century and partially destroyed by earthquakes in the 18th century. Casa Santo Domingo features a museum of colonial-era artifacts, and we loved wandering around the property. 

Night: Dinner at Frida’s and Drinks at Ulew

Head over to Frida’s for dinner – we loved this trendy spot and everything we ordered was top notch! Plus, the bar area was oh so fun!

Afterwards, head to Ulew. A spot I don’t think I ever could forget. I absolutely loved this place – the vibe, the atmosphere, the wacky decor, the bartenders, and of course the drinks. It’s by far the best speakeasy in all of Antigua, and I could have come here every single night of my trip. 

Here’s the kicker – there’s no menu, so the bartenders make you whatever you’re in the mood for. The cocktails are some of the most creative and innovative I’ve ever seen, and the presentation was second to none. My drink was even served on a snow globe coaster!

Day 6: Antigua

Morning: Caoba Farms for Breakfast

If you’re a foodie like me, you’ve got to get yourself over to Caoba Farms. This special spot is a sustainable organic farm known for its delicious farm-to-table dining and DIY farm tour.

We came here for breakfast one morning and absolutely LOVED our visit – our dishes used the freshest ingredients and the beautiful surroundings of the farm just made our visit even more exceptional!

We loved wandering around the farm, admiring all the colorful flowers, leafy green plants, and plenty of crops, including fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Plus, those tiny piglets were oh so cute!

Do note that Caoba Farms is located just outside of the city center of Antigua. We walked there (only about a 20 minute walk or so), but you can also take a tuk-tuk or quick taxi/Uber ride.

Early Afternoon: Chocolate Making Class

Guatemala is known for their chocolate, so what better way than to lean into this by making your own chocolate IN Guatemala itself?! 

The chocolate making class at ChocoMuseo is an incredible experience, and was one of my favorite things we did in Antigua! We learned all about the history of chocolate and how it’s made, from the cacao tree to the final product. Our class was led by an expert chocolatier who guided us through the process step-by-step.

The class took about two hours, and at the end, we got to take home our own handmade chocolates. Book a class in advance as they do in fact sell out – they’re popular for a reason. I took home the most delicious bag of chocolates, plus some cacao tea (which I now drink on the regular). Reason enough to visit Antigua in my opinion!

Late Afternoon/Night: Sunset Hike to Pacaya Volcano

One of the most popular day trips from Antigua is to Pacaya Volcano, and lemme tell you, it’s an absolute blast! I did this on my first trip to Antigua, and if I had more time, I would have totally done it again. 

Plus, how many of your friends can say they’ve been hiking on an active volcano?! Yup, you read that right – you’ll be hiking on an ACTIVE volcano. 

Pacaya Volcano is located about 19 miles (30 km) southwest of Antigua and is one of the most active volcanoes in Central America. Thankfully, the volcano hike isn’t too strenuous, but it can be steep and rocky in some parts, so definitely wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water.

The hike usually takes around 1 ½ to 2 hours (with the hardest portion being a 15-20 minute steady incline). You’ll be rewarded with some incredible views of the surrounding landscape.

As you get closer to the top, you’ll be able to see steam rising from the volcanic vents, and you might even be able to feel the heat coming from the ground. Whoa! Something you don’t see every day!

And the best part? Roasting marshmallows over the hot volcanic rocks! How cool is that? Trust me; they taste amazing with that smoky flavor from the volcanic heat.

Since you can’t hike Volcano Pacaya independently (you need a certified guide with you at all times, because, ya know, it’s an active volcano and all…), it’s best to book a tour in advance.

I recommend this Small-Group Sunset Pacaya Volcano Tour from Antigua. My friends climbed up the volcano just before sunset – and their photos were absolutely beautiful. Plus, you get to stop for a freshly prepared picnic to enjoy along with views of nearby volcanoes Agua, Fuego, and Acatenango! Doesn’t get better than that!

Part 3: Flores and Tikal

Next stop on this 10 day Guatemala itinerary — Flores and Tikal!

As soon as I got to Flores, I was in love. Located in the heart of Lake Peten, this tiny island (known as Isla de Flores) is full of colorful colonial-style houses, cobblestone streets, and a laid-back attitude – three of my favorite things. It actually reminded me a bit of Guatape in Colombia, another colorful town set on a lake that has so much character.

It’s also a great base for exploring the nearby Tikal National Park, one of the largest and most important Mayan archaeological sites in the world.

During your few days in Flores, you can explore ancient ruins (hello Tikal National Park!), take a dip in the crystal-clear waters, and simply sit back and enjoy a cold beer or two at the plenty of waterfront restaurants and bars (or in my case – a whole lot of watermelon juice).

But whatever you do, don’t miss the island’s sunsets as they’re simply breathtaking! I loved wandering the town – it’s got such a charming atmosphere. 

Where to Stay in Flores:

For such a tiny island, there’s quite a lot of accommodation options!

I booked a private room at Los Amigos Hostel (with a stunning view of sunrise over the lake), and I swear it’s the most eclectic hostel I’ve ever stayed at. Oh so colorful and hip and fun. 

The garden restaurant looks straight out of a jungle – don’t miss one of their famous smoothie concoctions here! Los Amigos gets booked up fast (it’s crazy popular for a reason), so reserve your bed or private room ASAP. There’s also a travel agency right inside the hostel if you’ve got time for extra activities. 

I originally wanted to stay at the hip and trendy Hotel Isla de Flores, but the rooms were already all sold out. If you want beautiful lake views, check out Hotel Peten and Casazul (I almost stayed here!). 

Hotel Casa Turquesa is another great option that doesn’t break the bank, but do note it’s next to a nightclub with music blasting for hours so keep that in mind. 

How to get around Flores:

• Lanchas: If you want to explore the lake (which you should), you can hire a lancha (water taxi) to take you around the island, making stops at the different tourist attractions nearby.

• Walk: Isla de Flores is small enough that you can easily explore it on foot. The streets are paved with cobblestones, so I’d recommend having comfy shoes.

• Tuk-tuks and taxis: There’s also motorized tuk-tuks and taxis (you can usually find them parked near the main square) that can take you around the island quickly and affordably.

A few things to know about Flores:

• There’s only a few ATMs on the island, and they frequently run out of cash. Aim to carry enough cash with you for your few days in Flores, juuuust in case. If all else fails, there’s more ATMs across the causeway at the Maya Mall.

• While the infrastructure is decent, it’s not uncommon for the island to lose power. During my 3 days in Flores, the entire island lost electricity a few times. Just something to keep in mind. They’re all very used to it, and the power typically comes back within an hour or so.

• Skip the night market on the bridge connecting Isla de Flores to the mainland. I heard it’s not very sanitary and I wouldn’t risk the possibility of getting sick.

Day 7: Transfer to Guatemala City; Fly to Flores

If you’ve only got time for 10 days in Guatemala (and wanna see the impressive Tikal ruins in the northern part of the country), you’ll need a quick way to get there. Driving takes over 10 hours, on a good day (it’s usually more like 12-13). But thankfully, there’s quick and easy nonstop flights! Phew!

Today’s a travel day, and you’ll need to get yourself back to Guatemala City (easy from Antigua), and then onto a flight to Flores. If I had an extra day to allocate to your Guatemala itinerary, this is where I’d add it – juuuust in case something happens with your flight (like if it’s canceled or delayed).

Look at TAG airlines and Avianca – there’s a few flights per day, so if you book early you’ll have some options.

Think you’ll want more time in Antigua? Book a late afternoon flight. Want to get a head start on exploring Flores? Schedule an early morning flight to Flores to spend the bulk of the day there.

Regardless of when you arrive in Flores, have some dinner and sunset drinks on the lake – you’ve surely earned it! I recommend Sky Bar, Terrazzo, and the Rooftop Bar at Hotel Isla de Flores.

Day 8: Explore the colorful town of Flores and Lake Peten

After a somewhat hectic and tiring travel day yesterday, take today to rest up a bit and explore the colorful town of Flores. Most people head to Flores en route to Tikal (on tomorrow’s agenda, don’tchu worry!), but the colorful island and its surroundings are definitely worth checking out too!

To say I loved this tiny island (Isla de Flores) is an understatement – I could have easily stayed a week and gotten into a routine of wandering the cobblestoned streets, having brunch overlooking the lake, and watching the sunset with a watermelon juice in hand every single night.

There’s just something so special about this tiny island, I can’t put my finger on it.

Morning: Wander Isla de Flores

The tiny island of Flores (Isla de Flores) is super small so you can practically see all of it in a single day. I must’ve walked every single street a few times!

This morning, take a stroll around the charming island, checking out the colonial-style architecture, all the colorful doors and buildings, and of course admiring the beautiful views of the lake from the malecon (the lakefront boardwalk surrounding the island).

There’s no reason to really plan out your walk in advance – just take your camera, throw on some comfy shoes, and start walking.

A few of my favorite foodie spots not to miss:

• Maracuya: The best place on the island to stop for some brunch, or simply a smoothie and/or snack. I sat on the airy terrace overlooking the lake, but there’s also a bunch of other spaces to hang out in, including a real-life butterfly exhibit!

• Delirio Bakery: As soon as I saw this soft-pink cafe, I knew I had to pop in. And what a great choice I made – indulging in some passion fruit pie was the perfect break from all my exploring. 

• Maple y Tocino: Another favorite of mine – a great spot for a lazy lunch with a perfect view of the lake. My avocado toast with beans and plantains was delish; next time I wanna try the epic Four Seasons waffle.

Afternoon: Scenic boat trip on Lake Petan

You’re on an island – get out on the lake itself for a few hours! You’ll find plenty of exciting things to see and do surrounding Isla de Flores, so I recommend hiring a lancha for a few hours to take you around.

The cost depends on how many stops you want to make, and will typically cost less per person the more people joining you! I took a scenic trip on Lake Peten with a few girls I met at my hostel, and we each paid about 200Q ($25) to go to Jorge’s Rope Swing, the mirador, and Playa Chechenal with a local on his boat. 

For a PRIVATE 5 hour “tour”, we thought this wasn’t bad at all! We even watched the sunset on the boat as we were heading back to the island – so super spectacular. 

You can also visit ARCAS (an animal sanctuary) and the Zoologico Petencito Flores Peten (Flores Zoo), but we decided to skip these as I had heard mixed reviews and I don’t find zoos of any nature to be ethical. 

A few stops not to miss:

Jorge’s Rope Swing: What’s better than swinging out over the water on a rope swing, all while enjoying breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding jungle. The entire establishment is actually a family’s business, and they sleep there at night! Just imagine waking up to peaceful sunrises on the lake every morning, without a soul in sight. 

And don’t worry – it’s still super fun even if you don’t jump into the lake. Watching all those brave souls was good enough for me! There’s hammocks and areas to chill out, plus beers and snacks for purchase. And only a five minute lancha ride from Flores!

Mirador de Canek: This scenic lookout point/observation deck has panoramic views of Lake Peten Itza and the surrounding jungle, and it’s absolutely gorgeous, especially on a sunny day. You’ll need to do a short hike to get up here (don’t be like me and wear sandals…), but it’s not too bad! The views from the top are well worth the effort!

Playa Chechenal: This is one of the only true beaches near Isla de Flores, and it’s packed with locals enjoying the sun. I was honestly a bit disappointed with Playa Chechenal, as it was crazy crowded when we visited and there were no picnic tables near the water left for us. 

Plus, the beach was super rocky and it really hurt walking into the water! We loved hanging out on the rainbow dock taking pictures though, haha. If you just want a quick look at it and aren’t planning to swim for long, I’d say an hour or so at Playa Chechenal is enough.

Day 9: Sunrise at Tikal; relax in town 

Ohhhh Tikal – the main reason for heading all the way up to Northern Guatemala.

Imagine this: Towering ancient temples amongst the thick jungle landscape. Listening to howler monkeys wake up and then watching them play in the trees. Climbing up ruins before sunrise in the heart of the Guatemalan jungle. Watching colorful toucans and parrots fly from tree to tree. That’s Tikal for you, and you cannot miss it.

This complex of over 3,000 Mayan ruins deep in the rainforests of northern Guatemala is 100% pure magic. It’s one of the major sites of Mayan civilization, inhabited from the 6th century B.C. to the 10th century A.D. 

I’m sorry Chichen Itza, but Tikal is easily one of the best sights in all of Latin America, and a definite highlight of Guatemala. I can’t imagine a complete Guatemala itinerary that didn’t include the impressive Tikal. 

Tikal is absolutely enormous, and you can spend hours exploring and climbing the temples, plazas, and other ruins that date back to over a thousand years ago. One of the most iconic structures is the Temple of the Giant Jaguar (Templo 1), which towers over the jungle (but you unfortunately cannot climb this one).

I also checked out the Gran Plaza, surrounded by impressive ruins such as Templo II (Temple of the Masks) and the central and north acropolis. I loved the Plaza of the Lost World and feeling so tiny beneath Templo 5.

But Tikal isn’t just about the history – it’s also a nature lover’s paradise! The surrounding jungle is home to a variety of wildlife, including howler monkeys, toucans, and colorful parrots (I saw a whole bunch!). You might even catch a glimpse of a jaguar or a puma if you’re lucky.

And while there’s lots of day trip options, if you want a magical experience like no other, I highly recommend heading to Tikal for sunrise.

Yes, we had to wake up at 3am and were exhausted the rest of the day, but listening to those howler monkeys wake up in the jungle and wandering around the almost-completely empty sites was simply breathtaking. An experience I’ll never forget. 

Book your sunrise tour to Tikal here (don’t wait on this – this is a small-group tour with space for a max of 9 guests).

If your idea of fun doesn’t include an early morning wake up call, you can certainly visit later in the morning or midday. Just note it’ll undoubtedly be much, much more crowded, and a lot hotter and stickier. Because of that I recommend taking a sunset tour to Tikal – you’ll get the best of both worlds; no waking up early, fewer tourists, and even cooler temperatures.

Once you’re done at Tikal, spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing at your hotel and wandering the town – I was so tired I even took a midday nap! Something I NEVER do!

Day 10: fly to Guatemala City, depart home

Phew, what a jam-packed 10 days! You’re most likely flying home from Guatemala City, so on the last day of your 10 day Guatemala itinerary, you’ll need to get yourself back to Guatemala City of course!

Thankfully, the flight from Flores to Guatemala City is less than an hour, so you can make it back to the city in no time. This means you can either spend an extra morning or so in Flores, or head back to Guatemala City in the AM.

TAG has numerous nonstop flights a day, and last I checked, Avianca has at least one. If you’re flexible on time and book in advance, you may even be able to get a flight for $50! Can’t beat that!

If you catch a morning flight and your flight home doesn’t depart until later that night, I highly recommend having a meal at Sublime Restaurante or Flor de Lis in Guatemala City. Both are super inventive spots with impeccable tasting menus. 

Our 12-course tasting menu at Sublime was easily one of the best 10 meals I’ve ever had… in my life. Yes, it actually beat out all those wondrous tasting menus in Mexico City – I was shocked! And it costs us less than $90, drinks and well-deserved tip included.

Psst – If you’ve got an extra day to spare, you could totally spend it in Flores and the surrounding areas. I took a day trip to Crater Azul, and was seriously stunned at just how turquoise blue the water was.

Hope this helps you plan the best possible 10 day Guatemala itinerary! Are you traveling there soon?!

The post 10 Days in Guatemala: The Ultimate First-Timer’s Guatemala Itinerary appeared first on A Passion and A Passport.

Antigua (and Guatemala in general) is world-renowned for its super high-quality coffee (just like Panama and Colombia are). As a coffee lover myself, I was downright thrilled! Of course I made a long list of all the coffee shops and cafes in Antigua to add to my recent itinerary. The biggest problem? Narrowing down which ones to check off!

Antigua is home to a vibrant and eclectic coffee scene, with cafes and coffee shops dotted throughout the city. I swear, it seems like there’s at least a handful of cafes down each and every block. The city is just bursting with these charming cafes, each with its own unique personality and vibe. 

Many have charming outdoor patios with relaxing atmospheres, knowledgeable (and friendly!) baristas, and use locally sourced coffee beans. It’s Guatemala after all — we’re talking about some of the best coffee in the world here! And, by supporting small, independent farmers in the region, these cafes in Antigua are also contributing to the local economy and community.

Others are known for their delectable chocolates, fresh juices, and colorful gardens. Some even have volcano views from their rooftop terraces! 

Since cafe culture is such an important part of life here, you’ve gotta check out a few yourself while visiting Antigua. Plus, who doesn’t love stunning views of the city’s colonial architecture while sipping a freshly brewed cup of caffeine?! Wandering around checking out all the cafes is easily one of the best things to do in Antigua (at least in my book!).

Here’s a list of my favorite coffee shops and cafes in Antigua, Guatemala, plus a few I had on my list but unfortunately didn’t have time for! Lemme know down in the comments if I missed any good ones!

Coffee in Antigua, Guatemala FAQs

What makes coffee in Antigua, Guatemala so special?

This is Antigua – one of the finest coffee capitals of the world! Coffee here is meant to be sipped and savored; so don’t rush your morning cup. The region has a long history of producing high-quality coffee, and for good reason. 

Firstly, the climate and soil are perfectly suited for growing coffee beans. The volcanic soil is rich in nutrients for the coffee plants, while the altitude and temperature create a slow growth process. All this ultimately leads to a more flavorful and complex bean.

Secondly, the traditional methods used to cultivate and harvest coffee in Antigua, Guatemala are still being used today – giving the coffee a unique and authentic flavor profile. Many of the coffee farms in the region are small and family-owned, and the beans are harvested by hand to ensure the highest quality.

But what really sets Antigua coffee apart from the others is the meticulous attention to detail during the roasting process. The beans are carefully roasted to bring out their unique flavor notes, ranging from chocolate and caramel to fruity and even floral.

With all this amazing coffee in Antigua, it makes perfect sense for the dozens upon dozens of coffee shops and cafes in Antigua. Which I happen to think is just the cutest colonial city in the highlands of the country! 

Buying Beans to take Home in Antigua

I was so glad to find so many coffee shops in Antigua selling coffee beans from local farms. It was honestly quite hard to choose where to buy some, and honestly, I just picked the one with the prettiest packaging, haha. It’s currently sitting in my freezer waiting to be ground. Mmm… I’m so excited for those delicious smells to take over my apartment, haha.

When purchasing coffee beans in Antigua, Guatemala, it’s important to look for beans that are labeled as “single origin” or “estate coffee.” These terms indicate that the beans come from a specific farm or region, which ensures a higher level of quality and consistency in flavor. 

The coffee shops and cafes will grind the beans for you on the spot, but I recommend waiting to do so until you get home! The sooner you drink the coffee after grinding the beans, the fresher your cup will be. Just like when I got home from Colombia, I put my bag of beans from Antigua straight into the freezer. 

Antigua Coffee Farm Tours

Are you a diehard coffee aficionado and wanna learn all about the coffee in Antigua, Guatemala? You’ve gotta sign up for a coffee farm tour! You’ll see firsthand how the coffee is grown, harvested, and then processed, and even pick some of your own beans (called coffee cherries).

Many coffee farm tours also include a walk through the fields, a visit to the processing plant, and yes, of course a coffee tasting where you can sample the different flavors and roast levels of the coffee.

There’s quite a few tours to pick from, but not all are created equal. Here’s a few popular ones:

• Coffee Culture Full-Day Tour from Antigua: Not only will you tour a coffee plantation and taste some of the finest coffee in the world, but you’ll also walk around Antigua with a local, learning all about Guatemala’s rich culture. Kinda like two tours in one!

• Sip N Cycle Half-Day Bike Ride and Coffee Tour: Cycle the backroads from Antigua to the best coffee farm in the valley! You’ll see the coffee plantation, and learn all about the entire process from picking to packaging. And of course sample a whole bunch of different varieties and blends of coffee.

• Antigua ATV Coffee Tour: Caffeine and adrenaline in one tour – what could be better?! Ride an ATV to a local coffee plantation, where you’ll discover the entire coffee making process from seed to mug. Definitely one of the most exciting things to do in Antigua.

Best Coffee Shops and Cafes in Antigua, Guatemala

Finally, what you probably came here for — my favorite coffee shops and cafes in Antigua! Get ready for lots of caffeine.

12 Onzas

Let’s start with one of my all-time favorite cafes in Antigua, Guatemala – 12 Onzas! As soon as I walked in, I knew I had found my coffee shop. When you know, you know, right?! Aesthetics is just as important to me as the actual coffee, so of course I was naturally drawn to 12 Onzas. 

Their branding is so spot on; I could spend all morning in there and never get tired of staring at those gorgeous turquoise tiles. The space is very cute and sleek and bright and modern – I totally felt like I was in a chic coffee shop in Sydney or Southern California. I loved the juxtaposition of the old school walls amongst the minimalist design. It all just works!

Photos used with permission from 12 Onzas

Plus, there’s a gorgeous back patio filled with green, leafy plants everywhere – such a serene spot to chill for a while! I can see 12 Onzas being a great space to work since the wifi is nice and strong and there’s plenty of power outlets.

As soon as I walked in I could tell the atmosphere was super warm and welcoming, and the staff were all incredibly friendly. While unnecessary, I appreciated that menus were in both English and Spanish! I’m trying to learn but it doesn’t help that I only make it to Spanish-speaking countries a few times a year (I’d love to do a Spanish immersion program in Antigua someday).

Of course the coffee here is top notch, and I love how they roast their own coffee beans right there in the shop. They actually sell bags of beans on the shelves right next to the counter, so pick up a bag to bring home yourself (the packaging is oh so cute as well).

Choose from the many excellent coffee drinks (like flat whites and cold brew, with plenty of various milk options – regular, soy, almond, and oat).

12 Onzas also has an amazing brunch, with some really fun menu items. Think red velvet beet coffee, pink lattes, penguin cake, pink beet hummus, gorgonzola mushroom buns, banana bread, and oh so much more. Everything sounded absolutely delicious, and I’d love to come for a bite next time. I didn’t expect them to have a full brunch/lunch menu so I had unfortunately already eaten that morning (sad face).

Don’t sleep on this place – it’s got by far the best latte in all of Antigua. They actually have 2 locations in Guatemala City as well, which I’m hoping to check out on my next trip!

El Gran Cafe

Another coffee shop in Antigua, Guatemala that I absolutely adore is El Gran Cafe. The spot is super aesthetically pleasing, with its mini hexagonal tiles, gorgeous floral flooring, and super cute packaging. I love being inside pretty places, and El Gran easily fits the bill.

Photos used with permission from El Gran Cafe

The staff who work here are incredibly kind – I couldn’t decide what to get and they didn’t rush me at all. Next time I’m gonna try a mocha – some say it’s the best they’ve ever had!

In a rush? El Gran Cafe has “coffee of the day” (cafe del dia) so you don’t even need to make a decision, haha. My kinda place. 

I love how the cafe owner works directly with the producers to pay a fair price for the coffee beans. All the beans are bought directly from the farm/origin, including Finca La Esperanza (a pioneer in certified organic coffee beans), Finca El Pintado (one of the most historic farms in the Antigua region), and Finca Santa Isabel (a farm who uses very advanced agricultural practices). Kinda cool to know exactly where your coffee is coming from!

Out of all the cafes in Antigua, I decided to buy a bag of beans for my husband here! The barista was able to explain all the differences in the beans and the different flavor profiles they had which I greatly appreciated since I’m definitely no expert. 

My only gripe with El Gran Cafe? There’s not much seating in the shop, but well worth the wait if you don’t wanna take your coffee para llevar (to go)!

Artista de Cafe – Speciality Coffeeshop

Artista de Cafe is another charming coffee shop with cool branding and loads of plants located on a quiet street in Antigua, Guatemala. It’s a great place to grab a cup of coffee or tea, and their milk is actually delivered fresh daily from a local farm (how cool is that?!). 

Photos used with permission from Artista de Cafe

They offer a wide variety of coffee and non-coffee drinks, like cappuccinos, mochaccinos, matcha lattes, turmeric lattes, and green tea. They’ve also got some really good gluten-free carrot cake. 

The downside of this coffee shop is that they can only make one drink at a time due to their setup. So, if things get busy, you’ll have to wait. Definitely worth it though. Plus, the coffee can be kinda expensive compared to other coffee shops in Antigua. I’ll gladly overpay if it means hanging out in an airy and chic minimalistic space – yes, I’m a sucker for anything trendy and cool, haha.

You can totally tell the ambiance is amazing with great vibes and music, and the staff is friendly and accommodating for the digital nomad crowd. The wifi at Artista de Cafe is great for Zoom video calls, although I’m told it may not work as well if the cafe gets busy. 

If you have the chance to visit Artista de Cafe, be sure to try an affogato. It’s rumored to be downright amazing!

Cafe Estudio

I included Cafe Estudio on this list of best cafes in Antigua because of its incredible rooftop terrace, with views of both Acatenango and Fuego volcanoes! A great way to spend an hour or so, soaking up the views. However, there’s hardly any shade up here so remember your sunscreen and a hat.

This coffee shop offers seasonal coffee flavors like amaretto and pumpkin spice, along with a small selection of cakes, smoothies, crepes, sandwiches, nachos, and guacamole. Ugh I so wished I tried the french toast, one of the main highlights of Cafe Estudio.

What’s better than hanging out in a charming flower garden, listening to calming music in the background, with a snack or two and some coffee? Since the internet’s reliable and the atmosphere is quiet, I can see it being a great place for all you digital nomads to get some work done.

Alegria Cafe

Consider yourself a coffee connoisseur looking for the best cafes in Antigua, Guatemala? You need to add Alegria Cafe to your list, located less than a block away from the city center. 

The interior design of this cafe is gorgeous and features funky artwork by local artists. The shop actually partners with local artists on exclusive limited-release merch, so if you see something you like, buy it then and there – it may not be available next time you pop in!

Photos used with permission from Alegria Cafe

Not only is the interior worth checking out, but of course the coffee is expertly prepared and super delicious. I swear, all the baristas are super talented. The cold brew tonic, iced mocha (delicious but not too sweet), avocado toast, green goddess smoothies, affogatos, and kombucha all come highly recommended. 

And if you have a sweet tooth, there’s cookies! Think peanut butter with chocolate and sea salt, and oatmeal with coconut oil, honey, and raisins — both simply divine.

While I didn’t have any work to do (hello vacation!), the cafe’s known to have flawless wifi, making it an ideal spot to get some remote work done on your laptop. 

Basically, everything about this cafe is top notch – I loved the aesthetic, coffee presentation, art on the walls, and overall vibe. Super spacious, too! Easily one of the best coffee shops in Antigua, Guatemala. Don’t miss it. And if you happen to catch one of their vintage pop-ups, make sure to grab a few things – you won’t regret it!

Cafe Sky

Cafe Sky is probably one of the most popular cafes in Antigua, Guatemala, so of course I had to include it on this list. It’s known for its breathtaking views of the Agua and Fuego volcanoes from the rooftop terrace, as well as the surrounding area and city below. 

Photos used with permission from Cafe Sky

To fully appreciate the views, I highly recommend coming early in the morning before the clouds roll in and obstruct the volcanoes. That happens more than you think unfortunately!

While the views are absolutely stellar, the terrace is much smaller than it looks AND you’ll be sitting in the blistering sun since there’s little to no shade up there. Just something to keep in mind.

Cafe Sky is a great spot for breakfast or brunch, with a fairly large menu selection. However, the food can be a bit pricey, so it’s important to keep in mind that you’re really paying for the view. Fine by me, as volcanoes are definitely not something I see back home in San Francisco, haha.

I cannot believe I didn’t make it here myself – I was too busy wandering the city and checking out all the other things to do in Antigua, Guatemala! Next time for sure!

Cafe Cafe Guatemala

Cafe Cafe Guatemala is one of the trendiest cafes in Antigua, Guatemala, so of course I had to check it out. We loved just how cute the cafe was decorated, with such a cool ambiance and cute decorations. 

It comes with no surprise that there’s even dedicated spots for Instagram photos, haha. Thankfully, the prices are very reasonable, especially considering the quality of the food and service. We popped in when we were frantically on the lookout for some food before our chocolate-making class, and I totally wish we had more time to savor the cafe.

Coffee photo used with permission from Cafe Cafe Guatemala

The space is kinda indoor and outdoor, which I really liked, especially since there was a nice breeze that afternoon. The service is excellent, and you can tell the baristas really know their stuff and are super talented. 

Want something super creative? Order a latte with some art of the Guatemalan flag! How cool is that?! – photo on IG

The cafe is a great spot to get breakfast or lunch, as the food is not only fresh but also very delicious. The fruit juices are freshly made (my favorite!!!), and there’s plenty of foodie options to choose from, including specialty coffees, frappes, blackberry crepes, smoothie bowls (my Rainbow Bowl loaded with fresh fruit was delicious), salads, sandwiches, and fresh lemonades.

Amanecer Juice Bar 

Amanecer Juice Bar is a popular juice bar and coffee shop located right in town. It’s known for its fresh juices, smoothies, and delicious coffee, and the second I saw its colorful mural inside, I knew I needed to pop in for a drink.

The name “Amanecer” means “sunrise” in Spanish, which totally reflects the cafe’s focus on healthy and fresh ingredients to start your day right. We love a good play on words here, haha.

Photos used with permission from Amanecer Juice Bar

The juice bar has an extensive menu of fresh juices and smoothies made with locally sourced fruits and vegetables. Popular options include the “Green Power” juice (with spinach, cucumber, apple, and ginger), and the “Tropical Paradise” smoothie (with banana, pineapple, and mango). 

I decided to sit for a smoothie bowl as I was kinda hungry, and lemme just say – it was one of the best smoothie bowls I had in my entire life. Such a huge portion I couldn’t even finish my bowl despite how delicious it was.

In addition to all those fresh juices and smoothies, Amanecer Juice Bar also serves a variety of coffee drinks, including cappuccinos, lattes, and espressos. A colorful little spot to relax and enjoy your drink in such a cozy and bright atmosphere!

Fernando’s Kaffee

Fernando’s Kaffee is one of the most popular coffee shops in Antigua, Guatemala. And for good reason – there’s a beautiful courtyard with excellent coffee and food and CHOCOLATE! Plus, it doesn’t hurt that the shop’s known for its ridiculously high-quality coffee, sourced directly from Fernando Moscoso’s family’s coffee farm. 

Plus, there’s loads of cocoa items here, which of course puts the shop high on my list, haha. It’s actually technically also a chocolate factory, so that makes a lot of sense. Don’t miss the hot chocolate – it’s known to be some of the best in all of Antigua! Perfect on a chilly day.

Photos used with permission from Fernandos Kaffee

Fernando’s Kaffee offers a variety of coffee and chocolate drinks, including espressos, cappuccinos, drinking chocolate, lattes, and even cacao juice, all made with their own beans/cacao. There’s also homemade pastries and baked goods, (made fresh daily!), plus dark and milk chocolate bars, cocoa nibs, and chocolate spread. The ultimate chocolate heaven.

One of the unique aspects of Fernando’s Kaffee is its coffee roasting process, which takes place right in the cafe. You can even watch as the coffee beans are roasted, and then purchase bags of freshly roasted coffee to take home with you! Doesn’t get fresher than that.

If you’ve got time, make sure to sign up for a coffee tasting and a tour of their coffee farm! You’ll get an in-depth understanding of the coffee-making process, and really appreciate how much time and energy goes into brewing the perfect cup.

And don’t miss the lovely house cat who hangs out in the shop! The back courtyard is quiet and cozy, perfect for a little cafe. I reckon it’s a great place to get some work done.

Cafe Sol

We popped into Cafe Sol on a whim because I was getting hangry and hot, and needed a cold drink and something to snack on. Well, what’d ya know, it ended up being one of our favorite cafes in Antigua! 

Photos used with permission from Cafe Sol

Their branding is so spot on (super cozy and inviting), and my parfait fruit bowl was super fresh (it even had loads of passionfruit in it which most don’t!). My friend said her coffee was some of the best she’s ever had.

Unfortunately I realized too late (after we left!) that they’ve got a small rooftop terrace/garden with a view of Volcan Agua upstairs – perfect when you want some fresh mountain air with a side of cute tiny hummingbirds! 

It’s a great spot for breakfast, with items like oat pancakes, huevos rancheros, and spinach omelettes on the menu. If you’re feeling spicy definitely order the El Diablo, an iced coffee drink with chili peppers, cocoa, and cinnamon.

Since Cafe Sol’s on the edge of town, I don’t think many people make it here which is such a shame! 

Algo Bueno (in Ojala Hotel)

We stayed at Ojala Hostel, so naturally, spent a lot of time at Algo Bueno, the cafe/bar connected to the hotel. The “desayuno típico” (typical Guatemalan breakfast) is really yummy and filling, with a selection of egg dishes, beans, fried plantains, fresh tortillas, fruit, and yogurt bowls. 

And the best part – it was included with our stay! You could tell they only use fresh and natural ingredients in all their food/drinks. 

If you’re staying at the hotel, there’s free morning coffee available which is greatly appreciated! My friend ordered a speciality drink, the cold dirty chai from the coffee shop, and said it was one of the best they’ve ever had. The wifi worked really well so my friends were able to get some work done in the courtyard. 

But the outdoor seating area is really what makes Algo Bueno one of the best cafes in Antigua, Guatemala. Just look at all those leafy green plants, gorgeous landscaping, and cozy hammocks to relax in. Plus tons of natural light!  

Don’t miss the stunning backyard garden with the most beautiful purple flowers hanging from the structure and hummingbirds flying around. So much attention to detail – I’d move in if I could. I can’t think of a better spot to walk down to every morning!

Cafe Boheme

Cafe Boheme is a cute and colorful place to sip some coffee or hot chocolate, and indulge in a sweet tart (or two). It’s a super chill area and just feels extremely peaceful. Cafe Boheme is actually a popular French spot and I definitely recommend it for breakfast or a mid-day snack if you’re in the area. Those fresh raspberry tarts look oh so perfect and delicious. 

We came here for the rooftop terrace view and lemme just tell ya, it did not disappoint. On a clear day, you can even see the volcanoes that surround Antigua. Always super impressive. Just know you’ll need to grab one of the 4 or 5 tables at the end of the terrace to get the great views (I didn’t realize this and we unfortunately sat on the opposite side).

Fat Cat Coffee House

Serious coffee drinkers, this coffee shop is for you. Fat Cat Coffee House offers a wide range of coffee options, including espresso, cappuccino, lattes, and a wide variety of pour-overs, all made with locally sourced and freshly roasted beans. Try a flat white, affogato, and/or a cortado (with a strong body and strong hints of dark chocolate – yum!)! You can really tell they love their coffee here.

Photos used with permission from Fat Cat Coffee House

It’s not as vibey or aesthetic as other cafes in Antigua, but still worthy of a visit for their downright delectable coffee. How a true coffee shop should really be judged, right? Some even say they’ve truly got the best coffee in all of Antigua. Can’t beat that!

Other cute coffee shops and cafes in Antigua, Guatemala:

• Cafe Condesa: Cafe Condesa’s been serving coffee daily since 1993, in a gorgeous colonial setting with three courtyards right in the main Central Park of Antigua. And breakfast is served all day long, woo! Can’t get much better than that. Their house blend is 100% Antigua coffee; it’s a mix of three roasts to give a subtle aroma and lots of flavor.

• La Vid Coffee Roasters: Looking for high quality coffee? Come here – La Vid’s got a killer cold brew and a rotating selection of pour overs. It’s evident they take their coffee seriously and trendy combos or overly sweet syrups aren’t their thing. While La Vid is definitely a coffee shop and not a cafe (they specialize in coffee and even roast their own beans), you’ve gotta try their famous carrot cake square. The interior is minimalist and rustic, although unfortunately not very well lit, so it may be hard to do work here. 

Photos used with permission from La Vid Coffee Roasters

• Starbucks: Okay, okay. I get it — yes, I’m including Starbucks on this list of the best coffee shops and cafes in Antigua, Guatemala. But hear me out! This location has one of the prettiest courtyards you’ll ever see, and not only at a Starbucks, but in general. As soon as we walked in I was amazed. Just look at all those colors and Guatemalan touches! Makes sense since the cafe was designed with the input of local artists and artisans to truly capture the colorful spirit of the colonial city.

• El Viejo Café: One of the oldest cafes in Antigua, Guatemala, open for over 25 years. Sip some coffee amongst the rustic decor, including antique coffee grinders and photographs of the city’s colonial past. They’ve got great cortaditos here, a type of coffee drink with a strong, rich espresso flavor and a touch of sweetness. El Viejo also has a bakery & pastry shop, and even a gelateria.

• Union Cafe: Very colorful and trendy with a relaxed and laid-back atmosphere and the prettiest floral wallpaper around. The coffee is excellent, and the food is always fresh and delicious. Try a beetroot latte and a breakfast burrito (with a side of fresh watermelon). This is a great spot to hang out with friends, catch up on some work, or simply enjoy a cup of coffee in a cool and stylish setting.

• Rooftop Antigua: We loved hanging out at Rooftop Antigua one evening for sunset, and it honestly kinda feels like a hidden gem in the city. You could’ve guessed it, but the main draw of this cafe is the terrace with views to ALL THREE VOLCANOES and breathtaking views of the colonial city. The service can be kinda slow and the menu isn’t anything crazy special, but honestly, who cares?! You come here for the absolutely spectacular views – the drinks and food are just to keep you full and satisfied while you’re staring out at sunset.

Photos used with permission from Rooftop Antigua

• La Bruja: This charming little spot is completely vegan, so I highly recommend La Bruja if you’re plant based, or not! My friends ordered a few empanadas so of course I had to try a few bites. They’ve also got fresh smoothies, falafel and black quinoa burgers, and even gluten free pizzas. Sit outside in the back courtyard by the large fountain – such a relaxing atmosphere and so lively with all the other shops/restaurants nearby.

• Cafe La Parada: The café interior is no frills and down to earth, and leans a bit towards 50’s Americana, with their metal signs and silly coffee jokes, haha. But the coffee is just wow – locally sourced from Huehuetenango (often considered the best in the entire country), roasted locally in Antigua. You might even hear Taylor Swift on the radio. Delicious, inexpensive coffee and great wifi – can’t go wrong here! Delicious lattes, fresh croissants, and great people! Some argue it’s the best coffee in Antigua, Guatemala!

I could have spent weeks just sitting in coffee shops on the lookout for even more cafes in Antigua, Guatemala. It’s just that kinda place, considering there’s a cute cafe around every corner, haha. I can’t wait to come back and take my husband next time – I know he’ll love spending lazy mornings at all these cafes in Antigua. 

Which of these coffee shops and cafes in Antigua will you visit on your next trip to Guatemala?! Did I miss any special ones?!

The post 20 Best Coffee Shops and Cafes in Antigua, Guatemala: Where to Find the Perfect Cup appeared first on A Passion and A Passport.

Antigua is full of Spanish colonial architecture (gorgeous red-tiled roofs and intricately carved wooden doors), a vibrant cultural heritage, stunningly beautiful churches, quirky Hobbitenango, and tons of gastronomic delights.

There’s also an amazing cafe culture here (many with volcano views!), the iconic yellow Santa Catalina arch, vibrant markets and street performers, and leafy green gardens and plazas.

There’s a reason it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site afterall!

I first visited Antigua about 10 years ago, and recently came back from a second trip (which was part of my epic 10 day Guatemala itinerary). I just wish it hadn’t taken me all those years to get back there! I forgot how much I deeply loved this little colonial city, and would love to stay for much longer (perhaps a month or two to do a Spanish language immersion program someday). 

There’s just something so electrifying and unique about Antigua – maybe it’s the romantic atmosphere, lush gardens, or colorful artisanal crafts (I couldn’t get enough). Or just the fact that there’s volcano views everywhere around town.

Hard to say because I loved it all! We were in awe our entire time in Antigua, so safe to say I highly recommend you visit!

Before we get into all the fun and exciting things to do in Antigua (trust me, there’s loads to do here despite being a relatively small city), there’s a lot of logistics to get out of the way first! 

Antigua, Guatemala Trip Planning Logistics

Where is Antigua, Guatemala

If you wanna partake in all the fun things to do in Antigua, you of course gotta get yourself there!

Antigua is located in Central America, in the central highlands of Guatemala surrounded by a series of hills located in the valley of the Panchoy River. It’s a city in the southern part of the country (located in the Sacatepéquez Department of Guatemala, which is one of the country’s 22 departments), about 25 miles southwest of the capital city, Guatemala City. 

Lake Atitlan isn’t very far (about 3 hours without traffic), however other popular spots in Guatemala are much further (over 10 hours from Tikal and 6 ½ hours from Semuc Champey).

One of the best parts about Antigua?! It’s situated in a valley surrounded by not one, not two, but three volcanoes (Volcán Agua, Volcán Fuego, and Volcan Acatenango)! Imagine walking the cobblestone streets and seeing a volcano erupt in the distance. Kinda amazing, aint it?

How to Get to Antigua

Getting to Antigua is thankfully pretty easy. First off, you’ll need to get yourself to Guatemala of course, where Antigua is located. 

The nearest international airport to Antigua is La Aurora International Airport (airport code GUA) in Guatemala City, which is about a 45-minute drive from Antigua. 

Psst — if your flight gets in late at night, stay in Guatemala City for the night to avoid traveling to Antigua in the dark. Safety first my friends!

As most people visit Antigua from Guatemala City, I’ll list your options below. 

How to Get to Antigua from Guatemala City

Option 1: Shuttle Service from Guatemala City

Wanna avoid the hassle of driving or navigating public transportation? Head to Antigua by shuttle service – it’s actually one of the most popular ways to get there, and the cheapest, safest, and easiest way to travel.

There’s many shuttle services between Guatemala City and Antigua, and I highly recommend looking on GuateGo to find schedules and tickets and such. The shuttles operate every few hours, leaving from the airport and hotels in Guatemala City. 

Public shuttles all cost around $20USD per person. If you’re traveling solo (without anyone to split a more expensive private transport), a shuttle is a great option.

Option 2: Public Chicken Buses

Chicken buses are a popular and affordable mode of transportation in Guatemala. They’re essentially retired American school buses that’ve been brightly painted and decorated with various designs and slogans. They’re called “chicken buses” because they’re often used to transport not only people, but also livestock, including chickens!

The fares are very cheap, often just a few quetzales (the local currency), and they’re used by both locals and tourists alike. However, it’s worth noting that chicken buses are usually pretty crowded, with people and luggage crammed in tightly, so they’re not the most comfortable option for everyone. 

In addition, safety can be a concern, as these buses are often driven at high speeds on winding mountain roads. It’s important to keep an eye on your belongings and be aware of your surroundings at all times. In my opinion, unless you’re financially unable to get to Antigua another way, skip the Chicken buses. 

Option 3: Taxi/Ride Share/Private Transfer from Guatemala City

Private transfers are also available for those who prefer a more personalized experience. Hi, that’s me! These transfers can be arranged through tour operators or private transportation companies, and usually offer door-to-door service. We opted to take a private transfer between Antigua and Guatemala City (at the end of our trip), and our ride cost a total of 350Q (~$45US) for 2 people. Not terrible if you ask me.

Book your private transfer from Guatemala City Airport to Antigua here. All flights are tracked to ensure you’re picked up in a timely manner. The driver will be waiting for you once your flight lands, holding a sign with your name on it. Your private air-conditioned minivan will then take you safely to Antigua. 

Taxis are readily available in Guatemala City, and can also be used to get to Antigua. However, always negotiate the fare beforehand, as some drivers try to overcharge tourists. You should be able to get a ride from the airport in Guatemala City to Antigua for about $40USD or so.

In addition, ride shares like Uber operate in Guatemala City, and you can typically find a ride to Antigua for about $25. This is definitely the fastest way to get to the city, meaning more time for all the things to do in Antigua.

Option 4: Rent a Car from the Airport and Drive

Do you need a car in Antigua? I really don’t think so, but if you want max flexibility, you can surely rent a car in Guatemala City and drive yourself to Antigua! Most major car rental companies, such as Avis, Budget, Hertz, and Thrifty, have offices at the airport in Guatemala City.

Driving from Guatemala City to Antigua is pretty easy, and only takes about 45 minutes to an hour or so (depending on traffic of course, and sometimes, there’s lots of it). The road between the two cities is well-paved and generally in good condition, but be on the lookout for potholes!

Note that driving in Guatemala can be a bit challenging for those who aren’t familiar with the area. The roads can be narrow, crowded, and chaotic, with lots of buses, trucks, and motorcycles. And there’s soooo many speed bumps, especially in the smaller towns along the way.

Stay safe by ALWAYS driving during the daytime and ALWAYS sticking to the main roads. And like in San Francisco, avoid leaving valuables in your car. That’s basically an invitation for thieves… 

Option 5: Day Trip from Guatemala City

Short on time but still wanna experience the beauty and charm of Antigua? Yup, a day trip from Guatemala City to Antigua is very possible! While I definitely recommend 3 days in Antigua or longer, if all you’ve got is a day, go for it – Antigua is super walkable and compact and you’ll be able to see a whole lot in just a few hours, promise. 

In order to maximize time, don’t mess around with potential shuttle delays and private transport mishaps. Book yourself on a guided tour – you’ll wander the city with local guides who can take you to all the best spots in the shortest amount of time. Here’s a few options:

• Antigua City Tour from Guatemala City
• Full Day Tour from Guatemala City to Antigua
• Combo Tour of Two Cities: Antigua and Guatemala City 

While you definitely can’t experience all the things to do in Antigua in just one day, you can stroll the cobblestone streets, take in the colorful surroundings, SEE THE VOLCANOES, and visit local artisan markets. Perfect if all you’ve got time for is a day or a few hours.

But really, I encourage you to spend at least a night or two in the city to fully appreciate its charm. I wish I could have stayed another week – I fell in love with the city, and hard!

How to Get to Antigua from Lake Atitlan

Many visitors also head to Antigua from Lake Atitlan, which is actually what we did! It should take about 2 to 3 hours to get from Lake Atitlan to Antigua, depending on traffic. 

Note that Uber DOES NOT operate in Lake Atitlan (like it does in Antigua and Guatemala City), so don’t rely on that to get to Antigua. 

Option 1: Shuttle from Panajachel, Lake Atitlan

There’s private and public shuttles from Panajachel (the main tourist village in Lake Atitlan), and which you decide to use solely depends on how many people you’re traveling with. Since we were a group of 5, we opted for a private shuttle (since it was actually less expensive than each of us paying for a seat on a public shuttle). 

For reference, we paid about $100USD to get from Pana in Lake Atitlan to our hotel in Antigua, Guatemala. Our hotel in Lake Atitlan was able to set up a private shuttle for us – ask your hotel; they’ve typically got reliable drivers they work with. A great option if you’re splitting the cost with a few friends like I was. Our shuttle only took about 2 hours, which meant we could start checking out all the things to do in Antigua earlier than expected.

You can also pre-book a private minivan from Lake Atitlan to Antigua ahead of time if you’re not comfortable waiting until you arrive in Guatemala like we did. 

Option 2: Public Transport

If you’re on a budget or traveling solo, you can take public transportation from Lake Atitlan to Antigua. 

First, you’ll need to take a boat from your hotel (the main way to get around Lake Atitlan) to Panajachel. 

From there, take a shuttle or a chicken bus to Antigua. The shuttle is a bit more expensive ($20 USD per person) than the chicken bus ($5USD) but it’s more comfortable and way faster (I’d pick the shuttle over chicken bus any day). 

How to Get Around Antigua, Guatemala

Walking: So many of the best things to do in Antigua are within walking distance of each other. Which is why walking is easily the best way to explore this little colonial city! We were able to walk practically everywhere during our 3 days in Antigua, besides a few spots further afield. 

The town is compact and easy to navigate, with most of the major attractions located within walking distance of each other. I loved wandering around town, soaking up the atmosphere of Antigua’s colorful streets and colonial architecture. Bring comfy shoes – we walked a ton!

Tuk-tuks: Tuk-tuks are small, three-wheeled vehicles that are a popular mode of transportation in Antigua. They’re easy to spot, with their bright colors and loud horns, and can be hailed from almost anywhere in town. 

I’ve taken tuk-tuks in other places around the world, including Guatape (Colombia), Sintra (Portugal), and Bangkok (Thailand). Always so much fun zipping around town!

They’re pretty cheap (especially when split between friends), costing about $2 to $4 USD per ride. We also used them a bit in Lake Atitlan! Like always, negotiate the ride with the driver before getting into the tuk-tuk.

Ride Shares and Taxis: I typically recommend using an Uber if at all possible over traditional taxis, since there’s no negotiating price and zero confusion about where you wanna go. 

In town, I’d say definitely call an Uber. If you’re trying to get to Hobbitenango, El Hato Verde, or anywhere else a tad further away, expect to have some difficulty with Ubers or just call a taxi instead.

We unfortunately found some Uber drivers a bit shady, messaging us asking for extra cash or they wouldn’t pick us up. We simply canceled these drivers and attempted to find new ones, however depending on where we were, it was pretty difficult. All that to say, don’t 100% depend on Uber drivers.

When to Visit Antigua (Weather and Crowds)

There’s a reason Antigua is called “The Land of Eternal Spring”! The city is situated at an altitude of 1,500 meters (4,900 feet) above sea level, giving it a pleasant climate throughout most of the year.

There’s honestly really no horrible time to visit, just stay away from the heavy rainy season (June through August) if you want the best weather for all these fun things to do in Antigua. More info below:

High Season: November to March – Dry Season 

High season is crowded for a reason – temps are perfect (between the high 60s and low 80s), and the weather is usually sunny and dry. This is the busiest time of year in Antigua (although it never felt crazy crowded), and there’s definitely higher prices for accommodations and tours (but nothing is crazy expensive in Guatemala so don’t worry).

The town is especially crowded over Christmas and Semana Santa (Easter), so you’ll definitely want to book accommodations and tours in advance. A few friends I met in Flores (another super cute spot in Guatemala) were headed to Antigua during Semana Santa and they had suuuuch a hard time finding rooms at the last minute. Book ahead of time (at least a month or so out) and you should be ok. 

For reference, we visited in mid February, and had almost perfect weather. We were able to see the volcanoes each and every day (they’re sometimes covered by low-hanging clouds/overcast skies), and temps were really comfy (never too hot nor too cold). Jacaranda trees were in full bloom (with those gorgeous purple flowers), and I couldn’t get enough. Absolutely perfect!

Low Season: May to October – Rainy Season

The weather is way more unpredictable during Antigua’s low season, with daily rain showers and occasional thunderstorms. The heaviest rainfall occurs in June, July, and August, so I’d plan to skip these months if you really wanna take advantage of all the fun things to do in Antigua (which you totally should!).

However, temps are still really nice, ranging from 18-25°C (64-77°F). This is a quieter time of year in Antigua, with fewer tourists and lower prices for accommodations and tours.

If you are visiting during the rainy season, I recommend doing your outdoor activities in the morning, as rain showers typically occur in the afternoon or evening. Thankfully it doesn’t usually rain all day, with mornings usually sunny and pleasant!

Shoulder Seasons: April – May & September – November

These are transitional periods between the high and low seasons, and the weather can be a mix of sunny and rainy days. Temperatures can range from 18-26°C (64-79°F). This is a good time to visit if you want to avoid the crowds and still enjoy good weather.

If you don’t mind some potential rain and wanna save some cash, a visit during the shoulder season can be a great idea!

Additional FAQS and Info about Antigua, Guatemala

• Is English spoken?

Yes, English is spoken in Antigua, Guatemala, especially in tourist areas, hotels, restaurants, and shops. Many younger locals in Antigua speak some level of English, and there’s also many English-speaking expats living in the town. 

But don’t expect everyone to speak English, as some taxi/Uber drivers, local residents, and market/street food vendors only spoke Spanish (or Mayan). Even most staff at the bank didn’t speak a word of English.

Spanish is the official language of Guatemala, and I always recommend knowing some basic Spanish phrases when visiting the country. Make an effort; the locals will totally appreciate it! 

A few helpful phrases to start you off:

• Hola = Hello
• Adios = Goodbye
• Buenos dias = Good morning
• Buenas tardes = Good afternoon 
• Buenas noches = Good night
• Cuanto cuesta? = How much does it cost?
• Cómo te llamas? = What is your name?
• Me llamo… = My name is…
• Soy de… = I am from…
• Cerveza = Beer
• Margarita = Margarita
• La cuenta, por favor? = The check, please?
• Muchas gracias = Thank you so much
• Para llevar = take away

Since many indigenous Maya people live in Antigua, you’ll hear some Mayan languages as well (although Spanish is the primary language spoken in town). A few times I attempted to use my Spanish, I later realized the person possibly spoke Mayan, whoops!

• What’s the plumbing and infrastructure like in Antigua?

Guatemala is a third-world country, so expect some differences in terms of infrastructure.

Bathrooms may ask you to dispose of toilet paper in the waste bin next to the toilet. It sure took some getting used to, but it’s common practice over there. This is because the plumbing system isn’t designed to handle paper. The plumbing did seem much better than in Lake Atitlan though (where hardly anything would go down the toilet….).

• Local Currency

Like the rest of Guatemala, the local currency in Antigua is the Guatemalan quetzal (GTQ). I highly advise you to take out some quetzal at an ATM in Antigua once you arrive (as you’ll get the best conversion rate using an ATM and never at a currency exchange kiosk). 

At the time of writing (April 2023), the quetzal is equivalent to 12 cents USD (or 1 USD = ~ 7.7Q). At first I found it kinda difficult to convert, but semi-figured it out within a few days. I thought of prices in 100Q’s and used that as my base, so for example: 

• 50Q ~ $6 USD
• 100Q ~ $12 USD
• 200Q ~ $25 USD

It takes a bit of practice but after a day or two you’ll be able to do the conversion quickly in your head. And if not, there’s always currency conversion apps (no shame).

• How long should I stay in Antigua?

As long as you’ve got! I spent three nights and three full days in Antigua, and felt it was the perfect amount of time. 

However, while I was satisfied with our 3 days in Antigua, I kinda wish we had at least another day or two to check off even more things to do in Antigua. The city is small and compact, so you can see a lot in a short period of time. To really soak in the local atmosphere, I’d say a week will suffice. 

If you want to do some day trips (to say, Tikal or Pacaya Volcano), or attempt to climb the famous Acatenango Volcano hike, I’d plan a few extra days. And if you wanna learn Spanish or do some volunteering, plan to stay for at least a month (my dream!).

• Are there beaches in Antigua? 

Nope, Antigua’s not near any large bodies of water, so there’s no beaches here! Head south to the Pacific and Caribbean coasts and you’ll find quite a few in Monterrico (with a black sand beach), and El Paredon (up-and-coming and quite trendy).

• Elevation of Antigua

Antigua sits at an elevation of approximately 1,500 meters (5,000 feet) above sea level. If you’re not familiar with elevation, this is high, ya’ll! For reference, Denver, known as the Mile High City, sits at 5,280 feet, San Francisco’s at 45 feet, and New York’s basically at sea level. 

If you come from an area near sea level (or close to it), you may experience Altitude Sickness. And yes, it’s a real thing, and affects everyone differently. We didn’t feel the effects (surprisingly, since I got a massive headache in both Mexico City and San Miguel – although a bit higher in elevation), but some do. 

You may feel super thirsty, have a nagging headache, dizziness, shortness of breath, and/or unreasonable fatigue. That, my friends, is altitude sickness. Drink a lot of water (this helps your body adjust to the higher altitude) and don’t plan anything strenuous for the first day.  Avoid alcohol and caffeine (if you can!), as these will dehydrate you and make your symptoms even worse! Allow your body to acclimate to the altitude.

• Do any of the volcanoes near Antigua erupt? 

Yup!!! From Antigua, you can see three volcanoes, but only one is active. 

To the east of Antigua, Guatemala lies the active Volcán de Fuego, which is known for its frequent eruptions. We even watched it spit out fiery lava one night – such a cool experience and one of our favorite things to do in Antigua. 

To the south of the city is the dormant Volcán de Agua, which is the highest volcano in the area at 3,766 meters (12,353 feet) above sea level. To the west of the city is the Acatenango volcano, which is also dormant and is popular among hikers.

Health and Safety in Antigua, Guatemala

• Is Antigua safe for a female solo traveler? I was a bit nervous to travel to Guatemala at first, which is why I went with friends. But after visiting Antigua (and Lake Atitlan), I’d totally go back solo to both. As always, use normal precautions like elsewhere in the world, like being aware of your surroundings, never walking around solo at night, limiting your alcohol, using reliable transportation, and keeping expensive electronics/jewelry at home/out of sight. A few weeks later I even went back to Guatemala solo and explored Flores and Tikal!

• Can you drink the water in Antigua? Nope! The tap water in Antigua is not safe for drinking, so you’ll need to drink bottled or filtered water over there. You shouldn’t have a problem finding safe drinking water since many hotels and restaurants have purified or filtered water, as well as purified ice (always ask if you’re unsure). 

Where to Stay in Antigua

Antigua’s got a wide range of accommodation options, from colonial-style luxury hotels to cute trendy boutiques to inexpensive yet design-forward hostels. If your aim is to check off a bunch of fun things to do in Antigua, stay in the center of town. Thankfully, there’s tons of choices!

We stayed in a private room at Ojala Hostel, which was honestly more like a boutique hotel, and loved our King size bed, steamy showers (with amazing water pressure I might add), and flower-filled gardens. The fact that we could see the fiery lava from volcano eruptions at night from the common space right outside our room made it all that much more special. Ojala also has dorm beds, which is perfect if you’re rocking solo and on a budget.

Other affordable luxury hotels on my list were Good Hotel Antigua, Porta Hotel, El Convento Boutique Hotel, and Hotel Museo Spa Casa Santo Domingo – but we booked too late and those were all already sold out! If you’re coming between February and April, I’d make sure to book a few months in advance. I was honestly really surprised just how fast accommodations sold out.

On a budget? I’d also look at Selina Antigua, Maya Papaya (Ojala’s sister hostel), Casi Casa, and Barbara’s Boutique Hostel. So many amazing options!

Brief History of Antigua, Guatemala

So, the history of Antigua, Guatemala is actually pretty interesting. It just so happened to be the original capital of Guatemala, founded by the Spanish conquistadors in 1543 and named Santiago de los Caballeros.

The city quickly became an important hub for commerce, religion, and culture, attracting wealthy families and powerful leaders. The city’s architecture and gardens were some of the grandest in the region, making it a popular destination for visitors.

However, Antigua has a tumultuous history. It was hit by a series of devastating earthquakes in the 1700s, causing much of the city to crumble. As a result, the capital was moved to present-day Guatemala City in 1776.

Despite the relocation of the capital, Antigua remained an important cultural and religious center. Today, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular destination for tourists who come to explore its colonial architecture, vibrant culture, and lush gardens.

Best Things to do in Antigua, Guatemala

Finally – what you’re probably here for! All my favorite things to do in Antigua, Guatemala, plus a few I wish I had time for! 

Looking for an easy DIY itinerary?! Here’s my recommended 3-day Antigua itinerary based on my personal experiences. I didn’t do the popular Acatenango Hike, so you’ll need to change things around a bit if that’s on your Guatemala bucket list!

• Day 1: Morning at Hobbitenango and/or El Hato Verde, wander around historic Antigua (markets and ruins), sunset at a rooftop terrace
• Day 2: Morning walk to Hill of the Cross, cafe hop and more ruins, Pacaya Volcano sunset hike
• Day 3: Breakfast at Caoba Farms, chocolate making class, more cafes and rooftops, drinks at Ulew

Walk and Photograph the Historic Center/Colonial Streets

One of my fondest memories of Antigua was simply wandering around the old colonial streets, camera in hand. I swear, around every bend there was something to photograph in this charming city.

As I was wandering the cobblestone streets, I felt like I was transported back in time to the colonial era, with beautiful architecture, vibrant colors, and stunning colonial-style buildings around every corner.

Exploring the historic center can be easily done in an afternoon since it’s relatively small. To gain deeper insights into the city’s distinctive history and geography, I suggest signing up for a walking tour on your first day in Antigua.

Many of the buildings date back to the 16th and 17th centuries, and their ornate facades and intricate details are a testament to the city’s rich history and culture. You’ll see everything from brightly colored colonial-style homes and shops to grand churches and public buildings, all with their own unique stories to tell.

A few special spots not to miss:

• Santa Catalina Arch (obviously!)
• Parque Central
• La Merced Church
• The Santa Clara Convent
• San Francisco Church
• Tanque la Union

As you walk, you’ll encounter street vendors selling all kinds of local goodies, from handicrafts to freshly cooked snacks. And you’ll see friendly locals going about their day-to-day lives — it’s like getting a glimpse into the real Antigua, Guatemala.

But let’s not forget about the parks and plazas! These green spaces are a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of the city, and are often surrounded by historic landmarks and buildings. 

So put on comfy walking shoes, grab your camera, and get ready to explore this amazing city on foot! I walked almost 20k steps each and every day I was in Antigua. You can even sign up for a group photo walk if you wanna wander around with a local – they know all the best photo spots and have tips for capturing this stunning city.

Explore the Historic Ruins

Since Antigua is nestled in a valley surrounded by three majestic volcanoes, the area’s super prone to earthquakes. And boy, has it been through a lot over the years. Over time, the city has experienced numerous earthquakes, including a catastrophic one in 1773 that caused extensive damage to many structures in the area. 

While some of the buildings have been rebuilt, others haven’t. Thus, Antigua’s full of historic ruins, and they’re super interesting to check out. You’ll come across plenty during your walks around Antigua. There’s a whole bunch, scattered around the city; here’s the most popular ones:

• Convento Santa Clara: This convent and church, founded in 1699 by nuns from Puebla in Mexico, is known for its amazingly beautiful ornate facade and the amazing courtyard with its fountain in the middle. The gardens are wonderfully kept with beautiful plants and flowers. We had so much fun taking photos here.

• Catedral San Jose: If you make it to one ruin, make it this one. It was completed in the 1680s, and damaged by earthquakes in the 18th and 19th centuries. It’s now a popular tourist attraction known for its towering columns, picturesque giant pillars, intricate stonework, and collapsed ceiling. Note that it’s also called “Antigua Guatemala Cathedral” and “Catedral de Santiago” – this confused me a whole lot! I absolutely loved exploring these ruins and they were one of my favorite things to do in Antigua.

• El Carmen Church: Built in the 17th century and destroyed by earthquakes in the 18th and 19th centuries, this lavish church was once famous for its ornate stonework and majestic columns. While you can’t go inside anymore, there’s a local handicrafts market at the base of the church that’s great for people watching and photography.

• Convento de las Capuchinas: Built in the 18th century and abandoned in the early 19th century. It’s known for its intricate baroque architecture, beautiful courtyards, and well-preserved living quarters, cells, and gardens. Capuchinas was the last convent to be built in the city.

• Casa Santo Domingo Hotel: This hotel is located in a former convent and monastery, which was founded in the 16th century and partially destroyed by earthquakes in the 18th century. Casa Santo Domingo features a museum of colonial-era artifacts, and we loved wandering around the property.  

Spend the Morning at Hobbitenango

Hobbitenango is a really cool and unique attraction located just outside of Antigua, Guatemala! If you’re a fan of J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Hobbit” or “The Lord of the Rings,” you’ll definitely want to add this spot to your 3-day Antigua itinerary.

What is it exactly?! A hobbit-themed eco-park (!!!) that’s nestled in the lush green hills overlooking Antigua. The park features a few hobbit-style houses built into the hillsides that you can explore – we loved going inside; it had such a magical and whimsical atmosphere!

Visitors to Hobbitenango can take a short hike through the park to explore the different hobbit houses and enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. There’s also a number of fun activities to enjoy, including a giant tree swing, archery, and the famous Hobbitenango hand – don’t miss a photo on it!

I loved Hobbitenango so much I wrote an entire post on it – check that out over here (literally everything you need to know about visiting Hobbitenango).

Check out Iglesia de la Merced

There’s tons (and tons) of pretty churches in Antigua, Guatemala, but my #1 is easily Iglesia de la Merced. This church is seriously stunning, with a bright yellow facade that’s totally Instagram-worthy. 

But it’s not just a pretty face – the architects were smart and made sure it could withstand earthquakes with its sturdy wide columns and lower height. This baby has survived not one, but TWO major earthquakes! Talk about resilience, am I right?

If you’re lucky enough to check out the Iglesia de la Merced, make sure you take some time to explore the inside too. The cloister area is seriously beautiful and definitely worth a look. So go ahead, snap a pic outside, but don’t forget to give the interior some love too!

Wander around Parque Central

We ended up in Parque Central (Central Park) more than a few times, on our way to different activities in Antigua! This lush green square has been around since the 16th century, and it’s surrounded with historically significant buildings, yummy restaurants, cute cafes, fun shops, and tons of attractions. I stopped here with the photographer as well, and had so much fun attempting to take (failed) photos with all the pigeons, haha.

You’ll see all kinds of people here, from locals just chilling to tourists soaking up the sights and sounds. There’s plenty of trees and shrubs to keep you cool, and loads of benches where you can people watch to your heart’s content. Oh, and did I mention the super-cute fountain in the center of the park? It’s got mermaids spouting water — what more could you want?!

Take Photos with the Santa Catalina Arch

The Santa Catalina Arch is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city, meaning you can’t miss it on any Antigua itinerary! Just look at those photos – the arch is just gorgeous, and a symbol of the city’s rich history and culture. 

And it’s got an interesting history too – the arch was built in the 17th century, and was originally used by nuns to move between buildings without being seen by the public. In addition, it survived multiple earthquakes and was eventually restored in the 20th century to preserve its beauty and cultural significance.

Nowadays, it’s one of the most popular things to do in Antigua! Walk under the arch, and admire the surrounding mountains and La Merced Church from one end, and the Agua Volcano from the other side. I passed the Santa Catalina Arch numerous times during my 3 days in Antigua, and was wowed by it each and every time. 

Psst – if you wanna get photos with the Santa Catalina Arch, come just after sunrise. It’s the most popular spot in Antigua for photos, so it’ll get busier as the day goes on. Come early and you can have the arch *almost* all to yourself. I joined a photo session with a local photographer in Antigua and we met her under the arch at 7am, and were the only ones taking photos!

Hike Pacaya Volcano and Roast Marshmallows 

One of the most popular day trips from Antigua is to Pacaya Volcano, and lemme tell you, it’s an absolute blast! I did this on my first trip to Antigua, and if I had more time, I would have totally done it again. It’s the perfect way to get out of the city and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Guatemala. 

Plus, how many of your friends can say they’ve been hiking on an active volcano?! Yup, you read that right – you’ll be hiking on an ACTIVE volcano. 

Pacaya Volcano is located about 19 miles (30 km) southwest of Antigua and is one of the most active volcanoes in Central America. Thankfully, the volcano hike isn’t too strenuous, but it can be steep and rocky in some parts, so definitely wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water.

The hike usually takes around 1.5 to 2 hours (with the hardest portion being a 15-20 minute steady incline). You’ll be rewarded with some incredible views of the surrounding landscape. As you get closer to the top, you’ll be able to see steam rising from the volcanic vents, and you might even be able to feel the heat coming from the ground. Whoa! Something you don’t see every day!

And the best part? Roasting marshmallows over the hot volcanic rocks! How cool is that? Trust me; they taste amazing with a smoky flavor from the volcanic heat.

Since you can’t hike Volcano Pacaya independently (you need a certified guide with you at all times, because, ya know, it’s an active volcano and all…), it’s best to book a tour in advance. Here’s a few popular options:

• Pacaya Volcano Trek from Antigua: Your standard, run-of-the-mill Pacaya Volcano hike, with transfers and a guide included. Everything you need for a fun hike up the volcano!

• Pacaya Volcano Tour and Hot Springs with Lunch: Hike up the volcano and then relax in some thermal hot springs afterwards – the perfect way to soothe those aching muscles! One of my favorite things to do in Antigua!

• Small-Group Sunset Pacaya Volcano Tour from Antigua: My friends climbed up the volcano just before sunset – and their photos were absolutely beautiful. Plus, you get to stop for a freshly prepared picnic to enjoy along with views of nearby volcanoes Agua, Fuego, and Acatenango!

Of course, it’s important to be cautious – Pacaya Volcano is an active volcano afterall, and eruptions can occur at any time! But as long as you follow your guide’s instructions and stay within the designated safe areas, you’ll be just fine. Don’t forget to check the weather forecast (it can get quite chilly at the top), and bring appropriate clothing, sunscreen, and lots and lots of water.

Relax at Charming Cafes and Sip Guatemalan Coffee

Before visiting, I had over a dozen cafes and coffee shops in Antigua pinned on my map, and discovered even more by simply wandering around the city. Each one more charming than the last! Choosing which ones to hang out at was super hard! I absolutely loved the cafe culture – one of the most relaxing things to do in Antigua, Guatemala after a day of exploring/hiking.

I loved all the outdoor patios, lush gardens, and stunning views of the city’s colonial architecture. It’s not uncommon to see both locals and tourists spending hours sipping coffee, reading a book, or chatting with friends. 

Guatemala has some of the best coffee in the world – why not try a few cups?! The climate and soil in Antigua are perfectly suited for growing coffee beans. Each cafe has their own special twist on how they brew and serve their coffee, so I highly urge you to visit a few coffee shops to compare!

A few popular spots:

• El Gran Cafe: Super aesthetically pleasing little shop, with baristas who are super passionate about their job. I picked up a bag of beans here!
• 12 Onzas: Another gorgeous spot, and they have a full brunch and lunch menu with super friendly staff. Really beautiful interior with turquoise tiles and a gorgeous back courtyard.
• Artista de Cafe: Great ambiance and great coffee! I unfortunately didn’t make it here, but it’s firmly planted on my list for next time!
• Cafe Cafe Guatemala: A trendy little spot with a full breakfast menu (I loved my rainbow smoothie bowl) and such great coffee drinks.
• Fat Cat Coffee House: One of the most popular coffee shops in all of Antigua, that’s always buzzing with energy. I loved this lively and vibrant space!

→ Read Next: My Favorite Coffee Shops and Cafes in Antigua!

Shop for Traditional Handicrafts

One of my favorite things to do in Antigua, Guatemala was to look around at all the artisan markets and shops – and there’s quite a few! With vendors selling BEAUTIFUL handmade textiles, ceramics, wood carvings, and other artisanal goods, I wanted to buy it all. Too bad my suitcase was already pretty stuffed. Thankfully I had room for a few special things! 

Purchasing from these shops is a great way to support the local artisans, and bring a little piece of Guatemala home with you. The markets showcase the vibrant colors and patterns of Guatemalan culture, and no two items will be exactly the same.

Here were my favorite markets and local shops:

Mercado de Artesanias (Artisan Market): This is a popular market filled with stalls selling a wide variety of products, from textiles to leather goods, and it’s a great spot to bargain with local artisans for the best prices. Don’t miss the beautiful fountain in the middle! 

As soon as we entered we were super overwhelmed, and we honestly didn’t even know where to start – we got lost in the maze of colorful stalls multiple times, whoops! Be prepared for the craziness! 

One exciting find we came across was a second-hand clothing store located in the very, very far back of the market. It was interesting to see that they have these kinds shops just like we do!

Mercado de Artesanias El Carmen (Carmen Market): El Carmen is a lesser-known artisan market in Antigua, but definitely worth checking out. We actually liked this one much better than the Mercado de Artesanias, as it seemed much cleaner and easier to navigate. Plus, it was smaller, although we still kept getting lost, haha. It’s located near the ruins of Iglesia El Carmen, hence the name. 

Once you step inside, you’ll find tons of items on sale, ranging from traditional Guatemalan textiles, pottery, jewelry, and other handcrafted souvenirs. The market is held indoors during the week, but takes place at the actual ruins on the weekends (something we unfortunately missed).

Nim Pot: I quickly browsed Nim Pot after heading to the arch around sunset one night, and loved all the beautiful handwoven scarves and colorful bags. Nim Pot is actually a retail store which specializes in textiles made by indigenous communities from all over Guatemala. 

Just remember, since it’s a store (and not an artisan market), you can’t haggle for a cheaper price. Because of that I don’t recommend buying anything from here.

Ixcaco: Ixcaco is a smaller boutique shop known for their super high-quality (homemade) products. What I love about this shop is that they work directly with the artisans themselves.

I bought a beautiful handmade overnight bag here, and I can tell the craftsmanship is unlike anything I’ve ever purchased before – the quality of the bag is topnotch, the leather is super supple, and the stitchings are perfect and secure. It felt so great supporting a local and my bag is oh so beautiful. 

They’ve got a much larger facility in Lake Atitlan (Casa Flor Ixcaco where you can see a weaving demonstration), but if you don’t have time to visit that location, the Ixcaco shop in Antigua works!

Take a Chocolate Making Class at ChocoMuseo

Guatemala is known for their chocolate, so what better way than to lean into this by making your own chocolate IN Guatemala itself?! 

The chocolate making class at ChocoMuseo is an incredible experience, and was one of my favorite things to do in Antigua! We learned all about the history of chocolate and how it’s made, from the cacao tree to the final product. Our class was led by an expert chocolatier who guided us through the process step-by-step.

During the class, we got to taste different varieties of chocolate and learn about the different flavors and textures. Then we made our own chocolate from scratch (!!!) using traditional Mayan techniques. We roasted the cacao beans, then ground and tempered them, then finally added the toppings of our choice! Trust me, it’s way harder than it looks – I had a hard time grinding the beans into paste!

The class took about two hours, and at the end, we got to take home our own handmade chocolate. Book a class in advance as they do in fact sell out – they’re popular for a reason. I took home the most delicious bag of chocolates, plus some cacao tea (which I now drink on the regular). Reason enough to visit Antigua in my opinion!

Admire the Views at El Hato Verde

Up for a unique experience right outside of Antigua? Head on over to El Hato Verde – you get to hang out and relax in cool nets and tree houses overlooking the volcanoes! And it was super spectacular to say the least – I’ve never done anything like it in my life. 

We had a perfect view of the lush, green countryside and it felt absolutely wild sitting/relaxing on the nets staring at the volcanoes in the distance. Wow! What an incredible view and place they have created. Such a special memory. 

I heard you technically only get 15 minutes at the mirador, but we had it all to ourselves for what felt like a much longer time, haha. I think we were the only ones on the entire property so far that day. The perks of going first thing in the morning.

Getting to El Hato Verde is a tad confusing. You first need to call an Uber or taxi which will take you up the mountain to their parking area (or drive yourself), and then you’ll be greeted by El Hato Verde staff who take you up in golf carts to the viewpoints and restaurant. We didn’t know this at first so we were kinda confused!

El Hato Verde gets super mixed reviews as it’s kinda pricey. You need to pay Q115 per person just for admission, and then you’re required to spend a minimum of Q150 on top of that at the restaurant. Pretty expensive in my opinion, especially for Guatemala.

My friends and I had a mixed experience – while we LOVED the views at the mirador, relaxing on the nets, and sipping our coffees in the real-life tree house, the menu had absolutely no options for plant-based eaters. And they were out of the one thing I actually wanted to order, haha. 

They thankfully waived our Q150 food fees once they realized they couldn’t accommodate us. At least they let us go without putting up a fight.

Try Antigua’s Foodie Scene

I was so surprised with just how much fantastic food we were able to find in Antigua. The city really is a food lover’s paradise, with a huge variety of dining options, from street food vendors to high-end restaurants, offering traditional and contemporary dishes. 

This city has got it all – from mouth-watering traditional Guatemalan dishes to scrumptious international cuisine. Whether you’re in the mood for pepian (a hearty stew made with chicken or beef, vegetables, and a variety of spices), chiles rellenos (stuffed peppers usually filled with meat, cheese, and vegetables), or some cheesy pizza after a wild night out, Antigua’s got your back. 

• Once Once: This completely vegan restaurant totally changed my perspective on plant-based food – everything was absolutely delicious and we wanted more of everything, haha. Such a cute space as well.

• Por Que No Cafe: Some of the best (and well-priced) steaks in Antigua; make sure to reserve a table in advance or you’ll be waiting all night (the place is tiny!). Great vibes – kinda resembles a southern speakeasy!

• Frida’s: This colorful and vibrant Mexican restaurant (themed after Frida Khalo!) has a range of delicious dishes, from classic tacos and guacamole to more unique options such as cactus salad and hibiscus enchiladas. We thrived on the lively atmosphere and colorful decor, and loved the downstairs bar.

• Los Tres Tiempos: I popped in here one evening to check out the colorful interior and upstairs terrace, and all the food looked SO GOOD. I’m so bummed I didn’t make it here for food myself – next time! The Pepian (kinda like the national dish of Guatemala) is super popular here.

Learn Spanish

Antigua, Guatemala is a popular destination for travelers who want to learn Spanish. The city is known for its Spanish language schools, which offer a range of courses and programs for students of all levels.

One of the benefits of learning Spanish in Antigua is the immersive environment. Since Spanish is the primary language spoken in the city, students have plenty of opportunities to practice their skills outside of the classroom.

Most language schools in Antigua offer a variety of course options, including intensive programs, group classes, and one-on-one instruction. Students can choose the program that best fits their needs and goals, whether that’s to improve their conversational skills, prepare for a Spanish-language exam, or simply gain a deeper understanding of the language and culture.

I’m dreaming about taking a Spanish-immersion class in Antigua one day – just need to find the time!

Hike to Hill Of The Cross (Cerro de la Cruz)

Looking for some of the best panoramic views in all of Antigua? Head on over to Cerro de la Cruz (also known as Hill of the Cross in English). From up here, you get a stunning panoramic view of Antigua, the surrounding mountains and volcanoes, and even the Antigua Guatemala Cathedral. There’s also several vendors selling snacks and souvenirs, plus a small chapel where you can light candles and offer prayers.

The trailhead is located just a few blocks from the main park in Antigua, and you can either walk or take a taxi to reach the start of the trail. To reach the top of the hill, you’ll need to walk up a semi-steep trail (only ½ mile out-and-back), taking about 20-30 minutes roundtrip. Don’t worry – there’s plenty of lookout points along the way if you get tired! 

They’ve recently renovated and refurbished the entire viewpoint, making it much easier to access and way safer. Don’t miss the large white cross at the top of the hill, which serves as a popular photo spot and a symbol of the city’s religious heritage.

It’s especially popular at sunset when the sky is illuminated with hues of orange and pink, but any time of day is beautiful! I recommend hiking either early in the morning or late in the afternoon so you can avoid the heat of the day. Regardless, it’s best to go on a clear day so you can see both Agua and Fuego Volcanoes. Make sure to bring plenty of water and sunscreen!

Enjoy a Farm to Table Lunch at Caoba Farms

If you’re a foodie like me, you’ve got to get yourself over to Caoba Farms. This special spot is a sustainable organic farm known for its delicious farm-to-table dining and DIY farm tour. We came here for breakfast one morning and absolutely LOVED our visit – our dishes used the freshest ingredients and the beautiful surroundings of the farm just made our visit even more exceptional!