9 Reasons Why You Should Visit Guatemala in 2023

Guatemala is quickly emerging as one of the most popular travel destinations for 2023 – and it’s no secret why. This enchanting country is known as ‘el país de la eterna primavera’ (the land of eternal spring), and its comfortable temperate climate makes it the perfect country to visit year-round. 

Guatemala is a stunning Central American country that boasts a rich culture, budget-friendly activities, and an abundance of natural wonders to explore. So without further ado, here are nine reasons why Guatemala should be at the top of your travel bucket list for 2023.

Lake Atitlan | Photo by Carlos Morillo

1. A Vacation to Guatemala is Affordable

If you’re searching for a unique budget-friendly vacation spot – Guatemala should be at the top of your list! The exchange rate typically sits between 7.5 – 7.8 quetzals to 1 US dollar, getting you plenty of bang for your buck. While it may not be as cheap as some Southeast Asian countries, Guatemala is incredibly affordable, and travelers can easily splash out without breaking the bank.

Typical prices you can expect while backpacking this beautiful country are as follows:

• Shared Dorm in a Hostel: $10 – $14 per night (Q100 – Q150)
• Private Room in a Hostel: Typically starting at $45 per night (Q350)
• Meals: $3 to $10 (Q20 – Q75) on average (a rough standard for regular restaurants)
• Drinks: Beers & mixers generally start from $2 – $2.50 (Q15 – Q20)
• Transport: Costs range based on the destination, but travelers can expect roughly $16.50 (Q130) for shared shuttles between Antigua and Lake Atitlan

2. Guatemala is a Great Spot to Learn Spanish

Fun fact: Guatemala is one of the cheapest places in the world to learn Spanish! With countless Spanish schools and immersive homestays across the country, you can choose the perfect backdrop for your language learning endeavors. 

Popular destinations for Spanish courses include:

• Antigua: This small colonial city is buzzing with excitement! Spend your mornings brushing up on your Spanish grammar, and then take the afternoons to explore the countless restaurants, coffee shops, live music venues, and more in this highly walkable cultural hub. Bonus: Antigua’s central location makes it easy to visit the beach, Guatemala City, or Lake Atitlan for a quick weekend trip.

• Lake Atitlan: There’s nothing quite as surreal as learning a new language while overlooking the majestic Lake Atitlan and its many volcanoes. Expand your Spanish vocabulary and then experience the lake’s magic by adventuring out on a paddle board, going cliff jumping, visiting nature reserves, hiking, or tanning and having some drinks with your new travel friends.

• Xela (Quetzaltenango): If you’re wanting to fully immerse yourself in the Spanish language and Guatemalan culture – then Xela is the perfect spot for you. Known as one of the best places in the country for homestays, language learners can spend their time between the school and their host family’s home as well as explore the streets and history of this fascinating colonial city.

Costs for Spanish lessons generally range from $60 a week for 2 hours a day of small group classes to $120 a week for private lessons – making it an affordable way to learn the language while exploring the city or town you’re staying in.

3. You Can Experience Countless Natural Wonders in Guatemala

Aside from just marveling at the majestic landscape with a cerveza in hand (although this is our favorite way to take in the views) – travelers can also get up close to the natural beauty of Guatemala.

Some of the best ways to experience the stunning outdoors in Guatemala include:

• Kayaking through mangrove forests in the Pacific coastal town of El Paredón.
• Soaking up the sun & hunting for waterfalls near Livingston on the Atlantic coast.
• Stand-up paddleboarding at sunrise on the incredible Lake Atitlan.
• Exploring jaw-dropping rivers, waterfalls, and rock pools in Semuc Champey.
• Floating in the natural volcanic hot springs, Fuentes Georginas, near Xela.

These examples only scratch the surface of the undeniable beauty Guatemala has to offer. Whether you’re hunting for activities or just want to find a good spot to enjoy the landscape, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

4. Guatemala is Home to a Thriving Backpacker Scene

The combination of beauty, adventure, rich culture, and affordability ticks all the boxes for a thriving backpacker scene. Every city and town on the backpacker trail is home to countless hostels, with travelers congregating from all over the world. 

Searching for the perfect place to fit your travel vibe? Our top hostel picks include:

Private Glamp at Free Cerveza Hostel | Photo by The Lesbian Passport

5. Thrill-Seekers Will Have a Blast in Guatemala

Searching for some outdoor activities to get the blood pumping? Well, you’re in luck because Guatemala is a thrill-seeker’s paradise. 

Here are some of our favorite activities for you traveling daredevils:

• Paragliding over Lake Atitlan: Enjoy a birds-eye view of one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. Aguilas en Vuelo Pana offers incredible tandem flights starting at around $90 for a 15-25 minute paragliding session.
  
• Hiking Acatenango: This epic volcano trek is considered one of the best hikes in Central America. Wicho and Charlies offer tours starting from $97, including guides, entrance fees, meals, gear, and cabins – so you can less time worrying about logistics and more time marveling at the volcanic eruptions.
• San Marcos Cliff Jump: Calling all adrenaline junkies! Head to the Cerro Tzankujil Nature Reserve in San Marcos to jump off an 8m cliff into Lake Atitlan. Entrance fees are about Q20 ($2.50 USD), and you can spend the afternoon cliff jumping, swimming, and basking in the sun.
• El Paredón Surfing: Ready to take on those powerful Pacific waves? Head down to El Paredón and book a surf lesson starting from Q170 ($22 USD), or even just rent a board with the team at Mellow Surf Hostel.
• ATV Tour on Lake Atitlan: We highly recommend exploring Lake Atitlan off the beaten path – better yet, on an ATV. Simoon offers exhilarating ATV tours through a few less-traveled towns, throwing in some epic photo ops and cultural stops along the way.
  

6. Enjoy Mouthwatering Guatemalan Cuisine

Attention food lovers: Guatemala is calling your name! The vibrant and flavorful dishes you can find here are a delicious reflection of Maya cuisine combined with centuries of Spanish influence.

Whether you’re searching for a restaurant in a tourist town or exploring the many food carts, here are our top picks for some tasty Guatemalan cooking:

• Desayuno Tipico: Start your day with a traditional Guatemalan breakfast. This dish typically includes two eggs with chirmol (a tomato-based salsa), black beans, fried plantains and is accompanied by fresh corn tortillas.

• Pepian or Jocon: Guatemala is known for its take on hearty, soul-warming stews. If you love rich, nutty, deep flavors, then ask for Pepian – alternatively, if you prefer tangy, herbal flavors, then Jocon is the choice for you.

• Kak’ik: This traditional Mayan soup is packed full of flavors, featuring turkey and an array of vegetables soaked in a delicious, spicy broth. This delectable dish has been around for centuries and is a country-wide favorite.

• Garnachas: Venture out to the food carts in the evening, and if you’re lucky, you’ll find this tasty snack featuring crispy fried tortillas topped with marinated meat, cabbage, tomatoes, salsa, and queso fresco. Eat 1 or 10 – we won’t judge.

• Shucos: If you’re feeling adventurous, why not try the infamous Guatemalan hotdog: The Shuco. Choose between a variety of meats like salami, carne asada, chorizo, and longaniza, and top it with cabbage, sauces, and chimichurri for a messy and unforgettable street food experience.
  

7. Guatemala Has a Fascinating Culture

The root of Guatemala’s incredible culture stems from its rich Mayan heritage coupled with its Spanish colonial history. Although most of the population comprises Maya descendants, there is a wide range of diversity throughout the country. Depending on what area you’re visiting – you’ll find different clothing designs, customs, food, and even languages (there are at least 21 indigenous languages within Guatemala!)

If you want to explore and learn a little more about the history and culture of Guatemala – these three places are our top picks to pay a visit to:

• Tikal
  Pay a visit to one of the most important ancient cities of the Mayan civilization, Tikal. These breathtaking ruins are made up of stunning palaces and intricate temples that are thousands of years old. Spend a day exploring this fascinating UNESCO world heritage site, and don’t forget to keep an eye out for the local jungle residents – Howler Monkeys and Tarantulas.

• Chichicastenango
  Affectionally referred to as ‘Chichi,’ this is one of the largest outdoor markets in the world for handcrafted goods. Explore the countless stalls and admire the vibrant colors while you shop for textiles, artwork, and unique jade jewelry crafted primarily by Ki’che’ artisans.

• Lake Atitlan
  For those wanting to learn more about the cultural diversity of Guatemala – Lake Atitlan is a great starting point. Many travelers aren’t aware that all you have to do is jump on a boat to another town to hear a different language being spoken, find new textile designs, or to try new foods. If you look closely, you’ll even see different birds and flowers incorporated into the clothing designs depending on which town you’re in.

Kayaking on Lake Atitlan | Photo by Luz Díaz

8. You Can Find Cheap Flights Between Guatemala and the USA

Whether you’re a lifelong globe trotter or just want to get away for a long weekend – flights to Guatemala from the USA are relatively low cost all year round. 

Depending on the time of year, you can even find round-trip flights as cheap as:

• $138 – from Houston, Texas
• $141 – from Miami, Florida
• $261 – from L.A., California

With Guatemala’s close proximity to the US, you can almost always find direct flights from New York, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Orlando, Houston, Dallas, Atlanta, Washington D.C., and even Chicago (for select months out of the year).

We highly recommend checking out Google Flights to source the best deals or using an app like Hopper to find flash sales and awesome discounts for those last-minute adventures.

9. There’s Something for Everyone in Guatemala

One of the best things about visiting Guatemala is that there’s a little something for everyone! Adventurous backpackers, digital nomads, or luxury travelers will all find places that offer comfortable accommodations, fun activities, and delicious food that align with your budget and the experience you want to have.

So take this article as your sign to take the plunge and book your trip to paradise today. We promise you’ll have the experience of a lifetime.

Are you looking for a fun, social experience on Lake Atitlan?

Then, visit us at Free Cerveza Hostel – otherwise known as Summer Camp for Adults. We offer a range of unique glamping accommodations, have an in-house bar & restaurant, run daily activities, and are nestled right on the lakefront overlooking 3 incredible volcanoes.

Want to learn more and book your stay? Just explore the pages below.