Top 5 Reasons to Backpack Guatemala

 

Gorgeous Guatemala! Full of beautiful scenery and culture! Take a crazy chicken bus around the country or laze about in the breathtaking natural wonder of Semuc Champey. Itā€™s all here in our top 5 reasons to backpack Guatemala!

 


top 5 reasons to backpack guatemala

 

Crazy Chicken Buses

No trip to Guatemala would be complete without a terrifying ride on one of Guatemalaā€™s infamous chicken buses. Decked out in crazy custom paint jobs; fitted with blaring/crackling speakers; an assortment of Ben 10, Spiderman and bible quote stickers; packed to the raftersā€¦ and then a loco bus driver overtaking traffic around blind corners on a cliff side road. Despite their hazards theyā€™re incredibly cheap and offer an authentic way to see Guatemala.

 

Cheap Spanish Schools

If you want to learn Spanish then Guatemala is the place to go. There are hundreds of options to choose from, whether youā€™re just starting out orĀ si pueda hablar espaƱol perfectamente!Ā Learn Spanish in the hustle and bustle of city life in Xela (Quetzaltenango) or Antigua, or settle for a quiet lakeside spot at Lago de Atitlan or Flores. Not only is Guatemala famous for its abundance of Spanish schools, but theyā€™re also amongst some of the cheapest in all ofĀ Latin America.Ā Vamos!



top 5 reasons to backpack guatemala


Breathtaking Scenery

We fell in love with the lush rolling green hills and towering volcanoes of Guatemala. Everything is just so green! Of all the countrysides we visited, Guatemala stands out to us as purely amazing. If you find a minute to relax on the chicken buses, open your eyes look out the window to see what we mean.

 

Ā top 5 reasons to backpack guatemala

 

Historical Mayan Culture

Everywhere you go in Guatemala you witness a country that is proud to hold onto its Mayan heritage. From the colorful attire of old folk and young, to the variety of different Mayan languages that change as you travel through the regions (all 21 of them). Although enduring a terrible series of events during the civil war, the local population are doing everything they can to make sure this once powerful empire doesnā€™t become another lost page within the history books.

 

Ā top 5 reasons to backpack guatemala

 

The Amazing Semuc Champey

Hands down one of our favorite adventures along the journey. Apart from being extremely beautiful, itā€™s just a magical place to visit. It might get its fair share of tourism, but it doesnā€™t matter. Stunning limestone pools with refreshing turquoise water for swimming, exploring dark caves by candlelight and scenic hikes through the valley. Our tip, forget paying for a tour, theyā€™ll rush you too much. Give yourself two days to do it properly and really soak in the atmosphere.

 

Ā top 5 reasons to backpack guatemala

 

Been to Guatemala? What else can you add to the list?

 

top 5 reasons to backpack guatemala
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24 thoughts on “Top 5 Reasons to Backpack Guatemala”

  1. Some great reasons there! But I’d also add Tikal and the Rio Dulce to the list. Guatemala was our first ever big backpacking trip so will always be our first love, pretty scary at times with dodgy chicken buses and indecent proposals, but the scenery and the people are out of this world. Would love to go back now I’m more ‘seasoned’ to see what I make of it all. Great post!

    Reply
    • Yep, Guatemala will always have a special place in my heart as well as it was one of the first countries I backpacked solo in. Pretty incredible place. Going back with Jules and more experience was awesome. Still such a special country!

      Reply
  2. So many fantastic reasons to visit! I would love to attend Spanish school there, see the beautiful scenery, those pools(!) and Mayan culture!!! I’ve been to Belize but not yet Guatemala and would love to go.

    Reply
  3. Guatemala looks amazing. I lived in Panama when I was a girl, my father was stationed there while in the Army. I loved it and miss that part of the world.

    Reply
  4. I really like your reasons! I feel like low budget backpacking is often the best idea to go. already because it forces your to travel slow and meet locals. Great Pictures!

    Reply
  5. I would definitely add Tikal to this list. Tikal was simply astonishing and one of the best ruins we have seen so far.

    Reply

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