My first international solo trip to Guatemala was one of the most eye opening and profound experiences I’ve had. Backpacking through this beautiful country, surrounded by the rich culture, history, and natural beauty, gave me stories I’ll treasure forever. Something in my heart told me to take this trip, and now I understand why. From wandering the colorful streets of Antigua to standing in awe of an active volcano to kayaking on Lake Atitlán, each moment felt equally magical and important. This trip wasn’t just about seeing a new place, but rather proving something to myself, seeing the world unravel in a way I never expected, and embracing the freedom that comes with traveling alone. These are my memories from this point in time 🙂

Exploring Antigua

I landed at La Aurora Airport in Guatemala City around 7 in the morning, which gave me plenty of time to explore Antigua. It used to be Guatemala’s capital before earthquakes forced the transition, but it still feels like the heart of the country. With cobblestone streets, colorful architecture, and volcanoes towering in the distance, it didn’t take long for me to fall in love with this place. You can see Volcán Fuego and Pacaya from almost anywhere in town, and the city is overflowing with cute coffee shops, lively markets, and historic sites. If you’re up for an adventure, there are Coffee ATV tours, chocolate making experiences, and even nature spots inspired by The Hobbit!

HostelWorld is a fantastic app for backpackers to connect, and I ended up meeting one of the girls I had chatted with beforehand to explore the city together. Emily and I spent the morning checking out some of Antigua’s main sights, wandering through ancient ruins, and hopping between coffee shops. Solo travel always opens the door to meeting people I probably wouldn’t have crossed paths with otherwise. I love the connections I get to make and the things I learn from other like-minded travelers from around the world.

Santa Catalina Arch

The first thing that probably comes to mind when picturing Antigua is the Santa Catalina Arch. Uneven cobblestone streets beneath your feet, the vibrant yellow arch standing tall against a backdrop of volcanoes, and the hum of life all around instantly left me speechless. It’s the heart of Antigua’s charm and I couldn’t believe I was standing somewhere I’ve only seen in photographs.

Back in the late 1600s, nuns of the Santa Catalina convent were faced with a tricky dilemma. Their growing order expanded into a new building across the street, but from living in seclusion, stepping outside wasn’t an option. A hidden passageway disguised as an arch was the chosen solution, allowing the nuns to move between buildings without ever being seen.

Centuries later, the passage is no longer in use, but the arch has now taken on a new life. Currently it stands as one of Antigua’s most “instagram-able” spots, a symbol of the city’s unique history. Sitting on the northern edge of town, it’s more than an iconic landmark. The arch is invites travelers to step into Antigua’s timeless beauty! I couldn’t believe I was staring in a place I’d only seen in pictures, taking it all in.

Good Eats Around Antigua

Brunch in Antigua was everything I wanted it to be. I started my mornings at Union Cafe and El Viejo Cafe. Union Cafe was tucked into a wall near my hostel and like a little hidden oasis, surrounded by vibrant furnishes and modern neon decor. El Viejo Cafe had a different feel. It was warm and rustic, with an outdoor garden. Most places to eat that were “indoors” were actually centered by an outdoor patio area, even the Subway!

Union café’s menu contains fresh and healthy eats, which was exactly what I needed in the Guatemalan heat. I ordered a fruit bowl and a mango passionfruit smoothie, and both were insanely refreshing. Every bite of fruit was perfectly ripe, and the smoothie was perfectly tangy and ice-cold. I could have easily gone back every day just for that.

I had their pancake and fruit platter at El Viejo Cafe, and it was the perfect fuel for the Acatenango hike later that day. The pancakes were soft and warm, and the fruit a refreshing combo to get me energized for the trek.

I ate at El Veijo with one of the guys I met at the airport while waiting for my shuttle. We ended up chatting about the trip and playing cards while sipping on tasty coffee. It was a relaxed, easy morning that set the tone for the rest of the day. I couldn’t have asked for a better start, especially with a good meal and some new company before heading out on the Acatenango hike.

When I wasn’t at a café, I was purchased fruit from street vendors. One of my favorites was mango covered in a mix of spices. It was sweet, tangy, and had just the right amount of kick. I also visited the famous Starbucks in Antigua, it’s massive and was gorgeous. (The chocolate cake might have been the best I’ve ever had, lol)

Antigua Bar Crawl

My first night in Antigua, I decided to join the Antigua Bar Crawl, it turned out to be one of the best decisions I made during my trip. The night was an absolute blast. I met so many amazing people from all over the world, sharing laughs, playing drinking games (one of which was Stack Cup?), and dancing like nobody was watching. For $20, it was all you could drink for the first two hours. They also have t-shirts for purchase! The Bar Crawl was ran by twenty-something volunteers who brought immense amount of energy and knew how to bring people together. One of which was from central PA, and greeted me by pouring liquor into my mouth while walking in. It was one of those nights where you can feel the energy of youth and adventure, celebrating life and the discomforts of uncertainty.

The crawl took us to some awesome spots, starting with La Sala nightclub, where the music was pumping and the vibe was electric. Afterward, we headed to Tropicana’s rooftop bar for a stunning view of the city and some drinks to keep the fun going. Later on, we made our way to Hugo’s, where the night stretched on, and the conversations flowed easily. I ended up getting glass stuck in my foot at La Sala and having to waddle to the shuttle bus. Good times.

But one of the most memorable moments of the night happened at Tropicana’s rooftop bar and crawled on top of the overlook with a solo traveler from New York, asking if I could join him in his nicotine engagement. “Of course!” he said. We sat there, overlooking the skyline, both of us hitting our vapes and taking it all in. He was so easy to talk to, and I felt heard in that moment. We both understood that certain yearning to explore the world, even if it meant doing it solo. There was something comforting in knowing even in a city far from home, I wasn’t alone in my love for adventure. We were both on our own journeys and for some reason, all of us were brought together to share that moment.

That night was a reminder of how travel connects people, and how sometimes, even when you’re far from home, you can find a piece of yourself in conversations with strangers. It was abundant in pure joy and one of the best nights of my life.

Hiking Acatenango

A woman in my Solo Women Travelers Facebook group told me, “If you’re going to do one thing in Guatemala, do the Acatenango hike.” The Acatenango hike is a 2 day overnight trek that overlooks Volcán de Fuego and Pacaya, two of the largest + most active volcanoes in Central America. I took a shuttle to the entrance with a lovely couple and their daughter who was about my age; I enjoyed our conversations; hearing her stories of living in Japan and traveling the world. I told her I was staying in hostels, and followed by sharing the story of how her son got a shark tattoo on his armpit while staying in one once.

I chose to do the hike with Extreme Life Tours and couldn’t have been happier with my experience. The regular hike is about $80 USD, but you truly cannot put a price on this one. They made sure we had everything we needed from jackets, hiking poles, and fuel. I was an idiot and didn’t notice they had hiking poles to take. Doing the hike without those tools made it even more brutal, but it’s doable. Once I arrived to base camp I sat on a tree stump with some solo travelers from Holland and Spain, exchanging stories and learning key phrases in each others languages. The sunset was absolutely gorgeous and we even saw Fuego smoking a bit, which looked like pink smoke from the sun’s reflection.

The hike to base camp usually takes about five hours. There, you’ll have dinner with your group, sharing stories and waiting in hopes of seeing Fuego erupt. Watching the eruption, with its fiery glow lighting up the night sky, would’ve been the cherry on top of an already incredible experience.

Unfortunately, we didn’t see Fuego erupt (it usually erupts every fifteen minutes, but for some reason when I visited, she was a little sleepy). Still, it didn’t take away from the hike. The challenge of the trek, the company of fellow travelers, and the profoundness of the volcanic landscape made the trek 100% worth it. The Acatenango hike isn’t exclusively rooted in the purpose of reaching the summit and pushing your physical / mental limits. It’s the journey, the camaraderie, and the awe of being surrounded by nature’s power.

Extreme Life handed out hot chocolate, coffee, and pizzas for dinner. There is something so primitive about sitting in a circle in nature with hot beverages. Like it’s what humans were made to do instead of working 9 to 5 jobs and stressing about paying monthly bills. It was a special moment, and as the sky darkened into a molten fuchsia color, thousands of tiny stars emerged above. I had never seen so many and I was left speechless, besides my teeth chattering from the cold. Even though Guatemala is warm (about 70-75 degrees when I was there), it is FREEZING up in the mountains! I brought rechargeable hand warmers with me from Amazon which made sleeping a bit easier.

Base Camp

I shared my cabin with a group of friendly guys from Florida! (The tour group assigned us together) I thought to myself, “Thank God I’m single because how the hell would I explain this” LOL; all joking aside, they were cordial and did everything they could to make me comfortable. We were packed like sardines in our camping huts and sleeping bags. All a part of the experience. They were entertaining company on the hike and made me crack up every ten seconds. We shared stories of living in Florida, as that was a common denominator between us. One of the guys also had asthma, hence why we needed more breaks than most people. “It ain’t easy being wheezy,” I stated halfway through with a breathless laugh.

If you want to do the optional sunrise hike to Acatenango’s summit, you are woken up at 4am by the Extreme Life team to begin the journey. I’m not going to lie, this was the most difficult and strenuous thing I have ever done. That being said, it was also the best thing I’ve done in my life. If people thought the hike to base camp was bad, they were in for a rude awakening for the summit. I’ve never summitted on a hike before. I really wanted to check this off the list. Not even ten minutes in, without poles and a headlight, I thought to myself “Man, I’m not going to be able to do this.” It’s incredibly steep for a little over two hours and is all uphill. There is practically no traction, as the ground is made of mostly volcanic ash. It’s seemingly endless. I’d look high above and see the trail of headlamps leading to the top and think, “Okay, we’re almost there.”

You’d reach that point, and the same cycle would repeat. 13,000 feet up in the air, the altitude doesn’t make this any easier. I brought altitude sickness pills with me and I believe they helped significantly. If you’re able to get a prescription, I would recommend to have them just in case. They’re affordable enough to keep handy! I had a little bit of a headache, but it was nothing serious. One of the girls in my group did get sick on the way up. She still stuck it out and made it to the top!

The last hour of the hike was brutal, you were entirely climbing up uneven rock. The views of the sky were stunning, however, and I told myself, “This is what I came here to do, I’m going to finish it.” Having the group of guys in our group and a supportive guide was immensely helpful and we purported encouragement for getting to the summit for sunrise. It made the process seem less daunting:)

After the final hour of climbing rocks uphill, we finally reached the summit of Mount Acatenango. The sunrise that greeted us was nothing short of magical. Shades of pink, orange, and gold painting the vast sky as the world below slowly stirred as we ascended over floating clouds. Standing there, looking out at Volcán de Fuego, I realized how far I had come, physically and emotionally. I wasn’t expecting to get emotional, but I did once I finally reached the top. I couldn’t believe the beauty I was seeing in front of me; I felt immensely grateful I was able to do this.

I went from being a shy and scared little girl who hid from the world to being a solo traveler, able to blend into any situation or group of people. I thought about the 5 year old version of me who used to stare outside her childhood bathroom window and look at the moon, imagining who I’d be when I was older and who we’d become. The teenage version of myself who thought we’d never find happiness and life wasn’t worth living. That little girl and resentful teenager inside of me would giggle in delight seeing what we’ve accomplished and that we no longer let fear control us; we became exactly who I dreamed of being one day. The climb had felt endless at times, each step more grueling than the last, but in that moment, all of it was worth it.

My “mind over matter” thought process was tested here, but I never doubted my ability to do hard things. Growth! There were moments during the hike where the weight of each step felt like too much. But standing at the top, I felt a sense of accomplishment that went beyond reaching the summit. What made it even more special was the group around me. We all came from different parts of the world, I heard people speaking countless different languages. Yet, in that moment, we shared a collective achievement that didn’t need to be discerned by words to be understood.

The descent was quicker, but still challenging. The loose ash beneath our feet made every step feel unstable, and I had to dig my feet deep into the ground to stay balanced. Some of us actually slid down the ash for certain parts. Every step was a reminder of how much I had accomplished, and how capable I am of handling whatever comes my way.

Lake Atitlan

I spent a day in San Pedro to get a taste of Lake Atitlan, and it was everything I hoped for and more. Tropicana Hostel offers shuttles to different towns around the lake for just $20 USD, which made it super easy to explore. Lake Atitlan is often called one of the most beautiful lakes in the world, and after seeing it, I totally get why. It sits in a volcanic crater, surrounded by three massive volcanoes: San Pedro, Atitlan, and Toliman.

The towns around the lake each have their own vibe, influenced by Mayan culture, which has been around for centuries and is still very much alive. San Pedro was more of the party town. San Marcos takes a more relaxed approach and has many types of yoga classes, retreats, and meditation sessions. I really wish I had more time at the lake, but I’d rather have a small taste than none at all.

I stayed at Mr. Mullet’s Hostel, the perfect home base for my adventure, as it is a party hostel and known for housing backpackers. On Thursday’s they have a famous boat party on the lake, too! In the morning after working remotely for a half day, I grabbed a kayak and hit the water. The lake is about 12 kilometers wide, and its deep blue waters are surrounded by lush green hills. It felt like paddling through a postcard. I read online kayaking in the morning was better than the afternoon because the water became more choppy as the day progressed. As I made my way across the lake, I couldn’t help but be in awe of the volcanoes looming over everything. They’ve been there for thousands of years, observing humans from all over the world and from all different decades come to appreciate their beauty.

San Pedro is home to the Tz’utujil Mayan people, and travelers can observe the rich culture everywhere. You’ll see the women wearing traditional Mayan clothing, ex. woven blouses and skirts, which is a beautiful reminder of the strong cultural identity that’s still present. The mix of Mayan and Spanish influences is visible from the way people greet each other to the vibrant markets and local food.

Kayaking on Lake Atitlan, I was completely at peace. The stillness of the turquoise water, the volcanoes in the distance, and the gentle rhythm of my paddles were exactly what I needed. I saw a beautiful monarch butterfly pass by me in the center of the lake. I thanked God for allowing to see such a beautiful place and let the water careen me. Lake Atitlan has a deep sense of culture, history, and beauty that invites you to slow down. I tried some of the popular fruit drinks, bought my usual magnet, and purchased a scarf from the textile market.

Hostels

Tropicana – Antigua. Guatemala

For just $10 a night, Tropicana Hostel became my cozy home in Antigua. Hostel life has a way of bringing people together no matter what. One morning, I crawled between two strangers’ beds to reach the only mirror, trying to put on mascara in the dark. I ended up chatting with a solo traveler from Denmark about all her adventures, and suddenly, it was like a sleepover with a new friend.

Tropicana was the best bang for my buck. The staff was more than helpful and provided a safe haven for backpackers. The rooms were clean, and unlike most hostels, the beds have curtains, giving a bit of privacy without taking away from the social atmosphere. The hostel had everything I needed: a pool, a rooftop bar serving burgers and sandwiches, and a lush garden with hammocks.

The free morning coffee was a nice touch, perfect for slow starts before heading out to explore. They also make travel easy by offering affordable shuttles to Lake Atitlán, El Paredón, Tikal, and Semuc Champey, so getting around Guatemala is hassle-free. If you’re planning to hike Acatenango, their in-house tour agency is a huge convenience, handling all the details so you don’t have to.

I felt safe the entire time during my stay here and in Antigua. Beds are stacked in trios, and there were about fifteen others in the same room as me. They were comfy and relatively private with curtains (as much as hostels can be.) I do wish there were actual locks for the lockers, but most hostels don’t have them and I didn’t feel like my belongings were in any risk of being stolen. But, you can never be too careful.

At 11pm the staff locks the doors, but if you return later in the night, staff will open the gates. I appreciated this and felt completely comfortable staying in a room with complete strangers! Everyone was so cordial and I was able to make new friends from Denmark, Australia, and from all over the U.S. From couples, to friend circles, to solo travelers, there was an interesting range of groups and it was easy to mingle / find people to do things with!

Mr. Mullets – San Pedro, Guatemala

Famously known as the party hostel in Guatemala, I decided to give Mr. Mullet’s a go. I was only there from Sunday night to Monday afternoon, so I didn’t catch it at its wildest, but they did hold a trivia night. The staff was nothing short of a blast and made sure everyone was having a great time. I was welcomed with a shot of tequila and open arms, my 35lb backpack still strapped on with hiking shoes dangling from the zipper loops.

Mr. Mullet’s is more than just a place to crash; it’s the center of San Pedro’s backpacker party scene. Their legendary bar crawl takes travelers through the best nightlife spots around Lake Atitlán, making it easy to meet people and experience the town’s energy. They also run the famous boat party, a day of drinks, music, and stunning views on the lake. But it’s not all about partying. Volunteer opportunities allow guests to help clean the lake, giving back to the very place they came to enjoy. Whether you’re here to let loose, connect with other travelers, or do some good, Mr. Mullet’s makes sure you leave with stories to tell.

The hostel’s amenities are designed to enhance the guest experience, featuring a lively bar, café, and self-catering kitchen facilities. For entertainment, there are board games, a pool table, ping pong, and regular live events. Additional services include 24-hour security, laundry facilities, currency exchange, housekeeping, and a tours/travel desk. The property also boasts a garden area, BBQ facilities, and a shared lounge with a TV.

The layout of Mr. Mullet’s Hostel is described as a “funky labyrinth style,” creating a unique and engaging environment for guests. Its central location places it just steps away from docks, shuttle drop-off/pick-up zones, and the town’s bars and restaurants, making it an ideal base for exploring San Pedro La Laguna. I ate dinner at Bar Sublime, which was about a 5 minute walk from the hostel and had a lively energy to it, as well as views of the lake. The bartenders made me feel at home amongst the colorful blacklight paintings on the walls and gave me free coffee shots! (Shoutout to you, Derick!)

The beds were comfy and surprisingly private, with plenty of locker space to store your stuff. I paid a little extra to stay in a room with fewer people, sharing with just five others. My bed was on the bottom bunk, tucked behind lockers, so it felt as private as a dorm room can get. Now for the fun part: the bases of the beds were hard to move. At 2 a.m., my phone fell under the bed, and I spent an hour (no exaggeration) fishing it out using light from my watch. Honestly, after that ordeal, I was convinced I had just become a professional deep-sea fisherman. Tiny hands or not, I was determined to land that phone. Afterward, I was woken up by the sounds of chirping birds, giving me a full-on Snow White moment.

Trivia night was a blast and I made new friends from Belgium, UK, and Sweden! It was amazing meeting people I would have never met otherwise and seeing how the universe brought us together at this moment. The trivia was a blast and some “challenges” were included, such as a flexibility contest and one to see who was the best blower (meaning balloons, of course). Even though I was only there for one night and it was a Sunday, I still had a great time and met backpackers from age 19 to 60. I loved hearing exchanged stories and experiences. One man talked about his ten star experience in a McDonalds in Egypt, they prepared the meal like it was a gourmet experience. Every country you mentioned to him, he had a story to tell.

Breakfast is included in the morning! Pancakes and coffee are free, but you can pay 5QTZ each for toppings, such as chocolate chips and bananas. The coffee was DIVINE and the pancakes were so yummy 🙂 The coffee was also very good! My only complaints would be in regard to the showers, while they were clean and spacious, the hot water only lasted for about a minute and the pressure was like a hose lol. However, I don’t complain about things because after all, you’re paying $30 for a bed, shower, and place to stay,.

Reflection

Looking back on my time in Guatemala, I’m struck by how much solo travel has liberated me. From sharing rooms with 20+ strangers at hostels (also a humbling experience), to hiking a volcano like Acatenango, every moment was an adventure that pushed me in ways I never expected. Surrounded by people from all over the world, each of us with different stories and paths, makes you realize how much you can accomplish when you step out of your own bubble. I met so many fantastic people that I hope to keep in contact with and our stories will forever remain imprinted on my heart as I go through the years.

The trip wasn’t only about the sights or the people. It was concurrently about facing my own fears and discomforts, learning to roll with the punches. The language barrier, in particular, was something that pushed me beyond my limits. Speaking Spanish, even though I’ve studied it through my good ole Duolingo app, is always nerve-wracking when you’re not entirely fluent or confident. Guatemala forced me to confront that discomfort head-on. It’s scary traveling alone anywhere, nonetheless to a new country. At first I was hesitant, unsure of how I would be understood or if I’d say the wrong thing in Spanish. As the days went on, I found myself speaking more and more, even if it was just ordering food or asking for directions. Every time I did, I realized that making the effort, even if it wasn’t perfect, opened doors and made me feel more connected to the place and its people.

It hit me like a bunch of bricks that this is my life, and if I keep waiting for the “perfect” moment or for someone to be travel me, I might never take the leap. Solo travel is about learning new knowledge and to trust yourself, even in uncomfortable situations. I’ve learned I can push through, face the discomfort, and accomplish things that seemed daunting at first. To stop rushing and waiting for the itinerary to be perfect. Rather, to let the wind take me where it wants to and for the place to show me what it wants me to see. The world is waiting for me to explore, and I realized by waiting for others to be ready or for everything to be perfect, I might miss out on some of the best experiences of my life. I realized I could budget and coordinate everything by myself and life won’t wait for the “perfect time.” There’s only time, and what we do with it.

Solo travel has taught me that I’m capable of far more than I ever gave myself credit for. It is scary, but sometimes you just have to do things scared sometimes. It’s my journey to live, and each uncomfortable moment, every challenge, and every new connection is part of what makes it all worth it. I’m looking forward to the lessons other trips have to bring me and to visit this beautiful country again!

Want $100 off your trip with EF Ultimate Break?! Click on this link to activate the code: UAHollyu100 to get $100 off your first trip with EF! You MUST type in UAHollyu100 into the promo code section to apply the discount!