Everyone Should Consider Travelling to Guatemala

Guatemala was never a checklist country for me. I landed there the way most people do, through Guatemala City, and left months later by land into Chiapas, Mexico. Everything in between unfolded slowly, through conversations, shared rides, boats, collectivos, and a lot of waiting around with my dog.

A collectivo is a shared minivan, common throughout Guatemala and much of the world, sitting somewhere between local buses and private transport in both price and comfort.

This post covers only the places I actually went. No side trips. No recommendations based on photos or hearsay. Just where I stayed, why I went, what it felt like, and what you should realistically know if you’re travelling slowly, on a budget, or with a dog.

If you are looking for a good read, I remember reading The Four Agreements during that trip. I highly recommend it!

I’ll focus on places here. For the detailed logistics of travelling Guatemala with a dog, check out this post: Travel to Guatemala with a Dog: 10 Essential Tips, Entry Rules & Border Advice

Lake Atitlán: Staying in San Pedro La Laguna

I went straight from Guatemala City to San Pedro La Laguna. A friend was already there, and we arranged private transport through a family friend who runs airport transfers. It was a long drive, but at around 100 CAD that we shared, it felt fair, especially with a dog.

San Pedro is known for Spanish schools, and you feel it immediately. Students everywhere. Long stays. People settling into routines instead of rushing through them. I stayed with a Guatemalan host family through a Spanish school homestay program, which included meals and daily life together.

The food was simple and perfect. Corn tortillas made by hand, frijoles (mashed beans), potatoes, avocado, tortillas with almost nothing in them. Still some of the best food I’ve had. What I remember most is the sound. Hands clapping tortillas into shape. Cornflour, salt, water. That rhythm stays with you.

When I wanted to go out for online work or an excellent coffee, I would always go to Sabada Restaurant. They have such a superb view and delicious menu items. Vegan and vegetarian options! I’ve heard it’s connected to Sabada Resort. I did not stay there as I’m a budget traveller, but if you are more into luxury stays, this one might be worth looking at!

For nightlife and parties, we always went to Bar Sublime. On the same street of Sabada, which is one of the major streets for diverse restaurants. Same lake view, even better terrace for the evening. An interesting mix of tourists and locals. Cheap beer, reggae nights and chill vibes. So many significant memories of Sublime.

San Pedro isn’t quiet, but it’s grounded. There’s partying if you want it, but it’s easy to step out of that and live slowly. There’s something for everyone.

Perfect for: slow travelers, Spanish learners, budget travelers staying longer.
Skip if: you want total isolation or only have a few rushed days.
Budget & logistics: Spanish schools often bundle classes, homestay, and meals, which is good value. Boats around the lake are cheap and frequent.
Dog-friendly: Yes. Boats accept dogs, streets are walkable, and many homestays are open to pets if discussed in advance. Sometimes in the narrow streets it was hard to pass. In this place, every dog owns its corner. I had to take Karma into my arms at first. As the days passed, she crossed the streets by herself. They can be scary because they protect their territory, but stay alert and you’ll be fine.

Exploring Lake Atitlán Villages: San Marcos, Panajachel, and Santiago

One of the easiest things to do from San Pedro is to move around the lake by boat. Each village has a different feel, even though they’re only minutes apart.

San Marcos La Laguna felt quieter and more inward-looking. Yoga, ceremonies, spiritual retreats. It wasn’t really my scene, but I understand why people stay there for months.

Santiago Atitlán felt the most local to me. Big food markets, traditional clothing, daily life unfolding with no attempt to perform for visitors. Friends were doing a Workaway there, and visiting them gave me a glimpse into what longer-term volunteering looks like around the lake.

Writers endlessly describe Lake Atitlán, and honestly, it deserves their attention. There really is a version of the lake for almost everyone.

Antigua Guatemala and the Acatenango Volcano Hike (of course)

From Lake Atitlán, I organized a collectivo to Antigua. This is easy to do locally, cheap, and flexible. Booking online usually costs more unless you really need fixed schedules.

Antigua is the former capital of Guatemala, known for its colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, cafes, and art markets. It’s touristy, but it works. I stayed at Selina again, mostly for consistency and reliability (Wi-Fi, dog-friendly, and beautiful setup). After some research, this one also seemed to have rebranded to Socialtel once again. According to google: ”Selina locations in Guatemala, such as Antigua and Atitlán, have rebranded to Socialtel following the acquisition of the brand by Collective Hospitality, meaning they no longer operate under the Selina name.”

It’s a shame as they don’t seem to be pet-friendly anymore, but they both had amazing locations, animation, and a good eye for stylish decor.

In Antigua, there’s so much to do and see. It’s an old city. So will find everything you need there. Restaurants (vegan ones too!), boutiques, shopping, art… I even had a hair cut there at Twisted Scissors Antigua, Guatemala. Very professional service and they sold cool stuff too.

Volcán Acatenango is the volcano you actually hike, not see erupting (just to be clear).

The hike takes about 6 to 7 hours up to base camp. Acatenango reaches around 3,976 meters, and from the camp you face Volcán de Fuego, which erupts regularly. Watching lava explode and flow down a volcano in the middle of the night is something I’ll never forget. Another nearby volcano, Volcán Pacaya flows lava more quietly, glowing in the dark.

The tour included transport, guides, food, and camping equipment. It’s physically hard, but I’m not an athlete, and I managed. Karma even came on the hike. No problem for her. Probably the price has changed. I paid 30 CAD in 2021 (including Karma). The prices definitely changed for 2026, but no matter how much they are now, you should not skip this one! Don’t forget to bring warm clothes for the night and extra snacks (sugar and salt for hikes like this).

Weather matters a lot. We got lucky with clear skies and stars everywhere. Others weren’t as lucky. If you have flexibility, check the forecast.

Dog-friendly: Surprisingly yes, with preparation. Expect a cold and windy night, plus the altitude; those are real factors. Know your dog. She actually helped us warm up in the tent!

El Paredón: Surf Town on the Pacific Coast

From Antigua, I took another collectivo to El Paredón, a surf town with black sand beaches shaped by surrounding volcanoes.

On the surface, it’s easy. Surf lessons, sunset drinks, parties, short stays. But spending time there made me more aware of deeper tensions. Many foreigners have bought land, built hotels, and acted as if they owned the entire village. Locals don’t always agree. If you’re there for a day or two, you might not notice. Staying longer makes it clearer.

There’s also a mangrove around to explore, very nice!

Good for: surf beginners, social travelers, short stays, or volunteering options by the beach
Skip if: you’re uncomfortable with overtourism dynamics
Logistics: Book transport locally. Ask several agencies and compare prices. Hostels often charge more because they take a cut.
Dog-friendly: Yes, but heat and hot sand can be tough. Shade is essential.

Semuc Champey: Waterfalls, Jungle, and Long Roads

From Antigua, I headed to Semuc Champey. The journey is long and rough, but worth it if you’re continuing toward northern Guatemala.

Semuc Champey is a series of turquoise pools stacked above a river, surrounded by jungle. I stayed at a lodge by the river El retiro Lanquin, where you could swim, relax, and use a wood-fired sauna in the middle of nature.

We spent a full day at the pools. A storm rolled in suddenly, with heavy rain and thunder. We hid in a cave and waited it out. It felt wild in a way that wasn’t staged.

Tips: One full day is enough unless you want to linger. Bring cash. Expect long travel times.
Dog-friendly: Possible at lodges, but not allowed at the pools themselves.

Flores, Tikal and El Mirador Hike

From Semuc Champey, I continued to Flores, a small town surrounded by a lake in northern Guatemala. I stayed at a pet-friendly hostel. It’s one of my favourites of all time. Really. Los Amigos Hostel is sooooo worth it! Dogs, cats, turtles, friendly atmosphere, great food, and lots of vegan options. I got very lucky there.

From Flores, I booked a six-day jungle trek to a remote Maya site: El Mirador. Although expensive on a budget, the trek included tents, food, guides, and mules to carry gear. We walked through untouched jungle, camped in its heart, and made close friendships along the way. This one is quite pricey, but if you have time and money, it’s an unforgettable journey.

One night, walking with a local guide, we saw a jaguar. We also saw an insect fight between a spider and a carnivore wasp.

From Flores, another popular day activity is to visit Tikal. It is an ancient Mayan citadel in the rainforests of northern Guatemala. There are plenty of monkeys walking around.

For this region, I booked all my activities directly with Los Amigos Hostel. Their price was fair, and I wanted to make it simple!

Dog-friendly: Flores itself, yes. Tikal and the jungle trek, no. For me, I left Karma at the hostel with other guests taking care of her. The owner of this place is an amazing person.

Río Dulce and Livingston: Travelling Guatemala by Water

After Flores, I travelled by boat along the Río Dulce, stopping along the green river before reaching Livingston. Calm water, kayaking, quiet days, and isolation. There are volunteering opportunities along the river, but you must genuinely enjoy nature and being away from everything. Two nights was plenty for us.

We stayed in El Hotelito Perdido which had the perfect location, kayak and was surrounded by raw nature. They were and still are pet-friendly!

Livingston felt completely different from the rest of Guatemala. Garifuna culture, music, local bars, braids in hair, pelicans by the sea. From there, I organized transport into Chiapas, Mexico, heading toward Palenque.

I’ll go into detail about that border crossing, especially with a dog, here:
Travel to Guatemala with a Dog: 10 Essential Tips, Entry Rules & Border Advice

Daily Budget in Guatemala (per person in $USD)

Based on quick online research of 2026 prices, I’d estimate the daily costs below. Guatemala hasn’t escaped inflation since my last visit in 2021, but local food, transport, and budget stays still make it an affordable place to visit.

Budget traveller: $20–40 / day
(Travelling with a dog adds a little wiggle to these numbers.)

For accommodation

Price based on booking price and local places.

• Hostel dorm: $7–15
• Private room / guesthouse: $20–35
• Pet-friendly Airbnb: $20–50
  (Pet-friendly places exist, but the choice is smaller and sometimes slightly pricier.)
• There will always be more expensive options if you have the mean
• Homestays will also always be cheaper and make it a welcoming experience

For food

• Street food & mercados: $1–4 per meal
• Local comedor: $4–7
• Western / tourist restaurants: $8–15

Daily food budget: $8–15 if you eat out and eat locally. Can’t go twice a day to Sabada for this total!

For transport

• Chicken bus: $0.50–3
• Collectivo (shared minivan): $5–20 (depending on the distance)
• Private shuttle (tourist routes): $20–50 (depending on the distance)
• Entrance fees (ruins, viewpoints, lakes): $2–10 USD
• Guided tours (Acatenango, Semuc Champey, etc.): $50–100+
  (Not always dog-friendly, ask before!)

With a dog

• Pet-friendly accommodation surcharge: +$2–10/night
• Occasional taxi instead of bus: +$5–15
• Vet visits & paperwork (one-time): varies

My realistic daily spend

Around $35–45 /day, travelling slowly, eating local, using collectivos, activities once in a while and prioritizing pet-friendly stays over comfort. Some days will be cheaper than others; that’s always like this depending on activities and transport costs.

If I Had to Travel to Guatemala Again

I wouldn’t plan more. I wouldn’t book ahead. I’d still talk to people, compare prices in person, and accept long waits.

Guatemala rewards patience, flexibility, and attention. I stayed for as long as my visa allowed. Three months of pure discovery and I would’ve stayed longer!

That resume my Guatemala travel with a dog for three months on the road post!

If you’ve been to some of these places, or if you’re planning a similar route, leave a comment.

The same paths will always feel different depending on who’s walking it!

Happy Guatemala journey!