Why Guatemala? My honest feedback

An honest guide for women who want real adventure, real cultural immersion, and real connections.

If you’ve been watching Guatemala slowly pop up on your Insta feed and wondering, “Wait… is Guatemala actually a thing now?” — the answer is YES. And also… not quite. Guatemala is still a hidden gem in Central America, but it’s gaining popularity fast. Travelers are finally catching on to what locals have known forever: this country is magic.

I’ve traveled all over the world, and Guatemala remains one of the places that surprised me the most — in the best way. It’s vibrant, welcoming, culturally rich, and full of experiences that stay with you long after you’ve flown home.

But let’s start with the question everyone asks first.

Is Guatemala Safe for Solo and International Travelers? Let’s Talk About It - Honestly.

First off, I would never take my travelers anywhere I didn’t feel confident and comfortable. Safety is always the baseline. Always.

When people hear “Guatemala,” their minds often jump straight to Guatemala City — and yes, like any major U.S. city, there are areas you avoid. Crime exists. That’s the truth.

You don’t stay in Guatemala City. You don’t explore it. You don’t wander around it.

You land, meet your trusted driver, and head straight out. And once you leave the capital, the entire energy shifts.

You’re met with:

• Warm, welcoming locals

• Deeply rooted Mayan culture

• Colorful markets

• Handwoven textiles

• Volcano views that don’t even look real

Guatemalans are some of the kindest, most genuine people I’ve met in all my travels. Their traditions aren’t staged for tourists — they’re lived, practiced, and proudly shared.

So yes, Guatemala is safe when you travel smart. And you can feel especially safe when you travel with a group because we’ve traveled these roads, we know the energy of each town, and we know exactly where to go — and where not to go. That’s the beauty of group travel: you get all the magic, all the culture, all the adventure… without the stress of figuring it out alone.

Why Joining a Group Is the Best Way to Experience Guatemala as a “Solo” Traveler

Could you travel Guatemala alone? Absolutely. Many do.

But here’s my honest take: Guatemala is infinitely more enjoyable, seamless, and stress‑free when you join a group — especially as a woman.

1. You skip the logistical chaos

Transportation, shuttles, boats, timing, routes — Guatemala is incredible, but it’s not “hop on a train and go” easy. In a group, everything is handled for you.

2. You get instant community

You’re not wandering markets alone or eating dinner by yourself. You’re sharing laughs, stories, and sunsets with women who are just as excited to be there as you are.

3. You feel safe and supported

You’re never navigating unfamiliar areas solo. You’re with a guide, a group, and a plan.

4. You get access to experiences you might not do alone

Like hiking Acatenango. Or visiting women’s weaving cooperatives. Or taking a sunrise boat across Lake Atitlán. Or watching Volcán Fuego erupt into the night sky — one of the most surreal experiences of my entire travel life.

Where We Actually Go: The Real Guatemala

Antigua — The UNESCO Town That Steals Your Heart

The moment we leave the airport, we head straight to Antigua, a UNESCO World Heritage city that feels like stepping into a postcard.

Imagine:

• Cobblestone streets

• Brightly painted buildings

• Rooftop cafés

• Artisan markets

• Volcanoes rising dramatically in the distance

Antigua is charming, walkable, safe, and full of life. It’s the perfect place to land, breathe, and settle into Guatemala’s rhythm.

Lake Atitlán — The Soul of the Country

Lake Atitlán is one of those places that doesn’t feel real until you’re standing there. A deep blue lake surrounded by volcanoes and dotted with small, colorful villages — each with its own personality.

And yes, I have a favorite.

San Juan La Laguna — My Personal Love Story

San Juan is everything I adore about Guatemala wrapped into one town:

• Vibrant murals on every corner

• Women’s weaving cooperatives

• Quiet cobblestone streets

• Volcano views that stop you in your tracks

It’s peaceful. It’s creative. It’s authentic. It’s the kind of place where you feel connected — to the land, to the people, to yourself.

The Once‑in‑a‑Lifetime Moment: Watching Volcán Fuego Erupt

If you choose the Acatenango overnight hike or 4x4 ride up to the top, you’re in for something extraordinary.

Watching Volcán Fuego erupt into the night — lava glowing against the darkness, rumbling like the earth is speaking — is one of the most powerful travel moments I’ve ever had. And I’m known to love my adventure travel.

Even if you don’t hike, you can still witness Fuego’s eruptions from viewpoints around Antigua. But doing it from Acatenango? That’s bucket‑list level.

Why Guatemala Is Perfect for Women Travelers Right Now

Guatemala is at that sweet spot:

• Not overrun with tourism

• Not commercialized

• Not “Instagram only”

• Still deeply authentic

• Still affordable

• Still full of untouched beauty

It’s a place where you can:

• Connect with local women

• Learn about Mayan traditions

• Support artisan communities

• Explore nature without crowds

• Feel safe, supported, and inspired

And when you go with a group, you get all of that — without the stress, the guesswork, or the “am I doing this right?” moments.

Final Thoughts: Why Guatemala?

Because it’s real. Because it’s vibrant. Because it’s welcoming. Because it’s still a hidden gem — but not for long. Because it’s a place where culture isn’t staged; it’s lived. Because it’s a destination that surprises you in the best possible way. Because it’s a place where solo women travelers thrive when they’re supported, guided, and surrounded by community. And let’s not forget — you can score some seriously cheap round‑trip flights from major U.S. airports, which makes saying “yes” even easier.

And because once you go, you’ll understand exactly why I keep going back.

November spots remain — and this adventure starts at as little as $1,000 per person. www.roamwithmetravel.com/guatemala

Happy Travels!

Amanda

Founder and Lover of Exploration and Connections

Roam with Me Travel