Guatemala Travel Diary | Solo trip to Guatemala (Lake Atitlan)

I slept for most of the ride, simply because I was completely exhausted after the volcano adventure, but the shuttle itself was very social and relaxed. Once we arrived in Panajachel, the main hub where boats depart to the villages around the lake, I withdrew some cash together with a few tour mates. Both the boats and Free Cerveza are cash only, so this was essential. We found an ATM at a supermarket close to the harbor, on the same street. Boat rides around the lake cost about 25–30 quetzales and get you from one village to another surprisingly fast.

On the boat, I met two fellow Dutch travelers, Skip and Jaap, and we immediately clicked. It turned out they were also staying at Free Cerveza, which honestly didn’t feel like a coincidence, as this hostel is widely recommended among Dutch travelers through word of mouth and group chats. It’s also one of the most popular hostels around the lake, so I was really excited to start my collaboration with them.

I stayed in a private little cabin with a view over the lake. By chance, Skip and Jaap were my neighbors in the cabin next door – which made it even more fun. I loved having my own space and found it incredibly relaxing to have my own place for three nights.

Lake Atitlán itself is a volcanic crater, located at over 1,000 meters above sea level and surrounded by several volcanoes — a truly special place. The atmosphere around the lake is very calm and laid-back, and even the boat rides alone feel like an experience. Scattered around the lake are small villages, each with its own unique charm. Exploring those villages was the plan for day two, together with Ella and the guys. Day one, however, I intentionally kept slow: staying at the hostel, soaking it all in, and working on my content.

After packing a few things for the day, I left around 9:30/10 a.m. together with Jaap, Skip and Ella, who happened to be staying in a hostel just a five-minute walk away. We took the boat across the lake to San Marcos and San Pedro.

The boat ride itself was, once again, absolutely stunning. Our first stop was San Marcos. We had breakfast at Circles Café, one of the most popular cafés around the lake. I ordered an XL cappuccino and a Snickers breakfast bowl, together about 70 quetzales, roughly €7,50. After breakfast, we spent quite some time wandering through the village and its small streets before walking up to the famous Eagle’s Nest. It’s a beautiful viewpoint where yoga and wellness classes are often held. While we were there, a yoga class was taking place, so we couldn’t explore the platform itself, but just being there was already special. The atmosphere even reminded me a little of Tulum.

Later on, we walked to a spot where you can jump into the water from about 10 meters high. I didn’t jump myself, but it was still fun to hang out there for a bit and watch others do it.

After that, we headed to San Pedro, the more lively, party-oriented village around the lake. We grabbed a small bite to eat, but honestly, the vibe wasn’t completely our thing. We also wanted to make sure we caught the last boat back, since boat services stop early in the evening.

That night, we had dinner at a small spot close to the hostel, just with the boys this time. I laughed so much, one of those simple, cozy evenings that end a day perfectly.

Luz was excited to do a photoshoot with me, and these photos have truly become some of my favorite travel photos ever. With her strong architectural eye, she managed to capture real gems. She suggested visiting San Juan, saying it would be such a shame if I skipped it, especially since she had lived there herself. Together with her, and a Mexican guy I met during breakfast, we headed there.

I’m so grateful she suggested this for my last full day in Atitlán, because the moment we arrived, I immediately saw how incredibly charming this village is. Our first stop was a coffee bar called Café San Juan, where coffee beans are roasted fresh in the shop itself. I treated her to a cappuccino, and soon enough we both had our cameras out, capturing moments in this small, colorful town.

After that, we wandered through beautiful artisan souvenir shops filled with hand-painted artwork and handmade crafts. One thing that really stood out to me was how often hummingbirds appeared in the designs, you see them everywhere. Luz then took us to a clothing store where everything is handmade by strong Guatemalan women. The proceeds support various good causes, including the women who create the garments. I received an explanation of the entire process in Spanish, and I couldn’t help but feel a little proud that I was able to fully follow along. I even got to try wrapping cotton myself.

To end the day, we visited a cacao museum, where we enjoyed a cup of cacao and a small bite to eat. I also picked up a few cacao souvenirs there. Along with coffee, cacao is one of the most important and widely sold products in Guatemala, and tasting it there, in that setting, made it even more special.

I look back on these days with so much gratitude and warmth. I’m incredibly thankful for such a beautiful collaboration with Free Cerveza. A huge thank you to all the amazing volunteers and staff, this place and its people will always stay with me.

Through the group chat Dutchies in Guatemala, I received a tip about shuttles from Panajachel to Antigua. One thing to know: prices vary a lot between tour operators, so it really pays off to do a bit of research. My shuttle cost only 125 quetzales (around €13.50) for quite a long ride. I arranged this by phone, but there’s also a small tour operator office next to Little Spoon where it’s easy to book shuttles.

What I loved about returning to Antigua was the atmosphere along the way. During the shuttle, which dropped everyone off at their hotels, I saw so many cute bars and cafés decorated for Christmas. It felt like a small, colorful Christmas village. Little churches, Christmas trees, lights everywhere. I’m so grateful I got to be there during this special time of year. Walking through Antigua felt like stepping into one of those Christmas villages my father used to set up at home – my heart feels warm just thinking about it.

I checked in at Flore Hostel, a lovely little hostel in Antigua, located in an area I apparently hadn’t explored before. How nice to still discover new corners of a city, even last minute.

What I find most beautiful about Guatemala is the people. They are incredibly kind, warm, and genuine. I never once felt unsafe or pressured by vendors. The warmth here is truly something special. I’m also deeply grateful to have made some beautiful friendships with women from Guatemala.

Back at the hostel, I enjoyed a small breakfast that was included. Around 8:45 a.m., it was time to leave for Guatemala City, where I would catch my flight back to Cancún. By the way – I was travelling with a small backpack and handbage, I left my suitcase at my friends in Tulum.

As incredible as this journey had been, I have to admit I was also looking forward to returning to Tulum, my second home, for another 12 days. I chatted with a few lovely people at the hostel, reflecting on what had truly been a beautiful and special trip. Feeling deeply fulfilled, grateful, and with a very warm heart, I look back on my time in Guatemala.

My driver’s name was Josué, and this is his number: +502 5194 1804. We had such lovely conversations during the ride, and it was a great opportunity for me to practice my Spanish. I paid 180 quetzales for the ride. He is a genuinely warm and kind person, and I truly wish him as many rides as possible.