Coffee and corruption? What have you heard about Central America? It’s easy to let headlines and hearsay shape our impressions of entire regions of the world. But easy doesn’t necessarily mean accurate. Before visiting in Guatemala, I knew little about its customs and hadn’t been encouraged to go and see for myself.
Even though it’s still a developing nation, Guatemala is actually the largest economy in Central America. It is also home to hundreds of microclimates, two coastlines and several volcanoes. So why aren’t we talking about this more? If we reduce the story of a country to a handful of bleak headlines, we deny the complexity of culture—of humanity itself.
This is not to minimize global inequity. However, only focusing on issues of corruption, violence and poverty creates an overgeneralized narrative of national identity. Just as we are not the sum of our stereotypes, we shouldn’t reduce an entire country to its negative press. But how can we expand our understanding beyond prevailing opinion? The answer is simple: go.
Traveling is the only way to develop an informed perspective on a foreign country. And going abroad also teaches us to be more critical of our own beliefs. So rather than scrolling through global headlines, let experience be your teacher. Setting out on your own might sound intimidating, but the reward greatly outweighs the risk.
Solo travel promotes growth. It pushes us to see our world with fresh eyes.
So don’t let fear dictate your decisions. Instead, take time to see the parts of the world that pique your curiosity. While concerned parties might be trying to sway you away from Central America, there’s no real reason to strike Guatemala off your list. On the contrary, the former capital of Guatemala, Antigua, has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This quaint, cobblestone town is the perfect place to put down roots while you’re exploring Guatemala. Antigua is welcoming, walkable and safe—a trifecta for solo female travelers. It’s also located less than an hour from the international airport in Guatemala City, making travel accessible and affordable. So why wait?
Thinking Ahead
Antigua attracts a lot of international and domestic tourism for a reason—it’s filled with color and charm, and the weather is temperate all year round. If you choose Antigua as your next travel destination, there are many things you simply won’t have to worry about while planning your trip.
You won’t be faced with extreme weather conditions though you should pack an umbrella. You also don’t need to weigh down your suitcase with a stockpile of supplies. Anything you can’t buy at the local market is probably carried at the main supermarket La Bodegona. Antigua won’t leave you wanting for amenities.
However, this doesn’t mean you should let your guard down. As women traveling on our own, it is particularly important that we remain aware of our surroundings. Even though you’ll be in a new country, the bounds of common sense stay the same. Living abroad is all about exercising good judgment amidst the unfamiliar.
Avoid walking alone at night, especially on the outskirts of town. Keep valuables close in crowded areas. If you’re someone who likes to use dating apps, be mindful of what information you relay to strangers and where you meet up. Essentially, Antigua is quiet and friendly, but there’s no reason to tempt fate.
Getting Around
The same logic applies to traveling around the country. Try to arrange accommodation and transportation before you set out on trips. Hostels are widely available, as well as Airbnb bookings. You can also organize homestays with local families through Maximo Nivel if you’re staying in one spot for a longer time frame.
Antigua is a very walkable town, so you probably won’t need to worry about getting around locally. There are tuk-tuks around almost every corner, however, if you’re looking for a lift. Central America is also known for its “chicken buses”—retired American school buses, redecorated with vibrant colors and repurposed for public transportation.
Though these camionetas also travel throughout the country, you often have to change buses to get where you’re going. To reach popular tourist destinations more directly without breaking the bank, consider taking privately run shuttles. Countless hostels and travel companies around Antigua advertise regular shuttle schedules.
Using these rideshare services is an affordable way to reach attractions like Lake Atitlan, El Paredon and Semuc Champey. For more involved trips like Tikal and Acatenango, I’d suggest booking a complete package through a travel agency that includes food and accommodation as well. Depending on how far you’re traveling, Uber is also quite reliable in and around Guatemalan cities.
Exploring Antigua
But remember, sticking close to Antigua isn’t a waste, particularly if you are wary of taking trips alone. You could spend quite a few afternoons wandering through Antigua’s colonial ruins, ornate Catholic churches, or the labyrinth that is the local market. The back of the market is also filled with aisles and aisles of used clothing—truly a thrift shopper’s paradise.
Looking for a bird’s eye view? Hike up to Cerro de La Cruz. Want to challenge yourself with longer trails? Check out Corazón de Agua or Finca El Pilar. For a more relaxing afternoon at Finca El Pilar, you can also pay a smaller fee to only use their freshwater swimming pools. Santo Domingo del Cerro is another hidden gem with a spectacular view. This indoor-outdoor art gallery is a peaceful reprieve above the city, free to the public.
If you’re after a cold beer and some live music, Cervecería 14 is also a lively destination just outside city limits. And El Bosque is another outdoor brewery, tucked away in well-kept gardens. Don’t be deceived by Antigua’s size; it has a seemingly endless selection of breweries, bars and cafés to try. If you come alone, you definitely won’t be in want of things to do.
But if you start to feel lonely, be intentional about seeking out group activities. Take a yoga class at Caoba Farms or Shakti Shala. Enroll in group classes at New Sensations Salsa Studio. Sign up for Spanish classes at Maximo Nivel. Whatever you do though, don’t give up before you go. Solo travel is enlightening, and Antigua is the perfect place to start!