It has always been about maximizing long weekends and taking advantage of flight deals. I start with Skyscanner because it aggregates all the travel deals by country and season. I snagged a ticket to Guatemala for $352 with Spirits Airlines. Check out my top list of travel sites to purchase cheaper flight tickets here.

I loved my 72 hours in Guatemala – it was both exhilarating and challenging. For the first time, I felt the pressure of being a solo traveler. As the saying goes, pressure makes diamonds. Although I cried, I was equally empowered by how strong I had to be through m fear of heights. Follow my day-to-day travels on Tiktok. 

I traveled to Guatemala to hike Acatenango with the touring company Wicho & Charlie’s. My only regret is not spending more than 72 hours there. I enjoyed meeting people, trying cultural dishes, and making new memories. With 72 hours, your time is limited so I'm sharing the best ways to experience the Guatemalan culture. 

3 Reasons Why You Should Hike to Acatenango in Guatemala 

1. Active Volcanoes. I never thought in my entire life, as a little girl who grew up in Africa, that I’ll be seeing active volcanoes with my own eyes. A hike to Acatenango will guarantee an unforgettable experience as you watch hot lava spewing out of an active volcano. I embarked on a 30-hour experience with Wicho & Charlie’s and had such a transformative experience. Seeing Volcan De Fuego in person is different from seeing it in postcards. I 100% recommend it.

2. Meet fellow travelers with the same hobbies. Solo traveler or not, there’s no denying that traveling unites us in more ways than we could imagine. Hiking Acatenango with strangers who share the same zeal for adventure will give you a deeper appreciation for travel. Plus, you can potentially meet lifelong friends as you overcome physical and mental challenges and share wholesome laughs. 30 hours with a group of people is more time than you would spend with people in normal day-to-day life, so you have a chance to properly bond.

3. Active your inner hardcore. It’s no secret that embarking on a hike to Acatenango was challenging. However, you’ll be surprised at what you can overcome when you push yourself. This 30 hours experience will allow you to do just that, as you trust your body and speak positively to your mind. That's what traveling is about; pushing boundaries and learning more about what you can do.

3 Reasons Why You Should Visit Guatemala  

1. Affordable prices. Guatemala is very affordable. The only country that rivals this experience, price-wise, is El Salvador. I paid $352 for my travel fare using Skyscanner. I spent $33 during my first day in the city. This is because I had more than a few beers, so it can be cheaper. Uber is extremely cheap; I spent $24 for a 1-hour ride from Antigua Guatemala to Guatemala City. The cost of living is more than affordable, and I recommend you explore it as a travel destination.

2. Try delicious food. Without a doubt, food is the number reason why I continue to travel around the world. Guatemalan cuisine is considered ‘Maya’ cuisine, with corn, chilies, and beans as key ingredients. Tostadas and Tamales are a must-try in Guatemala. I spent $11 at an all-you-can-eat Maya-inspired buffet at a restaurant in Antigua Guatemala. I certainly look forward to trying more dishes when I visit next.

3. Hike active volcanoes. This is one of the best reasons that you should visit Guatemala. 8 out of 11 volcanoes are still considered active in Guatemala. Pacaya, Fuego, and Santiaguito are the main active volcanic attraction in Guatemala. Volcan De Fuego is the one I visited during my time there. If you desire an unforgettable and fiery experience, this is it.

What I did, Where I stay, What I ate

1. Hotel. I was only going to be in Antigua Guatemala for 2 nights, so I splurged on accommodation. I chose the beautiful Hotel Antika, which I found on Airbnb for $127 per night. It came with breakfast for two! I spent one night there and since I traveled solo, I passed up some of the perks. My room came with a private hot tub, something I fancied after a long travel day. It was also 10 minutes from Wicho & Charlie’s, which made for a cheaper Uber fee. Check out my hotel tour here.

2. Restaurants. I enjoyed lunch at La Barra de Don Paco in Guatemala City and dinner at the hotel Casa Santa Domingo in Antigua Guatemala. La Barra de Don Paco was closer to the airport and had some of the tastiest tostadas and chorizos I’ve ever had. Casa Santa Domingo is a picturesque monastery tucked away in Antigua Guatemala with stellar cuisine and cultural vibes. The dining experience is unique and overall, memorable. You have to add this to your restaurant wish list for Guatemala.

3. Activities. I embarked on the Acatenango 2-day hike, and it was epic. I enjoyed hot chocolate with 29 people from all over the world and bonded on how incredible it was to see Volcan De Fuego in person. For $89, Wicho & Charlie’s does an excellent job providing 4 meals, snacks, a guide, a cabin with camping gear, essential personal gear and transportation, and a park entrance. You can’t beat this experience that allows you to meet travelers, save money and experience a top attraction in Guatemala.

Guatemala is an underrated country in Central America, but it shouldn’t be. I loved my experience, and I hope that you will too. Fall is upon us, so I created a Fall travel essential with my favorite bits — Check it out here. I also created a Facebook group, with a community of solo travelers who are interested in making connections and traveling as a group. Join us here: SOLO JOURNEYS WITH KRIS 

As always, happy traveling. Xx