Go Guatemala

It’s tough — one of the hardest popular hikes in Central America.
You’ll climb for 5–7 hours at altitude, often cold and windy.
But watching Volcán Fuego erupt at night makes every step worth it.
Most young travellers do an overnight tour (highly recommended).

Generally yes — and wildly beautiful.
The lake is ringed by small villages, each with its own vibe (party in San Pedro, chill in Santa Cruz, spiritual in San Marcos).
Use public boats to move between villages; they’re cheap and frequent.

Just be aware, especially in Guatemala City and crowded markets.
Tips:

• Don’t walk alone at night
• Keep valuables inside your bag
• Use tuk-tuks or Uber after dark

Tourist towns like Antigua and Atitlán feel safe if you’re smart.

• Tourist shuttles: easiest, safest, door-to-door
• Chicken buses: adventurous, cheap, chaotic — fun for experienced backpackers
• Private transfers: best for long journeys or groups

Most 18–35 travellers use shuttles between Antigua ↔ Atitlán ↔ Semuc Champey.

Semuc Champey? Absolutely — crystal clear limestone pools.
Lake Atitlán? Yes in many areas, but avoid spots with visible algae blooms.
The water is generally safe, but always check current conditions.

English is spoken in hostels, tour companies, and tourist towns (Antigua, Flores, Atitlán).
Outside those areas, it drops fast.
Knowing basic Spanish makes travel much easier — even simple phrases help a ton.