We’ve been noticing a new travel trend lately, and we’re here for it. More Black travelers are heading to Guatemala.
One of our favorite Black traveling families, The Hambrick Family of The Traveling Child, recently took a trip to Guatemala – proving that it’s a family-friendly destination.
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And our favorite actor, author, and dad, Will Smith, just took an epic trip filled with good food, smiles, and music.
And there’s a thriving community of Black expats living in the Central American country, where they are finding a healthy work-life balance.
So, why are more Black travelers heading to Guatemala? Here’s what we suspect:
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RELATED: The Black Expat: How This Mom Lives In Guatemala For Less Than $1K A Month
1. Ticket Prices Are Affordable
If you’ve been following our flight deal rounds up each month, then you’ve probably noticed the same trends we’ve noticed: Guatemala has appeared on our lists a few times.
Now, we do try to switch up our country list each month, but Guatemala is a place to travel to if you don’t want to break the bank.
2. There’s So Much To Do
There’s no shortage of fun and adventure in Guatemala, so it’s no wonder that Black travelers are heading to the Central American country.
For starters, it’s home to more than 1,500 Mayan ruins. In the Northern Petén province, Tikal National Park is where you will find the most visited ruins. It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
For those looking for outdoor adventure, hiking is pretty popular in Guatemala, especially around volcanoes.
Guatemala boasts 37 volcanoes, but the three that most people head to are Acatenango, known as the hardest to climb, Tajumulco, the tallest; Pacaya, closest to Antigua, and Ipala, if you’re looking for something not too hard to climb.
Now let’s talk about beaches. Guatemala has some incredible beaches that you don’t want to miss.
Located on the Caribbean coastline is Playa Blanca. Its name (as you probably guessed) comes from the white sand and beautiful blue water that you daydream about.
On the other side, the Pacific coast is where you will find Playa Monterrico. It’s a popular beach, so expect the crowds as there are a ton of attractions, including restaurants, and bars to enjoy. Another thing to note is this beach in particular has black volcanic sand.
3. Finding Peace At Lake Atitlán
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Speaking of things to do, Lake Atitlán is one of the most visited attractions in Guatemala.
Locals will tell you that it’s one of the most beautiful lakes in the world, as the forests, hills, and volcanoes in the background only add to its awe.
The lake, formed more than 80,000 years ago from volcanic eruptions, is a serene place for those looking to unplug.
4. Black Travelers Feel Safe
No place is a guarantee when it comes to safety. But, it’s important as Black travelers that we are reading the room on places that we’re traveling to, including how people like us are treated.
That may not deter you from traveling to a country, considering we’re fighting our own exhausting battles in the U.S., but it’s at least important to have some knowledge of what you could be faced with.
Guatemala is one of those countries that Black travelers feel safe in.
In a previous interview with nomad consultant, Jackie O., she told Travel Noire that Guatemala is a place where she felt safe in raising her child.
“It has everything we wanted: safe, beautiful with warm and welcoming residents,” she stated, adding, that her daughter is “celebrated, appreciated, and honored.”
RELATED: “I’m Raising My Child Abroad To Avoid Labels America Puts On Little Black Girls”
5. Remains A Hidden Gem
Guatemala is often overlooked by neighboring countries Costa Rica, Belize, and Mexico.
For travelers looking for a place off the beaten path, that means Guatemala remains a hidden gem where there isn’t a lot of people.
What also makes Guatemala a gem is there is an Afro-Guatemalan culture that you can embrace. It’s small but that doesn’t mean it’s nonexistent.
The Caribbean coast of Livingston, Puerto Barrios, and Santa Tomas, have important Garífuna and Afro-Antillean communities where you can experience the food, art, and music.