Guatemala has a vibrant community of expats and immigrants, especially in cities like Antigua, Lake Atitlán, and Guatemala City. While settling into a new country can feel challenging, Guatemala’s friendly locals and active scene of expats and immigrants make it a fantastic place to build connections. Here’s how to make friends and create a fulfilling social life as an expat, immigrant or digital nomad in Guatemala.
Guatemala, in Central America, is a country where relationships and community matter deeply. Locals are typically warm and approachable, especially if you show interest in their culture and traditions. The expat communities in places like Antigua and Lake Atitlán are also welcoming and diverse, ranging from retirees and digital nomads to volunteers and language students.
The mix of locals, long-term immigrants, and transient digital nomads makes Guatemala’s social scene dynamic and ever-changing. Whether you’re attending a cultural event or meeting fellow expats at a café, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to connect.
So, how do you make friends as an expat or immigrant in Guatemala?
Choose Your Base in Guatemala Wisely
Guatemala’s expat hubs are packed with opportunities to meet like-minded people. Each city offers a unique social scene tailored to different lifestyles.
Antigua
Antigua is the epicentre of Guatemala’s expat and immigrant community. Its colonial charm, vibrant culture, and compact layout make it easy to meet people. Here are a few ways you can meet new people in Antigua:
Join Local Meetups: Antigua hosts weekly and monthly meetups for expats, including trivia nights, happy hours, and coffee mornings. Many events are advertised in Facebook groups like “Antigua Expats” or on community boards in popular cafés.
Go On an Adventure: Whilst most people you’ll find on day trips, hikes and experiences will be travellers or digital nomads just passing through, they are a great way to meet people and you’ll always find at least a few fixtures amongst the crowd.
Frequent Popular Spots: Places like Café Condesa, Café Estudio, and Luna de Miel attract a mix of locals and expats, creating a casual atmosphere for meeting new people.
Take Part in Community Classes: Join salsa dancing lessons or yoga sessions at Antigua’s studios. Popular spots like Shakti Shala Yoga offer a chance to connect with others while staying active.
Explore Volunteer Opportunities: Antigua has numerous volunteer organisations, such as Common Hope or Safe Passage, where you can give back while meeting other expats and locals who are passionate about making a difference.
🇬🇹 Read more about Guatemala: A Guide to the Tourist Trail in Guatemala
Lake Atitlán
Lake Atitlán is another popular expat destination, known for its serene beauty and bohemian vibe. The various towns around the lake, such as Panajachel, San Pedro, San Juan and San Marcos, each have their own unique communities.
Participate in Wellness Activities: San Marcos is famous for its yoga retreats and holistic healing centres, where you’ll meet wellness-minded expats and travellers.
Join Outdoor Adventures: Lake Atitlán’s hiking and kayaking tours are perfect for meeting fellow nature enthusiasts. Consider joining a group hike to Indian Nose or kayaking trips organised by local tour operators.
Visit Expats’ Favourite Hangouts: Panajachel’s lively restaurants like Circus Bar and Crossroads Café are known gathering spots for expats and travellers.
Guatemala City
Guatemala City has a smaller but active expat scene, particularly among professionals and diplomats.
Attend Networking Events: The city hosts professional networking events, especially in Zona 10 (the business district). Look for gatherings at coworking spaces like Impact Hub.
Explore Art and Culture: Guatemala City is home to a thriving arts scene. Attend gallery openings or live music events in areas like Zona 4 to meet locals and expats interested in culture.
Join a Sports Club: Expats in Guatemala City often join football, tennis, or running clubs, which are great for building friendships.
🇬🇹 Read more about Guatemala: A Guide to Money, Currencies and ATMs in Guatemala
Take Advantage of Guatemala’s Social Customs
Understanding and embracing Guatemala’s social customs can help you form deeper connections with locals.
Learn Basic Spanish: While many Guatemalans in expat-friendly areas speak some English, knowing basic Spanish demonstrates respect and opens up more opportunities to connect. Taking new classes is also a great way to meet other expats and immigrants in the area.
Share Meals: Food is central to Guatemalan culture, and sharing a meal is a great way to bond. Invite someone to join you for a plate of pepian or tamales, or attend local food festivals like the Day of the Dead kite festival in Santiago Sacatepéquez.
Be Friendly and Open: Guatemalans value politeness and warmth. A smile, a simple greeting like buenos días, or a genuine interest in someone’s culture can go a long way in building rapport.
Join Local Activities and Clubs
Participating in hobbies or group activities is one of the easiest ways to meet people who share your interests.
Hiking and Outdoor Groups: Guatemala’s stunning landscapes attract outdoor enthusiasts. Join hiking groups in Antigua or Lake Atitlán to explore volcanoes like Pacaya or Acatenango while meeting fellow adventurers.
Cooking Classes: Learn how to make traditional Guatemalan dishes like jocón or rellenitos. Many classes are interactive and attract expats and tourists alike.
Art and Music Events: Guatemala has a rich artistic culture. Attend live music performances or join a painting or weaving workshop in cities like Antigua or Panajachel.
🇬🇹 Read more about Guatemala: How to Take the Bus from Guatemala to Nicaragua
Attend Festivals and Cultural Events
Guatemala’s calendar is filled with festivals that bring people together.
Semana Santa in Antigua: This world-famous Holy Week celebration is a spectacle of processions, carpets, and music. Volunteering to help create the sawdust carpets (alfombras) is a fun way to get involved and meet locals.
Local Fiestas: Each town celebrates its own patron saint day with parades, music, and food. Participating in these festivities is a fantastic way to mingle with locals and experience Guatemalan traditions firsthand.
Markets and Craft Fairs: Weekly markets, like Chichicastenango’s famous handicraft market, provide a lively environment for conversations with locals and other expats.
Specific Tips for Building a Social Circle in Guatemala
Take Language Exchanges Seriously: Antigua is home to several language exchange meetups, where locals and expats practise Spanish and English together. These sessions are not only great for learning but also for meeting a mix of people.
Find a Regular Spot: Becoming a regular at a café, bar, or restaurant helps you get to know the staff and other patrons. For example, Antigua’s Café Sky is a hotspot for expats, with its rooftop views and social vibe.
Join Workshops and Retreats: From yoga retreats in San Marcos to photography workshops in Antigua, these immersive experiences offer quality time with like-minded people.
Connect Through Social Media: Local Facebook groups often organise hiking trips, potlucks, or cultural outings. Joining these groups keeps you updated on events and helps you find people with similar interests.
FAQs About Making Friends as an Expat in Guatemala
How can I meet people as an expat in Guatemala?
Meeting people as an expat in Guatemala is easy if you engage in local activities like attending meetups, volunteering, or joining outdoor adventures. Popular spots in cities like Antigua and Lake Atitlán offer plenty of opportunities for socializing.
Are there expat communities in Guatemala?
Yes, Guatemala has thriving expat communities, particularly in cities like Antigua, Lake Atitlán, and Guatemala City. These communities host various events and gatherings, providing plenty of chances to connect with fellow expats.
What are some good places to meet locals in Guatemala?
To meet locals in Guatemala, visit popular cafés, local markets, and community events. Participating in activities like hiking, joining a cooking class, or attending local festivals is a great way to form connections with Guatemalans.
What cultural events should I attend to make friends in Guatemala?
Guatemala hosts a variety of cultural events such as Semana Santa in Antigua, local fiestas, and craft fairs like the one in Chichicastenango. These events are perfect for mingling with both locals and other expats.
How can I learn Spanish and make friends in Guatemala?
Joining language exchange groups or taking Spanish classes in expat-friendly towns like Antigua is a great way to meet people while learning the language. Engaging in conversation with locals also helps you improve your Spanish while building friendships.
Conclusion on Making Friends in Guatemala
Making friends as an expat in Guatemala is an enriching experience that helps you feel at home while immersing yourself in the local culture. Whether you’re attending an expat meetup in Antigua, hiking with a group at Lake Atitlán, or sharing a meal with neighbours in Guatemala City, the opportunities to connect are endless. With a little effort and openness, you’ll build a strong social network and create unforgettable memories in this beautiful country.