A Local’s Perfect One Week Guatemala Itinerary
Despite being a small country (about the size of the US state of Pennsylvania), Guatemala has an incredible amount of ecological diversity, with lush rainforests, mountain lakes, active volcanoes, and beautiful beaches all relatively close to each other.
Combine this with impressive archaeological ruins, lovely colonial architecture, and indigenous communities where traditional crafts are still practiced, and it’s no exaggeration to say that Guatemala has something for travelers of every taste and interest.
And unlike many countries where a 7-day trip will have you rushing between destinations before you’ve even had a chance to settle in, a week in Guatemala, as I’ve planned in this itinerary, lets you linger long enough to get a feel for each place.
In this itinerary, you’ll hike volcanoes, visit lakeside towns, discover the colonial and Mayan history, and get a glimpse Guatemala’s capital city, all without rushing around hectically. Not bad for just a week.
And if you’re wondering when to come here, Guatemala has a pleasant, spring-like climate almost year-round, so there really is no bad time to visit.
Now, let’s dig into the itinerary!
Table of contents
Best time to visit
How long to spend in Guatemala
Transportation and how to get around
Typical costs
Paying for things and using credit cards
Tipping
Safety
Itinerary overview
7-day itinerary
Day 1: Arrival to Guatemala travel to Antigua - city sightseeing
Day 2: Antigua - coffee plantations and light hiking
Day 3: Antigua - hiking Pacaya Volcano
Day 4: Travel to Panajachel on Lake Atitlán with stop in Chichicastenango
Day 5: Panajachel/Atitlán - boat trips and village visits around Atitlan
Day 6: Panajachel/Atitlán - outdoor adventure, cultural visits, and lake lounging
Day 7: Travel to Guatemala city - exploring the capital
When to visit
In Guatemala the climate is divided into two seasons: rainy season and dry season. The dry season runs from November to April, while rainy season spans May through October.
If your schedule allows it, you should always plan to visit Guatemala during the dry season. At this time of year, you can enjoy excellent weather without having to worry about a sudden tropical rain that will delay or ruin your adventure.
Prices are higher than during the rainy season, but Guatemala is an inexpensive place to travel for most international visitors, so price probably shouldn’t be the deciding factor for you.
Visiting during dry season (November to April)
To pick one specific month, I think March is the ideal time to be here for a number of reasons: the weather in march is dry, and the temperature is pleasantly warm but rarely too hot or too cold.
On top of that, if you can make it in March during the week of Semana Santa, you’ll get to experience the fantastic religious processions and all sorts of other cultural festivities that happen all throughout this holy week.
From November to January, the temperatures are quite mild (for Guatemala anyways - this is a tropical country after all), and evenings are characterized by strong winds that cool things down significantly and are quite refreshing after a long day exploring. It’s very pleasant and the weather during these months is great.
Visiting toward the end of December, during the Christmas period is another good choice, as the weather is good and Guatemala becomes extremely festive and cheerful during the holiday period.
This is also one of the best times to be here if you’re interested in food: people go above and beyond during Christmas time, making special dishes that you’ll rarely find at other times of year.
The tail-end of the dry season, from February to April, is nice as well, and you’ll have sunny days and good weather overall.
Visiting during rainy season (May to October)
During the rainy season, the weather is much more unpredictable, and it’s almost a guarantee that you’ll have to deal with regular, intense rains. It probably won’t rain all day, but when the rains come, they’re strong.
If you want to travel to the mountains during this time, road conditions may be quite bad, so you may reach stretches that have become impassible, or where you’re just not comfortable driving. This is a real bummer and can quickly ruin a day or trip.
Of course, summertime isn’t all bad, and if you get good weather, it can be perfect for lounging on the beach or by the lakes and engaging in all sorts of other aquatic activities. If you’re after a beach vacation and don’t mind the potential for bad weather, summer can be a good choice. You just need to know what to expect.
Also, rainy season has lower prices for accommodation, so if you’re trying to stretch a budget, this is the time to do it.
How long to spend
For a first-time visitor, the minimum amount of time needed to visit Guatemala is 7 days. While small, Guatemala has a pretty incredible array of diverse natural areas, interesting archaeological sites, and cities and towns well-worth exploring.
If you’re interested in the outdoors, you could while away countless days at the beaches, lounging by lakes and visiting the surrounding towns, getting into the jungle and forests, and hiking the volcanoes. And we haven’t even touched the Mayan ruins yet!
On top of everything that there is to see and do here, travel times from one place to another are often quite long due to imperfect infrastructure and difficult terrain, so you should expect to spend a fair deal of time in transit when traveling between different parts of the country.
7 days - at a minimum!
With 7 days in Guatemala, you’ll want to choose two main bases and spend most of your time between them. Travel times here are too long to make it possible to hop between places every day or two, so unless you want to spend half of your trip in the car or on buses, you should choose a couple of places to visit and stick to them.
Here are some of the “groupings” that are common to put together: a few days hiking the volcanoes, some time in Flores and Tikal, jungle visits and the northeastern coast around the Rio Dulce, outdoor activities in Antigua, cultural exploration and lake lounging on Lake Atitlan, and surfing on the Pacific beaches.
Choose a couple of these “focuses”, combine them together, and you’ve got a great week in Guatemala. And don’t worry about trying to do it all in 7 days, because you just can’t.
14 days - if you want to go beyond the highlights
If you want to explore Guatemala more completely, and are interested in going beyond the highlights, two weeks is a really nice amount of time to spend here. You’ll still be able to do everything mentioned above, but will now have a lot of other options to choose from.
With an extra 7 days, you could do all sorts of things: head to the coast and the beaches, hike the volcanoes, get into the jungle and forests, explore Mayan ruins, and visit traditional villages.
Keeping the proposed one-week plan above, you get to slow things down a bit, adding in a bit more time in Antigua or Atitlan, plus a day in the mountain city of Quetzaltenango, and could then head to the far north of the country to Flores, where you can spend some time exploring the Lake and the Mayan ruins at Tikal.
From Flores, Rio Dulce, the most beautiful river in Guatemala, isn’t far away, and you can spend a couple of days there boating on the river, getting into the jungle and hot springs, and exploring the coastal town of Livingston and its beaches.
This is just one option, and there are lots of other ways to structure two weeks here.
How to get around
Contrary to what you might expect, public (or semi-public) transportation in Guatemala, especially over long distances, is actually quite good. For most travelers, relying on public transit and periodic taxis/Uber is the best way to get around in Guatemala.
Renting a car (which is never my recommendation)
Lots of people come here expecting to rent a car because they think that will give them the freedom to move about at their own pace and make stops at interesting places along the way. That’s true of course, that having a car gives you a lot of flexibility, but it often ends up being more hassle than its worth.
Road conditions in Guatemala aren’t always excellent, and driving at night isn’t advisable, which can be limiting if you have your own car. Traffic can also be quite bad in busy areas, and parking will be very difficult in lots of places.
And once in a destination, such as Antigua or Atitlan, having the car really offers you very little benefit.
Additionally, if you want to head to the far north of the country, a flight or bus is far more convenient than making a very long journey on your own.
Basically, renting a car probably just doesn’t make sense.
Shuttle buses/vans
There are frequent shared shuttle vans that will take you just about everywhere from Guatemala city, as well as between almost all of the touristic hotspots.
The shuttles run on fixed schedules, and the frequency of departures will vary depending on how heavily trafficked the route is. Always check the schedule ahead of time when planning your itinerary.
In some cases, shared shuttles might only connect certain destinations once per day, or potentially even less frequently.
There are multiple companies that offer these services, and Atitrans is one of the biggest and most reliable. You can always check the schedules and reserve tickets directly on their website, or you can book with Guatego, a sort of shuttle aggregator that will show you all of the options.
When possible, you should always book your shuttles in advance, to be sure you get a seat. You can also risk it and show up to the meeting point around the stated departure time for the shuttle, in which case you’d just pay un cash on the spot, but if the van is already full, you’ll be out of luck.
It’s also possible to book private shuttles/transfers (also using Guatego or directly with the relevant companies), and this can be quite convenient as it allows you to determine the timing - you set the pick-up time and the destination. It’s just much more expensive than other modes of transport.
Coach buses
Large coach buses (Greyhound style buses for American readers) aren’t often available in Guatemala due to road conditions that make it very difficult for buses of that size to navigate around.
For the most part, you will only be able to book coaches from Guatemala City, but they do head to many of the main destinations throughout the country. Once away from the capital, these will no longer be an option for the most part.
For very long journeys, like the one between Guatemala City and Flores, there are also overnight buses. This is a good option if you have a very long trip and don’t want to eat up a ton of daylight hours in transit.
Chicken buses (“camionetas”)
Chicken buses, as they are often referred to by foreigners in Guatemala, are brightly colored public buses (they look like American school buses, only with very cool paint jobs) that run all throughout the country.
They are a very wallet-friendly way of getting around the country, but they are also rather uncomfortable and the safety is not always the best as the drivers tend to drive very fast.
To take the buses, you’ll hail them down in the street or head to the terminal/station, and will pay in cash when boarding. There are no reserved seats, and buses tend to get very full, so depending on when you get on, you may have to stand for much of the journey.
If you have luggage, one of the employees on the bus will help you load it onto the roof and strap it down (there are no luggage compartments). When you board, they’ll ask you where your final destination is, and when you get off, they’ll help you with your bags again.
It’s always best to ask about the schedule from locals when you’re in a place, but you can get an idea for the routes and frequency/schedules via this helpful website.
Local transportation within a city/region
As for local transportation once in a place, you will almost always be able to get around via some combination of shuttle buses, camionetas (“chicken buses”), Uber/InDrive, cabs, pick-up trucks (you hop in the back), and tuc-tucs.
Cost of travel
Hotels
Hotel prices in Guatemala range widely (as with anywhere), and you will always see the highest prices in the premier tourist destinations. In general, an inexpensive hotel will cost around $30 USD per night, while a mid-range one will run you about $50-60. Luxury properties in Antigua, Atitlan, Flores, and a few other places can cost up to $200.
Food and meals
A meal of local food in Guatemala will cost anywhere from a few dollars for street food, to 5-10 USD at an informal local restaurant, and 20 to 30 dollars at international restaurants or others catering to foreigners. If you’re looking for fine dining, you could pay 30 to 50 dollars.
A bottle of beer at a bar or restaurant will run you somewhere around 2 USD. Wine is less common and more expensive. A cappuccino or other coffee drink at a nice cafe will usually cost 2 or 3 dollars.
Bus tickets
For longer-distance bus journeys via the shuttle buses, like from Guatemala City to Antigua, expect to pay around $20 USD for a one-way ticket.
For shorter journeys in camionetas (“chicken buses”), you’re looking at 1-2 USD.
Shared & private shuttles
Again, prices for either service (shared or private) will vary based on the distance that you’re traveling. To give you an example though, a seat on a shared shuttle between Antigua and Lake Atitlan will cost around $25 USD. Comparatively, a private shuttle for the same route will cost around $200 USD.
Lancha rides (boat taxis) on Lake Atitlán
A boat ride typically costs a few dollars, but it will depend a bit based on how long the ride is.
Guided group tours and excursions
Costs for these will vary quite a bit depending on the tour operator and what’s included, but many group tours for active experiences like volcano hiking, coffee tours, jungle excursions, etc., will cost between $20 to $100 USD per person.
Using credit cards
Almost every local store, restaurant, hotel, and service provider will accept credit and debit cards.
Very small local shops, street vendors, and other informal businesses will almost certainly operate on a cash-only basis though, so you always want to have some Quetzales (our local currency) on hand.
Many places may be willing to accept USD, but it’s almost always better to pay in Quetzales as the exchange rate offered to you will probably be quite bad.
For changing money, always do this at ATMs if possible. You will get a much better conversion rate at the ATM than in currency exchange offices.
Tipping
Tipping is pretty common in Guatemala and we tip for a variety of different services.
Restaurants will often include a 10% tip/service charge in the bill, but whether the waiter actually receives that is not always clear. As such, leaving something in cash for the waiter is always very much appreciated. If there’s no “propina” already included, 10% is the right amount to leave.
We don’t normally tip taxis or Uber drivers, but they will certainly be pleased if you choose to. The amount is totally at your discretion since this isn’t expected.
When booking tours or excursions, you should always tip your guide. For shorter group tours, a tip of a few dollars per person is probably enough. For a full-day excursion, we’d suggest leaving $5 to $10 per person.
At hotels, bellboys should be tipped a few dollars for carrying your bags, and you should also leave a few dollars per night for the housekeepers cleaning your room.
Safety
While Guatemala is entirely safe to visit, you can’t (or shouldn’t) travel around here as carefreely as you might in some other places. This is a poor country with a huge wealth disparity, especially between locals and international tourists, and we have our share of petty crime.
While there is also violent crime in Guatemala, and you will undoubtedly see travel advisories about this, those incidents are primarily gang-related, and they don’t have anything to do with tourists. Gangs and drug traffickers aren’t interested in tourism or tourists.
As a tourist, you mostly need to be careful of pickpocketing, and potentially street robberies, although the latter is pretty rare (especially if you exercise common sense and take the right precautions).
The vast majority of tourists have fantastic, incident-free visits here, and this will very likely be the case for you, even if you aren’t especially careful.
To be sure though, here are some helpful safety tips:
As with anywhere, always keep an eye on your belongings. Pickpocketing in crowded places, especially ones frequented by tourists, is very common. This applies to buses and other shared transport as well.
When possible, try to avoid walking around alone in places where you don’t see anyone else, especially in the evenings. Muggings are most likely to happen in deserted areas after dark.
When hiking on popular tourist trails, try to go in a group (or with a guide) and avoid hiking at sunset/near dark. Robberies along the trails have been known to happen.
If taking taxis, try to avoid hailing them off the street (it’s hard to tell which are official and which are “informal”). Instead, use apps or call the official taxi dashboards and have them send a cab.
Itinerary overview
Day 1: Arrival to Guatemala travel to Antigua - city sightseeing
Day 2: Antigua - coffee plantations and light hiking
Day 3: Antigua - hiking Pacaya Volcano
Day 4: Travel to Panajachel on Lake Atitlán with stop in Chichicastenango
Day 5: Panajachel/Atitlán - boat trips and village visits around Atitlan
Day 6: Panajachel/Atitlán - outdoor adventure, cultural visits, and lake lounging
Day 7: Travel to Guatemala city - exploring the capital
I’ve organized this 7-day itinerary so that it includes as many of the absolute highlights of Guatemala as possible, but in a relaxed, comfortable pace. While you could probably see a bit more in a week than what I’ve suggested, doing so would mean rushing between places and taking no time to actually enjoy yourself.
Since 7 days will never be nearly enough to see everywhere, I prioritized a few places and have suggested dedicating enough time to get a feel for their atmosphere and culture. If that suits your travel style, this should be the perfect plan.
The adventure starts in Antigua, where you’ll have time to explore the city and also visit the surrounding area over a couple of days. Antigua has tons to see and do nearby, so I’ve suggested a coffee plantation visit, some hiking in the hills, and an excursion to the still-active Pacaya Volcano.
After 3 days in Antigua, you’ll move on to Lake Atitlan, making a stop along the way in the market town of Chichicastenango. Next up are 2 days of boat trips, village visits, and excursions around Lake Atitlan.
On your final day in Guatemala, you’ll leave Atitlan behind and will head to Guatemala City, where you’ll have a chance to spend the better part of the day exploring our bustling capital city.
Day 1: Arrival to Guatemala City and travel to Antigua
On your first day in Guatemala, I’ve got you headed straight to the lovely colonial town of Antigua, but because it doesn’t have its own airport, you’ll need to first arrive into Guatemala City, which is about 40 kilometers and an hour’s drive away.
Once in Antigua, you should plan to spend the day exploring this utterly charming town.
There are lots of different ways to get to Antigua from Guatemala City (Uber/taxi, shuttle bus, chicken bus, colectivo, rental car), but the most common, and a highly recommended way to go, is a shared shuttle bus/van. These are large vans that you’ll share with a few other passengers, and this is a very common way of traveling around Guatemala.
You’ll want to reserve your spot on the shuttle ahead of time, and you can book your tickets on the GuateGo website. A one-way ticket will cost around $20 USD per person.
For a cheaper local experience, you could hop a “colectivo” which is basically a shared van that waits around for different people to come who are headed in the direction the van is going. You can buy a ticket on the spot, but know that the driver will wait until the vehicle is completely full, so you could wind up sitting around for a while. It’ll be a lot cheaper than $20, though.
What to see and do in Antigua
As soon as you enter Antigua, you will see a gorgeous colonial city, once the capital of all of Central America, filled with beautiful architecture, cobbled streets, colonial mansions, and grand churches and cathedrals.
The city is ringed by majestic volcanoes, and it’s a spectacular site. Antigua is a place to be savored, and you will love just meandering around the city aimlessly, taking it all in.
The shuttle bus will drop you off at your accommodation in the city, so after you’ve settled in, it’s time to head out. Antigua is quite compact and it’s very walkable, so you’ll be able to get everywhere on foot quickly.
1. Las Capuchinas Convent
Right in the center and 2 blocks from the Parque Central, is Las Capuchinas Convent, an 18th century convent that is one of the best examples of this style of architecture in Guatemala. The convent was partially destroyed in earthquakes in the mid-late 1700’s, but is still super impressive.
When visiting, be sure to check out the web of underground tunnels that connected the monks’ and nuns’ quarters. This is a huge convent and it also has beautiful gardens. And lastly, don’t forget the view from the roof, which is just amazing.
You can visit on your own or hire a guide on arrival. Going with a guide is a good choice, as there’s really a lot of history here to discover.
After exploring the convent, it’s time for lunch. Antigua is a very popular tourist destination, and it has restaurants to suit all tastes and budgets.
A good idea is to choose a restaurant near to the Parque Central, as you’ll get to enjoy a lovely atmosphere while dining. Casa Escobar or Fridas are two very solid options. There are tons of other choices though: Porta Hotel restaurant, Tenedor del Cerro, Panza Verde, etc. All of those are quite central and you will enjoy a good meal in each.
2. The sights in/around Plaza Mayor and Parque Central
Once you’ve fueled up on a hearty lunch, there’s much more to see. Wander around the Plaza Mayor and Parque Central, paying special attention to the Spanish colonial era architecture of this lovely square. Much of the square’s buildings date back to the 1500’s, and this is where you’ll find many fine architectural examples from this period.
La Plaza Mayor shows off Antigua from the time when it was the capital city of all of Central America and it’s pretty grand.
Especially notable are the Ayuntamiento Palace, the Episcopal Palace, the Real Palacio de los Capitanes, and the Catedral de San José. The cathedral is especially impressive and it’s one of the most important churches in Central America.
The Ayuntamiento and Real Palacio de los Capitanes can both be visited, and checking them out is definitely worthwhile. The Real Palacio was the seat of government for all of Central America until 1773!
After admiring the plaza mayor and its stately buildings, why not grab a coffee? Guatemala is known for having some of the finest coffee in the world, so if you’re a coffee drinker, this should be a daily routine here. Café Condesa, right in the central square, is a lovely cafe with great coffee.
3. Arco of Santa Catalina
After your coffee just 3 blocks away, you must visit the Arco of Santa Catalina, a UNESCO world heritage place, founded for the Santa Catalina Nuns in 1773. You’ll almost certainly recognize it as its one of the postcard images of Guatemala. Located along one of the city’s main streets, the surrounding area is filled with great places to buy local art and crafts.
4. La Iglesia de la Merced
At the end of this same street, you will find La Iglesia de la Merced. Built in 1767, this a beautiful catholic church surrounded by serene gardens. The interior convent is magical, and there’s a beautiful convent in the back.
Outside of the church, you’ll find tons of local food vendors - great for a snack!
My suggestion come nightfall
Head back to la Plaza Mayor for dinner. The square is super lively in the evening and the atmosphere is fun as night falls. Mono Loco is a great bar and restaurant with very good energy.
If you’re looking for a lively evening, start your night here and then see where the night takes you. But note that tomorrow is going to be a busy and active day, so you’ll need some rest.
Overnight in Antigua
Connect with our Guatemala local expert Chris for help perfecting your itinerary, answers to all your travel questions, and fabulous local tips for a better visit!
Day 2: Full day in/around Antigua
The view from Cerro de la Cruz. Photo: Simon Burchell, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Get up early as you’ve got a busy day today! If your hotel includes breakfast, you can eat there, but for something really nice, the Porta Hotel does an excellent breakfast. The hotel’s grounds are lovely, especially the gardens, and the food is great (if a bit pricey). It’s a really nice way to start off your morning.
After breakfast, it’s time to head outside of Antigua, to check out the gorgeous natural surroundings. There’s an almost unlimited number of active things to do nearby: you can head out to the mountains on an ATV tour, play golf with volcano views, go trekking, visit volcanoes, bungee jump, or tour the coffee plantations.
My suggestion - start the day with a visit to Finca Filadelfia
For something that gives you the opportunity to enjoy a few different experiences, I would suggest you spend the morning and some of the afternoon visiting to Finca Filadelfia, a coffee farm in the nearby mountains about 15 minutes outside of Antigua.
Situated in a gorgeous area, this is much more than just a coffee experience. Here’s some of what you can do at Finca Filadelfia:
Tour the farm and learn about the coffee cultivation and production process (about 2 hours)
Hike on one of plantation’s trails
Guided birdwatching tours
Horseback riding
Get into the cloud forest and do canopy tours and ziplining
Enjoy lunch in a spectacular setting at the on-site restaurant
The farm organizes lots of tours themselves, so check their website or give them a call and see what you can arrange for your visit.
Later in the day - San Felipe and Cerro de la Cruz hike
Whenever you’re ready to head back to Antigua, it’s a good idea to stop off at the town/neighborhood (of Antigua) of San Felipe, which is on your way. Just 5 minutes from the coffee plantation, the town has a nice church to checkout and a very cool local market. It’s a neat experience and you can visit quite quickly.
Once you’re back in Antigua, there’s nothing better than a quick hike to Cerro de la Cruz, the best vantage point from which to see the city and surrounding volcanoes. This is really more of a walk, as you’ll mostly be ascending paved stairs for the half-mile walk.
It’s an easy enough climb and is quite quick, and you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views.
In the evening - a bit of luxury at Casa Santo Domingo
After a long day, you’ll probably want to just hang in your hotel for a bit. When you’re ready to get going again, reward yourself with a luxurious and relaxing evening at the Casa Santo Domingo.
This is a hotel, spa, and restaurant, and it’s probably the best option in town for each of those. It’s not cheap (far from it), but the food is fantastic, the settings are gorgeous, and the spa, if you want a massage or treatment, is excellent. It’s best to make reservations ahead of time.
Prepare for an unforgettable evening of pampering and indulgence.
Overnight in Antigua
Day 3: Hiking Pacaya Volcano
Pacaya Volcano. Photo: ogwen, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
When you’re surrounded by volcanoes, it probably makes sense to hike one, right? Well, that’s the plan for today, so get ready to set off on a full-day volcanic adventure.
The two most popular volcanoes to hike are Pacaya and Acatenango. Visiting and hiking Acatenango is best done as an overnight trip though, and the hike is quite strenuous, so for this itinerary we’ll look at Pacaya instead.
Here’s what to know about hiking Pacaya
The hike is doable as an easy day trip and it’s a unique experience that lets you climb a still-active volcano and witness the geothermal activity firsthand. Overall, this is a relatively easy hike, so you don’t need special equipment. Just be sure to have good hiking shoes, plenty of water, and maybe a backpack if you want to bring some layers or snacks.
Situated at 2552 meters elevation almost 8,000 feet), Pacaya is quite imposing. It was dormant for more than a century, until it erupted in 1965. It’s been active ever since.
There are tons of tour operators offering tours of Pacaya Volcano, and the itinerary will of course depend on who you go with. For good small-group tours with reputable operators, the price is typically between 50 to 100 USD per person. That fee should include all your transportation, entrance tickets, a knowledgeable local guide, and lunch.
Tours depart from Antigua, and you’ll have the option for a morning tour, typically leaving around 8:00 AM, or an afternoon tour, which will give you a chance to see the sunset from the volcano. Afternoon tours leave from Antigua around 2:00 PM.
The drive to the Pacaya Park Office takes around an hour, and you’ll begin the hike from there. The hike is about 5 miles round-trip, and it will take you around 1.5 to 2 hours to reach the base of the caldera and main viewing areas (the hike is fairly steep in parts and you’re at elevation here, so it’s not as easy as it sounds).
Once you reach the caldera, you’ll typically have a picnic lunch (or dinner, depending on whether you’ve opted for a morning or afternoon tour), which should be provided by your tour operator. You’ll then have a while to explore the caldera, checking out the many fantastic geothermal hotspots.
Afterwards, it’s time to head back down, which should be a bit quicker than going up. In total, the time spent hiking and checking out the volcano is around 4 to 5 hours. Once you reach the Park office and parking area, it’s about an hour’s drive back to Antigua.
In total, expect for the entire tour/visit to take between 6 to 8 hours (around 4 to 5 hours hiking and exploring, plus 2 hours driving).
Overnight in Antigua
Day 4: Antigua to Lake Atitlán, w/ stop in Chichicastenango
Your final destination today is the majestic Lake Atitlán, but on the way there is the town of Chichicastenango, which is famous for its enormous market, said to be the biggest in Central America. Plan to spend the better part of the day in Chichi (as well as in transit - about 4 hours total driving today).
Plan to get an early start today as you’ve got a lot of ground to cover. Your final destination is the town of Panajachel on Lake Atitlan, but you’ll be heading first to the town of Chichicastenango, which is about 2-2.5 hours from Antigua.
From Chichicastenango to Panajachel will take another 1.5 hours, so you’ve got a total of around 4 hours of driving today. Buckle up!
Chichicastenango is famous for its enormous market, which is said to be the biggest in Central America. It is an unbelievable experience, and you can spend the better part of a day checking it out.
Chichi is also nice town with some neat sights to check out, but the market is the primary reason for visiting.
To get there from Antigua, you can book a shuttle through Guatego. The ride will take around 3 hours, and the shared shuttles typically leave around 7:00 AM. One-way tickets will cost about $30 USD, and the ride takes 3 hours.
Once you reach the town, you can see if a local hotel or one of the shuttles which may be departing for Panajachel/Atitlán in the afternoon will store your bags while you got out exploring. There’s a tourism office in town where you could also ask about this.
Some important notes about the market and this plan:
The market only happens on Thursdays and Sundays, so, if you’re traveling to Atitlan on any other day, it really doesn’t make sense to go out of your way to visit Chichicastenago.
The shared shuttles only run from Antigua to Chichi on market days.
So, if you’re visiting on a non-market day, you can instead head straight to Panajachel, and enjoy the day there. In that case, you can just swap this itinerary around a bit, doing the activities from tomorrow (boat trips and village visits) today, and visiting Chichicastenango on another day (assuming you’ll be in Atitlan on a Thursday or Sunday).
For now though, I’ve planned this day assuming that you’ll be traveling to Lake Atitlan on a Thursday or Sunday, and that it will make sense to stop in Chichicastenango.
The fruit and vegetable market in Chichicastenango
What to know about visiting the Chichicastenango market
The market will be getting quite busy by the time you arrive, as many day trippers out from Guatemala city, Antigua, and Lake Atitlan descend on the town by late morning.
On market days, the Plaza y Mercado square and surrounding streets are filled with vendors selling anything you can imagine. People come in from all around the surrounding area to sell their goods, and you’ll notice many men in cowboy hats and boots, and women in brightly colored, gorgeous traditional Mayan outfits.
As for the goods being sold, you’ll find traditional handicrafts (be on the lookout for the masks especially), produce, livestock, electronics and other consumer goods, food vendors, and much, much more.
The Plaza y Mercado square is the center of the market, but right next door to it is the fruit and vegetable market, which is a two-story building packed with stalls.
On the western side of the main market area and moving toward the town’s brightly colored cemetery, is the livestock (not for the faint of heart).
Take your time shopping and browsing the stalls and enjoy the crazy, hectic, incredible atmosphere.
And a word to the wise: be very careful of pickpockets. Keep a close eye on your belongings and be mindful of the crowds.
Other things to see/do in town
The market is the main draw here, but there’s actually quite a few other things worth seeing. Whenever you’ve finished touring the market, or if you just want a break, here are some of the other sights to check out:
The colorful cemetery, filled with bright pastels
The archaeological and mask museums. The mask museums is especially worth visiting, as it provides some neat insight into indigenous Guatemalan culture, including folkloric dances, handicrafts, and of course, masks.
Santo Tomás church: this 16th century catholic church was built atop a pre-Columbian Mayan temple platform, so it represents a fascinating fusion of Christian and pre-hispanic traditions. The 18 stairs leading up to the church each represent a month of the traditional Maya calendar.
The colorful cemetery in Chichicastenango
Onward to Panajachel/Lake Atitlan
After you’ve finished exploring the market and town, it’s time to continue on to Panajachel, a lovely town on the shores of Lake Atitlan. The shared shuttles from Chichicastenango to Panajachel typically leave at 2:00 PM, so you will want to book ahead and reserve this to secure your ride.
Also, 4 hours to explore Chichi is about the right amount of time.
The ride to Panajachel will take approximately 2 hours, so you should be getting in at around 4:00 in the afternoon.
Panajachel is an attractive town and it’s pretty busy (it’s a popular spot), so you can spend the rest of the day exploring the town and relaxing by the lake.
Overnight in Panajachel
Day 5: Boat trips and town visits along Lake Atitlán
Guarded by “the three giants”, Atitlan, Toliman and San Pedro volcanoes, Lake Atitlan affords perfect views of majestic volcanoes and lush scenery.
It is also a great place to experience traditional and authentic Guatemalan culture, along with outdoor activities, so it’s well-worth spending a few days here. Your time on Lake Atitlan will almost certainly be the favorite part of your trip.
Panajachel, on the shores of Lake Atitlan
Start your day off by wandering along the shores of Lake Atitlan, and meandering about Panajachel, especially Calle Santander, it’s main shopping street. Grab a coffee at Crossroads Coffee and fuel up for a busy day.
Today, you should spend the day exploring the little villages and Mayan towns that dot the lake’s shores. These are places where you can experience Guatemala’s ancestral culture, and see how the catholic traditions have miced with the Maya culture and folklore.
From Panajachel, there are organized tours that you can book which will take you around to a number of these towns, or you can go on your own. To do this independently, just head down to the lake take one of the “lancha” ferry taxis that connect the towns.
Boats typically depart every 15-30 minutes, with lots of different ones heading out to the various towns. Passage rates will vary depending on where you’re going, but are typically a few dollars per trip.
The towns of Lake Atitlan are best explored by boat, so this is how you should get around. No cars or shuttles needed!
There are many towns to visit, and the attractions change a bit from one to the next. Santa Catarina Palopo, San Pablo la Laguna, San Antonio Palopo, San Lucas Toliman, Santiago Atitlan, and Santa Cruz la Laguna are some of the more popular ones.
Many of the towns have interesting cultural centers and are great places for learning about the customs, traditions, and handcrafts of the area. Some of the towns focus on particular crafts (such as ceramics or weaving), so if you’re interested in a specific one, just do a little research beforehand.
There are also plenty of outdoor activities to be done in or near each of them, with things like kayak/paddle board rentals, nearby hikes, and hotsprings to swim in.
San Juan la Laguna, San Pedro la Laguna, and Santa Catarina Palopo are a few of the nicest to visit. The people are friendly, the towns are pretty, and you’ll experience authentic local culture in them.
San Juan has a very interesting weaving cooperative, La Lema, where you can learn about the traditional weaving process.
Santa Catarina Palopo has beautiful murals all over town.
San Pedro la Laguna has thermal pools right on the lake’s shores.
When you’re ready to move on to another town, head down to the lake and find a boat going where you’re headed. You should probably expect to spend a couple of hours in each town, depending on what you’re interested in doing there.
San Juan La Laguna
Some ideas for the evening
Whenever you’ve finished touring the lakeside towns, head back to Panajachel. If you’re still looking for something to do, there are lots of options:
You could kayak or paddle board on the lake (pretty neat to do toward sunset)
Check out the weaving classes and demonstrations at Ethical Fashion Guatemala
Do some yoga (there are countless options).
Relax at the spa. Exhale Body Spa is a good option.
For a fun evening, there are a bunch of venues that often have live music, Prana Rock Restaurant among them.
Overnight in Panajachel
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Day 6: Lake Atitlán - outdoor activities on the lake and/or village visits
On your second full day on Lake Atitlan, you have a host of options for what to do. Because of that, it doesn’t make sense to recommend an itinerary for today, as how you spend the day should depend on your interests, travel style, and why you’ve come here.
So, instead of making a specific plan for you, below are some ideas for what to do today.
Photo: Lake Atitlan and San Pedro. Francisco Anzola, CC BY 2.0, Via Flickr.
Village visits
If you’re in Atitlan to explore the villages and experience traditional crafts and culture, then you can spend today visiting the villages that you didn’t make it to yesterday.
Remember, many of the villages also offer opportunities to partake in outdoor activities (kayaking/paddle boarding, hiking, etc.), so a day of sightseeing can also have some active portions added in.
In San Pedro La Laguna, you can do a cooking class with Mayan Cooking.
Paragliding
If you like extreme sports, paragliding is a classic activity here and you will have some of the most breathtaking views you can imagine as you cruise through the sky. You need to reserve this activity in advance, and Real World Paragliding is one of the most popular operators.
From Panajachel, it takes about an hour to get to the take-off point, and then you’ll spend about twenty minutes in the air. Typically, there are options to fly any time from 9:00 AM until around 5:00 PM. It will probably cost somewhere between 70-100 USD.
Atitlán Nature Preserve
Just a couple of minutes away from Panajachel, the Atitlán Nature Preserve is a great place to visit for a semi-organized active day.
The preserve is filled with hiking trails, hanging bridges, ziplining, waterfalls, a butterfly conservatory, and lots of wildlife, all of which you get to experience while exploring a gorgeous, lush forest. You can easily spend 3 to 4 hours here.
If you are still hungry to know the natural beauty of Guatemala, you can go and explore the natural reserve, is just a few minutes from Panajachel town, you will enjoy the best hiking trails with waterfalls, hanging bridges, rain forest all around you, and probably you will see a couple of exotic animals.
Hiking
With three towering volcanoes ringing its shores, is it any surprise that Atitlán would provide tons of hiking opportunities and great views? There are far too many hikes to list, but here are a few of the more popular ones:
Indian Nose - 4 hours or 1 hour, depending on whether you start in San Juan La Laguna or Santa Clara La Laguna.
Lower Mayan Trail - 2.5 miles hiking from Santa Cruz to San Marcos La Laguna
Ruta La Finca - about 1 hour from San Pedro La Laguna
Any of the “Three Giants” (San Pedro, Atitlán, Toliman) - these are all rather difficult hikes, and any one of them will take up the better part of an entire day. With big elevation gains on each, you’ll want to be in good shape if attempting these. It’s best to go with a guide or as part of a small-group tour.
Lounging
Part of the pleasure of staying on Lake Atitlán is simply enjoying your surroundings and getting away from your hectic daily life.
With that in mind, there’s nothing wrong with spending the day hanging around the lake, sipping coffee, getting pampered at a spa, taking a yoga class, or renting a kayak or paddle board for a couple of hours and paddling around.
Remember, you’re on vacation, so you should enjoy yourself!
Overnight in Panajachel
Day 7: Atitlán to Guatemala City
Unfortunately, today is your final full day in Guatemala, and assuming your flight will depart from Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City, it’s time to head back to the capital.
And while most people spend literally no time at all in Guatemala City, I think that’s a mistake, as it’s so different than anywhere else in the country and gives you a very different perspective on life here. So, for today, I’ve planned a full day of sightseeing in the capital.
The Palacio de Gobierno in Guatemala City. Photo: Simon Burchell, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped from original
There are plenty of ways to travel from Panajachel to Guatemala city, so how you get there will depend on your budget and appetite for adventure. Chicken buses depart for the capital almost every hour, and the ride will only cost a few dollars.
Shared shuttles leave a few times per day (once in the morning, afternoon, and evening), and a ticket costs around $30 per person. You can check Guatego or Atitrans for the full timetables and prices.
In all cases, the trip will take 3-5 hours, depending on traffic.
Atitrans runs a 9:00 AM shared shuttle, and we would recommend taking that option so that you have the better part of the day free to explore Guatemala city.
Expect to arrive into Guatemala City sometime between 12 and 2:00 PM. Your shuttle will drop you off at your hotel, so drop off your bags and then prepare to explore our bustling modern capital, which will be quite a change of pace from what you’ve experienced during the rest of your trip.
What to see and do in Guatemala City
Start your city tour off in el Parque Central, where you’ll see the lovely Plaza de la Constitucion, which is just like in Antigua, only much bigger and with even more impressive architecture.
This is the heart of Guatemala City, and the main places to check out are:
the Metropolitan Cathedral - built in the early 1800’s the church has a magnificent neoclassical facade and ornate interiors.
the National Palace - there are 1-hour guided tours available which will take you on a visit through the palace. This is a truly stunning building with magnificent architecture, and it can rival the finest buildings in Europe. Go!
El Parque Centenario - this is a part of the main square (Plaza de la Constitucion)
the National Library
El Mercado Central - while not as pretty or pleasant as the open-air market in Chichicastenago, the Guatemala City’s main market is impressively large, and has a huge selection of goods.
Unlike markets in the more touristic places you’ll have been previously, it’s not focused on tourism, so the prices are often very good.
Depending on how late it is after you finish visiting the places above, you could also make a stop at the Museo Popol Vuh, which closes at 5:00 PM. This museums houses one of the best collections of Mayan art in the entire world, and it has an extensive collection of both pre-Columbian and colonial era art from the Mayan world.
The museums is a bit outside of the city center, but it’s more or less on the way to your final stop for the evening (Cayala). To get there, it’s best to call an Uber or taxi.
The impressive Metropolitan Cathedral
How to spend the evening
In the evening, head to Ciudad Cayalá, which is a very pleasant and upscale development/neighborhood on the outskirts of the city.
You’ll find excellent restaurants here along with high-end shops, and while it may not be especially interesting from a cultural or historical standpoint, it offers visitors a chance to see a very modern, rather wealthy side of Guatemala.
Cayalá is one of the most pleasant parts of Guatemala City to explore in the evening, so you should plan to spend the rest of night here. You can grab a coffee Café Saul, go for a wander, and then eventually head for dinner.
There are countless great restaurants to choose from, but Altuna is always an excellent choice.
Cayala is very lively until late at night, and it’s also a great go-out area. So, after dinner, you can easily make a night of it, visiting some of the bars.
Overnight in Guatemala City
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