This is a suggested travel itinerary for Guatemala that includes Antigua, Lake Atitlán & Tikal.
Why Travel To Guatemala
- Ancient civilization
- Fascinating historical sites and ruins
- Colorful colonial towns
- Varied landscape
- Unique culture
- Friendly locals
- Value for money
Guatemala Itinerary Map
 |
| A:Guatemala-City B:Antigua C:Lake-Atitlán D:Tikal |
Guatemala Travel Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrive in Guatemala City, Transfer to Antigua
- Day 2: Explore Antigua
- Day 3: Hike Volcano Pacaya
- Day 4: Travel to Panajachel (Lake Atitlán)
- Day 5: Explore Lake Atitlán and Indigenous Villages
- Day 6: Visit Chichicastenango
- Day 7: Travel to Tikal
- Day 8: Explore Tikal's Mayan Ruins
- Day 9: Depart
If you've got few more days then consider also visiting Semuc Champay to enjoy stunning scenery and adventure sports.
Best Time To Visit Guatemala
The best time to visit Guatemala is between November and April when the conditions are dry.
Guatemala Top Experiences
- Fascinating ancient Tikal ruins
- Indigenous villages around Lake Atitlán
- Colorful colonial town of Antigua
Day 1: Arrive In Guatemala City, Transfer to Antigua
After flying into Guatemala City, take the transport to Antigua which is under an hour drive. Antigua is a charming little city, nestled among volcanoes in southern Guatemala, which boasts a rich history. Antigua served as the capital of Spanish Colonial Guatemala until it was abandoned in the 1700s due to a catastrophic earthquake. Today, the city is renowned for its stunning Baroque architecture, intriguing church ruins, and picturesque cobblestone streets. It's also recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The area of El Caseo (Historic Center) is the best place to stay in Antigua. The Historic Center of Antigua is home to the main colonial buildings, museums and historic churches of the city.
Once you reach Antigua, check into your hotel or hostel. If you still have some energy, take the rest of the day to stroll through the charming cobblestone streets of the city. Don't miss the chance to admire the iconic Santa Catalina Arch, a beautiful structure dating back to the 17th century.
 |
| Santa Catalina Arch (Antigua) |
 |
| Antigua |
Day 2: Explore Antigua
- Kick off your morning by exploring the charming baroque-style Catholic church, Iglesia de la Merced, which opened its doors in 1767. Be sure to check out the stunning Fountain of los Pescados located inside the church.
- Then visit Cathedral of San José which has been damaged due to many earthquakes. Also visit Iglesia de San Francisco which is one of many ruined churches in the city and often visited by the pilgrims.
- Also visit the Casa Santo Domingo Museum, which is also a hotel. This exceptional property features a top-notch museum, fascinating ruins, beautiful gardens, and comfortable accommodations.
 |
| Iglesia de la Merced (Antigua) |
 |
| Fountain at Iglesia de la Merced (Antigua) |
 |
| Iglesia de San Francisco (Antigua) |
 |
| Hotel Casa Santo Domingo |
 |
| El Carmen Church Ruins (Antigua) |
Day 3: Hike Pacaya Volcano
Start your day with a guided hike of Pacaya Volcano. The hike will provide you the opportunity to marvel the volcanic ashes and hot lava. Pacaya is an active volcano in Guatemala, which first erupted approximately 23,000 years ago and has erupted at least 23 times since the Spanish conquest of Guatemala.
If hiking isn't your preference, consider joining a guided tour of a coffee plantation instead. Antigua boasts perfect conditions for coffee cultivation, producing some of the finest premium coffee in Guatemala.
Once you’re back from your hike or tour, take some time to unwind and enjoy the remainder of your day in the charming town of Antigua.
 |
| Pacaya Volcano |
Day 4: Transfer to Panajachel (Lake Atitlán)
Travel to the charming town of Panajachel, which is approximately a 2.5-hour drive from Antigua. Nestled on the Northeast shore of Lake Atitlán, Panajachel will serve as your home base for discovering the beautiful Lake Atitlán area.
Panajachel was a well-known retreat for hippies back in the 1970s. Nowadays, it serves as a convenient base for travelers looking to take day trips around Lake Atitlán. The town is bustling with Spanish language schools, yoga studios, supermarkets, restaurants, bars, and cafés. You can spend the rest of your day wandering through the charming streets of Panajachel and discovering all it has to offer.
 |
| Panajachel |
 |
| Lake Atitlán |
Day 5: Explore Lake Atitlán
Lake Atitlán is one of the most mystical places in Guatemala. Atitlán is the deepest lake in Central America and one of the most beautiful lakes in the world.
Lake Atitlán is encircled by numerous indigenous Mayan communities. The villages of San Pedro, San Juan, and Santiago are among the most well-known around the lake. Consider joining an organized tour to explore these vibrant villages and immerse yourself in the local culture and way of life.
 |
| Lake Atitlán |
 |
| San Juan La Laguna (Lake Atitlán) |
 |
| Church of St. Peter at San Pedro La Laguna (Lake Atitlán) |
Day 6: Visit Chichicastenango
Start your day with a trip to the vibrant town of Chichicastenango, located just over an hour's drive from Panajachel. You can either book a guided tour or simply arrange for a transfer. Chichicastenango is famous for its lively and colorful market, which operates on Thursdays and Sundays. Here, you'll find a variety of vendors offering handicrafts, delicious food, beautiful flowers, pottery, wooden boxes, spices, textiles, and more. It's a fantastic spot to immerse yourself in the rich Mayan culture. You can also visit 400 year old Church of Santo Tomás, which is located right next to the market. Afterward, head back to Panajachel to unwind with a delightful dinner and drinks in the evening.
Alternatively you can choose to spend the day exploring any of the charming villages or getting involved in some activities like hiking, yoga, etc.
 |
| Chichicastenango |
 |
| Iglesia de Santo Tomás (Chichicastenango) |
Day 7: Travel to Tikal
Take a short domestic flight to the town of Flores in northern Guatemala. You would need to transfer first via road to Guatemala City from Lake Atitlán, to take the flight to Flores. Tikal is around 64 km from Flores where the airport is located. Alternatively you can also travel to Tikal from Lake Atitlán via road.
You have the option to choose between staying in a hotel in Flores or one that is conveniently located near the Tikal archaeological site.
Travel Tip: It's important to keep in mind that any hotel near the archaeological site will be situated within the protected jungle area. Be sure to do your research to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of staying in a hotel located in this special environment.
Tikal stands out as the largest and most well-preserved Mayan city in Mesoamerica. It served as the capital of a powerful conquest state, becoming one of the most influential kingdoms of the ancient Maya civilization. While some of the impressive architecture at Tikal dates back to the 4th century BCE, the city truly flourished during the Classic Period, which spanned from 200 CE to 900 CE. Visitors to Tikal can explore approximately 3,000 structures, including temples, terraces, ceremonial platforms, and plazas.
 |
| Tikal main plaza during winter solstice celebrations |
Day 8: Explore Tikal
For most visitors, a full day is sufficient to explore the main highlights of Tikal. The site features six impressive pyramids and temples, known as Temples I–VI, with some towering over 200 feet.
Travel Tip: Some of the things to consider before visiting Tikal would be: 1) Do you prefer to explore on your own or with a guide?; 2) Would you like to be there for sunrise or sunset?. Make sure to wear appropriate shoes for walking and climbing. Don't forget to prepare for the afternoon heat by bringing a hat and plenty of water. It's also a good idea to apply bug spray to keep those pesky mosquitoes at bay.
 |
| Great Jaguar Temple (Tikal) |
 |
| Tikal |
 |
| Tikal |
Day 9: Depart
Depart from Tikal/Flores to your destination.
What to Shop In Guatemala
Guatemala is known for textiles, ceramics, Jade jewelry, masks, coffee and rum.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on this itinerary! Feel free to share your questions or suggestions in the comments section below.
No comments:
Post a Comment