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
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| 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 beautiful small city surrounded by volcanoes in southern Guatemala. Antigua was once the capital of Spanish Colonial Guatemala but was abandoned in the 1700s after a devastating earthquake. Antigua is full of Baroque-inspired architecture, fascinating church ruins and cobble stones streets. It is also 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.
After arriving in Antigua settle into your hotel/hostel. If you're not too tired then spend rest of the day walking around the lovely cobble stone streets of Antigua. Enjoy and appreciate famous Santa Catalina Arch which was built in 17th century.
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| Santa Catalina Arch (Antigua) |
Day 2: Explore Antigua
- Start your day by visiting the lovely baroque style Catholic church Iglesia de la Merced which was inaugurated in 1767. Don't miss the Fountain of los Pescados 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 checkout Casa Santo Domingo Museum (which is also a hotel). The property has a world-class museum, interesting ruins, gorgeous gardens and a hotel.
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| Iglesia de la Merced (Antigua) |
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| Fountain at Iglesia de la Merced (Antigua) |
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| Iglesia de San Francisco (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 is not your thing, then sign up for a guided coffee plantation tour. Antigua has ideal coffee growing conditions and grows finest premium coffee in Guatemala.
After returning back from your hike/tour just relax and enjoy rest of your day at the charming town of Antigua.
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| Pacaya Volcano |
Day 4: Transfer to Panajachel (Lake Atitlán)
Take transportation to the town of Panajachel which is about 2.5 hours by road from Antigua. The town of Panajachel is located on the Northeast shore of Lake Atitlán and will be your base while exploring Lake Atitlán.
Panajachel was a famous hippie haven in the 1970s. Today it offers travelers easy access for day trips around Lake Atitlán. Also it is full of Spanish language schools, yoga classes, supermarkets, restaurants, bars and cafés. Spend rest of the day walking around exploring the lovely town of Panajachel.
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| Panajachel |
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 surrounded by many indigenous Mayan communities. San Pedro, San Juan and Santiago are the most popular villages around Lake Atitlán. Sign up for an organized tour to visit these indigenous villages around the lake and experience the local life/culture in these villages.
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| Lake Atitlán |
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| San Juan La Laguna (Lake Atitlán) |
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| Church of St. Peter at San Pedro La Laguna (Lake Atitlán) |
Day 6: Visit Chichicastenango
In the morning travel to the town of Chichicastenango, which is little more than an hour's drive from Panajachel. You can arrange for a guided tour or do a simple transfer. Chichicastenango is known for it's bustling and colorful market which is open on Thursdays and Sundays. The vendors sell handicrafts, food, flowers, pottery, wooden boxes, condiments, textiles, etc. It is a great place to get the feel of the colorful Mayan culture. Also visit 400 year old Church of Santo Tomás which is right next to the market. Get back to Panajachel to enjoy the evening with dinner and drinks.
Alternatively you can choose to spend the day exploring any of the villages or getting involved in some activities like hiking, yoga, etc.
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| Chichicastenango |
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| 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 can decide to stay in a hotel in Flores or in a hotel very close to the archeological site Tikal.
Travel Tip: Please note that any hotel close to the archeological site would be actually located inside the protected jungle. Please do your research to understand the pros and cons of staying at a hotel inside the protected area.
Tikal is the biggest and best preserved Mayan city in all of Mesoamerica. Tikal was the capital of a conquest state that became one of the most powerful kingdoms of the ancient Maya. Though monumental architecture at the site dates back as far as the 4th century BCE, Tikal reached its pinnacle during the Classic Period (200 CE to 900 CE). At Tikal you will find around 3,000 structures like temples, terraces, ceremonial platforms and plazas.
Day 8: Explore Tikal
Full one day is enough for most people to see the highlights of Tikal. The most prominent structures are the six surviving pyramids/temples that are labeled Temples I–VI, some of them over 200 feet high.
Travel Tip: Some of the questions 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?. Please wear right footwear to allow walking and climbing. Be prepared for the heat in the afternoon (wearing a cap, carrying enough water, etc.). Also wear a bug spray to repel the mosquitoes.
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| Great Jaguar Temple (Tikal) |
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| 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.
Please do let me know in the comments section below if you like this itinerary or if you've any questions/suggestions about the itinerary.
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