So you’ve decided to go to Guatemala? Congratulations, great choice! It’s a beautiful and fascinating country, and you’re going to have an amazing time.
Of course, now comes the hard part – planning your Guatemala itinerary, and deciding where to go, how long to spend in each place, and what to do there.
Well fortunately I have good news!
First, Guatemala is a relatively small country with loads to see and do. That means that even in a short amount of time, you can still cover a lot of ground and see most of Guatemala’s highlights.
Of course, if you don’t have much time that does mean it can be a bit overwhelming deciding where to go and what to leave out.
And as you may have already discovered, there are many blogs and guides online offering confusing information. People who claim to have written ‘The Ultimate Guatemala Itinerary in 10 days’ or ‘The ONLY Guatemala 2 week Itinerary you will ever need’ when in reality they were only there for a few days, or in some cases, not at all!
But don’t worry, because that’s not the case with this Guatemala guide.
About this Guatemala travel itinerary
I spent three months travelling and living in Guatemala. I’m an overthinker and a champion planner, so I did masses of research, read all the guides, studied other 10-day, 2-week, and 3-week Guatemala itineraries, and talked to a lot of fellow travellers.
I also leaned on my years of independent travel experience, taking into consideration important things like when the buses actually leave, and practical tips for backpacking in Guatemala.
So this guide is not only comprehensive, it’s also realistic!
During my travels around Guatemala, I learned a lot, made a few mistakes, and now I’m here to share my conclusions with you. This is not the exact route or timetable that I did – instead, I’ve used my experience and research to create what I think is probably the perfect Guatemala itinerary, whether you have 10 days, two weeks, or longer.
But just to be sure – and because everyone has different preferences, I’ve also offered alternatives so you can customise this Guatemala travel itinerary to suit you.
So read on to begin planning your Guatemala trip, and let the adventures begin!
Why visit Guatemala?
Guatemala is a beautiful country with plenty of attractions crammed into a relatively small area, and whether you’re into sightseeing, hiking, culture, or just relaxing, there’s something for everyone.
From the gorgeous colonial city of Antigua, to tropical jungle crammed with towering ancient temples, from the picturesque Lake Atitlán, to the highlands with dozens of volcanoes and hiking trails, to the colourful Maya culture and friendly people, Guatemala is a rich and varied country with plenty to keep you occupied on a two or three week trip.
And what’s more, not only is it one of cheapest places to travel in Central America, it’s also much less touristy than neighbouring countries like Mexico or Costa Rica. What’s not to love?!
The best time to do this Guatemala itinerary
Guatemala has two seasons, wet and dry. The dry season falls between November and April, and the rainy season is between May and October. I highly recommend trying to plan your visit during the dry season, when you’re likely to be treated to blue skies and good weather. However, since this is the more popular time to visit, you’ll find prices are higher and things book up more quickly, so be sure to plan ahead. If you visit around Easter, you’ll get to see the colourful Holy Week processions, but Antigua will be particularly busy.
During rainy season you’ll have more freedom to leave things to the last minute and prices will be lower, so there are advantages to travelling at this time! And don’t worry, although the weather is not as good, mornings are usually bright and dry, so you’ll still be able to get out and enjoy all this beautiful country has to offer.
How long to spend in Guatemala
To answer the question, ‘How many days in Guatemala’ rather depends on how much time and money you have. I was there for three months, after all! However if you want to see all the highlights as quickly as possible, without having a mental itinerary that leaves you no room for enjoyment, I’d say 2-3 weeks is optimal.
You can see the real highlights in 10 days, or even squeeze your trip into 9 days in Guatemala if you’re really pushed for time. But you’ll be a bit rushed, so if you can extend your trip up to two weeks, I’d recommend it.
Some people want to spend just a week in Guatemala. If that’s you, then I’d recommend just visiting Antigua and Lake Atitlan. You’ll have an amazing time without being too rushed, and you’ll just have to come back to see some of the other highlights another time!
Getting around in Guatemala
There’s no passenger rail service in Guatemala, so the only way to get around is by road. It is possible to rent a car, but the driving can be a bit mental, many of the roads are badly maintained, and it’s not considered safe to drive at night. So unless you’re confident driving in Central America, it’s not really recommended.
It’s much better to travel either by public bus, or by tourist shuttle.
Public transport in Guatemala
There are three kinds of public buses: micros, colectivos (known as ‘chicken buses’) and Pullmans.
- Micros are small minibuses seating up to about 15 passengers (though they will squeeze in as many as they can possibly fit!). These are for short journeys within towns and cities and usually cost no more than about Q2.5-5 (about 25-50p / 30-65c) per journey.
- However for short journeys it’s usually easier, safer, and not much more expensive to get an Uber or a taxi.
- Chicken buses (colectivos) are former US school buses that have been shipped over to Guatemala and customised with bright colours and flashing lights. They cover rural areas and towns, of journeys usually up to about an hour, and cost between Q10-25 (£1-2.50 or US$1.30-3.25) per person. For longer distances, you will probably need to change buses a few times. They are part of the Guatemala experience and worth a try at least once, but they’re not very safe or comfortable, so my recommendation is that for most of your Guatemala trip, you travel by tourist shuttle.
- Pullmans are the long-distance buses. They travel between cities and large towns like Guatemala City, Xela, Rio Dulce and Flores, as well as internationally to Belize, Mexico, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Honduras. They’re usually a lot more reliable and comfortable than the chicken buses and a bit more expensive (the 4.5-hour trip from Xela to Guatemala City cost me Q90 (£9 or US$12). But they are not door-to-door so you will have to get yourself to the bus terminal (usually easy enough by taxi).
Read more: Is Guatemala Safe? 60+ Practical Tips For Safe Travel In Guatemala
Tourist shuttles in Guatemala
Tourist shuttles are most people’s preferred way to travel around Guatemala. They are easily organised through your hotel or local travel agency, can be booked online, and will pick you up and drop you off door-to-door. They do cost a fair bit more than the public buses (typically about Q175-300 (£17-30 / US$23-40) depending on the distance), but for speed, convenience, safety and reliability, they’re the best way to travel. They’re also great for meeting fellow travellers going to the same destination as you.
For this Guatemala travel route I’ve assumed you’ll be taking tourist shuttles. That means that all journeys are planned for the morning, when most of the shuttles leave (though in high season there is usually an afternoon departure as well).
If you decide to travel by public transport, you may have a bit more flexibility with your timetable, but your journeys will take longer.
How expensive is Guatemala?
Compared to many other countries, Guatemala is cheap! Even a tourist shuttle journey of 8 hours will only cost you about Q300 (£30 or US$40) and a meal in a nice restaurant typically costs no more than Q100 (£10 or US$13) including a main course and a drink.
A private room in a basic hotel will set you back about Q300-500 (£30-50 or US$40-65). Hostel dorm beds can be as little as Q80-100 (£8-10 or US$11-13) a night!
That means that you can travel around Guatemala for 10 days or even two or three weeks, travelling by tourist shuttle and staying in fairly decent hotels, and not break the bank!
My 10 day, 2 week or 3 week Guatemala itinerary: the route
All versions of this itinerary follow more or less the same route – just with a bit more time and a couple of extra places added in for the longer versions.
As you’ll notice, this route skips out the far north, northwest and southwest of Guatemala, but it does take in all the major highlights, including the fabulous colonial city of Antigua, the beautiful Lake Atitlán, and the Maya ruins at Tikal. The 2- and 3-week itineraries give you a few extra days in these places and also add in Guatemala’s second city, Quetzaltenango (Xela) and the Caribbean coast areas of Rio Dulce and Livingston.
Guatemala 10 day Itinerary: Antigua – Lake Atitlan – Semuc Champey – Flores
This is the most compact version of my itinerary, allowing you to tick off all of Guatemala’s major highlights and strike a good balance between culture and adventure in a short amount of time. There are a few long bus rides, but you have time to recover in between, and it’s worth making the effort to see the very best Guatemala has to offer!
| Day | Activity | Stay |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive in Guatemala City, travel to Antigua. | Antigua |
| 2 | Full day in Antigua. Explore the city, see the sights, shop for handicrafts, chill out in the cafes, or if you’re feeling energetic, hike up Volcan Pacaya. | Antigua |
| 3 | Morning shuttle to Panajachel on Lake Atitlán. In the afternoon, visit Santa Catarina or San Antonio Palopó. | Panajachel |
| 4 | A full day to explore some of the other lake towns such as Santiago Atitlan, San Marcos, San Juan or San Pedro. | Panajachel or San Pedro |
| 5 | If it’s a Thursday or Sunday, take a day trip to the market at Chichicastenango. Or if you’re into hiking, climb up to the ‘El Rostro Maya’ (Indian Nose) viewpoint or hike Volcan San Pedro. | Panajachel |
| 6 | A full day of travel by bus to Lanquin, taking about 8-10 hours. | Lanquin |
| 7 | Enjoy Semuc Champey. | Lanquin |
| 8 | Bus to Flores, takes 6-8 hours. In the afternoon, explore Flores and watch the sunset over the lake. | Flores |
| 9 | Tikal sunrise, daytime or sunset tour. | Flores / Tikal |
| 10 | Depending on the time of your final departure and destination, fly or bus back to Guatemala City, or head on to Belize. |
10 days in Guatemala: In detail
Day 1 – Arrival
Unless you’re coming overland from one of Guatemala’s neighbouring countries, your point of arrival will be La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City.
Guatemala City has little to recommend it: it’s dirty, dangerous, and most tourists do not venture here for good reason. On a short 10-day or 2-week trip to Guatemala there are better places to spend your time, so as soon as you arrive, hop in a taxi or shuttle and go straight to Antigua, just 1-2 hours’ drive from the city.
After your long journey it’s time to relax in your hotel, grab dinner at one of Antigua’s many cool restaurants, or if you feel like stretching your legs, hike the 25 minutes up to the viewpoint at Cerro de la Cruz to watch the sun set on your first day in Guatemala.
Where to stay in Antigua
- Budget: Yellow House. A cute and central hostel with small but nicely-decorated private rooms and shared bathrooms. Yellow House has a friendly vibe, is spotlessly clean, and has a pretty roof terrace with space to work, read, or chat to your fellow guests.
- Mid-range: Ojala. A hostel-slash-hotel with very affordable dorm rooms, and charming private rooms that are much nicer but also more expensive. Ojala is just a couple of blocks from the Parque Central and has its own courtyard café.
- Luxury: Hotel Museo Spa Casa Santo Domingo. Located in a grand and historic former convent, Casa Santo Domingo is an Antigua icon, with a huge complex including courtyards, a pool, restaurant, spa and gym, art gallery, archaeological museum and more.
- Retreat: Villa Bokéh. Villa Bokéh is about 10 minutes’ taxi ride outside central Antigua, but the journey is worth it for a chance to stay in this exquisite designer mansion set in 6 acres of parkland, with huge rooms decorated with local art and a celebrated on-site restaurant.
Read more: A Review Of Villa Bokeh, A Luxury Hotel In Antigua Guatemala
Day 2 – Explore Antigua
Antigua is the jewel in Guatemala’s crown: a gorgeous and colourful colonial city and UNESCO World Heritage Site, with masses to see and do. Today is your chance to explore.
Visit some of the many historic buildings, from the iconic Santa Catalina arch and the ruined Las Capuchinas Convent, to the historic cathedral, devastated by earthquakes. Pick up beautiful woven textiles or handcrafted wooden toys in the many shops, visit the jade museum or the art and history museums at Casa Santo Domingo, or just explore Antigua’s celebrated coffee scene in the many cafés.
Read more: 28 Tried And Tested Things To Do In Antigua Guatemala
If you’re into hiking, you could also do a morning or afternoon half-day tour to hike up Volcan Pacaya. Tours leave at 6 am or 2 pm and last about four hours, only about an hour of which is actually hiking up the volcano, so don’t worry, it’s not far!
If you’re on Instagram, check out my Hiking Volcan Pacaya reel for more information.
However, if hiking is really your thing, I’d recommend staying in Antigua a couple of extra days to climb Acatenango instead. Jump down to my two- or three-week itineraries to find out more about this epic adventure.
You can also get more inspiration on what to do in Antigua from my Things to Do In Antigua reel.
Day 3 – Antigua to Lake Atitlán
Plenty of companies offer shared shuttles from Antigua to Panajachel (aka ‘Pana’), the gateway to Lake Atitlán. The journey only takes a couple of hours, so if you leave at 8 am you’ll be at the Lake by mid-morning. Check into your hotel in Pana and then you’ll have the rest of the day to begin exploring.
Some options for your first afternoon include:
- Take a tuktuk or a pickup to Santa Catarina Palopó, the colourful painted town with Instagrammable houses everywhere you look.
- Continue your journey beyond Santa Catarina to San Antonio Palopó, famed for its handcrafted ceramics and where all the women wear the traditional blue and purple handwoven ‘traje’ (costume).
- Take a ‘lancha’ (public boat) to San Marcos to explore the Lake’s ‘spiritual town’ and do a yoga class or get a massage.
- Head to Santa Cruz La Laguna for a 3-hour Maya cookery class and learn how to make authentic Maya dishes.
Getting about on Lake Atitlán
Moving about on the Lake can bit a bit unpredictable: the public boats don’t run to any kind of reliable schedule so sometimes you can get lucky and grab a quick departure; other times you may be waiting up to an hour for the boat to fill up and leave. In addition, if you have a lot of stuff, you’ll soon get tired of lugging it between towns and on and off boats. Since you don’t have much time, I think it’s far better to just base yourself in one place (probably Panajachel as it’s the best connected town on the Lake), and then do day trips from there.
The only exception to this is if you have any pre-dawn starts, as the boats don’t run at night. For the sunrise ‘El Rostro Maya’ (Indian Nose) hike or San Pedro Volcano you’ll need to stay the night before in San Pedro, and if you want to do a dawn birdwatching tour to see a Guatemalan quetzal bird you’ll need to stay the night in Santiago Atitlán.
The first boat is usually around 6 am, and the last boat somewhere between 4.30 and 7 depending on the destination. Make sure you check and keep an eye on the time or you may end up stranded on the wrong side of the lake.
Read more: How To See The Resplendent Quetzal Bird In Guatemala
Where to stay in Panajachel
- Budget: Hospedaje El Viajero. This is where I stayed for several nights in Pana. With a dozen private rooms arranged around a central courtyard right on the main street and a short walk from the pier, El Viajero is astoundingly cheap and the best-value place in town. There’s even a talking parrot!
- Mid-range: Regis Hotel Spa. Just off the main street and a short walk from the lake, Regis Hotel Spa has spacious and clean rooms with a pretty garden, a hot tub, and on-site massages.
- Luxury: Hotel Posada de Don Rodrigo. The four-star Don Rodrigo hotel overlooks the lake and has spacious rooms, a pool, gardens and an on-site restaurant.
- Retreat: Casa Palopó. For a taste of genuine luxury on the lake, splash out and head to the stunning boutique hotel Casa Palopó at Santa Caterina Palopó, about a 15 minute taxi or tuktuk ride outside Panajachel.
Day 4 – Explore Lake Atitlan
Today you have a full day to explore the stunning Lake Atitlan. With vivid blue waters, and surrounded by rolling green hillsides and three volcanos, it’s not surprising it’s been described as the most beautiful lake in the world.
The water tends to be calmer in the mornings, so if you’re into kayaking, do that first. Later, take a lancha to one of the towns you haven’t seen yet, such as:
- San Juan La Laguna. Probably my favourite of the Lake towns, with a prettily-decorated main street, plenty of art and craft shops, and masses of colourful street art. If you have time, hike up to the mirador (viewpoint) for stunning lake views, or take this comprehensive 5-hour walking tour that includes visits to art galleries, local family homes, and a women’s weaving cooperative.
- Santiago Atitlán. The largest town on the Lake with a very traditional feel. Visit the market, the main church, the mirador over the Lake, and the many shops selling beautiful embroidery and woodwork. If you’re into birdwatching, you can also take a tour from Santiago Atitlán to try to spot Guatemala’s national bird, the resplendent quetzal. Birding tours leave at dawn, so if you want to do this, it’s better not to stay in Panajachel but instead take the last boat to Santiago Atitlan at 4 pm the day before and stay the night there.
- San Pedro La Laguna. More touristy, and more of a party town, with plenty of hostels, bars and restaurants. If that’s not your scene, San Pedro does get quieter the further away you stay from the main jetty.
In general, and to allow for boat delays, I’d say you have enough time to see one town in the morning and one in the afternoon, except for where you can travel more quickly between towns by tuktuk or pickup, such as San Juan to San Pedro, and Santa Catarina/San Antonio to Panajachel.
Where you stay on night four will depend on what you want to do the next day. If you’d like to go hiking, it’s better to base yourself in San Pedro; if not, head back to Panajachel.
Read more: Guatemala People: 30 Portraits Of Guatemalans That Show Their Rich Culture
Where to stay in San Pedro
- Budget: AmiGos Hostel. The popular backpackers’ choice, AmiGos is a friendly place with cheap dorm rooms and clean, good value privates. Some of the rooms have lake views.
- Mid-range: Mikaso Hotel. Located on the quiet side of town away from the noise of the party bars, Mikaso is a beautiful old property right on the water’s edge. Staff are friendly and helpful and some of the rooms have patios overlooking the lake. Be warned that their hot water is pumped by electricity, so during rainy season power cuts you may not be able to have a hot shower.
- Luxury: Sababa Resort. The four-star Sababa Resort overlooks the Lake and also has a restaurant, swimming pool, garden and bar. Rooms are modern and clean and breakfast is included.
Day 5 – Hiking or Markets around Lake Atitlan
If you’re into hiking, today’s the day for you! San Pedro is the gateway to two popular hikes, the relatively easy but early 1-hour climb up to the Indian Nose viewpoint (El Rostro Maya) for sunrise, or the harder 6-hour morning hike up to the top of Volcan San Pedro and back again.
If you’re extra keen, you can book a private tour and do both in one day, starting at around 4 am for El Rostro Maya, returning for a quick breakfast at about 7.30, and then summiting San Pedro volcano at about midday. Be aware that the clouds can often roll in over the volcano mid-morning, so if the views are important to you, it’s better to skip Indian Nose and leave earlier.
Read more: Backpacking in Guatemala: All You Need To Know Before You Go
If you’re not a hiker, head to one of the region’s most famous and colourful markets. The biggest and most famous is Chichicastenango, which takes place on Thursdays and Sundays; shuttles will pick you up from your hostel first thing in the morning an bring you back at 2 pm.
Chichicastenango market is vividly chaotic, a buzzing extravaganza of buying and selling that will take your breath away, and if you can arrange to be there on a Thursday or Sunday, I highly recommend a visit.
If this doesn’t fit your schedule, an alternative is the colourful Friday market at Sololá, just 20 minutes away from Panajachel. Travel there by chicken bus, or take a tour with a local Maya guide which also includes a visit to another Maya village and the chance to witness a Maya ceremony.
Whatever you end up doing, you’ll need to head back to Panajachel for the night, ready for your bus the next day.
Day 6 – Travel to Lanquín / Semuc Champey
Book a morning shuttle from Panajachel to Lanquín, the gateway to Semuc Champey. This takes 8-10 hours, so make sure you’ve got your headphones and music handy and watch the Guatemalan countryside roll by. The bus will drop you on the edge of Lanquín, from where your hotel will pick you up – don’t forget to book ahead and tell them you’re coming!
Note that this drive will be shorter if you start from Antigua. Depending on the time you arrive on Day 1, you could consider swapping the Lake Atitlán and Antigua legs of this Guatemala travel itinerary around, so you go to the Lake first. This would make your first day longer, but cut down the journey time to Semuc Champey.
Or you could hop back to Antigua for one night after you’ve been to the Lake, ready to head to Semuc Champey in the morning.
Read more: 30 Beautiful Pictures Of Guatemala And The Stories Behind Them
Where to stay at Semuc Champey
- Party Hostel: Greengos. I didn’t stay here myself but I heard good things from people who had. Greengos is just a short walk from Semuc Champey itself, with large dorms, private rooms, a bar and a pool. It’s famously a party hostel though, so don’t stay here if that’s not your vibe.
- Chilled out: Utopia Eco Hotel. Utopia has rustic cabins nestled in the jungle, a friendly communal area and a yoga studio. Morning yoga is free, and dinners are vegetarian and eaten together, family-style. I spent two nights here and really liked the friendly atmosphere; I enjoyed the bugs and mosquitoes a little less, but that’s the jungle for you!
Day 7 – Semuc Champey
One of the greatest natural wonders of Guatemala, Semuc Champey is a 300m-long limestone bridge over the rushing river Cahabón, topped with clear turquoise pools that are great for swimming. There’s a 30-minute hike up to a mirador for stunning views, and the surrounding jungle is home to wildlife including howler monkeys and toucans.
Arrange a drop off and pickup with your hostel, or you can book a full day tour that also includes an underground candlelit adventure to some nearby caves.
Check out my Semuc Champey Reel on Instagram for more inspiration.
Read more: Semuc Champey Guatemala: All You Need To Know Before You Go
Day 8 – Travel to Flores
Another big journey I’m afraid, but it’s worth it to get to Flores! Book the morning shuttle through your hostel, which will also drop you back into Lanquín town to meet it. The shuttle costs about Q300 (US$40) and takes 6-8 hours depending on the roads.
You should arrive in plenty of time to wander the tiny and colourful Isla de Flores before enjoying dinner and a drink while watching the sun set over Lake Peten Itzá.
Where to stay in Flores
- Budget: Los Amigos Hostel. With colourfully-decorated dorms, spacious private rooms, an excellent bar and restaurant, an in-house travel agency, and some of the nicest staff I met in my entire time in Guatemala, Los Amigos really does deserve all its glowing reviews. It’s a bit of a party hostel, but private rooms are tucked away on the upper floors and the main bar shuts at 10, so it wasn’t a problem for me.
- Mid Range: Ramada by Wyndham Tikal Isla de Flores. A modern chain hotel right on the waterfront, the Ramada Flores is a reliable stalwart with an outdoor pool and spa.
- Luxury: Hotel Isla de Flores. A beautiful and central boutique hotel with large and stylish rooms and a swimming pool, the Isla de Flores is the sister hotel to the atmospheric Jungle Lodge at Tikal and staff can arrange airport pickups and transfers between the two.
For more inspiration, check out my Things To Do In Flores reel on Instagram.
Day 9 – Tikal
Tikal was one of the most powerful cities in the Maya civilisation and is one of the highlights on any itinerary for Guatemala. Today it’s a national park and UNESCO World Heritage Site, where towering ancient temples loom mysteriously out of the thick tropical jungle, while spider monkeys jump through the trees above your head.
You can get a public bus there and pay the standard Q100 (£10 or US$13) day entry fee to walk around by yourself, but I highly recommend taking a guided tour from Flores so you know what you’re looking at and can learn more about the magnificent Ancient Maya.
There are sunrise, early morning, daytime and sunset tours, but be aware that as well as paying for the park entry fee and the cost of the tour/guide, if you choose to do sunset or sunrise you will have to buy an additional Q150 ticket to be allowed into the park after hours.
I’d recommend either doing the morning tour for maximum time in the park, or if the forecast is good, the afternoon and sunset tour. Depending on your itinerary for the next day, you could also spend a night in the park, for the chance to fall asleep to the sounds of the jungle.
For more inspiration, here’s my Visiting Tikal reel on Instagram.
Where to stay at Tikal
- Budget: Jungle Lodge Tikal Hostel. Private rooms with shared bathrooms which are attached to the hotel of the same name (see below). Rooms are smaller and darker than the posh hotel ones, but other than that the Jungle Lodge Hostel is the same place, so you get access to all the facilities including the restaurant and pool. A great option for a chance to stay inside the park without breaking the bank.
- Mid-Range: Hotel Tikal Inn. One of only three hotels inside the park, this is the best one that’s not Jungle Lodge. Tikal Inn also has rustic cabins in the jungle, with a pool; it’s not quite as posh as Jungle Lodge, but it’s also a fair bit cheaper.
- Luxury: Hotel Jungle Lodge Tikal. The priciest and probably the fanciest of the three hotels at Tikal, Jungle Lodge has private bungalows tucked away down shady jungle paths, though having stayed here I’m not convinced that you get much extra luxury or service for your money. Note that the wifi doesn’t reach to the rooms and there’s no phone signal either.
Read more: A Colourful Guide To Flores Guatemala: Gateway To The Maya World
Day 10 – Departure and onward connections
If you’re heading back to Guatemala City, you can either take an internal flight from Flores airport (several a day, takes about 45 minutes), or get your hostel to book you a shuttle (which takes a very tedious 10 hours). Note that shuttles leave early so if you want to do this, you won’t be able to stay at Tikal the night before.
From Flores you can also get buses to Belize or, if you’re doing my 14-day itinerary, head to Rio Dulce instead.
And that’s the end of your 10-day tour of Guatemala! As you can see, it’s pretty jam-packed with a few long bus rides, so my recommendation, if you can possibly spare the time, is to squeeze in a few extra days and spend 2 weeks in Guatemala instead.
Keep reading to find out more.
A Guatemala 2 week itinerary: Antigua – Xela – Lake Atitlán – Semuc Champey – Flores
If you’re planning to spend 2 weeks in Guatemala, this version of the itinerary follows a similar route, but adds in one of the country’s top highlights, Volcan Acatenango, as well as the second city, Xela and ideally an extra day in Flores.
With 4-5 extra days you get a chance to see more of the highlights, and a bit more time to recover between long bus journeys.
| Day | Activity | Stay |
| 1 | Arrive in Guatemala City, travel to Antigua. | Antigua |
| 2 | Full day in Antigua. | Antigua |
| 3 | Climb the legendary Volcan de Acatenango to watch the eruptions of Volcan de Fuego. | Acatenango |
| 4 | Descend Acatenango. Afternoon in Antigua. | Antigua |
| 5 | Travel to Quetzaltenango (Xela). Afternoon exploring Xela. | Xela |
| 6 | Explore around Xela. | Xela |
| 7 | Morning shuttle from Xela to Lake Atitlán. Explore around Panajachel, Santa Catarina or San Antonio Palopó. | Panajachel or Santiago Atitlán |
| 8 | A full day to explore the lake and some other towns including San Pedro, San Juan, San Marcos or Santiago Atitlán. | Panajachel or San Pedro |
| 9 | Day trip to the market at Chichicastenango or Sololá. Or hike up to the Indian Nose viewpoint or Volcan San Pedro. | San Pedro or Santiago Atitlán |
| 10 | Travel to Lanquín. | Lanquin |
| 11 | Explore Semuc Champey. | Lanquin |
| 12 | Bus to Flores; explore Flores. | Flores |
| 13 | Tikal sunrise, daytime or sunset tour. | Flores / Tikal |
| 14 | Around Flores, Yaxhá or the Blue Crater. | Flores |
| 15 | Return to Guatemala City, or on to Belize. |
My Guatemala Itinerary in 2 weeks: the detail
Days 1 and 2 – Arrival and Antigua
These are the same as for the 10-day itinerary above.
Day 3 – Hike Volcán de Acatenango
Today is your chance to experience one of the highlights not only of Guatemala, but all of Central America. Volcan de Fuego is one of the most active volcanos in the world, and it’s very close to Antigua Guatemala. To see it, you need to hike up the next-door volcano, Acatenango, from where you get a front row seat to the action. You’ll spend the night in a comfortable campsite with views of Fuego erupting late into the night, before descending the next day.
Read more: The Thrilling Volcan De Acatenango Hike In Antigua Guatemala
Since this is a two-day commitment, it’s a stretch to fit it into a 10-day trip unless you miss something else spectacular, but it’s absolutely worth trying to fit this incredible experience into your Guatemala itinerary if you can. Click here to book your Acatenango overnight tour right now!
Or get a sense of what it’s like via my Hiking Acatenango Instagram reel.
Day 4 – Acatenango descent and relax
You’ll descend Acatenango the next morning and be back at your hostel by lunchtime. Have a shower and a nap, and then spend the afternoon relaxing at the Casa Santo Domingo spa or chilling out in a café or bar.
Day 5 – To Quetzaltenango (Xela)
Time to wave goodbye to Antigua and head to Guatemala’s second city, Quetzaltenango, known locally as Xela (pronounced Shella). Xela is very different from Antigua and much less touristy: it’s a traditional, hardworking city, friendly but conservative, and the heartland of the Maya culture.
The journey from Antigua to Xela only takes around three hours. Have lunch at one of the restaurants in near the Parque Central and then spend the afternoon exploring the city.
Read more: The Complete Guide To Xela Guatemala: Things To See And Do
Where to stay in Xela
- Budget: Casa Kiwi. Xela’s popular party hostel, Casa Kiwi attracts a more energetic crowd, thanks to its rooftop bar and dorm rooms. They also have a travel agency to help you organise your excursions and shuttles.
- Mid-range: Muchá Arte Hostal. The best place to stay in Xela, and not even that mid-range as it’s actually pretty cheap. Muchá has six huge and comfortable rooms arranged round two sunny central courtyards. There’s a kitchen guests can use, a delicious breakfast is included, the staff are incredibly friendly and it’s spotlessly clean. I ended up staying for two months. Book early to avoid disappointment (you can always cancel later).
- Luxury: LATAM hotel Plaza Pradera Quetzaltenango. Located a little way outside the city centre, Plaza Pradera has clean and modern rooms, a rooftop pool, fitness centre, and a restaurant on site.
Day 6 – Explore around Xela
One of the main reasons people come to Xela is for the hiking opportunities, and today’s your chance to take advantage. Tackle one of the big volcanoes like Santa Maria or, if it’s safe to do so, Tajumulco, the highest peak in Central America. Or for something a little less strenuous but still rewarding, head for the spiritual crater lake Laguna Chicabal, or the Maya religious site of Cerro Quemado.
Read more: A Sunrise Hike Up Volcan Santa Maria In Xela, Guatemala
If you’re not a big hiker, an alternative option would be to take a day trip to one of Xela’s many nearby attractions, such as the colourful town of San Andres Xecul, the Friday market at San Francisco El Alto, or the hot springs at Fuentes Georginas.
Read more: Visiting San Andres Xecul, Guatemala: Home Of The Famous Yellow Church
Days 7-13: Lake Atitlan, Semuc Champey, Flores and Tikal
These days are the same as for the 10-day itinerary.
Day 14 – Around Flores
On your return from Tikal, I highly recommend heading back to Flores and spending another day exploring the area. If you haven’t had enough of Maya ruins, head to Yaxhá which, while not as big as Tikal, is still magnificent. You can either do a morning tour with lunch, or an afternoon tour to watch the sun set over the ruins with almost no one else around.
Other options include a trip to swim in the crystal-clear Blue Crater, walking on bridges through the jungle canopy at Skyway Ixpanpajúl, or exploring the nearby town of El Remate or the Isla de Flores viewpoint.
There are reels on Instagram for more inspiration.
Day 15 – Back to Guatemala City or on to Belize
As with the 10-day itinerary, this is just a travel day as you sadly say farewell to Guatemala.
3 week Guatemala itinerary: Antigua – Xela – Lake Atitlán – Semuc Champey – Flores – Rio Dulce
So you’ve read this far and still want more? Good for you!
Here’s my suggested itinerary if you have three weeks to spare in Guatemala. As before, it’s pretty much the same as the 10-day and two week itineraries, but with bonus features!
| Day | Activity | Stay |
| 1 | Arrive in Guatemala City, travel to Antigua. | Antigua |
| 2 | Full day in Antigua. | Antigua |
| 3 | Climb the legendary Volcan de Acatenango to watch the eruptions of Volcan de Fuego. | Acatenango |
| 4 | Descend Acatenango. Afternoon in Antigua. | Antigua |
| 5 | Another full day to enjoy Antigua. | Antigua |
| 6 | Travel to Quetzaltenango (Xela). Afternoon exploring Xela. | Xela |
| 7 | Hiking Xela: Volcan Santa Maria, Tajumulco or Laguna Chicabal. | Xela |
| 8 | Xela day trip: San Andres Xecul, Salcajá, San Francisco El Alto, or Fuentes Georginas. | Xela |
| 9 | Morning shuttle from Xela to Lake Atitlán. Explore around Panajachel, Santa Catarina or San Antonio Palopó. | Panajachel |
| 10 | Day trip to the market at Chichicastenango (Thursday or Sunday) or Sololá (Friday). | Panajachel |
| 11 | A full day to explore the lake towns including San Pedro, San Juan, San Marcos or Santiago Atitlán. | Panajachel, San Pedro or Santiago |
| 12 | Hike up to the Indian Nose viewpoint, hike Volcan San Pedro, go quetzal spotting near Santiago Atitlán, or simply relax by the lake. | Panajachel |
| 13 | Travel to Lanquín. | Lanquin |
| 14 | Explore Semuc Champey. | Lanquin |
| 15 | Bus to Flores; explore Flores. | Flores |
| 16 | Tikal sunrise, daytime or sunset tour. | Flores / Tikal |
| 17 | Around Flores, Yaxhá or the Blue Crater. | Flores |
| 18 | Bus from Flores to Rio Dulce. | Eco hotel along the river |
| 19 | Relax on the Rio Dulce, go kayaking, or just chill out. | Eco hotel along the river |
| 20 | Day trip to Livingston. | Eco hotel along the river |
| 21 | Return to Guatemala City. |
Guatemala 3 week itinerary: the detail
As you can see from the outline above, this Guatemala 3 week itinerary is pretty similar to the 2 week one, just with more time to relax and enjoy places, and a few extra things added in:
- I’ve added an extra day in Antigua on Day 5. It’s a beautiful city, and it really is very easy to just chill out here and enjoy the vibe.
- I also added an extra day in Xela on Day 8 so you don’t have to choose between hiking and a cultural day trip, you can do both!
- Similarly, there’s now an extra day at the Lake, so you can visit Chichicastenango, do a hike, or go quetzal spotting without having to miss anything. Since you’ll have a bit more time, you should be able to shuffle your schedule around so one of your lake days coincides with Chichi’s Thursday or Sunday market days.
- If birdwatching is really your thing, another option would be to add in a day in Coban instead. Coban is close to Lanquín, and home to the Biotopo del Quetzal, a nature reserve where you stand a good chance of spotting Guatemala’s national bird. If you want to do this, get a shuttle from Panajachel to Coban and stay the night there; in the morning you can do a sunrise birdwatching tour, before carrying on to your Semuc Champey accommodation at the end of the day.
- After Flores, I’ve added in a new destination to break up your journey back to Guatemala City: Rio Dulce. Rio Dulce town is gritty and unimpressive, but the river that flows from the town to Guatemala’s Caribbean coast is famed for its beautiful scenery, bird life, and tranquil backwaters dotted with relaxing eco lodges that are only accessible by boat. Stay a couple of nights at one of them, relax and go kayaking on the river, or take a day trip to the coastal town of Livingston and check out the Caribbean vibe.
Read more: Rio Dulce Guatemala: Is The ‘Sweet River’ Worth It?
Where to stay in Rio Dulce
- Budget: Hotel Kangaroo Rio Dulce. Just a short boat hop from where the bus gets in, Hotel Kangaroo has cheap dorms and private rooms set in lush tropical jungle, a hot tub, and a boat shuttle pickup from Rio Dulce.
- Mid-range: El Hotelito Perdido. This is where I stayed for three nights. Hotelito Perdido is a charming eco-retreat that garners rave reviews, with shady jungle gardens, a dock for swimming in the river, paddleboards and kayaks to rent, cute jungle cabins (there’s a dorm too) and enormous breakfasts. Note that everything is solar powered so the wifi is rubbish and the fans are weak – when I was there it was almost unbearably hot and humid but the place itself is delightful.
- Luxury: Boatique Hotel and Marina. Boasting charming eco-cabins in the jungle just 10-minutes by boat from Rio Dulce town, Boatique Hotel has everything the other places have but with the addition of a swimming pool and air-conditioning!
A Guatemala itinerary coming from Mexico
If you’re entering Guatemala from Mexico, the easiest way to get here is by tourist shuttle from San Cristobal de las Casa to Xela. In that case just amend this itinerary so you start in Xela, then go to Lake Atitlán, then Antigua, and carry on from there.
A Guatemala itinerary coming from El Salvador or Honduras
If you’re coming from the south, your arrival point will likely be either Guatemala City or Antigua, so you can follow this itinerary as written.
A Guatemala trip itinerary coming from Belize
If you’re coming from Belize your point of entry to Guatemala will be Flores. In that case you’ll need to do this itinerary in reverse: Flores first, then Semuc Champey, then Rio Dulce if you have time, Antigua, Xela, Lake Atillán, and back to the city.
Getting from Semuc Champey to Rio Dulce
Note that if you want to travel from Semuc Champey to Rio Dulce (or vice versa if you prefer), the road between the two is bad! Unsealed, bumpy, and potholey. Shuttles don’t run every day, only when there are enough people, so if you’re travelling alone you may have to wait a day or two. And during rainy season the road may be impassable.
That said, it is doable (I did it!), and although the road was bumpy, the journey only took about 5 hours and we made the boat in time, so it was ok. Just note that the road is very dusty, so if the vehicle is a pickup with an open back, try to sit inside the cab if you can or you’ll end up orange!
I made a reel about this one too.
And that’s it! Three options for a Guatemala itinerary in ten days, two weeks or three weeks. Hopefully they will help you plan your perfect Guatemala adventure.
New posts on most of these destinations, and much more practical advice for travelling Guatemala will be added to the blog over the coming weeks and months, so check back soon, or subscribe for updates.
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Where to next?
If you liked this, here are some more Guatemala posts you might enjoy:
- The Complete Guide To Xela Guatemala: Things To See And Do
- Visiting San Andres Xecul, Guatemala: Home Of The Famous Yellow Church
- The Colourful Market In Solola Guatemala: A Photo Guide
- A Sunrise Hike Up Volcan Santa Maria In Xela, Guatemala
- Yaxha Guatemala: The Magical Mayan Ruins You Need To Visit
Or if you’re still deciding where to go, here are some other itineraries you could try:
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- An Ideal Morocco Itinerary in 2 Weeks
- An Epic Uganda Itinerary In 2 Weeks
- A Review of G Adventures’ Costa Rica 16-Day Tour
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Bella is a multi-award-winning travel writer, wildlife photographer and science and history documentary director from London. Among many awards and nominations she won Blogger of the Year at the British Guild of Travel Writers’ Awards 2023 and Best Photography at the Travel Media Awards 2020. Her work has been published by National Geographic, Wanderlust, and BBC Travel among others. Her films have been shown around the world including on the BBC, Discovery and PBS.
