Guatemala Itinerary: Best Things to Do and See

Last Updated on December 5, 2023

This guide covers all the best things to do and see on your Guatemala itinerary, as well as must-know info like how to get around Guatemala, and Guatemalan history.

Traveling Guatemala was a spur of the moment decision for my partner and I. We’d been in Nicaragua, where we met some backpackers who told us that Guatemala had been their favourite country in Central America.

When we asked them why, they told us about how in Guatemala they’d done an epic hike to watch a volcano actively erupt. Just a few months later, we traveled to Guatemala to do that very same hike. 

Trekking to the summit of Volcan Acatenango to see Volcan Fuego actively erupting was just one of many amazing things we did in Guatemala. We wandered the markets of Antigua, explored the villages of Lake Atitlan, and more. 

In this guide, you’ll learn all the basics for your trip, including where to go, foods to try, things to do in Guatemala, and examples of a 10, 7, and 5 day Guatemala itinerary. 

A Bit of Guatemalan History 

The ancient civilization of the Maya was a powerful and advanced civilization that built many pyramids that can still be visited today in Guatemala.

This civilization was at its height from around 250 AD to 900 AD, but when the Europeans arrived in the 14th century, they were beginning to decline.

In 1524 colonizers arrived from Spain. They conquered the Maya, and the region became a Spanish colony. During Guatemala’s colonization by the Spanish, the country had three capital cities. 

Ciudad Vieja, the first one, was destroyed by an earthquake and floods. The second was Antigua, which was also destroyed by earthquakes. The third capital was founded in 1776, and it was named Guatemala City. 

It wasn’t until 1821 that Guatemala gained independence from Spain. Despite colonization having ended over 100 years ago, colonization has continued to impact Guatemalan culture. 

You’ll notice there are still many Spanish churches throughout Guatemala, and in many places architecture has a distinctly colonial Spanish feel.

The Guatemalan genocide is another important Guatemalan event to know. For around 30 years, from the 1970s to 1990s, Guatemala’s government committed grave human rights abuses in a war that left more than 200,000 of the country’s Maya civilians dead.

Since the genocide, Guatemala has worked towards some reparation, but the country faces significant instability and social inequality. An estimated 1.5 million people were displaced by the civil war, and they continue to be displaced today. 

Guatemala has a dark history that is difficult to process, but it contributes to the Guatemalan identity. It’s important to know these basics of Guatemala’s history so that you can have a contextualized visit. I do recommend researching further before traveling to Guatemala. 

How Long to Spend in Guatemala

For a well-rounded Guatemala trip, plan on spending 10 days. This gives you enough time to experience Guatemala’s towns, lakes, volcanoes, ruins, food, and culture. Of course, if you have more time, spending 2 weeks (or more!) will give you an even more in-depth experience.

If you only have a couple days or a week, you can still fit quite a lot into your Guatemala itinerary. It will be a busy trip, but absolutely worth it!

Guatemala Itinerary: 10, 7, or 5 Days

Below, I’ve outlined three Guatemala itineraries of different lengths. These itineraries can of course be adjusted however you like! 

10 days in Guatemala

This 10 day Guatemala itinerary includes the main sites on the tourist trail. If you have 2 weeks, you can lengthen the amount of time you spend in each location by about 1 day.

Days 1–3 in Antigua: Arrive in Guatemala, transfer to Antigua. 
Days 4–5 in Lake Atitlan: Transfer to Lake Atitlan, spend a few days exploring the lake.
Day 6–7 in Semuc Champey: Transfer to Semuc Champey to visit famous turquoise pools.
Day 8–9 Day in Flores: Transfer to Flores to visit the famous Tikal ruins. 
Day 10 in Guatemala City: Travel back to Guatemala City to fly out.

7 days in Guatemala

This 7 day Guatemala itinerary includes 3 of the main highlights in Guatamala, while minimizing driving time. This way, you get to spend less time in transit and more time enjoying Guatamala experiences.

Days 1–2 in Antigua: Arrive in Guatemala, transfer to Antigua. 
Days 3–4 in Lake Atitlan: Transfer to Lake Atitlan, spend a few days exploring the lake.
Day 5–6 in Semuc Champey: Transfer to Semuc Champey to visit famous turquoise pools.
Day 7 in Guatemala City: Travel back to Guatemala City to fly out.

5 days in Guatemala

This 5 day Guatemala itinerary brings you to two main places in Guatemala: Antigua, and Lake Atitlan.

Days 1–2 in Antigua: Arrive in Guatemala, transfer to Antigua. 
Days 3–4 in Lake Atitlan: Transfer to Lake Atitlan, spend a few days exploring the lake.
Day 5 in Guatemala City: Travel back to Guatemala City to fly out. 

The Best Time to Visit Guatemala

The best time to visit Guatemala is during the dry season, November to April. During this time, the country is warm, sunny, and there’s little rain, making it a pleasant time to explore the country.

While dry season is the best weather, it’s also the busiest time to visit Guatemala. Alternatively, plan your Guatemala itinerary for the off-season or “shoulder” season. 

This means traveling not during peak season, but on either end of a country’s “peak” tourism season. Traveling off-peak means it’ll be less busy with tourists, which helps reduce the impact of overtourism. 

We visited Guatemala in mid May (shoulder season), and that was perfect. We still had good weather mixed in with a bit of rain (but barely), and we benefited from less tourists being around. Prices are a little lower, and there’s more hotel, hostel, and tour availability. 

One thing to note is that weather in Guatemala can vary significantly by altitude and climate zone.

For a small country, Guatemala has many climate zones. This, mixed with the two seasons (dry and wet) means that the weather can change depending on not just what time you visit, but the region you visit.

To prepare for weather that varies, make sure to pack summer clothing for hot weather as well as some sweaters, jackets, and pants in case it gets cold at any point.

How to Get to Guatemala

The first step of your Guatemala itinerary? Get to Guatemala! 

Most people travel to Guatemala by plane, arriving in the capital, Guatemala City. The international airport in the city is La Aurora International Guatemala Airport.

Flying into Guatemala City is the best option if you’re arriving from outside of Central America. Flores airport, which is near Tikal, also has a few flights from Belize City and Cancún. 

If you’re traveling to Guatemala from a neighboring country, you can book a bus to bring you over the border.

How to Get Around Guatemala

Once you’ve arrived in Guatemala, there are many forms of transportation available to help you travel around Guatemala. You’ll likely use a combination of these transport options for your Guatemala itinerary.

Shuttle vans in Guatemala

Private shuttle van is definitely the easiest way to get around Guatemala. We used shuttles for most of our travel within the country because of the convenience. 

You can book them in advance online or through your hostel or hotel. That said, we had no problems booking all the shuttles for our Guatemala itinerary after we’d arrived in Guatemala. 

Booking through our hostel or hotel one to three days in advance was enough notice. Shuttle transfers ranged from 16 USD to 80 USD depending on the distance traveled. 

Taxis in Guatemala

It’s recommended that any time you hire a taxi, you have your hotel or hostel call for one rather than flagging one down. 

Although there are technically metered taxis available in Guatemala, you’ll definitely get a better rate if you can bargain for a flat price (locals say that the taxi meters are rigged). Taxi Amarillo Express is one popular taxi service that has metered cabs.

Tuk tuks in Guatemala

Tuk tuks are available in small towns across the country. They are motorized versions of a pulled rickshaw or cycle rickshaw. They usually have 3 small wheels and seat 2-3 people in the passenger area. Tuk tuks aren’t expensive to hire, and they’re perfect for making short trips within towns in Guatemala. 

Chicken buses in Guatemala 

Chicken bus is how local Guatemalans get around! Chicken buses in Guatemala are old American school buses that are usually colorfully painted and decorated. 

Their name comes from the fact that they used to be commonly used to transport live animals – but that isn’t quite as common to see anymore. 

A trip by chicken bus can be slow because they stop often, and they can be crowded. But, they are a super economical way to get around (trips cost 1 – 6 USD).

Flights (Guatemala City to Flores)

The only domestic flight that tourists tend to take on their Guatemala itinerary is the flight from Guatemala City to Flores. 

From Flores, you can access the Mayan pyramids of Tikal – more on this, later in the guide. There’s around 4 flights on this route per day, and they cost about 100 USD per direction. 

Tip: When planning your Guatemala itinerary, keep in mind that transportation between towns in Guatemala can take the better part of a day. The distances might not look long, but the roads aren’t always in great shape which adds time to the trip.

The Best Places to Visit in Guatemala

There is so much to see in Guatemala, you could spend weeks traveling around without experiencing it all. Below I’m highlighting the best cities, towns, and sites to visit on your Guatemala itinerary.

Antigua, Guatemala

Antigua used to be the colonial Spanish capital of Central America. Today, the small city is known as a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its colonial Spanish architecture. 

Antigua is easy to reach from Guatemala City, about a 1.5 hour drive. Because of this, it’s often the first place travelers visit in Guatemala. 

I fell in love with Antigua because of its relaxed, small town vibe. Most of Antigua can be explored on foot, and there’s tons to do from exploring the plentiful markets to experimenting with street food and enjoying live music in a local bar. 

Spend an afternoon in Parque Central, a park at the centre of Antigua. It’s always bustling with locals and vendors, making it a great spot for people watching and shopping for souvenirs.

If you’re up for an easy hike, you can make your way up to Cerro de la Cruz. At this famous viewpoint you’ll see the large cross which was built in devotion to the city’s patron saint. On a clear day, you’ll have views of all of Antigua, and some of the volcanoes in the distance!

Lake Atitlán

Lake Atitlán is an absolute must see for your Guatemala itinerary. This massive crater lake is lined with many towns, beautiful mountains, and jungle. 

Because Lake Atitlán is so big, plan to spend a few days there. You’ll want to explore the lake’s different towns, go swimming, hike to Lake Atitlán’s beautiful viewpoints and take local tours – horseback riding, trekking, coffee tours and more.

San Pedro La Laguna is a popular spot for backpackers to stay in Lake Atitlán. This quiet town is known for its not-so-secret cliff-jumping spot, cafes, and yoga classes. 

San Marcos La Laguna is a larger town, with a stronger Mayan presence. We opted to stay in San Marcos and enjoyed the town’s balance of tourism infrastructure mixed with local presence. No matter where you stay in La Laguna, you will have plenty to do and beautiful views, guaranteed.

Tikal

Guatemala has many Mayan ruins, but Tikal is known for being the most impressive site. The kingdom at Tikal is thought to have been one of the most powerful of the ancient Maya. 

In 1979, the site was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today, visiting the well-preserved pyramids and temples at Tikal is a great opportunity to learn about Mayan history. 

Tikal is especially good because it tends to be less busy than other tourist sites in Guatemala, and actually, Central America. That’s because it takes some time to reach Tikal. 

To visit Tikal, you have to travel to the town of Flores. From within Guatemala, the best way to get to Flores is by tourist minibus. Most hotels and hostels can arrange this for you. 

Depending on where you travel to Flores from, the trip will be 8+ hours each direction. From Guatemala City, you can take an overnight bus, or grab a 1 hour flight.

While in Flores, there’s a couple things to do beyond visiting Tikal. You can explore the town for food, go kayaking, and visit the Museo Santa Bárbara, a small museum that contains a selection of Maya artifacts from nearby archaeological sites.

Semuc Champey

Semuc Champey is a stunning turquoise blue limestone river, near the Q’eqchi’ Maya town of Lanquín. It’s made up of a natural 300 meter limestone bridge, under which passes the Cahabón River. Above the limestone bridge is a series of stepped, turquoise pools where visitors can lounge and swim. 

Most people that come to visit Semuc Champey end up staying a few days, using Lanquín as a home base. There are plenty of eco hotels and hostels to choose from in Lanquín. Semuc Champey is about an hour drive from Lanquín.

The best way to reach it is by arranging a tour or at minimum, hiring a driver who has experience in the area and a vehicle that can handle the difficult roads.

Exploring the Semuc Champey river will take up an entire day of your Guatemala itinerary. You’ll need two hours for the drive there and back, and a couple hours to swim in the limestone pools, hike to the wooden platform that overlooks the pools, and explore the nearby caves. Be sure to pack sunscreen, good shoes, and snacks!

Chichicastenango

Chichicastenango is a small town that has one of the best markets in Guatemala. Although Guatemala, like most of Central America, was colonized by the Spanish in the 16th century, Chichicastenango’s population is unique because it remains very Indigenous. 

Many of the people that live in Chichicastenango are direct descendants of the Mayan culture. Some people in this region don’t even speak Spanish.

Most tourists head to Chichicastenango to shop in the market for textiles, Mayan masks, clothing, local foods, and other goods. The Chichicastenango market is only open on Thursdays and Sundays, and it’s best to go in the morning. 

Chichicastenango is located 3 hours away from Guatemala City, and 2 hours from Antigua. It’s possible to visit as a day trip from either city, or, stop in Chichicastenango en route between Guatemala City and Antigua. If you prefer to travel slowly, consider grabbing a hotel for a night in Chichicastenango. 

Must-Have Experiences in Guatemala 

Below I’m highlighting some of the best activities and experiences to have on your Guatemala itinerary.

Ride a Guatemalan chicken bus.

I know I already touched on chicken buses as a way to get around in Guatemala, but they are not just practical for transport, they’re fun! They are brightly painted and decorated which makes them super recognizable. And they aren’t used just in Guatemala, you’ll find them throughout Central America. 

I think that taking time to experience life as locals do when traveling is worth doing, and that’s why riding a chicken bus is on this list. It may not be the most comfortable trip that you make while in Guatemala, but it’ll give you insight into the local experience and an opportunity to chat with locals!

Explore the markets of Antigua.

Antigua was once the colonial Spanish capital of Central America, and today is a UNESCO World Heritage Site named for its colonial Spanish architecture – making it an essential place to visit in Guatemala. 

The city is easily accessible and can be explored mostly on foot. There is plenty to do from exploring the plentiful markets to experimenting with street food and enjoying live music in a local bar.

The Parque Central, found in the center of the city, is always bustling with locals and vendors, making it a great spot to people watch. And, if you’re up for an easy hike, you can make your way up to Cerro de la Cruz. 

This famous viewpoint hosts a large cross which is devoted to the city’s patron saint. On a clear day, you’ll have views of all of Antigua, and some of the volcanoes in the distance!

Hike a volcano in Guatemala. 

Volcanoes are one of the best reasons to visit Guatemala!

Guatemala is part of the Ring of Fire, which is a string of volcanoes in the Pacific Ocean. As a result, Guatemala has over 30 volcanoes! It’s part of what makes Guatemala so mountainous – and great for hiking. 

Trekking up a volcano is a must do on your Guatemala itinerary. Many of them can be hiked, but there are a couple that are most common. 

Hiking Tajumulco is popular because at 4222 meters, Tajumulco is Central America’s tallest volcano. So if you’re into hitting records, this is the volcano for you.

For views of an active volcano, many tourists opt to hike Pacaya, which is about an hour’s drive from Antigua. 

It’s one of the easier ways to get up close and personal with an active volcano while in Guatemala. The hike can be done in a day, and on it you’ll have views of small eruptions and you’ll get to toast marshmallows on volcanic rock!

While in  Lake Atitlán, you can hike the San Pedro Volcano. This one is popular because it is a relatively easy climb, and offers incredible views of the lake. 

The San Pedro Volcano hike takes just 3 to 4 hours so it can be done in a half day. According to tourism law, you have to hire a guide to take you up, but this only costs about 15 USD. 

For the most epic views, you’ll want to hike Acatenango. It is the third-highest volcano in Guatemala, and be warned, this trek is considerably more difficult than most of Guatemala’s hikes. 

It takes a day to hike up to base camp where you spend the night, and then hike to the summit the following morning. 

The summit is the best lookout point to the active Fuego Volcano. You’ll feel the earth rumble with every eruption and you’ll witness the lava spewing from Fuego’s crater! On a clear day you’ll be treated to views of Pacaya and Agua Volcanoes too. 

This is definitely a challenging hike, but it’s super rewarding. If you’re planning on this hike, read my guide to hiking Volcano Acatenango.

Visit the towns of Lake Atitlán.

Lake Atitlán is a beautiful crater lake surrounded by volcanoes, and it’s home to many of Guatemala’s Indigenous communities, the Maya. This volcanic crater lake is a must-visit on your Guatemala itinerary.

The lake is lined with many towns and villages that are interconnected by water taxis. Going from town to town around Lake Atitlán is my favorite thing to do on the lake. Each town and village has a distinct vibe to it. 

There’s San Pedro La Laguna, which is a hippy-town popular with backpackers. Then there’s the larger town of San Marcos La Laguna, that has a stronger Mayan presence. And there’s the busy town of Panajachel, where cafes, bars and stalls selling handicrafts and textiles line the main street. 

No matter where you decide to stay on Lake Atitlán, going from town to town is easy and fast by water taxi. The towns are connected by a system of “lanchas” which are small boats that ferry people from town to town on the lake. Most trips cost just 1 – 5 USD!

Visit the Mayan deity Maximón.

The Indigenous Mayans of Guatemala have many important saints who are actively worshiped. Maximón, also known as San Simón, is one of them. And he’s a fun one! He’s known for his vices, cigars and alcohol.

Visitors travel to Santiago, Guatemala from near and far to visit the Mayan folk Saint Maximón. The deity is represented by a wooden statue who is dressed and decorated, seated on a chair.

Visitors bring him gifts, like boxes of cigarettes, beer, food, and more, which are left as offerings at his feet.  In return, they might ask him for protection or wealth, or specifics, like to be cured of an infection.

Each year, Maximón is moved to a new house in the town of Santiago. That house’s family is given the responsibility of caring for him and welcoming visitors. A visit to Maximón is a unique experience which gives insight into Mayan culture and beliefs. When staying in Lake Atitlan, it is easy to find him.

Go by boat to Santiago, and once there, ask a tuk tuk driver to bring you to Maximón. It’s important to be respectful when you visit the deity. Dress modestly and be sure to bring an offering to leave at his feet. Maximón’s caretakers will ask that you pay a small fee to take photos.

Watch the sunrise over Lake Atitlan from Indian Nose Lookout.

There are many places to visit during your Guatemala itinerary for a beautiful sunrise, but Lake Atitlan is one of the best spots. For an epic sunrise do they Indian Nose morning hike. 

The profile of the mountain looks like a sleeping Indian, and hence how the hike got its name. The peak from which you watch the sunrise is considered sacred by the Mayans, and historically, they conducted religious services at the top. Most hostels and hotels will arrange a group and guide for you.

The hike involves a bus ride, departing at 4:00 am, followed by a short hike to 2,863 meters. Although the Indian Nose hike is steep, it is over quickly. When you reach the summit, it will still be dark. Your guides will hand out bread and coffee as you wait for the show to begin. Watching this sunrise is surreal. 

You will see the sky slowly brighten, and the clouds will slowly roll away revealing a panoramic view of Lake Atitlan. On a clear day, you can see Antigua and Volcan Fuego in the distance.

Taste Guatemalan cuisine.  

Guatemalan food includes the Central American staples like tortillas, guacamole, and nachos. For breakfast, you can expect eggs, tortillas, beans, plantains, and a side of cream or cheese. There will also always be fresh fruit to enjoy like papaya, mango and bananas. 

If you’d like to try Guatemalan dishes that are popular amongst locals, go for these three: 

Chiles rellenos: Chile peppers stuffed with rice, cheese, meat, and vegetables. They are battered, fried and they’ll often come topped with a spicy tomato sauce. 

Chicken pepian: Chicken Pepian is the national dish of Guatemala, making it a must-try! It’s chicken served in a spicy sauce with pumpkin seeds and sesame.  

Kak’ik: This is a traditional Mayan turkey soup. It’s flavored with delicious spices like coriander, achiote, and chile peppers. Yum!

Staying Safe in Guatemala

I don’t think it makes sense to generalize any country as safe or unsafe for travelers. Sense of safety can be somewhat of a subjective thing that’s impacted by our unique identities. 

For example, my “sense of safety” differs from my partner’s when we travel because I’m female-identifying. I talk in depth about how our experiences of travel can be impacted by our identities in my guide to unpacking travel privilege.

If you follow the news, you’ll notice that Guatemala is somewhat known for violent crime, which is mostly related to cartel activity. 

While in most cases, tourists aren’t the target of violence, there’s always the chance of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. And of course, tourists will sometimes be targeted for petty crimes.

As with traveling anywhere in the world, the key to a safe Guatemala itinerary is to do your research in advance. Understand the unique risks that a particular region within Guatemala might pose, and prepare for them. 

All that said, we stayed on the tourist trail throughout our Guatemala itinerary, and we always felt safe. 

Here are some general safety tips for traveling Guatemala:

Use your common sense. 

This means having a general sense of awareness as you travel. Avoid taking risks that make you uncomfortable, and always be alert about what is happening around you. 

This is a good rule of thumb for traveling anywhere. While common sense won’t necessarily mean you’re in the clear for something bad happening while you’re abroad, it will definitely reduce the risk. 

Be cautious after dark.

You’ll want to avoid wandering around late at night. Of course, it’s not realistic to never be out and about in the evenings and night time. When you do go out at night, try to be out with a group of others and always ask your hostel or hotel to arrange any of the transportation that you take. 

Keep yourself in the know.

It’s important to check for updates regularly before and during your trip so that you’re well aware of anything that could impact you, like political unrest for example. This is a great practice for traveling anywhere in the world. 

Listen to Guatemalan advice.

Your hostel or hotel staff are your best resource for learning what areas of places you should avoid. Muggings do happen in Guatemala, but they can be avoided if you’re in the know about where they tend to happen. Talk with locals to figure out what regions are safe, and which ones to avoid. 

Keep your valuables tucked away. 

In general, I always travel with as few valuables on me as possible. Jewelry and nice clothes are usually left at home. 

But of course bringing some expensive items like a phone and a camera is unavoidable. Keeping these items tucked away as much as possible is a good way to avoid drawing the wrong attention to yourself. 

Responsible Travel Tips for Guatemala

When traveling, it’s important to consider responsible tourism. This means being aware of travel-related issues like overtourism and sustainability, so you can work towards reducing your impact. It also means being respectful of the cultures you visit.

Here are a few responsible travel tips to keep in mind for your Guatemala itinerary. 

Do your research in advance. 

Educating yourself about a destination before visiting gives you the groundwork for a culturally informed travel experience. Things I recommend Googling before traveling to Guatemala and other countries are, “local customs and traditions,” “local foods,” and “traditional clothing.” 

Book local tours on your Guatemala itinerary . 

Booking a tour with a local guide while abroad gives you an opportunity to engage with an educator. You can ask your tour guide endless questions, and learn first hand from someone local. 

Be respectful when taking photos in Guatemala. 

Always ask permission before taking a photo of a person, especially their face. Make sure their permission is explicit, and if you intend to share that photo widely on a public platform, you should let them know. 

Pack in, and pack out. 

This means leaving no trace when you are exploring Guatemala’s nature. While hiking, make sure that any garbage you generate is brought back to your home base and disposed of properly. This includes organic matter like banana peels.

More resources for your Guatemala itinerary:  

• Volcan Acatenango Hike: Your Ultimate Guide
• How to Visit the Mayan Folk Saint Maximón in Lake Atitlan
• Lessons Learned From a Live Volcano
• Is Guatemala Worth Visiting? 5 Reasons to Go to Guatemala

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