Where in the world would you find 33 active volcanoes, a giant volcanic lake with a depth of 1,049 feet, and a 2000-year-old city of Mayan ruins? In Guatemala. This post covering a classic Guatemala itinerary (7 days) will guide you on everything you should be aware of to prepare for your awesome trip to this country just a hop, skip, and jump from the US.
Dubbed the Heart of the Mayan World, Guatemala is a destination that has something for everyone. So, if you are the type of traveler that likes a little adventure, history, architecture, incredible food, and loads of fun, Guatemala needs to be on your bucket list!
Where is Guatemala located?
Now, if you’ve never been to Central America, you may not even be aware of the location of Guatemala. In fact, I was speaking with a colleague (in the US) the other day, and they mentioned that they did not know where Guatemala was! I was quick to point out how close Guatemala is to the US, and how its vicinity makes it a perfect destination for your next trip south of the border.
Guatemala is located south of the US, just southeast of Mexico. It extends quite a bit to the east though, so if looking longitudinally, it is directly south of the states of Louisiana and Alabama. As a matter of fact, if you are contemplating your next trip to Mexico, you might want to check out Guatemala and all that it has to offer on your Latin American adventure!
Is Guatemala worth visiting?
Absolutely! Guatemala has a little bit of everything – old cities, volcanoes, history, adventure (Tikal), coffee farms, and a huge volcanic lake surrounded by little towns, and black volcanic beaches. You get the idea. No matter the type of traveler you are, I believe you will find something worth exploring and worthwhile for you.
In addition, I can attest to how lovely and welcoming the people of Guatemala are. In every location we stayed, the locals made us feel welcome and at home. In the hotels, the staff was often quick to go above and beyond to help us out in many different ways. For example, the staff in our Atitlan hotel asked us to contact them over Whatsapp if we needed them to book a tuk-tuk for us. They even offered to haggle the price for us, in case we were quoted high! Such warm hospitality made us appreciate the people a lot and want to visit the country again.
Another reason to visit Guatemala is its location and easy accessibility from both North and South American countries. There are daily flights from most major hubs in the US, Canada, and Mexico to Guatemala City.
Is Guatemala safe?
Whenever I mention to people that I traveled to Guatemala, about half of them ask if it is safe to travel there. I get where the question is coming from. For decades, Guatemala was considered unsafe due to violence and political instability. However, since the 90s, Guatemala has turned it around and is now considered a top tourism destination. In fact, in 2019, Travel and Leisure magazine touted it to be one of the Top 50 destinations in the world!
With that being said, you should avoid Guatemala City. While researching for our trip to Guatemala, I read about Guatemala City not being very safe. This was also confirmed by the locals we spoke to. While not every spot in Guatemala City is considered unsafe (there are some pockets where it is quite safe), as a tourist, it is simpler to avoid the city in favor of staying in Antigua.
In fact, Antigua has a lot more to offer to a traveler in terms of places of interest, safety, historical sightseeing, etc. So, it makes more sense to skip Guatemala City and stay overnight in Antigua directly after flying into Guatemala City.
One other thing I want to mention is, if you don’t feel safe in an area, talk to the locals about what to do and what to avoid. If you don’t feel comfortable speaking to a local, you can always ask your hotel manager or Airbnb host for tips about safety. Most people will be happy to share what they know. I have observed that Guatemalan people are very welcoming of tourists and would totally share and help with your concerns about safety.
Getting around Guatemala
There are many ways of transport within Guatemala. Use this list below to learn about ways to travel through this Central American country.
Chicken Bus
One of the most (in)famous transport options within Guatemala is the Chicken Bus. It is the cheapest option for travel within the country, but not the safest. Known as camionetas, these buses are everywhere in Guatemala and you can avail of them practically in all major areas of the cities. Note that it will be slow though.
The chicken buses are famous for not only transporting, you know, chickens, as well as humans and other animals but also for another reason. They are literally old-school buses from the US that were transported over to Guatemala, painted over in bright colors, and now serve as an important and authentic mode of transport.
Other buses
There are also other bus services that run along the main roads connecting cities. A Greyhound-type first-class bus service is called Pullman and you can expect good amenities along some routes, although the level of service varies.
In comparison to the chicken buses, they are more expensive. However, they are still affordable compared to the other means of transit below.
Shared shuttle services
A shared shuttle service is an excellent, well-valued option for travelers with a budget. While traveling to and from major cities, you can book a shared shuttle service that will pick you up from your hotel. They will then go on to pick up other passengers from other locations. Most shuttles or vans will have about 10-15 passengers allowing the cost of transport to be a bit lower.
You can book a shared shuttle through Viator or your hotel. Contact your hotel ahead of time to ask for this option.
Arranged private car through hotels
In addition to shared shuttles, you can also contact your hotel to request a private car and driver. This is a good option if money is not a factor for your travel as this is one of the most expensive options. Most hotels in Guatemala have contacts for private drivers who will arrive at a predetermined time to pick you up.
We used this option when we were time-bound to arrive at a destination at a particular time, such as the airport.
Uber
Uber is another good option for the traveler who does not like to plan too far ahead. Uber services most parts of Guatemala City, Antigua, and Panajachel in Lake Atitlan.
Expect Uber to be fairly affordable, at about half the price of a private service booked through a hotel. We used Uber extensively while navigating Antigua.
However, there is a con to using Uber as the service is not 100% reliable for long-distance travel. Therefore, if you need to be at a destination for a specific time (eg. an airport), pick another mode of transit. Uber drivers may also ask for extra money upfront for long-distance trips.
Tuk-tuk
A tuk-tuk is a three-wheeler motor vehicle similar to those in South East Asia and the auto-rickshaws in India. They are one of the more authentic ways to travel within a city. We used tuk-tuks a lot within Panajachel and other areas of Atitlan. They are fairly affordable for the advantage of being picked up and dropped off at specific locations. Just note that you may need to haggle a bit (i.e. brush up on your Spanish!).
Rental car
You can also rent a car in Guatemala. The roads between major cities are fairly well established, and drivers follow the rules (for the most part).
However, note that the areas around Lake Atitlan are crazy curvy. I mean, seriously, Im-gonna-get-sick-any-moment-now curvy. So, just be aware of that. Additionally, some towns have roads that are super steep. I have lived in hilly parts of San Francisco for a few years, and yet, the steepness of some of these towns when our Uber driver took the roads from the top of a hill made my heart skip a beat (or two).
Consider taking a bus or an arranged transport of some kind if you are not confident of driving there.
Flight (to Tikal and Peten areas)
If you are traveling to Tikal or Peten, in general, you should consider taking a flight. This is because, with only 7 days in Guatemala, you will need to use your time judiciously. Taking a flight will be fast and also (surprisingly) affordable.
You can book a Tag Airline flight on their website.
Thinking about whether you should take Tag Airlines? Be sure to read this honest review on my experience flying Tag Airlines twice while in Guatemala!
Guatemala Itinerary 7 days
Now, in this 7-day Guatemala itinerary, I will provide you with a guide on the top highlights of the country; the absolute best spots to go to. Use it to plan your own itinerary, and feel free to add or remove spots and customize it in a way to fit your travel style.
Day # | Highlights | Overnight stay |
Day 1 | Fly into Guatemala City, travel to Atitlan | Atitlan |
Day 2 | Explore Atitlan Lake towns | Atitlan |
Day 3 | Explore Panajachel (or the area you stay at), and lake activities | Atitlan |
Day 4 | Travel to Antigua, explore Antigua, or see a volcano | Antigua |
Day 5 | Explore Antigua city highlights | Antigua |
Day 6 | Fly from Guatemala City to reach Tikal midday, explore Tikal National Park, and sunset tour | Tikal |
Day 7 | Sunrise tour and head back home | Home |
Note: You can also use this itinerary backward, starting at Tikal and making your way west of the country towards Antigua and Atitlan.
Additionally, if you arrive in Guatemala City late at night, I would recommend going to Antigua first and then Atitlan. The reason for this is that driving to Atitlan will take about 3 hours from the airport, which will be a long drive at night. If you pick Antigua instead, it will take about 45 minutes at night by a private car.
Day 1 Morning - Fly into Guatemala City airport, drive to Lake Atitlan
On your first day in Guatemala, fly into the main airport of the country, La Aurora International Airport. Once you make it through immigration, head straight out and have a hotel-appointed driver or a shared shuttle drive you to Lake Atitlan.
Some hotels around Lake Atitlan are located in towns that are accessible by water only, Therefore, depending on where you are staying, you may have to take a local boat to your hotel. We didn’t want to deal with carrying luggage on a boat, so we opted to stay in a hotel between Panajachel and Santa Catarina del Palopo. Additionally, being short on time with only 7 days in Guatemala, I recommend staying in Panajachel.
Settle into your hotel after your long journey, and freshen up. Then, head outside to take a look at the stunning Lake Atitlan.
While choosing your home base in Lake Atitlan, you have several options among the lake towns. However, here are 10 reasons why you should pick Panajachel (spoiler: I picked this place to base myself too!).
Day 1 Afternoon - Explore your town
In the afternoon, explore the town you are staying in. Most towns around Lake Atitlan have a ton of activities to do, as well as spots to explore. I generally recommend walking around the town’s main squares and checking out the following.
- Coffee farm – most towns have local coffee production with a coffee shop in the main square
- Textiles and handicrafts showcasing the exquisite traditional weaving and handloom of the tribes in Lake Atitlan
- Hike around the lake and go to a viewpoint for panoramic views of the volcanoes surrounding Lake Atitlan
Day 2 Morning - Explore other Lake Atitlan towns: San Juan la Laguna
One of the coolest things we saw in Lake Atitlan (other than its sheer massive size!) is the presence of small towns around the lake. I would even go so far as to say that this was one of the best experiences of Lake Atitlan.
Note that you do NOT need to take a guided tour if you don’t want to spend a lot of money. Navigating the local boats is super easy. And as long as you speak some basic Spanish or use Google Translate, you will not be ripped off.
As for us, we took a tuk-tuk to the main docks of Pana (short for Panajachel) and caught a local public boat that stops at many spots along the lake. They charge a flat fee of 25 Q (~$3.20) for each passenger irrespective of whether you go as far as only one stop, or several. We found this to be a great and affordable way to explore the lake towns. The only con is that they will stop at the docks until they have “filled up” enough seats.
Head to the charming town of San Juan la Laguna for a beautiful (but a bit touristy) experience of traditional weaving and coffee farming. Out of all the towns around Lake Atitlan, San Juan was easily the prettiest. In addition, it is easy to navigate. If you have extra time, try hiking to Mirador Kiaq’Aiswaan viewpoint for gorgeous lakeside views from San Juan!
Within the town, I highly recommend going to El Tata Cafe organic coffee farm for an awesome experience learning about organic coffee farming in Lake Atitlan. We got Benedicto as our guide and he was an incredibly cheerful, jovial, and engaging guide. He went above and beyond to teach us all about his family’s traditional coffee farming methods, from growing the coffee all the way to roasting.
To plan for your trip to San Juan la Laguna, read this post on 14 awesome things to do there.
Day 2 Afternoon - Explore other Lake Atitlan towns: San Pedro and San Marco
After lunch, head back to the docks to go to the next town of San Pedro. Check out the Tzunun’Ya Museum, the Teixchel Women’s Weaving Association showroom, or hike to the Indian Nose Summit.
Alternatively, stop at San Marco, and dabble in some yoga in a lakeside retreat. Note that San Marco is a hipster paradise, so you will find plenty of unconventional activities to keep yourself occupied. They include learning how to grow mushrooms and going to a cacao ceremony.
There are many Spanish schools in the Lake Atitlan towns. In fact, we saw several ex-pats learning Spanish in schools located within these towns. I have since heard that Guatemala is a great place to go to learn Spanish! I got inspired by it and after arriving home, I started learning Spanish on Duolingo
Day 3 Morning - Kayak on Lake Atitlan
Wake up early the next morning to experience an authentic Lake Atitlan activity: kayaking on the lake. If staying lakeside, your hotel may offer kayaks for free or for rent, so make use of them. Take a small loop around the area of your hotel, and check out the other hotels from the lake. The sights are very picturesque.
Alternatively, you can also go swimming in the lake in certain areas. Be careful about where you go swimming and be aware of the tides. The waves get much stronger in the afternoon. So, use your best judgment.
Furthermore, you can also go sailing, parasailing, and paddle boarding on the lake.
Day 3 Afternoon - Santa Catarina del Papolo, Experience a private chef dinner
In the early afternoon, head towards the bright and colorful town of Santa Catarina del Palopo. This small town is considered to be a more authentic Lake Atitlan town experience. It underwent a revamp of sorts and is now painted brightly in different colors representing the weaving textiles of the local tribes. As you can imagine, the vistas around this place are breathtaking.
Also, it is a great spot to pick up souvenirs as there are plenty of locals making and selling their wares. We saw several women weaving using the traditional backstrap loom method right on the streets and in front of our eyes! It was a cool sight!
On our trips, we like to add at least one indulgent experience. In Guatemala, we decided to opt for a private chef dinner experience arranged by our hotel. This is an excellent option if you are staying at a place with incredible views; you want to stay for at least one day to enjoy it!
Other cool experiences include cooking classes, an ATV tour, a visit to Chichicastenango Maya Market, or a Sacred Mayan ceremony.
Day 4 Morning - Travel to Antigua, eat brunch
Start early the next morning for your travel to Antigua. It should take you about 2 hours from Pana in a car. Drop off your bags at your hotel and start exploring Antigua right away! A quick walk around the city will show you the awe-inspiring volcanoes that surround this old city. You will also notice the obvious remnants of Spanish colonial architecture all over the city.
Note: Did you know that Antigua was the old capital of Guatemala? The incessant earthquakes caused by the tectonic plates underneath this city led to earthquakes that caused death and destruction. Therefore, the capital was moved to Guatemala City.
Grab brunch at one of the best brunch spots in the city at the Refectorio restaurant inside Hotel Casa Santo Domingo. Note that brunches are super popular in Antigua. I loved that there’s a brunch place on nearly every corner of the city!
Day 4 Afternoon - See an active volcano
Now, for a bit of adventure, I highly recommend spending the afternoon hiking an active volcano: Pacaya. Don’t worry – you will not be in danger, as this volcano is currently not erupting. But, you will see volcanic fumes at the top, even if you don’t see lava. Check with your hotel, or go on a TripAdvisor tour of the volcano. Note that you cannot hike the volcano without a guide. The ride to the base of the volcano will take about 1 hour but it is well worth it, for all the unique sights and terrain your get to explore.
The trail to the top of Pacaya is moderate, as the climb up is a bit steep. If you are not an experienced hiker, you can take a horse (which I did) making it a unique fun experience!
Day 4 Alternate Option
An alternate option for experienced hikers looking for a challenge is to hike the Volcan Acatenango. While we did not do this hike, as it requires camping overnight and is a difficult one, it allows you to see lava. From atop Volcan Acatenango, you can see Volcan de Fuego erupting away under the canvas of the night sky! There are plenty of tours available on TripAdvisor and Viator.
Day 5 Morning - Explore Antigua City
This morning, explore the city of Antigua and all its main highlights. Antigua is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, consider getting a city guide, for a well-rounded understanding of the history of this beautiful city. Don’t forget to take photos with the colorful streets as your background and up your IG game 😉
The highlights of the city included Antigua, Guatemala Cathedral, Antigua Central Park, Santa Catalina Arch (beautiful photo op with Volcano Agua in the background), and Iglesia de la Merced. If you are feeling hungry, the park next to Iglesia de la Merced (Parque la Merced) has tons of street food vendors whipping up delicious-looking fare.
Day 5 Afternoon - Explore Antigua, Hill of the Cross, Cerro de la Cruz
Continue exploring the city in the afternoon. Check out Calzada Santa Lucia, and Union Tank (a unique location where people washed clothes in colonial times). For a different experience, head to Caoba Farms to learn about organic farming techniques. They also have a restaurant there.
In the evening, walk up to the Hill of the Cross for sweeping views of the city at sunset. Hike around Cerro de la Cruz if you arrive a bit early. Note that the park is closed strictly at sunset, so make sure to reach ahead of time.
End your travel to Antigua with a nice dinner at Restaurante 7 Caldos. Wash your dinner back with a local brew and engaging music at Antigua Brewing Co.
Day 6 Morning - Fly to Flores, and explore Tikal National Park
This day will be a hectic one. Early in the morning, head to Guatemala City airport from where you will catch your flight to Flores. Make sure to book your flights for early in the morning. After your one-hour flight to Flores, take a shuttle directly to Tikal National Park (it takes about 45 minutes).
Check in to your hotel in Tikal, and get down to exploring Tikal National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This Mesoamerican park is easily one of the highlights of Guatemala. Tikal National Park is the location of a major Mayan civilization from the 6th century BC to the 10th century AD. In fact, there are over 3000 structures within this park. So, it would take several days to explore the entire park!
At the entrance gates to Tikal National Park, the park staff will try to sell you physical maps of the place. Don’t buy them there. As soon as you enter the park and walk a few paces, you will see maps depicting the entire park. Just take a photo with your phone and you will be set.
Day 6 Afternoon - Tikal National Park sunset tour
In the afternoon, grab lunch at your hotel, shop for a souvenir, and rest up. It generally tends to get really hot during peak afternoon time in Tikal. So, make sure to hydrate.
In the evening, go for a sunset tour with a guide. They will take you to the Mundo Perdido Complex. From this location, you can climb to the top of the tallest temple for one of the best sunsets of your life! Not only is the vista incredible, but you will also hear the jungle sounds changing as the sun sets. As it gets darker, the birds quieten, and the crickets start chirping with an occasional roar of a howler monkey.
You will need to get separate entrance tickets for Tikal to enter the park during sunset, sunrise, and during daytime. A good thing about opting for a sunset or sunrise tour is the ability to enjoy the park without crazy crowds.
Day 7 Morning - Tikal National Park sunrise tour
On the final day of your Guatemala itinerary 7 days, wake up super early for a sunrise tour. If you stay inside the park, your tour guide will meet you around 4:15 am to start the trek up to Temple IV. If you stay outside the park in Flores, you will need to start around 2:30 am. But I promise you, it will be worth it!
Your group will start out at the entrance of the park and your tickets will be checked. Then, you will start on a hike walking on trails covered with ancient tree roots and hearing the surprising howl (or roar?) of a howler monkey). Seriously, it’s like the game of Temple Run! On the way, your guide will point out the unique flora of the park.
After about 30 minutes of the hike on relatively flat ground, you will start ascending from the base of Temple IV. It consists of several flights of steep stairs, but you can stop to catch your breath at any time.
Once you reach the top, the steps created by the temple’s design function as an amphitheater where you can sit down for the best view of the park.
Listen to the jungle sounds and you will hear creatures waking up as the sunrises. As the sky gets lighter, you will spot more temples peeking above the jungle cover. This was my favorite moment of my entire Guatemala trip! It was surreal.
Day 7 Afternoon - Flores, and fly back home
Once your sunrise tour is over, and you feel like a completely different person, head back to your hotel and pack up. Grab breakfast and head towards Flores.
Flores is a unique island on River Peten Itza and it only consists of a few dozen houses. You can walk around the beautiful island with its colorful houses and enjoy lakeside views. Grab lunch and then head towards the airport to catch your flight home.
If you plan on exploring the Mayan ruins further, Flores is a fantastic location to catapult yourself to numerous other ruins in the area. Consider adding El Mirador, Uaxactun, and Yaxha to your itinerary.
Bonus Day or Alternate Option
If you have another day in Guatemala, I would recommend the stunning Semac Champey for an off-the-beaten-path experience. It is a natural monument with unique bridge and cave formations and pristine green pools. To top it off, it is surrounded by lush green foliage, offering stunning visuals.
However, it is a bit difficult to access from the places mentioned in this itinerary. With that being said, if you intend to drive back to Guatemala City, you can stop by Semac Champey for a half day.
Planning a trip to Guatemala
Here are some tips and tricks to use as you plan your trip to Guatemala.
Be sure to carry cash - both Quetzals and USD
It is easier to pay with quetzals than USD because the conversion rate is more favorable. DO NOT convert at the airport. I repeat, please DO NOT convert at the airport. If you absolutely must have some quetzals before you leave the airport, I recommend planning a little ahead of time and getting some money converted in your home country. Most banks will need 7-10 business days to deliver the converted cash to your home.
But, if you don’t have the time to get cash, and must convert some money upon arrival, I recommend converting as little as $20 USD at the airport to get to the nearest city with a bank ATM that will allow you to withdraw cash in quetzals. Trust me, the airport kiosks offer really bad conversion rates.
Learn some Spanish ahead of time
I wish I had done this before my visit to Guatemala. Learning some basic phrases in Spanish will help you immensely in connecting with the locals and also haggling if necessary. Luckily, we were able to use Google Translate in the city to quickly translate if we were talking to a local.
And yes, you can get by with English, if you don’t speak any Spanish as long as you book everything with your hotel. However, if you don’t book your travel to and from the airport, tour guides, etc. from your hotel, know that you will need some Spanish.
Download Whatsapp to converse with your hotel staff
Some hotel staff communicates through Whatsapp. Some tours and tour guides may also prefer Whatsapp. If you don’t have this app already, consider downloading it as a seamless communication tool with the locals.
Download Uber - it’s a fantastic option for getting around
Uber provides great service in and around Guatemala City and Antigua. And even parts of Lake Atitlan (eg. Panajachel). If you don’t want to book everything ahead of time with your hotel and want some flexibility with your travel plans, use Uber.
We found Uber service to be great within the city of Antigua. The drivers were professional, and the cars arrived on time. Just note that if you are planning to use Uber for long-distance travel (eg. Antigua to Atitlan), the drivers may ask you to pay for the return fee as well, essentially doubling the quote from Uber. If that happens, simply cancel that ride, and wait for another one. We did the same, and after 2 drivers canceled the request, the next driver gave us a ride.
Get a local SIM card
It is very important to have cellular service in any new place you travel to. Especially if you don’t speak Spanish, do get a SIM card at the airport upon arrival. Not only are they quite affordable, but they can also really help with navigation, Uber, and quick translation. Service coverage is also very good, even within the Lake Atitlan towns.
We paid around $20 USD for a SIM card for 7 days within the airport, but they are cheaper outside.
Save room in your luggage
Because we did not have enough room in our luggage, and Tag Airlines has very strict rules about luggage, we could not buy bulky souvenirs. Our souvenirs were basically magnets, and a small bag of coffee from an organic coffee farm in Lake Atitlan. However, I really wanted to get some textiles woven by the tribes around Lake Atitlan (they are soo pretty!). But alas, we did not have any room in our luggage, so we had to forego the exquisitely colored table runners that I has my eyes on!
So, be smarter than us and do save some room in your luggage for the unexpected souvenirs you are bound to pick up.
Have you read this post on my experience flying Tag Airlines? This would seriously help you make the choice if you are considering flying in Guatemala!
Where to stay in Guatemala
Where you stay in Guatemala will depend on how you frame your itinerary, your budget, and whether you like to stay in the middle of the action or in the quieter areas. With that being said though, here are some of my recommendations for hotels that are well-valued.
Atitlan Hotels
Balam Ya – This is a hotel with villas overlooking the lake, and situated close to Panajachel. We stayed here, and had an incredible time. The hosts were fantastic, and it was a highlight of our Guatemala trip!
Atitlan Sunset Lodge – Another hotel overlooking the lake, but located on the opposite side of Panajachel in Santa Cruz la Laguna.
El Picnic Atitlan – Located in Tzununa, this is another great eco hotel for travelers looking for a touch of outdoors in their stay.
Antigua Hotels
Hotel Aurora – A charming colonial-style hotel in the heart of Antigua, Guatemala, this hotel boasts beautiful gardens and a courtyard.
Hotel Casa Santo Domingo – This grand, Colonial-style hotel is set in a unique location of a former convent. We stayed here and can attest to them having a fantastic breakfast, although a bit expensive.
Las Cruces Boutique Hotel – Another charming option for guests looking for a bit of luxury during their stay in Antigua. This place has a beautiful terrace from where you can see the volcanoes!
Tikal and Flores Hotels
Hotel Tikal Inn (within Tikal National Park) – It is a basic but affordable option with great accessibility to the park. We stayed here, and found the room comfortable, and the staff very helpful.
Hotel Jungle Lodge Tikal (within Tikal National Park) – This is another good option within the park.
Hotel Casona de La Isla – Located on Flores island, this is a cozy hotel.
When to visit Guatemala
The best time to visit Guatemala is during the dry season which typically runs from November to April. During these months, expect the weather to be pleasant between lower 70s and high 80s during the daytime. In the highlands (eg. Lake Atitlan), the temperature is cooler.
The dry season coincides with tourism season as well. So, during the holidays in December and spring break in March, expect hotel rates and aidrfare to be higher.
What to pack for Guatemala Itinerary 7 days
On your 7 days in Guatemala itinerary, you will want to pack for all different locations you visit, as well as be compact enough to not incur baggage fees while availing of budget airlines.
The following list of items is crucial for your Guatemala itinerary.
- Bug spray
- Sunscreen
- Rain jacket
- A layer (for the highlands)
- Sun hat
- Sunglasses
- Cash – USD and quetzal
- Driver’s Licence
- Summer clothes such as shorts and tees (especially for the northeast areas of Tikal and Flores where it’s very hot)
- Hiking boots
- Hiking clothes (my big regret!)
- Long dress or skirt for visiting churches in Antigua
- Comfortable sandals for walking around
- Crossbody bag for sightseeing
Should you add another country to your Guatemala Itinerary 7 days?
For travelers with additional time on their hands, consider adding Belize to your Guatemala itinerary. Not only is it located perfectly right next to Guatemala, but getting there is easy and fast. In addition, Belize offers very different experiences compared to Guatemala, such as the Belize Barrier Reef which is teeming with hundreds of varieties of marine life within the span of a few hundred feet!
Stay tuned for comprehensive travel posts on Belize that are being crafted right now, by signing up for our newsletter below.
Guatemala Itinerary 7 days FAQs
How far is Guatemala City from Atitlan?
The distance of Lake Atitlan from Guatemala City will depend on the location around the lake. For example, Panajachel in Lake Atitlan is about 113 km from Guatemala City. However, San Pedro is about 174 km from Guatemala City. While it takes about 2.5 hours to drive from Guatemala City to Panajachel, it takes nearly 4 hours to drive to San Pedro.
How far is Antigua from Guatemala City?
Antigua is about 40 km from Guatemala City and it takes 45 minutes to 1 hour by car.
How to get from Guatemala City to Flores?
You can take a private or shared shuttle, a bus, or catch a flight from Guatemala City to Flores. Driving to Flores is around 500 km and takes about 9 hours. Flying will take about 1 hour. Note that this is a long distance to drive, and you would end up spending most of the day on the road, including stops. So, if you are short on time, flying is the best option. In addition, the quotes we got for private ground transportation were higher than the flight tickets for 2 adults.
Can you hike Volcan Pacaya without a guide?
No, you cannot hike Volcan Pacaya without a guide. A few years ago, there were reports of tourists getting lost on the trails which led to this rule. You can get a private guide or go with a group.
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its good that you bring to the attention of tourists inspiring them to travel Guatemala. An attractive place one can select to visit. Discussion you made is very lucid along with the illustrations. One can take your write up for proper planning to visit Guatemala. Well done.
Thank you so much for your kind words! Glad you enjoyed the post.