Our 7 Day Guatemala Itinerary: The Complete Travel Guide
Planning a trip to Guatemala and looking for a wholesome, conscious travel itinerary? You’re in the right place. Keep reading for our full 7 Day Guatemala Itinerary and other 5 day, 10 day and 2 week options.
As one of the most culturally rich countries in Latin America and the heart of the Mayan world, Guatemala is a small country with many things to do and see. From the majestic ruins of Tikal to the serene beauty of Lake Atitlán and the colonial charm of Antigua, Guatemala encapsulates a diverse range of attractions.
For those of you that come here often you’ll already know about our philosophy on slower and more insightful travel. Our meticulously curated 7 day itinerary Guatemala is designed to showcase the best of what this remarkable country has to offer, ensuring you immerse yourself fully in its beauty and history.
While we had months to explore Guatemala, we also understand that not everyone can spend this long in a country, which is why our insider-crafted 5 – 7- 10 and 2 week Guatemala itineraries are made to cater to any time frame.
Packed with insider tips, the best hotel recommendations and all the top things to do, keep reading this post and all our Guatemala travel guides to make the most of this stunning country.
*This ‘ itinerary guatemala’ travel guide might contain affiliate links meaning I might make a small profit if you choose to book at no extra cost to you. This helps me to keep providing you with top quality content for free.
Why Visit Guatemala?
Reading this, you’ve probably already decided on visiting Guatemala, however, if you haven’t, if you’ve stumbled upon this article by accident, here are some of the reasons why Guatemala is one of Latin America’s most underrated destinations.
Often referred to as the heart of the Mayan world, Guatemala is a destination known for its supreme natural beauty and cultural vibrancy.
With diverse landscapes, from the volcanic shores of Lake Atitlán to the dense jungles of Petén to the majestic ruins of Tikal, where the past feels palpable among the towering temples that pierce the jungle canopy.
The colorful markets of Chichicastenango and the colonial charm of Antigua Guatemala provide a cultural feast for the senses, showcasing the country’s rich artisanal traditions and colonial heritage. Here you’ll also find the latest in Guatemala’s rich luxury hotel and design offerings.
For wellness-focused travellers Guatemala has a spiritual energy second to one and the shores of Lake Atitlan are a profound location for a yoga retreat or spiritual journey.
Guatemala presents a unique blend of natural wonders, historical depth, and cultural richness, making it a top destination for anyone in search of beauty, adventure, and a deep connection with the past.
The Best Time to Visit Guatemala
The best time to visit Guatemala is the period from November to April which serves as the prime window, embracing the dry season’s clear skies and moderate temperatures. It’s the ideal time to explore the jungles, highlands, Lake Atitlan and even the streets of Antigua without much rain.
However, if you’re drawn to destinations at a time of fewer crowds and lush landscapes, the rainy season (May to October) is often a good option (itinerary-dependent). You’ll have a chance to see a Guatemala awash in vibrant greens and fresh air but you’ll need to be prepared for some daily downpours.
If you’re planning to spend more time in Guatemala’s highlands and jungles, especially destinations like Tikal, Semuc Champay and Flores, it’s best to visit during the dry season.
In the wet season, you might need to deal with muddy trails, impassable roads and landslides as a result of the unpredictable weather.
For those sticking to Antigua and Lake Atitlan during their Guatemala itinerary, it’s perfectly feasible to visit during the wet season. On our first trip to Guatemala we visited in August, the height of the wet season and while it was cloudy most of the time, our time in Guatemala didn’t suffer due to the weather.
How many Days in Guatemala
Given our slow philosophy on travel, we always recommend as much time as you can commit to any destination. When it comes to Guatemala, assign 5 days minimum. In 5 days, you won’t see most of the country but you will be able to get an overall feel of Antigua and Lake Atitlan.
A Guatemala 7 day itinerary is a perfect amount of time to see the highlights of the south but 10 days in Guatemala will also allow you to fly up to Flores and see the incredible Tikal ruins.
Got 2 weeks? Even better, you’ll be able to slow down much more and make the most of Guatemala’s hidden gems with a much longer Guatemala trip plan.
Our 7 Days Guatemala Itinerary
Spending 7 days in Guatemala is a great opportunity for getting to know what the country offers and discovering its most famous sights such as Antigua and Lake Atitlan.
Here’s our ultimate, slow, 1 week Guatemala itinerary that keeps transfers and travel time between destinations to a minimum:
7 Day Guatemala Itinerary Summary
Day 1-2 – Antigua Guatemala – Arrive in Guatemala and transfer to Antigua
Day 3 (4) – Volcan de Acatenango/Volcan Pacaya – Hike to Volcan de Acatenango or Volcan Pacaya
Day 4- 5 – Lake Atitlan – Transfer to Lake Atitlan, stay in San Marcos La Laguna or Santa Cruz and explore the lake.
Day 6- Chichicastenango – Visit the crafts market on a day trip from Atitlan.
Day 7 – Guatemala City – Travel back to Guatemala City to fly out.
This itinerary assumes flying in and out of Guatemala City airport. If you’re arriving overland from Mexico or Belize, you’ll most likely need to make some changes to this Guatemala itinerary to probably include Flores and Tikal.
7 Day Guatemala Itinerary: Day One and Two
Once you’ve arrived at La Aurora International Airport (GUA), take a shuttle service to Antigua. The journey takes around 45 minutes.
Spend the next two days exploring the beautiful Antigua Guatemala, a captivating city with colonial charm, vibrant culture and beautifully preserved Spanish Baroque architecture.
Antigua Guatemala is small and compact and while many spend a day here, I recommend two to dive into its amazing coffee shops, art galleries, boutiques, restaurants, viewpoints and cultural sites.
A must-visit is the iconic Santa Catalina Arch, framing the Agua Volcano in a perfect postcard picture, just make sure to come early to avoid the crowds. Dive into history at the ruins of Santo Domingo Monastery, where the past elegantly merges with luxury, housing a hotel, museum, and restaurants.
Don’t miss the lovely central square, perfect for people watching and hike up to Cerro de la Cruz and marvel at Antigua sprawled below.
Read it all in the full Unforgettable Things to Do in Antigua Guatemala Guide.
Where to Stay in Antigua? We recommend Meson Panza Verde or El Convento Boutique Hotel. Find all the options in our Best Luxury Hotels in Antigua Guatemala guide.
Guatemala Itinerary – Day Three (and Four)
Starting early from Antigua Guatemala, embark on one of Guatemala’s most next-level hikes. Volcán de Acatenango offers an unforgettable adventure for those looking to immerse themselves in Guatemala’s majestic natural landscapes.
As one of Guatemala’s highest volcanoes, Acatenango provides hikers with the unique opportunity to witness the awe-inspiring activity of its neighboring volcano, Fuego, which is known for its frequent eruptions.
The hike to Acatenango’s summit is generally done the night before on an overnight expedition. The hike is challenging yet rewarding. Beginning in lush farmland, moving up to cloud forests and finally to the volcanic moonscape at the top, the trail is a dynamic variation of terrains.
At the top, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the Guatemalan Highlands and the mesmerizing spectacle of Fuego’s eruptions. The view, the experience of being so close to a volcanic eruption and this unprecedented energy is just a once-in-a-lifetime kind of experience.
Volcan de Acatenango Tours
The Volcán de Acatenango hike is best done by tour- I would not attempt to do this by yourself because you need overnight accommodation – and can be organised online ahead of time. During the high season, make sure to book in advance as this is one of the most popular activities in Guatemala today.
We went on this Acatenango Volcano Tour with Overnight from Antigua and it was a very enjoyable and well-planned excursion. The overnight accommodation was also some of the best in the area.
Note that the Acatenango Volcano hike takes place over two days so on day 4 you’ll need to hike down and then transfer to Lake Atitlan. This does eat into a little more of your time on Lake Atitlan unless you cut out the day trip to Chichicastenango.
Pacaya Volcano Hike ( Alternative Volcano Hike)
If you prefer to have more time on Lake Atitlan (which I recommend), you can also opt for the Pacaya Volcano Trip. The Pacaya Volcano tour takes only one day and you still might be able to transfer to Lake Atitlan that same evening, giving you two full days on the lake without needing to skip Chichicastenango.
This Pacaya Volcano Day Trip from Antigua is one of the highest rated online.
Guatemala Itinerary Day Four and Five
Transfer from Antigua to Panajachel and then get on a boat to one of Lake Atitlan’s most beautiful villages (or transfer to your accommodation).
During your two days in Lake Atitlan, I recommend choosing accommodation in San Marcos la Laguna and Santa Cruz or nearby, as this northern part of the lake has the best hotels. Use this as a base to explore the rest of Lake Atitlan’s incredible towns.
In our opinion, the best towns to visit during your time on Lake Atitlan are San Marcos la Laguna, San Juan la Laguna, Santa Catarina Palopó and possibly San Pedro la Laguna for a few hours.
Apart from visiting the towns some of the best things to do in Lake Atitlan also include a sunrise hike up to Indian Nose Peak, taking a yoga class in San Marcos, renting a kayak or SUP in Santa Cruz, and learning about Guatemala’s coffee in San Juan.
Read the full list of the Best Things to Do in Lake Atitlan here.
Discover our guides for each of the Lake Atitlan towns, they are all very different in what they offer:
The Insider’s Guide to San Juan La Laguna, Guatemala
Where to Stay in Lake Atitlan? Casa Prana and Anzan Atitlan are our picks for hotels in Lake Atitlan. Hotel La Casa del Mundo is also a beautiful and more budget option which we’ve stayed in consecutively.
Day Six
Grab a tourist shuttle from Panajachel on Lake Atitlan and head to Chichicastenango (or Chichi as it’s known by the locals).
Renowned for hosting one of Central America’s largest markets, Chichicastenango becomes a kaleidoscope of color, tradition, and commerce every Thursday and Sunday.
Visiting is one of the most culturally rich experiences in Guatemala as most of the population in Chichicastenango are indigenous Maya.
If you want to learn more about the Maya culture, its traditions and motifs, then visiting the Chichicastenango market is a very enriching experience.
At the large market, you’ll be able to shop for textiles, Mayan masks, clothing, local produce and many other items. When we visited the market wasn’t touristy and the whole experience still felt very local.
We recommend visiting Chichicastenango with a local travel guide Guatemala from whom you can learn more about the Mayan cultural heritage and the people.
It’s important to remember that the market only runs on Thursdays and Sundays so make sure to organise your 7 day Guatemala itinerary in a way that day 6 lands on a Thursday or Sunday.
If this isn’t possible, consider adding an extra day on Lake Atitlan, reshuffling the itinerary a little or even visiting Santa Domingo Xenacoj from Antigua instead. More on that below.
Day Seven
On day seven, wake up slowly and savour the last few moments of your Guatemala trip before transferring back to Guatemala City Airport.
You’ll easily be able to find transfers on the ground that run to the airport from Chichicastenango, Panajachel or Antigua, depending on where to choose to stay on your last night.
Guatemala Itinerary 5 Days Variation
If you can only spare 5 days for Guatemala know that you’ll still be able to see the highlights. For a 5 day Guatemala itinerary, it’s probably better to focus on Antigua and Lake Atitlan, to make the most out of those two magical destinations.
Guatemala 5 Day Itinerary Summary
Day 1-2 – Antigua Guatemala – Arrive in Guatemala and transfer to Antigua
Day 3- 4 – Lake Atitlan – Transfer to Lake Atitlan, stay in San Marcos La Laguna or Santa Cruz and explore the lake.
Day 5 – Guatemala City – Travel back to Guatemala City to fly out.
For the Guatemala trip itinerary for a 5 day variation, follow the 7 days Guatemala itinerary above missing out Volcan de Acatenango on day 3 and Chichicastenango on day 6.
By all means, feel free to perhaps spend one day less in Antigua to climb Volcan de Acatenango or use the time to take a day trip to Chichicastenango and its market if it’s a Thursday or Sunday when the market operates.
10 Day Guatemala Itinerary Variation
If you have 10 days to visit Guatemala, even better, you’ll be able to get the most out of the south of the country while also flying north to explore Flores and Tikal.
10 Day Guatemala Itinerary Summary
Day 1-2 – Antigua Guatemala – Arrive in Guatemala transfer to Antigua
Day 3 (4) – Volcan de Acatenango/Volcan Pacaya – Hike to Volcan de Acatenango or Volcan Pacaya?
Day 4- 5 – Lake Atitlan – Transfer to Lake Atitlan, stay in San Marcos La Laguna or Santa Cruz and explore the lake.
Day 6-7 Semuc Champey – Transfer to visit the turquoise pools
Day 8-9 – Flores & Tikal – Visit the famous Tikal Ruins
Day 10 – Guatemala City – Fly back to Guatemala City and out.
For the Guatemala 10 day itinerary variation, follow the above 7 day itinerary until day 5. To make the most out of your time on Lake Atitlan, here I’d probably recommend the one day visit to Volcan Pacaya over an overnight trek to Volcan de Acatenango, for time reasons.
Day Six and Seven
On day 6, transfer from Panajachel on Lake Atitlan to Coban or Laquin for Semuc Champey. This is one of the longest transfers due to the winding mountain roads, many of them, unpaved.
Semuc Champey too is located in a hard-to-reach location in the middle of the jungle so I recommend using tours and organised transfers to visit Semuc Champey to save time and to make transfers easier.
Semuc Champey is a breathtaking, natural limestone bridge spanning approximately 300 meters, under which the Cahabón River flows.
Atop this bridge, a series of stepped, turquoise pools emerge, creating a stunning, tranquil oasis perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and soaking in the serene beauty of the surrounding landscape. Yes, Semuc Champey is hard to reach but it’s one of the most beautiful natural sites in Guatemala.
From Panajachel, transfer to Antigua where many of the shuttles leave from (note to check the times of transfers as you might need to transfer to Antigua the night before). From Antigua, you have two main choices.
One option is to take a shared shuttle bus from Antigua to Lanquin, the nearest town to Semuc Champey National Park. The journey takes around 8 hours and this will most likely be a travel day. In Lanquin, you’ll be able to change for a 4×4 transfer to take you to Semuc Champey.
You will be able to overnight in Lanquin.
The second option is to take a shared shuttle from Antigua to Coban and then join this Paradisiacal Semuc Champey + Kanba Caves Tour leaving Coban. You can then spend two nights in Coban before and after the tour before continuing north.
Tip: If you’re traveling during the wet season, before heading to Semuc Champey check with locals if the roads are passable. Semuc Champey is reached via mountainous, dirt roads which may be impassable during the wet season.
Where to Stay in Coban and Laquin? In general, Coban has better accommodation out of the two towns. Estancia del Monje in Coban has simple and rustic rooms surrounded by jungle. In Laquin, Lauris Hotel is the best bet.
Day Eight and Nine
From Lanquin or Coban continue north to Flores. Adrenalina Tours offer transfers all over Guatemala and also have a once daily transfer to Flores from both Coban and Laquin. The trip takes roughly 8 hours but needs to be booked at least 48 hrs in advance.
From Flores, on day nine, you can book a shuttle to Tikal or a Tikal tour from Flores which also includes a guide to tell you more about the ruins. I’d recommend the latter as it’s much better value for money.
Nestled within the dense jungles of northern Guatemala, Tikal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest archaeological sites of the Maya world.
Exploring Tikal is like stepping back in time; you can climb ancient steps to the top of Temple IV, the tallest pre-Columbian structure in the Americas, for views of the incredible jungle surroundings. The site is full of towering temples, majestic plazas and palaces.
If you’ve visited Chichen Itza, Tulum Ruins or even Ek Balam in Mexico, you might be wondering how Tikal compares. Due to its hard to reach location, Tikal still has an off-the-beaten path, undiscovered feel to it, making it, at least for us, one of the most authentic Mayan ruin experiences today.
Even if you have visited Mexico’s Mayan ruins, I’d still highly recommend a trip to Tikal during your Guatemala travel itinerary.
Day Ten
On day ten take an early flight from Flores back to Guatemala City and transfer to your flight out of Guatemala.
To combine the last four days of the 10 day itinerary into one seamless, easy tour (which also includes Rio Dulce), make sure to check out this 4 days Tour Semuc Champey, Tikal and Rio Dulce. The ease of this tour is a real-time saver and requires little planning on your end making it very much worth it.
2 Week Guatemala Itinerary Variation
Two weeks in Guatemala offers an excellent window of time to immerse yourself deeply into the country’s rich culture, nature, and history. This duration allows for a more slow and relaxed pace to explore beyond the well-trodden paths.
Our Guatemala 2 week itinerary encompasses many of Guatemala’s main attractions and sights including Antigua, Tikal and even the beach town of El Paredon.
However, feel free to swap destinations for those that speak more to your interests.
Guatemala 2 Week Itinerary:
Day 1-2 – Antigua Guatemala – Arrive in Guatemala, transfer to Antigua
Day 3 (4) – Volcan de Acatenango/Volcan Pacaya – Hike to Volcan de Acatenango or Volcan Pacaya
Day 4- 5 – Lake Atitlan – Transfer to Lake Atitlan, stay in San Marcos La Laguna or Santa Cruz and explore the lake.
Day 6- Chichicastenango – Visit the crafts market on a day trip from Atitlan.
Day 7-8 – El Paredon – Surfing and wild beaches on Guatemala’s coast
Day 9 – Transfer back to Guatemala City and onward transfer to Flores
Day 10-11 – Flores & Tikal – Visit the famous Tikal Ruins
Day 12-13– Semuc Champey – Transfer to visit the turquoise pools
Day 14 – Guatemala City – Fly back to Guatemala City and out.
Follow our 7 days in Guatemala Itinerary from day one to six.
Day Seven and Eight
On day 7, take a shared shuttle from Chichicastenango to El Paredón, Guatemala’s hippest beach town. You will need to connect in Antigua, so you’ll most likely need to take one shuttle from Chichicastenango to Antigua and then from Antigua to El Paredon.
From Antigua to El Paradon, there are generally two shuttles a day operated by a variety of different tour operators. Find them all and book online here.
Spend the next couple of days relaxing in El Paredón. El Paredón is a tiny fishing village located on the southern coast of Guatemala. It’s known for its sleepy atmosphere, hip beachfront stays and some of the country’s best surf.
Some of the best things to do in El Paredon are just to slow down and relax, go surfing, watch the sunset and eat some great seafood.
Where to Stay in El Paredon? Swell for the chicest spot in town or Paredon Surf House for a relaxed stay with a surf school on site. Choose one of their swoon-worthy casitas for the ultimate experience.
Day Nine
From El Paredon, take a shuttle to Guatemala City and La Aurora airport for an afternoon flight up to Flores.
Day Ten and Eleven
From Flores, you can book a shuttle to Tikal or a Tikal tour from Flores which also includes a guide to tell you more about the ruins. I’d recommend the latter for better value.
Spend day ten exploring the ancient Maya civilization of Tikal and admiring the dense jungle that surrounds it.
On day eleven spend the day exploring the town of Flores and the picturesque banks of Lago Peten Itza. Some other top things to do in Flores, Guatemala are visiting the Uaxactun ruins, visiting Mirador del Rey Canek and swinging to the lake from Jorge’s rope swing.
Where to Stay in Flores? Bolontiku Boutique Hotel & Spa for a stunning lakeside property with amazing facilties and lake views.
Days Twelve and Thirteen
Begin the day early with a transfer from Flores to Coban. The trip is long and will likely take most of the day but you’ll be able to admire the gorgeous views of the road from a really stunning but rarely visited part of Guatemala.
The next day, you can join this Paradisiacal Semuc Champey + Kanba Caves Tour leaving Coban to enjoy the delights of Semuc Champey. This tour also includes a visit to Kanba Caves which we loved.
As mentioned previously, you can also transfer to Lanquin and take local 4×4 transportation to Semuc Champey and spend the day there before overnighting in Laquin or better still, Coban.
Day Fourteen
On day fourteen, you’ll need around 5 hours to transfer back to Guatemala City from Coban, so I recommend having a late-night flight booked out of Guatemala.
Monja Blanca bus company operates comfortable bus services between Coban and Guatemala City from where you can take a taxi or Uber to the airport. Sadly they only have one service daily and it’s in the afternoon.
Standard minivan transfers are also available. Find your options between Coban and Guatemala City here.
Other Destinations to Add to Your Guatemala Itinerary
If you have more time in Guatemala or you’re thinking about changing these itineraries slightly, here are some more incredible destinations in Guatemala to consider during your trip.
Rio Dulce and Livingston
One of the most intriguing and off-the-beaten-path Guatemala travel route destinations is Livingstone via Rio Dulce. The journey through Rio Dulce to Livingston unveils one of Guatemala’s most captivating natural landscapes.
Rio Dulce, a majestic river, meanders through the lush jungle before emptying into the Caribbean Sea at Livingston.
This unique area offers a blend of natural beauty and cultural richness, with boat tours navigating through towering canyons, hot springs, and verdant rainforests.
Livingston, accessible only by boat, presents a distinct Garifuna culture, with vibrant music, dance, and cuisine. Here you can enjoy the laid-back Caribbean vibe, explore secluded beaches, and savor traditional dishes. There isn’t much else to do beyond that.
The combination of Rio Dulce’s natural wonders and Livingston’s cultural diversity makes this region a must-visit if you’re seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience in Guatemala.
Santa Domingo Xenacoj
One of the best day trips from Antigua Guatemala, Santa Domingo Xenacoj is a small Mayan town located in the highlands of Guatemala.
Santa Domingo Xenacoj is renowned for its vibrant textiles and intricate handicrafts, crafted by the local indigenous communities. One of the main draws here is immersing yourself in the local culture and experiencing firsthand the art of weaving that has been passed down through generations.
With rolling hills and lush vegetation surrounding the little town, this makes the perfect half-day or day trip from Antigua if you’re looking for something extra to do.
Yaxhá
For a sublime Mayan temple in Guatemala’s North Peten Region, Yaxhá offers a less crowded yet equally captivating alternative to the more famous Tikal.
This ancient Mayan city, overlooking the serene Yaxhá and Sacnab Lake, boasts a remarkable array of temples, plazas, and ball courts, whispering tales of a bygone era.
Climbing to the top of the main temple gives you breathtaking views of the surrounding lakes and jungle canopy accompanied by the sounds of exotic birds and howler monkeys.
For anyone wanting to see a few more ancient Mayan cities in Guatemala, Yaxhá is one of our top choices.
How to Get to Guatemala
By Air
Most travelers arrive in Guatemala by air. Guatemala’s primary gateway is La Aurora International Airport (GUA), located in the bustling capital city, Guatemala City. Direct flights from major U.S. cities such as Los Angeles, New York, Miami, and Dallas offer a seamless connection, typically spanning a few hours.
From Europe, you most likely will need to connect in the US or other Latin American cities like Mexico City.
From La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City, it’s easy to connect to Antigua by private transfer, or grab a domestic flight to destinations like Flores (for Tikal).
For the best selection of flights to Guatemala use the form below. We love using Kiwi flights to search for the best airfare deals around.
From Mexico
You can also get to Guatemala overland or by air from Mexico. A popular route to take is an organized shared shuttle from San Cristobal de las Casas in Chiapas to Antigua. These are fairly easy to organise on the ground from San Cristobal de las Casas. The journey takes around 12 hours.
For more adventurous travelers, it’s also possible to take a ADO bus to Tapachula, cross the border and then connect to your next destination in Guatemala by local bus.
From Belize
If you plan to visit Guatemala from Belize it’s worth beginning your Guatemala itinerary with Flores and the Tikal ruins in the north, before making your way to the south of the country; Semuc Champey (if you have enough time), then Antigua and Lake Atitlan.
From Belize City, you can take this shared shuttle to Flores. Otherwise, public buses run to Flores from Belize City or San Ignacio, however we found the shuttle to be much more comfortable and efficient.
How to Travel around Guatemala
There are many ways to get around Guatemala once you land in the country. Whether you’re crossing the country or just the city, there are the best ways to get around:
Flights – For larger distances, I strongly suggest taking a domestic flight. Getting from Guatemala City to Flores for example would take potentially more than a day. If you’ve only got 10 days in Guatemala, I’d highly recommend flying.
Shuttle Vans – Shuttle vans are the most popular, comfortable and the best way to get around the country. You can choose between shared or private vans and they are often the best way to get from the airport to Antigua or Antigua to Lake Atitlan for example. Shuttles are often the fastest way to travel around Guatemala (flights excluding).
Tuk Tuk – Inside the city and for short distances there are great for getting around. Always settle the price before getting in.
Taxis and Uber – Another great way of getting around especially in Guatemala City and Antigua. For safety reasons, ask your hotel to call you a reliable taxi and agree on the price before getting in. Taxi drivers are supposed to use meters but, like, many other Latin American countries, they choose not to.
Chicken Buses– The local way to get around, which are brightly painted American school buses. I wouldn’t recommend using these for comfort and safety reasons. Once you see how they drive on the highways you’ll know what I mean!
Top Tip: In general, transportation between towns in Guatemala can take most of the day. Due to the varying geography and mountainous landscapes, there are no real highways and many roads aren’t in a good state.
When crossing the country it’s worth looking into domestic flights to save time.
Top Tours and Experiences in Guatemala
While Guatemala is easily experienced independently or at your own pace, there are some incredible cultural tours not to be missed from a Guatemala travel guide, to learn more about the Mayan people and their culture as well as certain places.
I highly recommend taking a tour to Tikal where you’ll learn much more about the ruins than you would otherwise.
Also, taking a tour to Semuc Champey is recommended as it’s just far off the beaten path and much easier to get to by organised tour. To hike Volcan Acatenango you’ll also need a tour.
Book these tours for a much richer Guatemala travel experience.
Overnight Volcano Acatenango Hiking Adventure
Private Transport – between Guatemala City Airport and Antigua
Tikal Day Trip by Air from Guatemala City with Lunch
Tikal Exclusive Tour from Flores all-Inclusive
Shared Shuttle – between Antigua and Lanquin (for Semuc Champey)
Is Guatemala Safe?
Like many destinations in Latin America, Guatemala presents areas of concern, particularly in certain parts of Guatemala City and in some mountainous areas away from the tourist circuit. Violent crime does happen but generally does not target tourists.
However, the country’s popular tourist spots such as Antigua, Lake Atitlán, and Tikal are considerably safer, thanks to increased police presence and community-based initiatives aimed at safeguarding visitors.
When traveling, always exercise common sense: avoid displaying valuables, use official transportation, and stay informed about areas to avoid.
We never once felt unsafe in Guatemala when doing this 7 day Guatemala itinerary but it helps to be on the more cautious side. Always talk to locals and other travelers about where to go and where not to go.
Are you ready to begin your incredible Guatemala itinerary? Let me know all your questions and comments below. I always love hearing from you!
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Planning a trip right now? These are just some of my favourite websites I use to book everything from hotels to rental cars!
Rental Cars and Discover Cars for quick and easy car rentals worldwide
Booking.com and Agoda for great deals on hotels
Viator and Get Your Guide for tours and adventures around the world
BookAway for local transportation on the ground
Related posts you might like:
17 Unforgettable Things to Do in Antigua Guatemala: A Travel Guide
22 Unmissable Things to Do in Lake Atitlan Guatemala
13 Best Luxury Hotels in Antigua Guatemala
The Complete Guide to San Marcos La Laguna, Guatemala
10 Best Guatemala Yoga Retreats You Can’t Miss
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