Itinerary
Guatemala in 7 Days
The perfect first-time itinerary covering Guatemala's highlights
Itinerary Overview
- Days 1-3: Antigua Guatemala
- Days 4-5: Lake Atitlán
- Days 6-7: Tikal & Flores
What's Included
- ✓ Colonial architecture & culture
- ✓ Volcano views & hikes
- ✓ Indigenous villages
- ✓ Ancient Mayan ruins
- ✓ Jungle wildlife
- ✓ Local markets & cuisine
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrive in Antigua Guatemala
Colonial city exploration
Morning/Afternoon
- • Arrive at Guatemala City airport
- • Take shuttle to Antigua (45 min, $10-15)
- • Check into hotel/hostel
- • Walk to Central Park and Cathedral
Evening
- • Explore cobblestone streets
- • Visit Santa Catalina Arch
- • Dinner at local restaurant
- • Rooftop drinks with volcano views
Accommodation
Antigua hostel/hotel
Budget
$40-80
Antigua Sightseeing & Pacaya Volcano
Colonial sites and volcano hike
Morning
- • Visit La Merced Church
- • Explore ruins (Convento Santa Clara, San Francisco)
- • Browse artisan market
- • Coffee at Cafe Sky
Afternoon
- • Pacaya Volcano tour (2pm-7pm)
- • Hike to lava fields
- • Roast marshmallows on hot rocks
- • Return to Antigua for dinner
Accommodation
Antigua hostel/hotel
Budget
$50-90 (incl. tour)
Antigua to Lake Atitlán
Travel day with coffee tour option
Morning
- • Optional: Coffee plantation tour (8am-12pm)
- • Or: Hike Cerro de la Cruz viewpoint
- • Last-minute souvenir shopping
Afternoon
- • Shuttle to Lake Atitlán (2:30pm, 2.5 hours)
- • Arrive in Panajachel
- • Boat to San Pedro or San Marcos
- • Check into lakeside accommodation
- • Sunset by the lake
Accommodation
Lake Atitlán village
Budget
$45-85
Explore Lake Atitlán Villages
Village hopping and cultural experiences
Morning
- • Boat to Santiago Atitlán
- • Visit local market and church
- • Learn about Tz'utujil Maya culture
- • See traditional textiles
Afternoon
- • Boat to San Juan La Laguna
- • Visit weaving cooperatives
- • Coffee or chocolate workshop
- • Return to your village
- • Kayaking or paddleboarding (optional)
Accommodation
Lake Atitlán village
Budget
$40-75
Lake Atitlán to Flores
Travel to Tikal region
Early Morning
- • Sunrise yoga or meditation (optional)
- • Final lake views and breakfast
- • Pack and check out
Afternoon/Evening
- • Option A: Fly Guatemala City to Flores (1 hour, $80-150)
- • Option B: Overnight bus (8-10 hours, $20-40)
- • Arrive in Flores
- • Check into hotel
- • Explore Flores island town
- • Dinner with lake views
Accommodation
Flores hotel
Budget
$60-180 (with flight)
Tikal Sunrise Tour
Ancient Mayan ruins in the jungle
Early Morning
- • 4:00am pickup from hotel
- • 1-hour drive to Tikal National Park
- • Enter park before sunrise
- • Climb Temple IV for sunrise views
- • Watch howler monkeys wake up
Morning/Afternoon
- • Guided tour of main temples
- • Visit Grand Plaza, Temple I & II
- • Spot toucans, spider monkeys, coatis
- • Lunch at park restaurant
- • Return to Flores (2pm)
- • Rest and relax
- • Evening stroll around Flores
Accommodation
Flores hotel
Budget
$70-110 (incl. tour)
Departure Day
Return to Guatemala City
Morning
- • Leisurely breakfast in Flores
- • Optional: Visit Ixpanpajul Nature Park
- • Or: Relax by Lake Petén Itzá
- • Last-minute souvenir shopping
Afternoon
- • Fly Flores to Guatemala City
- • Connect to international flight
- • Or: Extend your trip!
Accommodation
N/A
Budget
$100-180 (with flight)
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (6 nights) | $120-180 | $300-420 | $600-900 |
| Food & Drinks | $140-210 | $280-350 | $420-560 |
| Transportation | $100-150 | $200-280 | $350-450 |
| Activities & Tours | $100-150 | $150-200 | $250-350 |
| Total (7 days) | $460-690 | $930-1,250 | $1,620-2,260 |
Note: Prices don't include international flights. Budget assumes hostels/budget hotels, local food, tourist shuttles, and group tours. Mid-range includes comfortable hotels, mix of restaurants, and some private transport. Luxury includes boutique hotels, fine dining, and private tours.
Tips & Variations
Pro Tips
- Book Tikal flight early - prices increase closer to travel dates
- Pack layers - Antigua and Lake Atitlán are cooler than Tikal
- Book shuttles 1-2 days ahead during high season
- Bring cash - ATMs limited in small villages
- Download offline maps - WiFi can be spotty
Possible Extensions
- +2 days: Acatenango overnight hike - Camp on volcano
- +2 days: Semuc Champey - Natural pools and caves
- +2 days: Caribbean coast - Rio Dulce and Livingston
- +1 day: Chichicastenango market - Thursday or Sunday
- +2 days: Monterrico beach - Pacific coast relaxation
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