Guatemala 3 Day Itinerary

Guatemala Travel Itinerary (3 days)

Day 1: Antigua and the Surroundings

Morning

  • Antigua: This colonial city is a must-visit. Explore its well-preserved architecture, beautiful churches like Iglesia de La Merced and Catedral de Santiago, and the bustling main square.
  • Café con Leche: Start your day with a traditional Guatemalan breakfast at one of the many cafes.

Afternoon

  • ChocoMuseo: Visit this chocolate museum to learn about how cacao is grown and transformed into delicious chocolates. You can even make your own!
  • Hike Pacaya Volcano: If you’re feeling adventurous, hike up an active volcano. This experience includes seeing lava flows (weather permitting) and a great view of the surrounding landscape.

Evening

  • Dinner at a local restaurant: Try some traditional Guatemalan dishes like Pepián or Jocón.
  • Explore Antigua’s nightlife: The city comes alive in the evenings with live music, bars, and restaurants.

Day 2: Lake Atitlán

Morning

  • Take a shuttle to Lake Atitlán: From Antigua, you can take a shared shuttle service to get to the lake. This journey takes about an hour.
  • Explore Panajachel: The most popular town on the lake offers stunning views of the three surrounding volcanoes and a vibrant market where you can find local handicrafts.

Afternoon

  • Boat tour of the lake: Take a boat ride to see the different towns around the lake. You might even spot some of the local wildlife.
  • Visit Santiago Atitlán: This town is known for its traditional Mayan culture and has a very active market where you can buy handicrafts.

Evening

  • Dinner in Panajachel: Enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants that offer a great view of the lake.

Day 3: Guatemala City

Morning

  • Return to Antigua for your belongings: If you’re not leaving from Guatemala City, you’ll need to get back here.
  • Visit the National Palace of Culture: This palace is a must-visit for anyone interested in history or architecture. It’s a great place to learn about Guatemalan culture.

Afternoon

  • Free time: Spend some time exploring Guatemala City on your own. You could visit the Civic Center, the Central Market, or simply enjoy some of the local food.
  • Evening flight: If you have an evening flight back home, consider using this time to prepare for your journey.

Things to Know

  • Visa Requirements: Depending on your nationality, you may need a visa. It’s always best to check with the Guatemalan embassy in your country before traveling.
  • Transportation: The easiest way to get around Guatemala is by shuttle or taxi. You can also rent cars, but this might not be necessary for a short trip.
  • Safety: As with any travel, be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings.

Places to Go

  • Antigua: A colonial city that’s a must-visit.
  • Lake Atitlán: A beautiful lake surrounded by volcanoes.
  • Guatemala City: The capital of Guatemala offers a lot of history and culture.