Guatemala 4 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Antigua

  • Arrival: Arrive at La Aurora International Airport (GUA) or San José International Airport (SJO)
  • Transportation: Take a taxi or shuttle bus from the airport to Antigua, approximately $20-$30 USD
  • Accommodation: Check-in to your hotel or hostel in Antigua
  • Activity: Visit the historic center of Antigua, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore the colonial architecture, visit the Cathedral of Santiago (Catedral de Santiago) and the nearby Plaza Mayor
  • Lunch: Try traditional Guatemalan cuisine at one of the local restaurants
  • Evening: Enjoy a stroll around the city, take in the vibrant atmosphere, and grab a coffee or dinner at a local café

Day 2: Lake Atitlán

  • Transportation: Take a shuttle bus from Antigua to Panajachel ( approx. $5-$10 USD)
  • Activity: Visit Lake Atitlán, a stunning lake surrounded by three volcanoes
  • Thing to know: Learn about the local Mayan communities and their traditional way of life
  • Lunch: Have lunch at one of the local restaurants in Panajachel or take a boat tour on the lake
  • Evening: Spend the evening exploring Panajachel’s vibrant market or visit nearby Santiago Atitlán

Day 3: Tikal National Park

  • Transportation: Take an early morning shuttle bus from Panajachel to Flores ( approx. $10-$15 USD)
  • Activity: Visit the ancient Mayan city of Tikal, one of the largest and most impressive archaeological sites in Mesoamerica
  • Thing to know: Learn about the history and significance of Tikal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Lunch: Have lunch at one of the local restaurants near the park entrance
  • Evening: Return to Flores and enjoy the evening atmosphere

Day 4: Departure

  • Transportation: Take an afternoon shuttle bus from Flores back to the airport ( approx. $10-$15 USD)
  • Thing to know: Check with your airline for any visa requirements or travel restrictions
  • Last minute shopping: Grab some last-minute souvenirs or gifts before departing

Additional Information

  • Visa Requirements: Citizens of the United States, Canada, and many European countries do not need a visa to enter Guatemala. However, it’s essential to check with your airline or the Guatemalan embassy for any travel restrictions.
  • Vaccinations: Make sure you have all the necessary vaccinations before traveling to Guatemala.
  • Weather: The dry season (December to April) is the best time to visit Guatemala, while the rainy season can be quite wet and muddy.

Budget Breakdown

  • Accommodation: $20-$30 USD per night
  • Transportation: $10-$15 USD per day (shuttle buses)
  • Food: $10-$20 USD per meal
  • Activities: $20-$50 USD per person (depending on the activity)

Total estimated budget for 4-day trip: $300-$500 USD