Guatemala-7-day-itinerary

Guatemala Travel Itinerary: 7 Days

Day 1: Arrival in Antigua

  • Arrival: Arrive at La Aurora International Airport (GUA) near Guatemala City.
  • Transportation: Take a shuttle or taxi to Antigua, approximately 45 minutes away. You can also take a bus from the airport for about $5 USD.
  • Accommodation: Check-in to your hotel in Antigua, such as Hotel Casa Azul or Hotel La Estación.
  • Activity: Explore the historic city center and its colonial architecture, including the iconic Parque Central and Catedral de Santiago.
  • Things to know:
    • Guatemala is a predominantly Catholic country, so dress modestly when visiting churches.
    • The local currency is the Quetzal (GTQ), but USD is widely accepted.
    • Be mindful of your belongings in crowded areas.

Day 2: Antigua and its surroundings

  • Activity: Visit the nearby villages of San Juan del Obispo and Santa María de Jesús, known for their traditional textiles and pottery.
  • Transportation: Take a short taxi or bus ride from Antigua to these villages (about $5-10 USD).
  • Thing to know:
    • Be prepared for uneven roads and potential traffic congestion in rural areas.

Day 3: Lake Atitlán

  • Transportation: Take an early morning shuttle or taxi to Lake Atitlán, about a 2-hour drive.
  • Accommodation: Stay at one of the lake’s many villages, such as Santiago de Atitlán or San Pedro La Laguna.
  • Activity: Take a boat tour around the lake and visit local Mayan villages, learning about their culture and traditions.
  • Thing to know:
    • Be respectful of the local Mayan communities and their customs.

Day 4: Chichicastenango Market

  • Transportation: Take a morning taxi or bus ride from Lake Atitlán to Chichicastenango (about an hour).
  • Activity: Visit the famous market, where you can find traditional handicrafts, textiles, and local food.
  • Thing to know:
    • Be prepared for crowds and potential competition among vendors.

Day 5: Tikal National Park

  • Transportation: Take a morning shuttle or taxi from Chichicastenango to Flores (about an hour), then a boat transfer to the park’s entrance (about 30 minutes).
  • Accommodation: Stay overnight at the park or nearby Flores.
  • Activity: Explore the ancient Mayan ruins, including the Temple IV and the Central Plaza.
  • Thing to know:
    • Be prepared for heat and humidity during your visit.

Day 6: Flores

  • Transportation: Return from Tikal National Park to Flores by boat and then shuttle or taxi (about an hour).
  • Accommodation: Stay overnight at a hotel in Flores, such as Hotel Casa del Mundo.
  • Activity: Explore the town of Flores and its surrounding lagoon, known for their beautiful scenery and wildlife.

Day 7: Return to Antigua

  • Transportation: Take a morning shuttle or taxi from Flores back to Antigua (about an hour).
  • Accommodation: Spend your last night in Guatemala at your hotel in Antigua.
  • Activity: Spend the evening exploring the city’s markets and cafes.

Visa Requirements:

Guatemala has a 90-day tourist visa, which is issued upon arrival for most nationalities. Check with your local Guatemalan embassy or consulate to confirm requirements for your country of origin.

Health and Safety:

Consult your doctor before traveling to Guatemala, as certain vaccinations are recommended for travel in Central America. Take normal precautions against mosquito-borne illnesses like Zika and dengue fever.

Other Tips:

  • Learn some basic Spanish phrases to communicate with locals.
  • Try local cuisine, such as traditional dishes like pepián or chiles rellenos.
  • Don’t drink tap water, and be mindful of your surroundings in crowded areas.