7 days Guatemala itinerary – Best Places to Go in Guatemala and Expert Travel Tips

Guatemala thực sự có thứ gì đó dành cho mọi du khách! Từ các thành phố thuộc địa hoàn hảo cho những chuyến đi dạo nhàn nhã đến những ngôi làng bản địa sôi động với những khu chợ đầy màu sắc, và thậm chí cả những thành phố Maya cổ đại ẩn sâu trong rừng rậm. Thêm vào đó là những hồ nước ngoạn mục và một số ngọn núi lửa đang hoạt động, và bạn có một điểm đến có thể dễ dàng lấp đầy nhiều tuần khám phá. Nhưng nếu bạn chỉ có thời gian hạn chế để ghé thăm thì sao? Hành trình 7 ngày ở Guatemala này sẽ hướng dẫn bạn qua những điểm nổi bật không thể bỏ qua, cung cấp những mẹo hữu ích và cung cấp thông tin chi tiết về thời gian di chuyển và phương tiện đi lại. Thêm vào đó, có một phần đặc biệt nếu bạn đang có kế hoạch đến Mexico sau đó!

Ultimate 7 Day Guatemala Itinerary

Seven days in Guatemala is the perfect amount of time to experience the country’s rich culture, stunning landscapes, and fascinating history. While one week might seem short, by following this step-by-step guide, you can still immerse yourself in the best Guatemala has to offer. From ancient Mayan ruins to breathtaking volcanoes, we’ve got you covered. We’ve also included our top recommendations for places to stay in each area and the best transportation options to help you maximize your 7-day Guatemala itinerary.

Lake Atitlán – Days 1 and 2

Begin your adventure at the stunning Lake Atitlán, a majestic body of water encircled by three towering volcanoes and dotted with unique villages. Each village has its own distinct character, with some still preserving ancient Mayan traditions. No matter where you are around the lake, the scenery is absolutely breathtaking, offering stunning views of the water and surrounding volcanoes from every angle.

Depending on your arrival time, you can spend the afternoon exploring the lake by boat, visiting vibrant villages like Santiago de Atitlán and San Juan la Laguna. Here, you’ll have the chance to admire indigenous art and meet Maximón, a revered wooden statue where locals offer gifts and make wishes.

On the second day, embark on an early morning hike to take in the spectacular sunrise over Lake Atitlán. Head to the Indian Nose viewpoint for unforgettable panoramic views, or challenge yourself by hiking to the top of San Pedro Volcano. The afternoon is yours to explore peaceful villages like San Marcos, or venture to the Cerro Tzankujil Nature Reserve for a refreshing escape. If you prefer a scenic hike, the trail from Santa Cruz to Jaibalito offers breathtaking views of the lake throughout the entire route.

While this is a 7-day Guatemala itinerary, Lake Atitlán has so much to offer that you could easily spend an entire week discovering its charms, with a new village to explore each day. Want to dive deeper into Lake Atitlán? Check out my complete travel guide to this magical destination.

Where to stay around Lake Atitlán?

Panajachel, the bustling main city on the shores of Lake Atitlán, serves as the perfect base for exploring the surrounding villages. You can choose to stay in Panajachel overnight and take day trips to nearby attractions. However, if you’re planning an early morning hike or simply want to wake up with stunning lake views, it’s highly recommended to find accommodation in one of the lakeside villages or boutique hotels nestled around the water.

Hotel recommendations for Lake Atitlán:

• Casa Prana
• Lush Atitlan
• Casa del Mundo
• Casa Palopo
• Eco-Hotel Mayachik
• Selina in Panajachel

If you’re traveling from Antigua and want to visit Lake Atitlán, you can book a tour for a seamless experience.

Antigua – Days 3, 4, and 5

After your time at Lake Atitlán, head to one of Guatemala’s most famous cities: Antigua. Now comes the fun part of deciding how to spend your time! If you’re planning a volcano hike around Antigua the next day, it’s best to leave early in the morning from Lake Atitlán and spend the afternoon settling into Antigua. For those skipping the hike, you’ll have the entire next day to explore the city’s historic charm. Consider traveling from Panajachel to Antigua on a Thursday or Sunday to catch the vibrant Chichicastenango market. Not only is it a shopper’s paradise, but it also offers a fantastic glimpse into local life. If you prefer, you can even visit Chichicastenango on a day trip from Antigua.

Antigua City

Antigua, the former capital of Guatemala, is often hailed as the country’s most beautiful city. With its charming colonial streets, impressive ruins of churches and convents, and a rich history hidden behind each doorway, Antigua will quickly captivate you. Spend your days wandering the cobblestone streets, visiting the colorful colonial buildings, and enjoying fantastic views of the surrounding volcanoes. You might even catch sight of smoke or glowing lava at times. Be sure to explore the boutique shops, upscale restaurants, and cozy cafes scattered throughout the city. Additionally, the areas surrounding Antigua offer even more to see, including coffee plantations, stunning viewpoints, and organic farms.

Looking for more ideas on what to do in Antigua? Check out my detailed city guide, featuring cultural activities, restaurants, boutique stores, and top hotels.

Hotels in Antigua:

• Good Hotel Antigua
• Las Cruces Boutique Hotel
• Mesón Panza Verde

Volcano hikes

Antigua is the perfect starting point for some of Guatemala’s most thrilling volcano hikes, like the Pacaya and Acatenango volcanoes. Be sure to include one of these hikes in your 7-day Guatemala itinerary for an unforgettable experience.

The Pacaya volcano hike can easily be done in a morning or afternoon, making it a great option if you’re short on time. For a more challenging adventure, the Acatenango volcano hike is an incredible two-day trek. While it’s possible to hike Acatenango in one day, it’s not recommended, as you would miss the magical experience of camping overnight. Watching the active Fuego Volcano erupting from your tent, with lava flows lighting up the night sky, is truly a sight to behold. If your priority is this once-in-a-lifetime hike, go for it! You’ll return by noon the next day, leaving enough time to continue your journey to Flores in the evening. Just make sure to acclimate to the altitude before setting out on these hikes.

Traveling from Panajachel, Lake Atitlán to Antigua

To get from Panajachel to Antigua, you can either use a shuttle service or book an Uber. The journey takes about 3 hours. If you’re traveling by private transportation, consider stopping at the famous Chichicastenango market along the way, adding this cultural highlight to your Guatemala itinerary for 7 days.

Flores – Days 5 and 6

After exploring the highlands of Guatemala, it’s time to head to a completely different region: the lush jungles and tropical rainforests of Petén, in northern Guatemala. Spend your morning and afternoon in Antigua, then book an evening flight from Guatemala City to Flores.

Flores serves as the perfect gateway to the mysterious Mayan ruins of Tikal and Yaxhá, hidden deep in the jungle. These ancient sites are a must-see during your 7-day Guatemala itinerary. I recommend heading directly to Tikal this evening and staying overnight in one of the three hotels located within the national park. This allows you to wake up early the next morning to witness the sunrise from Temple IV, an unforgettable experience. After visiting Tikal, travel back to the town of Flores, where you’ll spend the night and relax after a day of adventure.

Hotel recommendations in Tikal National Park:

1. Hotel Jungle Lodge Tikal
2. Hotel Tikal Inn
3. Hotel Jaguar Inn

Tikal

Tikal is one of the most popular destinations in Guatemala, and for good reason. With its mystical atmosphere and location deep within the jungle, it stands out as one of the most impressive archaeological Maya sites. As you explore the ancient city, you’ll find towering pyramids and grand palaces surrounded by lush jungle, all while spotting wildlife like monkeys, coatis, butterflies, and birds. To make the most of your visit, it’s highly recommended to explore Tikal with a professional guide who can bring the history of the Maya civilization to life.

Yaxhá

If you’re looking for a more off-the-beaten-path experience, consider skipping Tikal and visiting Yaxhá instead. Yaxhá is less frequented by tourists but is equally breathtaking. This Maya archaeological site is nestled by the tranquil Laguna Yaxhá, surrounded by dense jungle. One of the highlights is watching the sunset from the top of the 30-meter-high temple, known as Structure 216 (or Temple of the Hands). For this option, you can spend your first night in Flores and the second night near Yaxhá National Park.

Flores

Flores is a charming town located on an island in Lake Petén Itzá, connected to the mainland by a bridge. The town’s colorful houses and picturesque doors make it a dream for photography lovers. Flores was once the ancient Maya city of Tayasal, one of the last strongholds during the Spanish conquest, though it was eventually destroyed. Today, you can explore the colonial town built atop the ruins of the former Maya city and enjoy its lively boulevard filled with rooftop restaurants and shops. The rich history of the town adds even more depth to your visit.

Traveling from Antigua to Flores

To travel from Antigua to Flores, the best option is to take an Uber or a shuttle service to Guatemala City’s airport. Depending on traffic and the time of day, the journey will take between one and two hours. From Guatemala City, you can catch a flight with TAG Airlines, which will get you to Flores in just under an hour.

Guatemala City – Last Day of Your 1-Week Guatemala Itinerary

After your visit to the ancient ruins of Tikal or Yaxhá, take a return flight to Guatemala City with TAG Airlines. If your flight arrives in the morning, spend the afternoon exploring the Museo de Antropología (Munae) and take a leisurely stroll through Zona 4, a trendy neighborhood known for its vibrant atmosphere and excellent restaurants. If you’re in the mood for a culinary adventure, make a reservation at Flor de Lis, a restaurant led by a former Noma alumni. Their 6- or 8-course tasting menu is a true journey through Guatemala’s rich culinary heritage, using local ingredients and storytelling to enhance the experience. While it might be a bit pricey, it’s definitely worth it and a perfect way to conclude your 1-week Guatemala itinerary.

Guatemala Itinerary 7 Days | Traveling to Mexico

If you’re planning to continue your journey to Chiapas, Mexico after your 1-week Guatemala itinerary, it’s best to end your trip in Flores and cross the border at Frontera Corozal. From Flores, it will take about 4 hours to reach the Guatemalan border town of Bethel (the road can be rough). There, you’ll cross the Usumacinta River by boat to Frontera Corozal in Mexico, which also serves as the gateway to the archaeological site of Yaxchilán.

For those planning to travel to Yucatán, Mexico, it’s also a good idea to end your trip in Flores and travel through Belize to Chetumal. Be prepared for a full day of travel, as you’ll need to cross two borders!

Coming from Mexico | Guatemala Itinerary 7 Days

If you’re starting your journey from Mexico, it’s best to begin your 1-week Guatemala itinerary in Flores. After exploring Tikal, catch a flight to Guatemala City, then continue your adventure at Lake Atitlán and Antigua.

Suggested Itinerary:

1. Arrival in Flores
2. Visit Tikal or Yaxhá
3. Early flight to Guatemala City, continue to Lake Atitlán
4. Lake Atitlán – one day
5. Lake Atitlán – Chichicastenango – AntiguaAntigua – one dayMorning in Antigua, then travel to Guatemala City – end of your 1-week Guatemala itinerary

Hotels in Guatemala

Wondering where to stay in Guatemala? Like many other countries, Guatemala offers a wide variety of beautiful hotels. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to visit Guatemala dozens of times, both for work and personal trips. When I travel solo, I always seek out smaller boutique hotels with charming interiors, a welcoming atmosphere, and convenient locations. Supporting local businesses and choosing accommodations with a sustainable approach is also important to me. I spend a lot of time researching before booking my stay to ensure a thoughtful choice. In this article, I’ll share with you some of my favorite places to stay in Guatemala: the best hotels, categorized by city and region.

How to Get Around in Guatemala

Guatemala is a large country, and the distances between destinations can be long. Additionally, not all roads are easily accessible. For certain segments of your 1-week Guatemala itinerary, it’s best to consider flying, especially for longer distances. However, many other routes can be easily traveled by bus or shuttle service. One reliable and affordable option is Guatego, which offers shuttle services across the country. You can book your shuttle service with them for a convenient way to explore Guatemala.