10 Day Guatemala Itinerary
Guatemala, a Central American gem, is a country steeped in rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking natural beauty. After my recent visit, it has become my favorite country in Central America. From ancient Mayan ruins to picturesque landscapes and lively markets, this destination has something to offer every traveler. To help you make the most of your time in Guatemala, I’ve crafted the perfect 10-day itinerary that ensures you experience the best this diverse country has to offer. I’ve also included my tips, advice, and recommendations to help you feel well informed and prepared for your trip to Guatemala.
Day 1 – Travel to Guatemala City
If you are flying to Guatemala, your journey will most likely begin in Guatemala City. To make the most of your time, I recommend heading straight to Antigua. When exiting the airport, there will be several options to get to Antigua. Here’s how to get from Guatemala City to Antigua:
- Uber – I feel that this is the best and quickest option, only taking around an hour. It costs around $35-$50 USD.
- Taxi – There will be plenty of taxi drivers waiting at the airport exit. This will be as quick as an Uber, but the taxi driver could try and charge a higher rate.
- Book a private driver
- Shared shuttle
- Public transport (aka the chicken bus)
- Car rental
If you are on an early or late flight though more often than not, it is better to find hotels in Guatemala city near the airport to avoid traveling in the dark.
We stayed at the Wyndham Garden Inn which was very close to the airport and in a good area, making it a very positive experience!
Day 2 – Explore Antigua
Start your journey in Antigua, a UNESCO World Heritage site and Guatemala’s former capital. Spend the first day exploring the cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and vibrant markets. Visit landmarks such as the Santa Catalina Arch and the iconic La Merced Church.
My favorite hostels in Antigua:
Day 3 – Acatenango Volcano Overnight Hike
This is a is a must-see when visiting Guatemala. It was the highlight of my trip, and one of the coolest things that I’ve ever seen! Most tour companies will pick you up in the morning, around 8 or 9. From there you will be taken to the trailhead to start around 10 or 11am.
The hike to base camp is pretty much straight up the entire way, and very challenging. Most groups stopped to take breaks every half hour or so. We also stopped for a little while to have lunch. We ended up reaching base camp at around 5:30pm after a long day of hiking.
Then, you will have the option to hike Fuego, which is the volcano that is actually erupting. Not knowing what I was getting into, I decided to go for it. This hike is also extremely challenging, as a majority of it is hiking straight up the side of the volcano, and in the dark this time. I was regretting my decision pretty much the entire way to the top, but when we finally made it and saw the volcano erupting right in front of us, it made it all worth it.
We made it back at around 10pm, and the hike back was brutal after such a long day of hiking. We sat by the fire, ate dinner, and passed out in our “tent.”
Day 4 – Acatenango Volcano Hike & Return to Antigua
You will be woken up at around 4am and asked if you want to go on the sunrise hike. I was absolutely exhausted and the thought of beginning another extremely hard hike this early in the morning was a hard no for me. To be honest, the view of the volcano from the base camp was the best view, and there was not really a need to do the extra two hikes in my opinion. The view from the camp is amazing!
The few members of our group that decided to do the sunrise hike came back around 8am, as our group had breakfast and started to pack up. We headed back down the trail shortly after.
As expected, the hike down was much easier and did not take nearly as long. We were back at the start around 11am and back in Antigua around 1pm.
Spend the rest of the day in Antigua.
Days 5 & 6 – Lake Atitlan
After hiking the volcano, you will be in great need of some relaxation, which is why Lake Atitlán the perfect next stop. Lake Atitlan is often referred to as one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. Spend your days exploring the indigenous villages that dot the lakeshore, such as Panajachel and Santiago Atitlán. Take a boat ride on the tranquil waters and hike to one of the many viewpoints for breathtaking panoramas of the lake and surrounding volcanoes.
Take a morning shuttle from your hotel or hostel in Antigua, which will take around 3 hours. Arrive around noon or early afternoon to check into your accommodation and explore the village where you are staying. I stayed in at the Selina Hostel in Panajachel, which was absolutely beautiful! They offered yoga every morning, and can book any tour or shuttle for you.
Day 7 – Return to Guatemala City
We stayed at the lake for the morning, and explored the Nature Preserve in Panajachel. We grabbed lunch and walked around some more before heading back to our hostel to catch a 4pm shuttle back to Guatemala City. The shuttle took around 4 hours and dropped us off right at our hotel by the airport.
Day 8 – Flores
Take an early morning flight to Flores, and definitely stay at Los Amigos Hostel! It is one of the coolest hostels I’ve stayed in. They also have their own travel agency, and you can book everything through them. I recommend saving Tikal for the next day, since it is best to visit really early in the morning. We spent this day walking around Flores, and a sunset tour to Yaxha National park.
Day 9 – Tikal
Book a sunrise or very early morning tour to Tikal, one of the most significant archaeological sites of the ancient Mayan civilization. Spend a day exploring the impressive temples, pyramids, and plazas that are nestled in the jungle. Consider hiring a guide to enrich your experience with historical insights. Take an early morning tour to witness the sunrise over the ancient ruins, creating a truly magical experience.
Day 10 – Return to Guatemala City & Fly Home
There are very early morning flights from Flores back to Guatemala city. We were able to catch a 7am flight and wait at the airport until our 3pm flight back home.
Guatemala’s diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and archaeological wonders make it a captivating destination for any traveler. This 10-day itinerary offers a perfect balance of history, nature, and local experiences, ensuring you leave with a deep appreciation for this beautiful and enchanting country. Pack your bags and get ready to embark on a journey of discovery in Guatemala!
