A Travel Guide to Guatemala: 7-Day Itinerary for Exploring the Country
Guatemala is one of those countries that has it all. From vibrant culture and delicious food to breathtaking landscapes and ancient ruins, every corner of this beautiful country feels like an adventure waiting to happen. I recently had the pleasure of returning to Guatemala with the Guatemala Tourism Board, and I spent seven incredible days exploring its heart and soul.
If you’ve been considering a trip, here’s a sneak peek into my journey—and why you should definitely make Guatemala your next travel destination. Use this post for your 7-day itinerary to Guatemala.
My 7-day itinerary to Guatemala
I spent 7 unforgettable days in Guatemala, and I highly recommend at least 7 to 10 days to truly experience all this beautiful country has to offer. From the vibrant culture and rich history to the stunning landscapes and adventures, there’s so much to explore. Below is my full itinerary, showcasing the best of Guatemala, from ancient ruins to breathtaking volcanoes and charming towns. If you’re planning a trip, you’ll definitely want to take your time and read this guide!
Day 1 – Welcome to Guatemala City: A Taste of the Local Vibe
After a smooth arrival in Guatemala City, I couldn’t wait to start exploring. First stop? A city sightseeing tour to get a feel for the local culture. The Central Market was a feast for the senses—vibrant colors, spices in the air, and the chance to sample some of the most delicious Guatemalan dishes I’ve ever had. I had a chance to dive into typical local cuisine, which was the perfect introduction to the flavors of this incredible country.
I then toured the Historic Center, taking in the beauty of the Metropolitan Cathedral and the National Palace of Culture—a reminder of Guatemala’s rich history. After a relaxing lunch at Hacienda Real, I checked into my hotel to freshen up before an easy, laid-back dinner to kick off the trip at Sublime restaurant.
- Arrive in Guatemala City and head straight for a city tour.
- Central Market – The place to be for local food and vibrant colors. I tried some incredible Guatemalan dishes here!
- Historic Center – We walked around, seeing beautiful colonial buildings and the Metropolitan Cathedral.
- National Palace of Culture – A historical gem filled with art and culture.
- Lunch at Hacienda Real – A cozy spot for a delicious local meal.
- Check-in at hotel – A chance to rest after a day of sightseeing.
- Dinner at Sublime restaurant – A relaxing dinner to end the day. Sublime serves a 12 course tasting menu that tells the story of Guatemala’s history and culture through food.
Day 2 – Flores and the Magic of Petén
The next morning, we were off to Flores, located in the Petén region, known for its stunning beauty and proximity to some of Guatemala’s most important archaeological sites. After a quick flight, we landed and hopped on a boat to Flores Island for breakfast, surrounded by the serene beauty of Lake Petén Itzá.
The island itself is charming—small cobblestone streets, vibrant colors, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. I explored San Miguel and visited some truly fascinating places, like the Tayasal Archaeological Site, the Rey Canek Viewpoint, and the Mundo Maya Regional Museum. A highlight of my day was the boat ride on Lake Petén Itzá, where I truly got to soak in the tranquil landscape.
Later, I made my way to Yaxhá, an ancient Mayan site that’s less crowded than others like Tikal, but just as mesmerizing. Climbing Temple 216 for an epic sunset view was the perfect way to wrap up a day filled with history and natural beauty. Dinner at Nativo Restaurant was the cherry on top before heading back to Flores for some rest.
- Early flight to Flores – Headed to Mundo Maya International Airport to start the day in the heart of Petén.
- Breakfast on Flores Island – A peaceful, lakeside spot to kick off the day. I recommend Raices Bar & Grill.
- Guided tour of Flores Island – Cobblestone streets, colorful houses, and amazing views of Lake Petén Itzá.
- Visit to San Miguel and the Tayasal Archaeological Site – Ancient ruins and stunning views from Rey Canek Viewpoint.
- Boat ride on Lake Petén Itzá – The peaceful waters were the perfect way to take in the scenery.
- Lunch at Terrazzo Ristorante & Bar – A tasty, relaxed spot on Flores Island.
- Yaxhá Archaeological Site – Less crowded but just as incredible as other Mayan sites.Sunset at Temple 216 – One of my favorite moments. The view was jaw-dropping!
- Dinner at La Danta Restaurant – After a long day, this was the perfect spot to refuel.
- Return to Flores for the night.
Day 3 – Petén’s Hidden Gems and Return to Antigua
After breakfast, it was time to venture into the heart of Petén National Park, a must-see for anyone interested in Guatemala’s ancient history. The Petén Archaeological Site was incredibly impressive, and lunch at El Mesón Restaurant inside the park was a lovely, restful break.
That afternoon, I flew back to La Antigua Guatemala, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As soon as I arrived, I knew this place was special—its cobbled streets, colonial architecture, and colorful vibe make it one of the most charming cities I’ve ever visited. After checking into my hotel, I ventured out for a delicious dinner at a local spot and soaked in the beauty of Antigua’s night atmosphere
- Breakfast at the hotel – A good meal to start the day before heading into Petén National Park.
- Petén Archaeological Site – A guided tour to explore the hidden treasures of this ancient site. Discover Tikal.
- Lunch at El Mesón Restaurant – Right in the park, it was a delicious break.
- Flight back to Antigua – After a busy day, I was ready to rest and explore this colonial city.
- Check-in at Antigua hotel – Settled in and ready for the next adventure.
- Dinner in Antigua – I loved walking around the cobblestone streets and ending the day with a lovely meal.
Day 4 – Antigua’s Heart and Soul: A Walking Tour
Antigua is all about wandering the cobblestone streets and discovering hidden gems. My walking tour took me to Central Park, the Sirens’ Fountain, and the impressive Captains’ Palace. I explored the National Museum of Art of Guatemala (MUNAG), where I got a glimpse into the country’s artistic heritage. The Ruins of the Cathedral of San José were a testament to Antigua’s past splendor, and I found the Jade Museum fascinating—jade was a highly valued material for the ancient Maya.
A personal highlight was the Chocolate Workshop at Finca La Azotea. If you’ve ever wanted to learn how chocolate is made from cacao beans, this was the perfect place to do it. Afterward, I indulged in a delightful Guatemalan lunch at 27 Adentro, then took a Ron tasting session, a nod to the local spirits culture.
I wrapped up my afternoon at Cerro de la Cruz, where a panoramic view of Antigua offered the perfect end to a busy day. Dinner at the hotel was the perfect way to unwind after an inspiring day.
- Walking tour of Antigua – We explored Central Park, the Sirens’ Fountain, and the Captains’ Palace.
- Visit to the Jade Museum – Guatemala’s jade is famous, and this museum taught me all about its significance.
- Ruins of the Cathedral of San José – A beautiful site that tells the story of Antigua’s history.
- Chocolate Workshop at ChocoMuseo – Made my own chocolate from cacao, which was so fun!
- Lunch at 27 Adentro – Delicious Guatemalan food in a cozy setting.
- Ron tasting – We sampled local rum, which was a nice touch to the day.
- Crafts Market – A perfect place to shop for unique souvenirs.
- Visit to Cerro de la Cruz – A scenic viewpoint over Antigua—great photo opportunity.
- Dinner at the hotel – Relaxed and recharged for the next day.
Day 5 – Pacaya Volcano: An Adventure Like No Other
For those looking for a bit of adventure, Pacaya Volcano is the place to be. Early in the morning, we set out for the volcano’s base, where I started the hike up to the summit. It was a challenging climb, but the views from the top were worth every step. It’s not every day you get to stand on an active volcano! The photo ops were unreal. After descending, I enjoyed a peaceful lunch at a farm near the volcano before heading off to Panajachel for the evening.
- Early morning departure for Pacaya Volcano – A breakfast box in hand and a sense of excitement as we made our way to the volcano.
- Hike to the top of Pacaya – The climb was challenging, but the views from the top were totally worth it. Photo op at the summit – Definitely a highlight of my trip. It’s not every day you get to stand on an active volcano!
- Lunch at a farm near Pacaya – After the hike, a farm meal was just what I needed to recharge.
- Transfer to Panajachel – On to the next stop for some more adventure and relaxation.
Day 6 – Lake Atitlán: A Day in Paradise
Lake Atitlán is often considered one of the most beautiful lakes in the world, and for good reason. I took a boat ride to San Antonio Palopó, where I visited a local pier and took in the views from The Little Prince Viewpoint in San Antonio La Laguna. After a delicious lunch in the area, I returned to Panajachel for a kayak adventure on the lake, followed by a leisurely stroll down Santander Street, Panajachel’s main thoroughfare.
I also had a chance to explore the local crafts and textile markets—perfect for picking up souvenirs. A visit to the Atitlán Lacustrine Museum rounded out my day, offering deeper insight into the lake’s history and significance to the local communities.
- Boat ride to San Antonio Palopó – We explored this charming village on the shores of Lake Atitlán.
- The Little Prince Viewpoint – A stunning spot to take in the beauty of the lake.
- Lunch in San Antonio Palopó – Local dishes in a lakeside setting.
- Return boat ride to Panajachel – I loved kayaking on the lake and walking through the charming streets.
- Crafts and Textile Markets – A great place to pick up unique handmade goods.
- Visit to the Atitlán Lacustrine Museum – Learned more about the history of the lake and its communities.
- Dinner at a Panajachel restaurant – A peaceful way to end a fun day of exploring.
Day 7 – A Farewell to Guatemala: City Tour and Departure
On my last day, I checked out early and took a panoramic tour of Guatemala City. We explored the main avenues, visited the Relief Map of Guatemala, and stopped by the bustling crafts market—one last chance to pick up something unique before heading home. After a final breakfast, I transferred to La Aurora International Airport, reflecting on all the incredible experiences I’d had in this vibrant country.
- Check-out early – We made our way back to Guatemala City.
- Panoramic city tour – We explored the main avenues, the Relief Map of Guatemala, and stopped by a bustling crafts market.
- Final breakfast on the way – A relaxed meal before heading to the airport.
- Departure to Canada – After an unforgettable trip, it was time to head home.
Things to Know Before Visiting Guatemala
Before you head off on your Guatemala adventure, here are a few things to keep in mind to make your trip even smoother:
- Weather can be unpredictable: Guatemala’s weather can change quickly, especially if you’re heading to higher altitudes or exploring different regions. Pack layers, a light jacket, and be ready for some rain—especially during the rainy season (May to October).
- Cash is king: While some places do accept credit cards, many small shops and local markets only take cash. ATMs are easy to find in most towns, but it’s always good to carry cash on hand, especially if you plan to explore smaller villages.
- Safety first: Like any destination, it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings. Stick to well-traveled areas, especially at night, and always keep an eye on your belongings. Guatemala is beautiful, but like any place, you’ll want to stay vigilant to make the most of your experience.
- Language: Spanish is the official language, and while many people in tourist areas speak basic English, learning a few key Spanish phrases can go a long way. The locals really appreciate the effort!
- Public transportation: If you’re traveling between cities or regions, buses are a popular option and can be an adventure in themselves. They’re affordable, but sometimes a bit slow. Private shuttles are available too if you prefer a more comfortable ride.
- Altitude: Guatemala’s highland cities, like Antigua and Lake Atitlán, are at higher altitudes, so if you’re coming from sea level, take it easy on your first day to adjust. Drink plenty of water and go slow, especially if you plan to hike!
- Expect to be wowed: Whether it’s the beauty of Lake Atitlán, the history of Antigua, or the jaw-dropping ruins in Petén, Guatemala’s landscapes and culture will leave you in awe. Be ready to fall in love with the country at first sight.
Remember, Guatemala is a place to explore at your own pace and soak in all the beauty and history around you. Stay flexible, enjoy the journey, and you’ll have an unforgettable time!
Conclusion
In conclusion, Guatemala is a destination full of amazing experiences, from exploring ancient ruins to hiking volcanoes and diving into the local culture. With this 7-day itinerary, you’ll get a taste of the best the country has to offer, but there’s always more to discover. If you can, I recommend extending your stay to fully immerse yourself in all that Guatemala has to offer!
