Guatemala 2 Day Itinerary

2-Day Itinerary for Guatemala: Exploring Antigua & Lake Atitlán

Day 1: Antigua

Places to Go:

  1. Antigua Guatemala: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Antigua is a charming colonial town filled with colorful buildings, beautiful churches, and vibrant markets. It was the former capital of the Kingdom of Guatemala until 1773 when it was destroyed by several massive earthquakes.

    • Central Park (Parque Central): The heart of Antigua, where you can find the beautiful Cathedral of Saint Joseph.
    • La Recolección: A park filled with ruins of old churches and convents.
    • Chicken Bus Tour: Take a ride on one of Guatemala’s iconic yellow school buses turned into public transportation. It’s an experience in itself!

Activities:

  1. Volcano Watching: Antigua is surrounded by three active volcanoes - Agua, Fuego, and Acatenango. You can take a guided tour to watch the sunset over these majestic peaks.
  2. Coffee Plantation Visit: Guatemala is famous for its coffee. Visit a local coffee plantation to learn about the process and enjoy a cup of freshly brewed coffee.
  3. Market Shopping: Explore the colorful markets in Antigua, where you can buy traditional textiles, handicrafts, and delicious local foods.

Things to Know:

  1. Guatemala’s official language is Spanish, but many people also speak K’iche’, Kaqchikel, and other Mayan languages. English is not widely spoken outside of tourist areas.
  2. The local currency is the Quetzal (GTQ). US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas but may not always get you a better exchange rate.
  3. Tap water is not safe to drink, so it’s best to stick to bottled water.
  4. Guatemala is generally safe for tourists, but it’s always a good idea to be aware of your surroundings and avoid walking alone at night in less touristy areas.

Transportation:

  1. From the Airport: Taxis from La Aurora International Airport to Antigua are readily available outside the terminal. The journey should cost around Q100-Q150.
  2. Getting Around: You can walk much of Antigua, but for longer distances or if you’re short on time, consider taking a taxi or tuk-tuk.

Day 2: Lake Atitlán

Places to Go:

  1. Lake Atitlán: A stunning lake surrounded by three volcanoes and several Mayan villages. It’s one of Guatemala’s most famous attractions.

    • Panajachel (Pana): The largest town on the lake, where you can find shops, restaurants, and tour operators.
    • Santiago Atitlán: A Tz’utujil Maya village known for its beautiful church dedicated to Santo Tomás and the traditional practice of making “maximón” effigies.
    • San Juan La Laguna: A colorful Tz’utujil Maya village famous for its artisan cooperatives, particularly its textiles and artwork.

Activities:

  1. Boat Tour: Take a boat tour around the lake to explore the various villages and enjoy the stunning views of the volcanoes.
  2. Hiking: There are numerous hiking trails around Lake Atitlán, offering opportunities to see indigenous communities and beautiful landscapes.
  3. Yoga & Meditation: Many of the towns around the lake offer yoga and meditation classes with stunning lake and volcano views.

Things to Know:

  1. To enter Guatemala, most nationalities will require a tourist visa which can be obtained upon arrival for a fee of approximately $15 USD. Check your country’s specific requirements before travel.
  2. The best time to visit Lake Atitlán is from November to April when the weather is dry and cooler.
  3. Dress modestly when visiting indigenous villages, especially Santiago Atitlán, out of respect for local customs.

Transportation:

  1. From Antigua: Shuttle services run regularly between Antigua and Lake Atitlán. The journey takes around 2 hours and costs around Q75-Q100 per person. Alternatively, you can take a chicken bus from Antigua to Panajachel for around Q25.
  2. Getting Around: Boats are the main mode of transport on Lake Atitlán. They run frequently between the villages and cost around Q15-Q20 per ride.