Guatemala 5 Day Itinerary

Title: 5-Day Itinerary for Exploring Guatemala

Day 1: Antigua Guatemala

  • Arrival: Fly into La Aurora International Airport (GUA) in Guatemala City. Take a shuttle or taxi to Antigua Guatemala (~45 min), a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former capital of the Kingdom of Guatemala.
  • Activities: Visit the Central Park, La Merced Church, and the Archaeological Museum. Explore colorful streets lined with beautiful colonial buildings, artisan workshops, and vibrant markets.
  • Things to Know: Antigua is at a higher elevation (5,100 ft / 1,554 m), so bring warm clothes for evenings.
  • Visa Requirements: Citizens from most countries do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days. Check your country’s specific requirements before traveling.
  • Transportation: Taxis are readily available in Antigua, or you can rent a car or scooter.

Day 2: Pacaya Volcano & Monasterio de las Claras

  • Activities: Take a tour to climb the active Pacaya Volcano (~1 hr hike) and witness its lava flows. In the afternoon, visit the beautiful Monastery of the Claras, one of the oldest convents in Central America.
  • Things to Know: Wear sturdy shoes for the volcano trek and bring water. The monastery requires modest attire (no shorts or tank tops).
  • Transportation: Tours can be arranged through local tour operators, or you can arrange transportation independently.

Day 3: Lake Atitlán & Panajachel

  • Activities: Travel to picturesque Lake Atitlán and spend the day exploring its Mayan villages like Santa Cruz la Laguna, San Juan La Laguna, and San Pedro la Laguna. Rent a kayak or go on a boat tour.
  • Things to Know: The lake is at a higher elevation (5,100 ft / 1,554 m), so bring warm clothes for evenings.
  • Visa Requirements: Refer to Day 1.
  • Transportation: Take a shuttle or chicken bus from Antigua to Panajachel (~3 hrs). Boats connect Panajachel with the lake’s villages.

Day 4: Tikal National Park, Flores

  • Activities: Fly or take a shuttle to Flores, a charming island town on Lake Petén Itzá. Visit Tikal National Park, home to majestic Mayan ruins, including six temples reaching over 200 feet tall.
  • Things to Know: Bring insect repellent and sunscreen. The park is open from 6 am to 5 pm.
  • Visa Requirements: Refer to Day 1.
  • Transportation: Take a shuttle or flight from Guatemala City, Antigua, or Flores (for multiple visits) to the Mundo Maya International Airport in Flores.

Day 5: Rio Dulce & Livingston

  • Activities: Travel to Rio Dulce and take a boat tour through the stunning jungle waterways to Livingston, a Garifuna village on the Caribbean coast. Explore local markets and try traditional Garifuna cuisine.
  • Things to Know: The area is humid, so bring appropriate clothing and insect repellent.
  • Visa Requirements: Refer to Day 1.
  • Transportation: Take a shuttle or chicken bus from Flores to Rio Dulce (~3 hrs), then a boat to Livingston (~1 hr). Return to Flores for your flight back home.