Guatemala 6 Day Itinerary

Title: 6-Day Itinerary for Exploring Guatemala

Day 1: Arrival in Guatemala City & Antigua Guatemala

  • Arrive at La Aurora International Airport (GUA).
  • Transfer to Antigua Guatemala (30 min drive, around $40 USD taxi ride).
  • Check-in at your hotel and freshen up.
  • Explore Antigua’s colonial architecture, such as the Santa Catalina Arch, La Merced Church, and Capuchinas Convent Ruins.
  • Enjoy a traditional Guatemalan dinner at Mesón Panza Verde or El Portal de la Fruta.
  • Things to know: Antigua was the capital of the Kingdom of Guatemala until 1773, when it was destroyed by numerous earthquakes. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist destination.

Day 2: Active Volcanoes & Pacaya National Park

  • Early morning pickup for a tour to Pacaya National Park ($25-30 USD per person).
  • Hike through the park and see two active volcanos: Pacaya and Santa Maria.
  • Roast marshmallows on the heat from Pacaya’s lava flow.
  • Return to Antigua in the afternoon.
  • Things to know: Remember to pack sunscreen, sturdy shoes, and water. Also, check the weather forecast for any ash advisories.

Day 3: Lake Atitlán

  • Take a shuttle or chicken bus (around $7 USD) to Panajachel on Lake Atitlán.
  • Embark on a ferry to your chosen lakefront village, such as San Juan La Laguna, Santiago Atitlán, or San Marcos la Laguna.
  • Spend the afternoon exploring the local markets, meeting indigenous Mayan communities, and enjoying the stunning lake views.
  • Things to know: Lake Atitlán is a large, deep volcanic lake surrounded by three active and three extinct volcanoes. It’s home to various Tzutujil and Kaqchikel Maya communities.

Day 4: Mayan Ruins of Iximche & Chichicastenango Market

  • Take a shuttle or chicken bus (around $10 USD) to Chichicastenango, a town known for its vibrant market.
  • Spend the morning exploring the Chichicastenango Market, where locals sell everything from textiles and food to herbal remedies and trinkets.
  • After lunch, visit the Mayan ruins of Iximche (around $10 USD entrance fee).
  • Return to your accommodation in Panajachel or Antigua.
  • Things to know: Chichicastenango Market is open every Thursday and Sunday, while the market in Panajachel is daily.

Day 5: Tikal Ruins & Flores

  • Fly to Flores (flights around $100 USD round trip from Guatemala City or Antigua) in the morning.
  • Spend the afternoon visiting Tikal National Park, an ancient Mayan city and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Explore the ruins, including Temple IV, the Great Plaza, and Temple I.
  • Things to know: Tikal is one of the largest archaeological sites in the Maya region, with more than 3,000 structures. The best time to visit is during the early morning or late afternoon for better photography opportunities and fewer crowds.

Day 6: Return Home

  • Depart Flores Airport (FRS) for your onward journey home or connect to another destination in Central America.
  • Things to know: Be sure to factor in travel time and check-in requirements when planning your return flight.

Visa Requirements: Citizens of many countries do not require a visa for stays under 90 days in Guatemala. However, it’s always best to check the specific visa requirements for your nationality on the official Guatemalan government website or with your local embassy.

Transportation: Taxis and shuttles are readily available, while chicken buses offer a more authentic and affordable travel experience. For longer distances, flying is often the most convenient option. Renting a car can also be an option, but driving in Guatemala can be challenging due to poor road conditions and heavy traffic.