7 Days in Guatemala - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Guatemala: Summit to Shoreline

This seven-day excursion covers the best of southwestern Guatemala, from the volcanoes around Lake Atitlán to the shores of the Pacific Coast. 

Transfer to Antigua from Guatemala City and spend the first two days getting to know the city. Once the capital of Guatemala, it was abandoned after earthquakes in the 18th century. Many of its 16th- and 17th-century buildings, like the Antigua Guatemala Cathedral, have retained their colonial charm. Most have been rebuilt, while others, like Convento Santa Clara, are now historic ruins. You'll see these buildings plus Baroque masterpieces like La Merced Church on tour. Then hop on a bike to visit coffee plantations and the handicrafts market in the highland village of San Antonio Aguas Calientes.

You'll leave Antigua on Day 3 and travel to Chichicastenango, a highland village home to K'iche' Maya people. Visit the town's open-air market—reportedly the largest in Central America—which is a great place to buy crafts and hand-woven textiles. Then transfer to Lake Atitlán, go hiking around the hills, and enjoy a meal with K'iche Mayas. The trip ends on the Pacific Coast and the volcanic black-sand beaches of Monterrico. Relax in town, do some sport-fishing, or release sea turtle hatchlings into the ocean if it's the right season. On Day 7, you'll transfer back to the capital for your flight home. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Guatemalan Highlands

This tour of Guatemala's western highlands is a deep dive into this beautiful region's indigenous culture, colonial history, and natural wonders. 

Upon arrival, transfer to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Antigua. The first day is free, and on Day 2, enjoy a walking tour of the historic buildings around Parque Central. Pass under the 17th-century Santa Catalina Arch to see 16th-century church ruins like Iglesia de San Francisco and Monasterio de Santo Domingo. Then visit nearby indigenous villages for tours of local workshops that produce everything from textiles to jade. On Day 3, transfer to Chichicastenango to experience the bustle of its famous market, plus tour a factory that produces masks used in indigenous ceremonial dances.

There's more indigenous culture at Lake Atitlán and villages like San Juan La Laguna and Santiago Atitán, home to co-ops run by women who sell textiles and artwork that make great souvenirs. Catch your first sight of ancient Maya ruins on Day 4 with a visit to Iximché, which dates to the 15th century. After flying north to the Petén region, you'll tour the most famous ruins: Tikal National Park, whose structures mostly date to between 200 and 800 CE. Must-see pyramids include the Temple of the Great Jaguar and Temple II. After Tikal, you'll fly to the capital and then return home. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Culture & Hiking in Guatemala

Get ready for a week-long active adventure that will test your endurance as you hike up three different volcanoes around Lake Atitlán.

Your base of operations for this unforgettable hiking experience is Antigua. Upon arrival, you'll have the first day free to tour historic buildings, visit local markets, and sample local street food like empanadas (dobladas in Guatemala). The following day, head out on a group hike up the 8,370-foot (2,552-m) Pacaya Volcano. It's a 3-4-hour ascent that covers 3.8 miles (6 km). At the top, enjoy a picnic lunch amid panoramic views of three nearby volcanoes: Agua, Fuego, and Acatenango. The next day you'll embark on the most extensive trek of all: a two-day/one-night hike up the 13,041-foot (3,976-m) Volcán Acatenango.

Over 5-6 hours of ascent, you'll pass different microclimates, including farmland, tropical forest, and high-alpine forest. At the tree line, you'll make camp and enjoy dinner at 12,300 feet (3,750 m). The next morning, wake up at sunrise and hike back down to Atitlán, where you'll have time to relax. Don't get too comfy because Day 5 involves an all-day hike up the 9,900 feet (3,020 m) San Pedro Volcano. After a picnic lunch amid incredible views of neighboring Toliman Volcano, you'll head back down to the lake. Enjoy a relaxing day of boat tours and kayak rides before heading home on Day 7. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Cultural Highlights of Belize & Guatemala

Experience some of the best of two different countries on this seven-day border-hopping trip that includes snorkeling in Belize and hiking around ancient Maya ruins in Guatemala. 

This week's getaway starts not in Guatemala but in Belize. From the capital of Belize City, you'll transfer to Caye Caulker, an island that makes an excellent base for excursions around Belize's famous Barrier Reef. There are plenty of restaurants and fun bars in town to explore during your first day here. On Day 2, you'll also have free to enjoy any number of aquatic activities, be it stand-up paddleboarding or swimming with nurse sharks in Shark Alley. You'll go on a full-day snorkeling tour the next day to experience exotic marine life around the corals, like tropical fish, sea turtles, and manta rays.

Then make your way toward Guatemala. Before hopping the border, however, you'll visit the ancient Maya site of Xunantunich, which dates back to 1,000 BCE. You'll arrive there via a scenic horseback ride that passes farms and over rivers. After Xunantunich, cross the border into Guatemala and transfer to Tikal. On a half-day tour, you'll see its most iconic structures, like the five main temples, plus the Lost World Complex and the Great Plaza. From Tikal, fly to Guatemala City and transfer to Antigua for a village tour around Atitlán. The next day, return to the capital for your flight home. Learn more

More Great Guatemala Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Guatemala? Check out these other Guatemala itineraries, with outdoor adventures and cultural and family-friendly trips to hit the highlights.