10-Day Guatemala Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 10-day Guatemala itineraries

Compiled by

SteffGuatemala travel expert at TourRadar

• 10 Day Belize & Guatemala Itinerary, incl. Caye Caulker and Antigua

  Ten remarkable destinations showcase Guatemala's diversity, from Tikal's UNESCO ruins to Semuc Champey's natural pools. The itinerary features Mayan homestays, Pacaya Volcano treks, and colonial Antigua's charms.

  

  View itinerary Compare 10 days itineraries
  • Day 1

    Belize City to Caye Caulker

    Take a water taxi from Belize City Airport to Caye Caulker. The ride takes about 45 minutes. "The sites were exotic and the people were friendly and helpful." Important: Book a flight that lands early enough to catch the last ferry at 5:30 PM or you'll need to stay in Belize City overnight.

    
  • Day 2

    Caye Caulker

    Spend the day exploring this peaceful car-free island. Most snorkeling tours to Hol Chan Marine Reserve start around 10 AM. Book through Vista del Mar or your guesthouse for $70-90 USD. Remember to pack reef-safe sunscreen it's required here.

    
  • Day 3

    Caye Caulker to Flores

    Take the 7 AM boat back to Belize City followed by a 6-hour van ride to Flores Guatemala. You'll need $20 USD in cash for border fees. The roads get rough after crossing into Guatemala so consider taking motion sickness medication.

    
  • Day 4

    Tikal Ruins

    Start at 4:30 AM to experience Tikal before the crowds and heat arrive. You'll need good walking shoes for the temple stairs. Bring your own breakfast since food isn't available until later in the day.

    
  • Day 5

    Flores to Lanquin

    An 8-hour drive takes you to Lanquin village. The final hour winds through mountain roads so try to get a front seat if you get carsick. You'll reach your accommodation like El Oasis in time for dinner.

    
  • Day 6

    Semuc Champey

    Take a truck to the beautiful turquoise pools of Semuc Champey. Start the lookout hike early to avoid the hot sun. Optional cave tours involve swimming with candles through dark spaces. Wear water shoes and quick-drying clothes.

    
  • Day 7

    Lanquin to Panajachel

    The 9-hour journey to Lake Atitlan improves after Guatemala City. Watch for stunning views as you descend toward the lake in the evening.

    
  • Day 8

    Lake Atitlan

    Visit San Juan La Laguna and Santiago Atitlan by boat. You can stay with a local Mayan family. The rooms are basic but the cultural experience is incredible. Leave your main bags at your Panajachel hotel.

    
  • Day 9

    Panajachel to Antigua

    Spend your morning in Panajachel before taking an afternoon shuttle to Antigua. Buy textiles at the Panajachel market they're cheaper than in Antigua.

    
  • Day 10

    Antigua & Pacaya Volcano

    Finish your trip with a Pacaya Volcano hike. It takes 2 hours each way. Bring warm layers for the windy summit. The entrance fee is $7 USD extra. Local kids rent walking sticks for 5Q if you want extra stability on the volcanic terrain.

    

  View itinerary

• 10 Day Central America Itinerary, incl. Guatemala City and Antigua

  Guatemala unfolds across 15 destinations, from Tikal's pyramids to Antigua's colonial streets. The route leads through Chichicastenango market, across Lake Atitlán, and into San Juan La Laguna's artisan workshops. Daily breakfast, English-speaking guides, and comfortable transport included.

  

  View itinerary Compare 10 days itineraries
  • Day 1

    Guatemala City

    Arrive in Guatemala City to start your 10-day journey. The tour only runs on Mondays and Fridays. Airport transfers to your hotel take 30-45 minutes. Book afternoon flights to avoid the city's heavy traffic during rush hour.

    
  • Day 2

    El Salvador Exploration

    Leave early for a 270km trip to El Salvador. Visit Joya de Cerén, a UNESCO site known as the "Pompeii of the Americas." The archaeological site has little shade, so bring water and sunscreen. Stay overnight in San Salvador. Border crossings usually take 1-2 hours. Bring small USD bills for entry fees.

    
  • Day 3

    Santa Ana to Copán

    Tour Santa Ana in the morning before heading to Honduras. The trip to Copán takes about 3 hours with border stops. Visit the Copán ruins in the afternoon. Wear sturdy shoes since the ground is uneven. The site's ancient stelae and glyphs look best in late afternoon light.

    
  • Day 4

    Quiriguá to Río Dulce

    See Quiriguá Archaeological Park, featuring the Mayan world's tallest stelae at 10.6 meters. The grounds get muddy during wet season from May to October, so wear appropriate shoes. Travel to tropical Río Dulce for the night.

    
  • Day 5

    Livingston and Flores

    Take a boat to Livingston, a Garifuna town. Get there early to try the local coconut bread before it sells out. The river canyon boat ride offers great bird watching opportunities if you bring binoculars. End your day in Flores, your starting point for Tikal.

    
  • Days 6-7

    Tikal and Lake Region

    Start early at Tikal. Pack breakfast since restaurants aren't open when the site opens. Watch sunrise from Temple IV if you're ready for a steep climb. Later, fly to Guatemala City and continue to Lake Atitlán. Pack warm clothes for cool nights.

    
  • Day 8

    Chichicastenango Market

    Visit the market in Chichicastenango, open only Thursdays and Sundays. Get there before 9 AM to beat the crowds. The market specializes in textiles and crafts. Be ready to bargain. Continue to Panajachel on Lake Atitlán for views of the volcanoes.

    
  • Day 9

    San Juan La Laguna and Antigua

    Take an 8 AM boat to San Juan La Laguna. Visit local groups to see chocolate making and natural textile dyeing. The afternoon drive to Antigua takes about 2.5 hours on mountain roads. Bring motion sickness medicine if needed.

    
  • Day 10

    Antigua and Departure

    Explore Antigua's colonial streets in the morning. The city sits at 5,000 feet, so take your time to adjust to the altitude. Book a late afternoon flight from Guatemala City. Allow 3 hours for transfer and airport procedures.

    

  View itinerary

• 8 Days in Guatemala, incl. Antigua and Tikal

  UNESCO-listed Tikal ruins and colonial Antigua anchor this cultural expedition. The route includes Pacaya Volcano, Lake Atitlan's villages, and Chichicastenango Market, featuring stays at Radisson Guatemala City and Boutique Los Pasos.

  

  View itinerary Compare 8 days itineraries
  • Day 1

    Guatemala City Arrival

    Fly into La Aurora International Airport and head to your hotel in Zone 10, the most tourist-friendly district. Plan to arrive by late afternoon for the 6 PM briefing. Previous visitors agree: "The location in Zone 10 was perfect - we felt completely safe walking to nearby restaurants and shops in the evening."

    
  • Day 2

    Guatemala City to Antigua

    Take a morning tour of Guatemala City's main attractions, including Las Américas Avenue and the historic Civic Center. After lunch, make the 2-hour trip to Antigua. Walking is the best way to explore the colonial streets. Pack good shoes since the cobblestones are uneven. Visit the Mermaid Fountain and Santo Domingo Monastery while there's still daylight.

    
  • Day 3

    Pacaya Volcano Hike

    Drive 90 minutes to Pacaya National Park early in the morning. The volcano hike takes 1-2 hours at your own pace. Good hiking boots are essential because of loose volcanic gravel. If you're not confident about the climb, you can book a horse for $15-20. Consider ending your day at Santa Teresita Hot Springs to relax your muscles.

    
  • Day 4

    Lake Atitlán

    Take a two-hour drive through the Sierra Madre mountains to reach Lake Atitlán. Hop on a boat to Santa Cruz La Laguna, one of 12 Maya villages around the lake. The afternoon boat trip gives you great views of the three surrounding volcanoes. Panajachel offers the best spots to watch the sunset.

    
  • Day 5

    Chichicastenango Market

    The largest indigenous market in Central America runs Thursdays and Sundays. Get there by 9 AM to avoid the biggest crowds. Bring cash and be ready to bargain. One TourRadar traveler said: "The market was overwhelming but incredible - I've never seen such vibrant textiles and traditional crafts."

    
  • Day 6

    Flores and Tikal

    Catch the hour-long morning flight to Flores at 11 AM. You'll have time for a relaxed breakfast first. Spend your afternoon walking around the pretty island town of Flores with its colorful buildings and waterfront restaurants.

    
  • Day 7

    Tikal Archaeological Site

    Start at 7 AM for the hour-long drive to Tikal before it gets too hot. Wear light, breathable clothes and pack lots of water. The humidity can be strong. The site has 3,000 structures, with Temple IV standing tallest at 70 meters. Having a guide really helps you understand the site's history and importance.

    
  • Day 8

    Departure from Guatemala City

    Take your return flight to Guatemala City for international connections. Book afternoon flights to give yourself enough time after your domestic flight from Flores.

    

  View itinerary