7-Day Guatemala Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 7-day Guatemala tour itineraries

Compiled by

SteffGuatemala travel expert at TourRadar

• 7 Day Guatemala Itinerary, incl. Antigua and Tikal

  Colonial Antigua to Mayan Tikal stretches across 7 cities in 7 days. A 2-hour Pacaya Volcano trek, full-day Semuc Champey exploration, and pre-dawn Tikal tour highlight the adventure. Accommodations at Hotel Posada Los Bucaros and El Retiro Lodge with English-speaking guides.

  

  View itinerary Compare 7 days itineraries
  • Day 1

    Guatemala City to Antigua

    Book a private transfer from Guatemala City's airport to Antigua. The drive typically takes an hour but can stretch longer during rush hour so try to arrive by mid-afternoon. "Antigua itself is a small town with cobblestone streets and Spanish colonial architecture - good street food too," according to a recent visitor.

    
  • Day 2

    Antigua - Pacaya Volcano Trek

    Start your day at 6 AM for the Pacaya Volcano hike. You'll need sturdy shoes with good grip since the volcanic ground can be unstable. The climb takes about 2 hours with a local guide. Remember to bring water and snacks since you won't find any shops on the volcano. The entrance fee is $8, which you can pay in USD or quetzales.

    
  • Day 3

    Antigua to Lanquin

    Get ready for an 8-hour journey to Lanquin in a shared van. The route is windy and rough so consider taking motion sickness medication. Most visitors stay at El Retiro Lodge or similar spots. One traveler shared: "The riverside resort in Lanquin was amazing, making up for the long transfer day."

    
  • Day 4

    Lanquin Caves and Semuc Champey

    Your tour starts at 8:30 AM from Restaurante Champey. Pack water shoes and clothes that dry quickly because you'll get wet exploring the Kanba caves and Semuc Champey pools. The $15 entrance fee is well worth it according to one visitor who called it "one of the best experiences of my life." This activity works best for confident swimmers.

    
  • Day 5

    Lanquin to Flores

    Another 8-hour drive through Guatemala's countryside awaits. While the roads are rough you'll see beautiful scenery. Flores sits on Lake Petén Itzá and you can walk anywhere on this small island. The hotels are simple but the lake views make up for it.

    
  • Day 6

    Tikal Ruins Tour

    Your day starts at 4:30 AM but the early wake-up helps you avoid crowds and intense heat at Tikal. Wear comfortable walking shoes and don't forget bug spray. Entry costs $20 to see these incredible Mayan ruins. A recent visitor noted: "Our guide Cesar was very knowledgeable and did a wonderful job explaining the history."

    
  • Day 7

    Flores to Guatemala City

    You can take the 8-hour bus back to Guatemala City or follow this smart tip from a seasoned traveler: "Take the 1-hour flight instead of the bus - it costs about $100 more but saves you an entire day of travel." If you choose the bus bring something to keep you entertained and expect to arrive around 7-8 PM.

    

  View itinerary

• 7 Days in Guatemala, incl. Antigua and Lake Atitlan

  Colonial Antigua opens this 7-day adventure featuring a Pacaya Volcano trek, Lake Atitlan cruise to San Juan La Laguna and Santa Cruz, plus Mayan homestay in San Jorge La Laguna. Optional Chichicastenango Market visits available Thursdays or Sundays before returning to Guatemala City.

  

  View itinerary Compare 7 days itineraries
  • Day 1

    Guatemala City to Antigua

    Plan your arrival at Aurora International Airport outside rush hours (7-9 AM and 4-6 PM) for a smoother one-hour transfer to Antigua. Book your hotel near Parque Central to be within walking distance of the best restaurants and colonial attractions.

    
  • Day 2

    Pacaya Volcano Trek

    Your trek starts with a 6 AM pickup. "The volcano trek is extremely steep and takes 3-4 hours - consider your fitness level carefully before committing." Pack water and snacks since you won't find many options on the mountain. Wear sturdy shoes with good grip to handle the loose volcanic rocks. You'll be back in Antigua by early afternoon.

    
  • Day 3

    Antigua to San Jorge La Laguna

    Take a three-hour drive to Lake Atitlan for a Mayan homestay. A note of caution: "The homestay is best suited for Spanish speakers since the families speak very limited English. If you don't speak Spanish, consider alternative accommodation in Panajachel." Your stay includes dinner and breakfast with your host family.

    
  • Day 4

    Lake Atitlan Boat Tour

    Head to Panajachel's dock for a morning boat tour. Visit San Juan La Laguna's textile cooperatives and Santiago Atitlan's local markets. Book your tour for the morning when the lake is calmest. A recent visitor shared: "The views of the three volcanoes reflecting on the lake are incredible, especially during sunrise."

    
  • Day 5

    Santa Cruz La Laguna

    Take time to explore Santa Cruz La Laguna at your own pace. If you're staying at Casa del Mundo hotel, a traveler notes: "The hotel is quite remote - plan to have dinner there as there aren't other options nearby. While pricier than local restaurants, the communal dining experience with other travelers makes it worthwhile."

    
  • Day 6

    Lake Atitlan to Antigua

    The direct drive to Antigua takes about 3 hours. You can stop at Chichicastenango market on Thursdays or Sundays, which adds 2-3 hours to your journey. One traveler suggests: "The Chichi market doesn't offer much beyond what you'll find elsewhere - consider spending more time at Lake Atitlan instead."

    
  • Day 7

    Antigua to Guatemala City

    Spend your final morning in Antigua before heading to the airport. Leave at least 3 hours before your flight to account for traffic. The drive usually takes an hour but can double during busy periods.

    

  View itinerary

• 7 Days in Guatemala, incl. Antigua and Tikal

  UNESCO-listed Antigua and Tikal's ancient ruins anchor this 7-day tour across 5 major destinations. Browse Chichicastenango's famous market, sail Lake Atitlan to Santiago village, and uncover Yaxha's archaeological wonders. Four-star accommodations include Camino Real Antigua and Hotel Atitlan.

  

  View itinerary Compare 7 days itineraries
  • Day 1

    Guatemala City to Antigua

    Fly into Guatemala City's La Aurora International Airport and take a 50-minute drive to Antigua. Try to arrive in the afternoon to avoid the heavy morning traffic in Guatemala City. Get your bearings with an evening walk around Parque Central in this UNESCO World Heritage city.

    
  • Day 2

    Antigua Exploration

    Start your day early at San Francisco Church (opens 7:30 AM) before the crowds appear. Visit the Arch of Santa Catalina before 9 AM for tourist-free photos. Spend time at Casa Santo Domingo's museums in their beautiful converted monastery setting. Your afternoon should include stops at the Jade Museum and a local coffee plantation. Be sure to wear shoes with good grip the cobblestones can be slippery, especially in wet weather.

    
  • Day 3

    Chichicastenango Market & Lake Atitlan

    Head out early to Chichicastenango's market (only open Thursday and Sunday). Walk through the vibrant stalls and visit Santo Tomás Church, where you'll see Mayan rituals mixed with Catholic practices. After lunch, take the 1.5-hour drive to Panajachel on Lake Atitlan. Spend time on Santander Street looking at handicrafts and enjoying lake views.

    
  • Day 4

    Lake Atitlan

    Take a morning boat to Santiago Atitlan village. Visit the Maximon shrine (bring small bills for photos or offerings). Head back to Panajachel and drive 2.5 hours to Guatemala City. Book your boat trip before 11 AM when the lake is calmest.

    
  • Day 5

    Tikal Archaeological Site

    Take an early flight to Flores (1 hour) and continue to the Tikal ruins. Explore the main plaza and Temple of the Great Jaguar. Climb Temple IV for sweeping jungle views. Bring plenty of water and insect repellent it gets very humid. A local guide can give you excellent insights into Mayan history.

    
  • Day 6

    Yaxha Ruins

    Drive 1.5 hours to Yaxha archaeological site. You'll find fewer crowds here than at Tikal, making it perfect for a close-up look at Mayan history. See the Twin Pyramid Complex and take a boat to Topoxte Island. Catch a late afternoon flight back to Guatemala City.

    
  • Day 7

    Departure

    Head to Guatemala City airport for your flight home. The trip takes 15-20 minutes from most city hotels. Leave extra time if you're traveling during rush hour (7-9 AM).

    

  View itinerary