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.

  

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  • 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.

    

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• 6 Day Guatemala Itinerary, incl. Antigua and Lake Atitlan

  Rich cultural heritage spans 6 cities in 6 days, from Antigua to Quetzaltenango and Lake Atitlan. San Andres Itzapa's shamanic traditions and Santiago Atitlan's sacred shrines reveal Guatemala's spiritual side. Five nights' accommodation, breakfast daily included, costs around $1,200.

  

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  • Day 1

    Antigua

    Begin your Guatemala journey in colonial Antigua. Get there early to walk the cobblestone streets before the 6 PM welcome meeting. The city sits between three volcanoes, and early morning light gives you the best photos. One traveler notes: "Antigua's architecture is incredible, but watch your step on the uneven cobblestones – especially after rain."

    
  • Day 2

    Antigua to Quetzaltenango (Xela)

    Visit San Andres Itzapa to see Guatemala's unique religious fusion. Stop at the Temple of San Simon for a traditional shamanic ceremony. Bring small bills to buy rum or tobacco offerings sold nearby. Travel on to Quetzaltenango (locals call it Xela) for a walking tour. The city sits at 7,700 feet, so take it slow if you're not used to high altitudes.

    
  • Day 3

    Quetzaltenango Markets

    Catch an early chicken bus (Guatemala's colorful converted school buses) to Almolonga market. Get there by 7 AM to see the famous giant vegetables when they're fresh. You can take an optional afternoon trip to Fuentes Georginas hot springs. Bring water shoes since the paths get slippery. A recent visitor says: "The market was incredible but bring small bills and brush up on basic Spanish numbers for bargaining."

    
  • Day 4

    Chichicastenango to Panajachel

    Head to the huge Chichicastenango market, open only on Thursdays and Sundays. Arrive by 8 AM to beat the tour groups. Look for traditional textiles and crafts, but be ready to negotiate. Start at half the asking price. The 2-hour drive to Panajachel shows off beautiful mountain views. Find dinner at one of many lakeside restaurants once you arrive.

    
  • Day 5

    Lake Atitlan and Santiago

    Take a morning lancha (small boat) to Santiago Atitlan. The 45-minute ride is best from the right side for volcano views. Visit the local shrine to Maximon, a folk saint who likes cigarettes and alcohol as offerings. One traveler suggests: "Bring motion sickness pills if you're sensitive – the lake can get choppy in the afternoon."

    
  • Day 6

    Antigua

    Spend your last morning in Antigua. If you're staying longer, think about hiking Pacaya volcano. It takes 2.5 hours each way, but start early to avoid afternoon clouds. Local coffee tours are another good option.

    

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• 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.

  

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  • 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.

    

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