7-Day Guatemala Adventure

Day 1: Arrival & Exploration of Antigua

Morning: Arrive at La Aurora International Airport and transfer to the colonial city of Antigua. Settle into your hotel and freshen up before heading out.

Afternoon: Stroll through the historic center, visiting the iconic Santa Catalina Arch and the vibrant Central Park. Enjoy a light lunch at a local café.

Evening: Experience the lively atmosphere of El Callejón while tasting traditional Guatemalan dishes. End the day with a sunset view from Cerro de la Cruz.

Day 2: Lake Atitlán – Panache in the Highlands

Morning: Travel by shuttle to the shores of Lake Atitlán, and board a boat for a scenic tour. First stop is the charming town of Panajachel, where you can explore the bustling market.

Afternoon: Continue the boat ride to the lakeside village of Santiago Atitlán, visiting the historic Church of San Juan and soaking the panoramic lake views.

Evening: Return to Panajachel for a dinner of lake fish at a lakeside restaurant. Return to Antigua for a restful night.

Day 3: Cultural immersion in Chichicastenango

Morning: Depart early for the highland town of Chichicastenango. Explore the famous Chichicastenango Market, renowned for its colorful textiles and artisan goods.

Afternoon: Visit the stunning Church of Santo Tomás, a fusion of Catholic and Maya traditions. Sample local street food.

Evening: Return to the highlands and unwind at a local coffee plantation, learning about the production of Guatemalan coffee.

Day 4: Journey to Petén – Tikal

Morning: Fly from Guatemala City to Flores, then travel by road to the famed Mayan site of Tikal. Check into a nearby lodge.

Afternoon: Explore the towering pyramids, notably the Temple of the Great Jaguar and the iconic Temple of the Inscriptions. Learn about the civilization's history.

Evening: Take a nighttime wildlife walk, spotting monkeys, toucans, and perhaps a howler monkey, followed by a traditional Guatemalan dinner at the lodge.

Day 5: Río Dulce & Litoral Adventure

Morning: Travel to the river town of Río Dulce. Board a boat for a scenic cruise through the jungle-laden river.

Afternoon: Visit the historic Castillo de San Felipe fortress at the river mouth and then continue to the Caribbean town of Livingston for a Caribbean-influenced lunch.

Evening: Return by boat to Río Dulce and enjoy a relaxed evening on the river's banks, watching the sunset over the jungle.

Day 6: Return to Guatemala City

Morning: Travel back to Guatemala City. Check into a downtown hotel.

Afternoon: Explore the historic center, visiting the grand National Palace and the adjacent Metropolitan Cathedral. Stop at a coffee shop for a Guatemalan coffee experience.

Evening: Enjoy a final dinner at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the city, sampling the iconic pepian and tamales.

Day 7: Departure

Morning: Last‑minute souvenir shopping in the Mercado Central. Pack and prepare for departure.

Afternoon: Transfer to La Aurora International Airport for your flight home.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Santa Catalina Arch – 30 minutes, $0 (entry free)
• Cerro de la Cruz – 1 hour, $5 (transport)
• Lake Atitlán (boat tour) – 4 hours, $30
• Panajachel market – 2 hours, $0
• Santiago Atitlán (Church of San Juan) – 1 hour, $2
• Chichicastenango Market – 3 hours, $0
• Santo Tomás Church – 1 hour, $1
• Tikal – Temple of the Great Jaguar – 3 hours, $10 (entry)
• Night Wildlife Walk – 2 hours, $15
• Castillo de San Felipe – 1 hour, $3
• Livingston – 2 hours, $15 (boat)
• National Palace – 1 hour, $4
• Metropolitan Cathedral – 30 minutes, $0
• Mercado Central – 1 hour, $0
• Total Estimated Cost: $89

Tips

To extend the trip, add a day at the beautiful lake of Lake Atitlán for hiking the surrounding volcanoes or a day of snorkeling in the Caribbean coast near Livingston. For a shorter itinerary, cut the Rio Dulce section and spend an extra night in Guatemala City to explore museums and the city’s vibrant nightlife.