10-Day Cultural and Natural Exploration of Guatemala

Day 1: Arrival and City Briefing

Guatemala City, Guatemala on May 7, 2025

9:00am

Arrival at La Aurora International Airport

Arrive in Guatemala City and transfer to your hotel in the city center.
USD0, 1h0m

10:30am

Breakfast at Café Barista

Enjoy a freshly brewed Guatemalan coffee paired with traditional pastries in a local favorite spot open from 7:00am to 6:00pm.
USD7, 1h0m

11:30am

Visit the National Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology

Explore Guatemala’s rich indigenous history and culture in this well-curated museum open from 9:00am to 5:00pm.
USD5, 2h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Flor de Lis

Savor modern Guatemalan cuisine at this acclaimed restaurant, open from noon to 9:00pm, for a delightful introduction to local flavors.
USD20, 1h30m

3:45pm

Stroll through Central Market

Experience the vibrant hustle, local crafts, and snacks at the market open until early evening.
USD0, 1h0m

5:00pm

Check-in and rest at hotel

Relax at your comfortable hotel in Guatemala City to prepare for the next day’s journey.
USD0, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at La Fonda de la Calle Real

Dine on traditional Guatemalan dishes in a colonial setting, open until 10:00pm.
USD15, 1h30m
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Day 2: Antigua Exploration

Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala on May 8, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Café Condesa

Start your day with hearty breakfast and artisan coffee in charming surroundings from 7:00am.
USD8, 1h0m

9:00am

Walk tour of Antigua

Discover colonial architecture, vibrant plazas, and historical churches with a guided walking tour lasting 3 hours, starting at 9:00am.
USD15, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at La Cuevita de Los Urquizu

Enjoy traditional dishes with a local ambiance, open from 11:00am to 4:00pm.
USD12, 1h30m

2:00pm

Visit the Jade Museum and workshop

Learn about jade’s cultural importance and watch artisans craft beautiful jewelry. Open 9:00am–6:00pm.
USD10, 1h0m

3:30pm

Ascend to Cerro de la Cruz

Enjoy panoramic views of Antigua and surrounding volcanoes; ideal for photo opportunities. Open anytime.
USD0, 1h0m

5:00pm

Relax at hotel

Prepare for next day’s travel and exploration.
USD0, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurante El Tenedor del Cerro

Dine with stunning views overlooking Antigua; try Mayan-inspired dishes. Open 6:00pm–10:00pm.
USD18, 1h30m
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Day 3: Lake Atitlán Villages

Lake Atitlán, Guatemala on May 9, 2025

7:00am

Early breakfast at hotel

Fuel up for the journey ahead with a light breakfast served from 6:30am.
USD7, 1h0m

8:00am

Travel to Panajachel

Drive approximately 2.5 hours to Lake Atitlán, enjoying scenic countryside views.
USD0, 2h30m

10:30am

Boat tour of Lake Atitlán villages

Visit San Juan La Laguna and Santiago Atitlán by boat, exploring indigenous culture and art. Boats operate from 8:00am to 5:00pm.
USD25, 3h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Café Sabor Cruceno

Taste local lake fish and fresh ingredients, open 10:00am–4:00pm.
USD12, 1h0m

2:30pm

Explore Panajachel’s Calle Santander

Shop local crafts and enjoy lakeside views while wandering the main street, open throughout the day.
USD0, 1h30m

4:00pm

Check in and relax at hotel

Rest by the lake and unwind after a full morning.
USD0, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Sunset Café

Enjoy lakeside dining with international and local dishes, open until 9:00pm.
USD18, 1h30m
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Day 4: Chichicastenango Market

Chichicastenango and Lake Atitlán, Guatemala on May 10, 2025

6:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Have an early breakfast before market departure, served from 6:00am.
USD7, 0h45m

7:15am

Travel to Chichicastenango

Drive about 1.5 hours to the world-famous market town, best visited in the morning.
USD0, 1h30m

9:00am

Explore Chichicastenango Market

Discover vibrant textiles, local handicrafts, and traditional Mayan rituals at the market open from 6:00am to 6:00pm, with the busiest time in the morning.
USD0, 3h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Mercado Comedor

Sample authentic Guatemalan street food like pepian or tamales at market eateries open all day.
USD6, 1h0m

1:00pm

Return to Lake Atitlán

Depart back to Panajachel for relaxation.
USD0, 1h30m

2:30pm

Afternoon free time

Optional lake activities or rest at hotel.
USD0, 3h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at La Palapa

Enjoy local specialties with lake views; open until 9:00pm.
USD15, 1h30m
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Day 5: Quetzaltenango Discovery

Quetzaltenango (Xela), Guatemala on May 11, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up for the day with an early breakfast.
USD7, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive to Quetzaltenango

Enjoy an approximately 3-hour drive to Guatemala’s second largest city, known as Xela.
USD0, 3h0m

11:00am

Guided walking tour of Quetzaltenango

Explore historic sites, park, and Mayan markets with a local guide; tours available from 9:00am to 4:00pm.
USD20, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Café Central

Enjoy fresh coffee and local fare in an iconic café open from 8:00am to 5:00pm.
USD10, 1h0m

2:15pm

Visit the Museo del Cine

Learn about Guatemala’s cinema history, open 9:00am–5:00pm.
USD5, 1h0m

3:30pm

Relax in Parque Central

Enjoy the lively hub of the city with locals and charming architecture.
USD0, 1h0m

5:00pm

Hotel check-in and rest

Prepare for next day’s sightseeing.
USD0, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at El Tenedor

Taste elegant Guatemalan cuisine in a warm setting; open until 10:00pm.
USD20, 1h30m
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Day 6: Hot Springs and Nature

Quetzaltenango, Guatemala on May 12, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Start the day with a nourishing breakfast.
USD7, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Fuentes Georginas Hot Springs

Experience natural thermal waters and scenic mountain views; open 8:00am to 6:00pm.
USD10, 4h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Restaurante Fuentes Georginas

Enjoy a meal in the cozy mountain restaurant offering local dishes.
USD12, 1h0m

2:15pm

Return to Quetzaltenango

Travel back to town and relax.
USD0, 1h30m

4:00pm

Free afternoon

Optional shopping, exploring, or rest.
USD0, 3h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Café La Cueva

Enjoy lively atmosphere and delicious meals specializing in local dishes, open until 10:00pm.
USD15, 1h30m
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Day 7: Return to Guatemala City

Guatemala City, Guatemala on May 13, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Prepare for departure with a hearty breakfast.
USD7, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive to Guatemala City

Approximately 4-hour drive returning to the capital city.
USD0, 4h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at El Portal

Enjoy traditional Guatemalan dishes in a historic Plaza Mayor location, open 11:00am–3:00pm.
USD15, 1h30m

2:00pm

Visit Palacio Nacional and Metropolitan Cathedral

Explore Guatemala City’s central historic landmarks, open until 5:00pm.
USD0, 2h0m

5:00pm

Check into hotel and relax

Rest before evening plans.
USD0, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Humo BBQ

Dine on excellent barbecue in a casual setting, open till 10:00pm.
USD20, 1h30m
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Day 8: Tikal National Park

Tikal, Guatemala on May 14, 2025

5:00am

Early breakfast at hotel

Have an early breakfast before transfer to the airport.
USD7, 0h30m

5:30am

Flight to Flores

Early morning flight (approx 1 hour) to Flores airport near Tikal.
USD150, 1h0m

7:00am

Transfer to Tikal National Park

Short drive to the archaeological site, which opens at 6:00am.
USD0, 1h0m

8:00am

Full day tour of Tikal National Park

Explore vast Mayan ruins including temples, plazas, and wildlife with a licensed guide; the park is open from 6:00am to 6:00pm.
USD25, 6h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Tikal Food Court

Grab lunch onsite with various local and international options, open until 3:00pm.
USD15, 1h0m

3:00pm

Return to Flores

Travel back to Flores town for hotel check-in
USD0, 1h0m

4:00pm

Check-in and rest at Flores hotel

Relax before next day’s activities.
USD0, 3h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Isla de Santiago

Taste fresh lake fish dishes in Flores’ popular restaurant, open till 10:00pm.
USD20, 1h30m
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Day 9: Yaxhá Ruins Visit

Yaxhá, Guatemala on May 15, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Prepare with breakfast before day trip.
USD7, 0h45m

7:45am

Travel to Yaxhá Archaeological Site

Drive about 1.5 hours to this less crowded Mayan ruin site, open from 6:00am to 6:00pm.
USD0, 1h30m

9:30am

Guided tour of Yaxhá

Explore the jungle-surrounded ruins and impressive temples with an expert guide.
USD20, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch picnic or local eatery

Enjoy a packed picnic lunch or visit nearby village eateries if available.
USD10, 1h0m

1:30pm

Return to Flores

Drive back for afternoon relaxation.
USD0, 1h30m

3:00pm

Optional boat ride on Lake Petén Itzá

Enjoy a relaxing boat tour, with departures available in the afternoon.
USD20, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Restaurante La Casa de Enrico

Experience fine Italian and Guatemalan fusion cuisine, open till 10:00pm.
USD25, 1h30m
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Day 10: Departure Preparation

Guatemala City, Guatemala on May 16, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel in Flores

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before departure, open from 6:30am.
USD7, 0h45m

8:00am

Flight back to Guatemala City

Fly to Guatemala City for your departing flight; approximately 1 hour.
USD150, 1h0m

9:30am

Check-in and relaxation at Guatemala City airport lounge

Spend remaining time at airport amenities before international flight.
USD0, 4h0m

1:30pm

Departure from La Aurora International Airport

Board your flight home, ending a memorable Guatemalan adventure.
USD0, N/A
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