7-Day Guatemala Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 7-day Guatemala tour itineraries

Compiled by

SteffGuatemala travel expert at TourRadar

• 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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• 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.

  

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  • 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).

    

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