7-Day Guatemala Tour Packages
Guatemala somehow packs everything into a small space. From Antigua colonial streets, Lake Atitlan volcano views, and Tikal Mayan ruins in jungle, to Chichicastenango markets and Semuc Champey turquoise pools. Seven days covers Antigua, Atitlan, and Tikal properly without rushing, and it’s somewhere you’ll want to explore further.
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.
- 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.
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.
- 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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What people love about 7-day Guatemala tours
Overall, I would say that this was a good tour. The locations that we visited (Antigua, Cemuc Champey and Flores-Tikal) were great. The hotels we stayed at were satisfactory 2/3 star hotels/hostels. The only part of this trip that needs to be addressed is the final leg of the trip which includes a 11 hour bus ride from Flores back to Guatemala City. Instead of the bus, take the 1 hour flight which will probably cost an extra $100 and give you an additional day of sightseeing.
Guatemala Highlight Tours
- 7D/6N Gorgeous Guatemala Tour
I was not expecting the rooms to be so hot and noisy; other than that it was good. I did have my own bathroom; it was a hostel still, I’ll use marvelous and Tourradar again It was a great introduction to Guatemala Thank you
- Spectacular Guatemala in 7 Days
The overall organization of the tour and communication from the local organizers was really good. The itinerary came together as planned. The only critique I have was on some of the guides. When we had a mixture of Spanish and English speaking participants the tour seemed to take a little longer than needed. Having to explain in two languages took some time. They also failed to interpret a Spanish asked question so we could understand what was asked. The Mayan people were outstanding! I never encountered such a kind, friendly and gentler culture in all of my travels.
