Guatemala has an outstanding landscape to be discovered, characterized by its volcanoes, some of them active ones. It's actually in Guatelama where you'll find the most active volcano of Central America, the Volcán de Fuego.
In this 2-week itinerary you can expect to find nature, adventure, hikes and my best tips after having travelled to this amazing country, so you can avoid mistakes, and enjoy to the fullest of your time in Guatemala.
This itinerary is designed in a way to see the most attractive icons of the country in 2 weeks in a balanced way, where you'll need energy for the adventurous and physical part of the trip but you'll get to relax in idyllic places, too.
Don't miss some of my tips written after (EVA'S TIP❗). Same system I use in all my other guides.
The dry season is from November to April, so you can consider coming any of these months to make sure you'll not have rainy days.
I travelled in April, and I was lucky with weather, with sunny days. But one week before my trip locals told me it was raining and cloudy for some days.
Regarding the lenght of your trip, if you want to see the most important sights, 2 weeks will be enough. If you prefer to travel slow and explore the whole country, take 1 month or more!
Day 1 - Landing to Ciudad de Guatemala and heading to Antigua
In the most likely case that you are getting to Guatemala by plane (you could also enter the country by bus from Mexico or any other border from other country), you will land in La Ciudad de Guatemala.
My advice is not to spend time (or at least not a lot of time) in the capital, as the country has a lot of natural beautiful places to see, so you won't like to get stuck in a city. Specially if you are a nature lover.
Having said that, on the 1st day we can start heading to Antigua, the most well known and beautiful town of the country. Where you'll find a lot of accommodation options as well as restaurants and a lively atmosphere. There are a lot of shuttles to Antigua and Atitlán from the airport.
I chose Mario's Tours which had a cost of 200 quetzales per person (approx $25 USD) to Atitlán so you should expect less for going to Antigua.
Antigua is probably the most beautiful and visited city of the country, and with a good reason. It has a special enchantment, full of colonial buildings and history, a beautiful view of Volcán de Agua, and from here is where you'll find most of the tour operators organizing the Acatenango hike, to see the famous Volcán de Fuego.
EVA'S TIP ❗: is worth to stay from 2 to 4 days.
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- WHERE TO STAY IN ANTIGUA
Depending on your accommodation and on what you are looking for, I'd suggest staying longer in Antigua if you stay at accommodations such as Earth Lodge or Bosco Antigua (see below my suggestions), as I would rather enjoy more days relaxing in these accommodations than if you stay in a hostel in downtown.
EVA'S TIP ❗: Why do I recommend this Hostel?
I didn't stay in the hostel, but I did the Acatenango hike with them, and it was absolutely amazing! The perfect price, a great basecamp location and a great service, too.
The hostel infrastructure and vibes were amazing, and the customer attention, too. So I would suggest staying here for sure.
For Yoga, and nature lovers, this accommodation is for you. This is more like a Yoga Retreat, a place to relax outside the city, so expect to have around 30 minutes drive from downtown.
However, this ride is worth it, as the place is really beautiful, and peaceful, the vibes are great, and the views are stunning.
This accommodation is perfect for couples, to relax and it's just a 15 minutes drive from Antigua downtown.
The chalet has its own Spa, and amazing views of Acatenango and Volcán de Fuego! You can even see the volcano erupting from time to time from the terrace! That was really insane.
In case you are looking for a chalet in the forest, and with Spa, this accommodation is made for you.
This was a great place to hang out as you'll find different options in one same place. At around 10.30/11pm the DJ starts and it was mainly Reggeaton music.
*pictures are not mine
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Day 5 to 7 - Overnight Acatenango Hike 🌋
This is, undoubtedly, the highlight of Guatemala's trip: to do the Acatenango's Hike and see the Volcán de Fuego's eruption.
EVA'S TIP ❗: Why do I recommend this Hostel?
I didn't stay in the hostel, but I did the Acatenango hike with them, and it was absolutely amazing! The perfect price, a great basecamp location and a great service, too.
The hostel infrastructure and vibes were amazing, and the customer attention, too. So I would suggest staying here for sure.
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- Old Town Outfitters: offering private and exclusive tours (https://adventureguatemala.com/).
The truth is that there are a lot of tour companies offering the hike in Antigua, but my advice is not to choose the cheapest and the first one you encounter, do research, read reviews...
EVA'S TIP ❗ That's why I recommend you Tropicana Hostel, because it was a mid-range price, and the experience as well as the bascecamp location was absolutely amazing!
This is absolutely the highlight of the trip!
It's an incredible experience to hike up to Acatenango's summit at 3.976m to witness the Central America's most active volcano, Volcán de Fuego
The hike takes around 5-6 hours depending on the walking pace, and can be though if you are not used to hike or you aren't fit.
However, there are alternatives for those who don't want to do the hike (but I would rather do the hike), like riding horses or getting by 4x4.
You will sleep in the basecamp with views to Volcán de Fuego, and in the afternoon the guides will offer you the chance to hike to Volcán de Fuego (closer to it).
EVA'S TIP❗: from my experience to hike closer to Volcán de Fuego was not worth it due to the weather conditions; it was very foggy, windy and cold, so we couldn't see anything. Also, you have to be fit enough to do the hike (for me it was fine but some people were suffering a lot as the hike is a bit steepy).
Then, in the morning you'll wake up early to see the sunrise from the top of Acatenango. This is totally worth it, so in case the weather is not nice in the afternoon, I would suggest to skip the afternoon hike and just take the morning hike.
Contrary, if the weather conditions are nice in the afternoon, take both hikes. People that have done the Volcán de Fuego hike with nice weather told me that it's worth it.
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Day 7 to 11 - Atitlán Lake
To go to Atitlán Lake after the Acatenango's hike is not for coincidence, it is planned for taking a break and have the chance to relax admiring the considered most beautiul lake in the world, Atitlán.
And yes, after staying in there for 5 days, I absolutely felt the relaxing vibes, peace and felt in love with the views.
EVA'S TIP ❗: if you can stay in Atitlán more than 4 days, I think is worth it to take the most of the place.
Lake Atitlán is the perfect place to relax, disconnect and enjoy your time with your partner, family or friends.
It is also a great place to practice yoga and find inner peace.
At the same time, you can find a lot of activities to do, as well as hikes, so you can find the perfect balance in Lake Atitlán.
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WHERE TO STAY IN ATITLÁN -
There are multiple enchanting villages surrounding the lake, and in which you can find beautiful accommodations.
The best views of the lake are from San Marcos
If you are looking for relaxing vibes, to do yoga, even for hippie vibes... then you should stay some time in this village.
In addition, from this side of the lake is where you can see the 3 volcanoes surrounding the lake.
The village is small, but you can find cozy coffees, restaurants... and incredible accommodations specially up in the hill with incredible views over the lake.
Eagle’s Nest is the most well known hostel in San Marcos La Laguna.
When I came inside, I was absolutely amazed by the design, the views, the vibes…
It is a great place to meet people, practice yoga, aerial yoga, etc. Actually, the platform where the yoga takes places has stunning views over the lake and volcanoes.
It was a very beautiful space to sit down and admire.
They also do a lot of groupal activites, ceremonies, etc.
*I just visited the place, I didn’t stay here.
This is an absolutely enchanting place and the owners are even nicer!
The views from Shamana are incredible, you can see the lake and the 3 volcanoes right in front of you while doing yoga, for instance.
Highly recommend this place if you’re looking for something chill and want to participate in cacao ceremonies, take yoga classes, etc
The colourful streets of San Juan La Laguna are the main highlight of the town.
It is a lively place, full of local stores, restaurants, street art, tour companies...
EVA'S TIP❗: if you have time and you are into doing a short hike, you can go to the called Kaqasiiwaan Viewpoint, if the weather is good, you will have nice views over the lake and town.
A lively town, with nice streets, restaurants, bars, tour companies, accommodation options...
You can go up to some viewpoints, (which I didn't feel interested in going), and do water sports, or hire some tours here.
Perhaps this is a good option if you want more social life, and "nightlife".
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Other villages I stayed in but that I would not highlight are:
- San Pablo la Laguna: I stayed in the outskirts in a cabin "@atitlan_cabins" right in front of the lake, other than that, is just a small village not worth a visit unless you have plenty of time and want to see everything.
Likewise, if you are a couple, perhaps this is a good place to be alone, relaxed and enjoy your company.
- Panajachel: is where you'll arrive by bus, to then take the boat along the lake to the village you are staying in. I didn't stay much longer in the town so I cannot recommend much, however I would suggest going directly to the lake and not staying long time here.
Other villages that you can also choose to stay but that I didn't go are:
- Santa Catarina
- Santiago Atitlán
- Cerro de Oro: more exclusive accommodations
WHAT TO DO IN LAKE ATITLÁN
- LOWER MAYAN TRAIL: this is a great option if you want to spend a morning doing a relaxing hike along the lake, the views are the 3 volcanoes and you'll pass by several options.
❗ Locals and other travellers advise about robberies to tourists taking this trail by themselves, and according to some local guides, these thieves have guns. So it can be extremely dangerous.
The recommendation is taking the hikes around the lake with local guides. From my experience, this hike was the only one we took by ourselves and we felt safe, nothing happened. But this is perhaps a matter of luck. So be cautious.
This is a "hard" hike for those looking for more activity and physical activity during their stay in Atitlán.
However, this is the easiest volcano to climb over the 3 around the lake.
The summit is at around 3.000 meters high, and you'll have a panoramic view of the lake and the 2 other volcanoes.
❗We did the hike with a local guide, it is recommendable to do it with guide as they know how to behave in case there are thieves on top, which occassionally has happened, and the local guide told us they have guns.
So, be cautious and choose to do it with a local tour company. There are plenty to choose in the villages.
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- VISITING THE VILLAGES: this can take you 1 or more days, if you really want to explore the villages around the lake. Just to let you know, between San Juan and San Pedro, you can take a TukTuk (10 quetzales per person). Between the other villages, you'll need to take the boat (25 quetzales per person). I add the prices so you are not scammed❗
- TO SEE THE SUNRISE FROM INDIAN NOSE: this is a nice and worth short hike to see the sunrise over the lake. EVA'S TIP ❗: I recommend it.
- YOGA RETREAT 🧘♀️: If you are looking for relaxing, connecting with yourself, finding peace, practicising yoga... stay in San Marcos La Laguna and enjoy your days there.
- WATER SPORT ACTIVITIES: in both San Juan La Laguna and San Pedro La Laguna you'll find a lot of tour companies offering water sports like water skiing, or even paragliding, among other activities.
If you are interested in getting to know more about the Mayan history of Guatemala, you shouldn't miss visiting Tikal Mayan Ruins and Tikal Natural Park, too.
There are a lot of tour companies in Atitlán offering 1-day or multiple days trip to Tikal.
*pictures are not mine
Another option a lot of people opt for visiting is the beach in El Paredón.
So if you are into extending more the relaxing vibes from Atitlán and coming to the beach, go for it.
Surf is also a popular sport there.
*pictures not mine
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Day 13 to 14 - Back to Ciudad de Guatemala
Your last day in Guatemala will be to go to catch your flight wherever you'll go next, in Ciudad de Guatemala.
I would suggest to stay in an Airbnb nearby the airport, there are plenty, and usually hosts will drive you for free to the airport, which is 5 minutes away by car.
I stayed in Guatefriend Hostel and it was absolutely enough, good and cheap, it even includes breakfast and a free ride to the airport!
Comfortable, cheap hostel 5 minutes drive from the airport. The owner will drive you for free (you can add tip) to the airport at your time of convenience, and will offer you breakfast at a free cost!
*pictures are not mine
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I truly hope this guide will help you in planning your next trip to Guatemala, and enjoy to the fullest of this amazing country!
Thank you for reading, and don't hesitate to reach me out on Instagram @evarios14 if you have any question, feedback or just want to connect!
You can also read about “My Story” if you are interested in knowing more about living abroad, being nomad, or other destinations, and to get to know more about me and how I started moving around!
📍Currently in Australia
If you love exploring beyond your comfort zone, you are adventurous and you enjoy immersing yourself into other cultures and adapting to different environments, without prejudices, and with open mind, you just found a like minded person, me!
I'm living nomad since 6 years ago and now I'm sharing my knowledge, experiences and advice about my experience and destinations with you! Book a call with me if you want to travel, move abroad, do volunteering... but money or fear is stopping you. I can help you do that, because that's what I've been doing until now! Travelling almost for free around the world!
In addition to that, I have been always working in the tourism industry or doing volunteerings, that's why I feel fully empowered to give the best tips and guides of each of the destinations, .
Follow my journey on my Instagram & TikTok @evarios14, and don't hesitate to reach me out!
