Cities, volcanoes and R&R at the lake. If you only have a week, you can still experience Guatemala! Includes recommendations for:

- Where to stay, eat and play in Antigua
- The best volcano hikes + operators
- The most beautiful hotel on Lake Atitlan

Panajachel, Guatemala

Guatemala

Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala

Santiago Atitlán, Guatemala

Guatemala: One Week

Your journey starts at La Aurora airport, where you'll catch a cab or shuttle (book through GuateGo) to colorful Antigua, a one or two hour journey.

Spend the next few days enjoying Antigua. Take a free walking tour with Selina, visit Hobbitenango in the surrounding hills and visit the earthquake ruins that dot the city. See how they craft jade jewelry from Guatemala's precious stone, and visit the colorful, crazy central market!

Next up: Eat to your heart's content. Discover local brews on a rooftop and in a forest on an old coffee farm. Sample the best baked goods. Spend the night out salsa dancing or bump to Bad Bunny. Don't miss karaoke night at El Barrio!

Now that you've experienced this friendly colonial city, it's time to head out to the volcanoes. 

There are two amazing volcano hikes in Antigua.

If you're a strong hiker, the hike to Acatenango is amazing. A true bucket list experience spending the night watching an active volcano (aptly named Fuego) spew lava from your campsite.

You need to be able to handle altitude and six hours carrying a pack uphill. I recommend this tour operator, as you must go with a local guide:

If that sounds like too much, don't fear! You can still visit an active volcano. Volcan Pacaya is a much shorter, easier hike (you can even have a horse take you up!) with amazing views over a steaming lava field and an opportunity to roast marshmallows over heat pockets in the cooling lava. Plus, you'll be back in Antigua by lunch time vs. taking an extra night.

Now that you've conquered an active volcano, let's head for some R&R at Lake Atitlan.

Sorry to Lake Como, but I don't know that I've ever seen a prettier lake! There are many lodging options in Pana and the other main towns on the lake. Pana has the most food, services, etc. 

Once you arrive in Antigua, check in to Selina Antigua. With both dorms and gorgeous private rooms, this is the perfect place to meet fellow travelers. Plus the pool and other common areas are beautiful!

Fun fact: Antigua is home to one of the most beautiful McDonald's in the world!

Book another shuttle to Panajachel, a 2.5 hour drive from Antigua and the main transit hub of stunning Lake Atitlan.

Spend at least two nights so you have time to take advantage of the kayaks, swimming areas and cultural tours to the other cities on the lake. There's an onsite restaurant that has everything you need, or you can walk to Jaibalito (the nearest town) and check out the restaurants there.

I recommend staying at what I think is the most beautiful hotel in the world. It's outside of the main towns, but still easily accessible by the public boats.

Now that you've chilled out, it's time to head back to Pana and catch your shuttle to La Aurora airport, your heart full of the beauty and hospitalty you can only find in gorgeous Guatemala.

The towns are connected by public boat: Just head down to the main dock with the blue boats and tell the captain where you're going. They only take cash and it's about $3 one way and 30 minutes between towns.

Guatemala: One Week

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