Guatemala in 2 weeks
Guatemala
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Guatemala, a land of breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and captivating history and still with not many tourists.
Get ready for a whirlwind of experiences that will leave you enchanted and inspired.
General Considerations
🌐 Itinerary organization: I have organized the itinirary explanining you the prefered options for transportation, restaurants, hotels and activities to choose based on my experience and also some friends' tips. It is a more or less relaxed trip which, if you want to travel faster, could be done in 10 days (this is in fact what we did). You can adjust the trip as needed based on your preferences.
📸 Pictures: unfortunately this time, the pics are not mine!
📅When was I there? August 2017 - Itinerary revised in 2023.
☀️Weather: Guatemala enjoys a mild climate year-round, with the dry season from November to April being the most popular time to visit. The rainy season extends from May to October, but this can also be an excellent time to witness lush landscapes and fewer crowds. I went in August and we did not experienced much rain.
🍽️ Regional Delights: Don't miss out on trying traditional Guatemalan dishes such as "Pepián" (a hearty stew), "Chiles Rellenos" (stuffed peppers), and "Tamales" (seasoned meat wrapped in corn dough and steamed).
⭐️Highly recommend: you'll see some stars along the text which mean that this is a MUST!
💡Add-ons: find some additional options marked with a light bulb for you to tailor the trip to your preferences.
🙋🏽♀️Doubts?: If you have any questions you can reach me at my IG account.
Itinerary
Day 1-3: Colonial Charm at Antigua
Restaurants: La Fonda de la Calle Real (pepián stew), Sobremesa, Cactus Grill.
Hotel: Hotel Ojala (85€/night)
Activities:
- Day 1: After settling into your hotel, take a ⭐️leisurely stroll through Antigua's historic streets and feel this charming city's vibes. Visit the iconic Arch of Santa Catalina.
- Day 2: Explore the bustling local markets, like Mercado de Artesanías. Visit the Convent of the Capuchins. In the afternoon, visit La Merced Church and its museum.
- Day 3: Visit Casa Santo Domingo's Archaeological Site to explore its ruins and museum. In the afternoon for the golden hour & sunset head up to ⭐️Cerro de la Cruz for stunning views of Volcan de Agua.
💡 More time?
- Take a day tour to visit Chichicastenango Market
- If you have more time and want to make the most of it, there's no better way than volunteering. An enriching experience that we highly recommend. We spent 20 days with Jardin de Amor, and it's a 100% endorsed choice
Day 4-6: Tranquility at Lake Atitlán
Transport: 3-hour shuttle ride to Lake Atitlán.
Hotel: Hotel Mikaso (€40/night), Hotel La Casa del Mundo (130€/night)
Restaurants: La Iguana Perdida, Restaurante Del Barrio, Sunset Café and Il Bistro.
Sweet Treat: The Blue Parrot for delicious pastries.
Activities:
- Day 4: ⭐️Arrive at Lake Atitlán and enjoy a boat ride to explore the indigenous villages around the lake.
- Day 5: ⭐️Take a boat to San Juan La Laguna for cultural immersion and shopping for local handicrafts. Hike to Indian Nose viewpoint for sweeping vistas of the lake and its surrounding volcanoes.
- Day 6: Visit Santiago Atitlán, known for its weaving and vibrant culture. Explore the town and relax by the lake.
💡More time?
- Add a hike to Volcán de Fuego and witness its eruptions.
Day 7-9: Adventure at Semuc Champey
Transport: Take a van and drive 8 hours to Semuc Champey via Lanquín.
Hotel: Utopía Eco Hotel (55€/night)
Restaurants: Utopia, Comedor Adela.
Coffee Spot: Café de la Olla.
Sweet Treat: Head to Panadería Alemana for tasty bread and sweets.
Activities:
- Day 7: Arrive and relax at your hotel.
- Day 8: ⭐️Explore the stunning natural pools and limestone bridges of Semuc Champey.
- Day 9: Embark on cave tubing in K'anba Caves and hike to El Mirador.
Day 10-12: Ancient Mysteries at Tikal
Hotel: Jungle Lodge Hotel, within Tikal (100-300€/night - book in advance!), if not, Hotel Tikal Inn
Restaurants: Restaurante La Luna and El Tamarindo.
Coffee Spot: Savor coffee with a view at Café Yaxha.
Sweet Treat: Las Pirámides Bakery for delectable desserts.
Activities:
- Day 10: Arrive in Flores and transfer to Tikal. Relax at your hotel.
- Day 11: ⭐️Explore the ancient ruins of Tikal: ascend ancient pyramids, wander through the majestic plazas, and let the history of this ancient Maya city come alive.
- Day 12: ⭐️Take a sunrise tour in Tikal to see how the jungle wakes up. Enjoy the rest of the park.
Day 13-14: Coastal Vibes at Río Dulce & Livingston
Transport: Take a van to Río Dulce (4-hour drive).
Hotel: Tortugal Boutique River Lodge (70€/night)
Restaurants: Restaurante El Muelle, Río Tropicales for seafood.
Coffee Spot: Try Café de la Casa for a cup of Guatemalan coffee.
Sweet Treat: Indulge yourself at Chocolatería Dora.
Activities:
- Day 13: ⭐️Drive to Río Dulce, visit hot springs, and enjoy the hotel.
- Day 14: Take a boat to explore Livingston's Afro-Caribbean culture, relax by the water, and enjoy local cuisine.
💡 More time?
Maybe you would like to consider a new country instead, like Belize, with stunning Caribbean coastlines, the famous Blue Hole, coral reefs, and diverse cultural experiences.
Day 15: Time to go back!
Transportation: Travel by car or shuttle from Rio Dulce to La Aurora International Airport (GUA) in Guatemala City and then back home.
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