Encompassing a dramatic mountainous slice of Central America, Guatemala boasts a bounty of natural, historic and cultural allure. From its ancient Mayan wonders and rainforests, to UNESCO-listed Antigua and modern Guatemala City, it’s a country of dazzling diversity. With that in mind, each 7 day itinerary in Guatemala shared below will help you make the most of spending a week in this glorious land.
Tricky question. While 7 days definitely isn’t long enough to explore every area of Guatemala, with careful planning it is possible to enjoy a rewarding range of experiences in a week.
You’ll also need to consider what you most want to see and do, and plot your itinerary accordingly, paying heed to how you’re going to get around.
To make your job easier, read on for a run-down of five 7-day itineraries in Guatemala. Covering everything from fun family-oriented experiences, to trips that uncover hidden gems, they provide tasty food for thought as your plan your trip.
Not keen on planning? Check out our customisable Guatemala itineraries.
Many a memorable 7 day itinerary in Guatemala begins in Antigua © Shutterstock
As suggested by its name, this “Best of Guatemala” itinerary will see you getting to the heart of some of the country’s best attractions in convenient, immersive style.
Day one of the trip will see you arrive in Antigua for a relaxing evening ahead of taking a city tour on day two. This UNESCO-designated stunner is one of the world’s best-preserved colonial cities and exudes charm at every twist and turn of its cobbled streets.
Day three will see you venture beyond Antigua on a trip to one of the country’s oldest coffee plantations. Here you’ll discover the bean-to-cup process, meet the makers and enjoy tasty samples.
Very different vistas will be enjoyed on day four when you visit Lake Atitlán. The fact its name derives from the Mayan word for “where the rainbow gets its colours” offers a sense of the natural and cultural magic that awaits.
Here you’ll cross the lake on a boat and visit a Tzutuhil village to take a cultural tour of craft workshops, churches and local houses.
Early on day five you’ll head to Chichicastenango market in the Mayan Highlands. Famed for its handicrafts and textiles, this is one of the biggest, most vibrant outdoor markets in Central America.
Indigenous Mayan K'iche woman, Chichicastenango city, Guatemala © Rostasedlacek/Shutterstock
After a local lunch, you’ll explore the Ixmiche Ruins. Located near the town of Tecpán, this was capital of the Kaqchikel Maya kingdom from its founding in 1470 until the Spanish conquest of the early 16th century.
Strategically located on a ridge surrounded by deep ravines, the site comprises a series of plazas surrounded by palaces, temples, and ball courts.
Next, you’ll head to Guatemala City to rest up for the night before travelling to Tikal on day six. One of the largest and most significant archaeological sites of the ancient Maya civilization, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.
Famed for its towering pyramids, temples, palaces, and plazas, the dense jungle setting is out-of-this-world.
After an exhilarating day, you’ll rest in Flores for the night before visiting Yaxha on day seven. Located in lush jungles, this captivating ancient city offers a more serene and intimate experience than Tikal.
Part of the Yaxha-Nakum-Naranjo National Park, Yaxha boasts 500+ buildings, including astrological observatories, and its esteemed sacred twin pyramids complex.
What a way to wind up your week in Guatemala — it’s fair to say this 7 day itinerary in Guatemala ticks a lot of cultural boxes.
Tikal at sunset © Jonas Andreae/Shutterstock
Read on for an overview of this 7 day itinerary in Guatemala.
Guatemala City cathedral © Shutterstock
Affording thrilling insights into Mayan culture in just a week, day one of this immersive Mayan Majesty itinerary begins in the colonial city of Antigua.
On arrival, take a tour to take in Antigua’s UNESCO-designated architectural marvels before travelling to Iximché. You’ll spend day two of this trip on an expert-guided tour of the site.
Located in the western highlands of Guatemala near Tecpán, this was the ancient capital of the Kaqchikel Maya kingdom.
The next stage of your trip — days three and four — will see you delve into a duo of sites that are known for their natural beauty, cultural richness, and historic importance. Namely, Lake Atitlán and Santiago Atitlán.
One of the deepest lakes in Central America — and oft hailed one of the most beautiful lakes in the world — Lake Atitlán is surrounded by volcanoes and hills, with its shoreline speckled with Maya villages.
Don’t miss taking a boat trip to Santiago Atitlán — the largest town around the lake, and the centre of Tz'utujil Maya culture.
Esteemed for its traditional art, textiles, and crafts, the town is also famed for the shrine of Maximón — a deity that reflects the blending of pre-Columbian Maya beliefs with Catholicism.
Next on your agenda is transferring to Tikal for day five and day six of your trip. The site is certainly rich and rewarding enough to devote (at least) two days to.
Plan carefully, and you could visit at dawn and dusk to be awestruck by two extraordinary solar experiences on the site.
Your Mayan Majesty experience comes to a soul-stirring end with a visit to Yaxhá on day seven. The third biggest archaeological site in Guatemala, Yaxha showcases 500+ structures. Our tip is to time a tour that enables you to see the sun set over the lake.
Maya pyramid in Yaxha, Guatemala © Shutterstockay
Read on for an overview of this 7 day itinerary in Guatemala.
Not sure when to visit? Read up on when to go to Guatemala.
Guatemalan coffee beans © Shutterstock
While featuring some undeniable Guatemalan gems, this itinerary also includes locations and activities that are sure to satisfy lovers of the great outdoors.
As such, it’s the ideal 7 day itinerary in Guatemala if you want to mix culture and adventure.
The trip kicks off in Antigua, with day one and day two set aside for exploring its colonial architecture. Don't miss Santa Catalina Arch (famed for its hidden passageway) and La Merced Church.
On day three, head to Lake Atitlán for a full day that blends natural beauty and culture. The best way to do this is to take a Panajachel boat tour to soak up the scenic beauty, and access some of the lakeside towns and villages. For example, visit San Juan La Laguna for its exquisite traditional textiles and art.
Acatenango volcano, Guatemala © Joey Juffermans/Shutterstock
Adventure beckons on the next segment of this 7 day itinerary in Guatemala. On day four, you could hike to the summit of Acatenango volcano. At around 3976 meters above sea level, it’s Guatemala’s third highest peak.
Considered to be pretty challenging due to its steep inclines and high altitude, the overnight option will allow you to better appreciate the natural beauty of the area, including taking in views of Fuego volcano. After camping at a designated spot, day five will see you descend.
On day six, travel to Tikal to explore the National Park and marvel at extraordinary Maya architecture. For added magic, time your visit to see a sensational sunset from Temple IV.
For the final day of this trip, visit Semuc Champey on day eight. Located in lush jungles, this spot is known for its series of crystal-clear, turquoise pools and natural limestone bridge.
Cool off in the pools before heading to Lanquín Caves. Known for their mighty limestone formations, this network of vast chambers and subterranean rivers hold spiritual significance for local Maya communities.
Sunset view of Fuego volcano and Acatenango volcano © Shutterstock
Read on for an overview of this 7 day itinerary in Guatemala.
Semuc Champey, Guatemala © Shutterstock
From epic volcano, forest and lake excursions, to unleashing your inner explorer, this family adventure tour of Guatemala is designed to keep everyone in your party happy.
Your break begins in atmospheric Antigua — after arriving in the city on day one, you’ll have time to relax at your own leisure.
On day two, enjoy a walking tour of the UNESCO-designated city, exploring its places, plazas and cathedral. After a delicious lunch, visit the Choco Museum to uncover the history (and tastes) of local chocolate production.
The pace quickens on day three when you’ll visit the most active volcano in Guatemala. Easily accessible, at 2500 metres above sea level, Pacaya Volcano offers jaw-dropping views of a lagoon of calderas and three sister volcanos.
Day four will see you and your family transfer to Lake Attilan ready for a fun cruise with views to San Juan la Laguna. On arrival, take a guided tour of a town that’s esteemed for its for traditional textiles and art.
Water-based adventures are in store on day five, when you’ll have time to kayak Lake Attilan before flying to Flores.
Day six heralds a full-day tour of Tikal — a site that sits at the top of the Maya cultural tree — with unforgettable wildlife experiences and active adventures following on day seven.
The last day of your trip will see you explore the islands of Qexil lagoon and a spider monkey sanctuary before heading to Ixpanpajul Nature Park — a family-friendly, nature-oriented beauty spot.
With suspension bridges and canopy tours affording amazing insights into its lush jungle setting, here kids can also take tractor trips and ride horses before you fly to Guatemala City ready for your homeward flight.
Pacaya volcano, Guatemala © Shutterstock
Read on for an overview of this 7 day itinerary in Guatemala.
Kayaking in Guatemala © Daniel Andis/Shutterstock
Hands up who wants to see some hidden treasures in Guatemala in just a week? This 7 day itinerary in Guatemala has you covered!
Your trip begins with a couple of days in Antigua. On arrival, spend day one orienting yourself around its beautiful maze of cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and local markets. Take your time, and you might just find your new favourite restaurant or café.
On day two, consider taking a walking tour of the city, perhaps with a focus on culture or food to further your uncovering of some of Antigua’s gems.
Adventure is on the cards for day three — spend the morning hiking Pacaya Volcano before travelling to Monterrico on day four. This lesser-visited coastal town is known for its black volcanic sand beaches.
Days five and six will see you transfer to El Paredón, another small Pacific coast town that’s known for its laidback vibe and excellent surf.
Come day seven, return to Antigua for a final day of leisure and exploration.
Antigua, Guatemala © Shutterstock
Read on for an overview of this 7 day itinerary in Guatemala.
Feeling inspired to visit Guatemala? Read up on some of the best things to do in Guatemala, and browse our customisable Guatemala itineraries.
With a local expert on hand to take care of all the details, they take the hassle out of planning, leaving you to focus on counting down to your trip of a lifetime.
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written by
Joanne Owen
updated 05.03.2024
