Guatemala Itinerary: An Unforgettable 12-Day Journey

Guatemala was the fourth country we visited during our second trip around the world in 2024. After exploring the wonders of Belize, we continued to this fascinating country, where we followed a 12-day Guatemala itinerary, discovering its cultural and natural riches. Before heading to Costa Rica, we immersed ourselves in the stunning landscapes and the rich Mayan cultural heritage that make Guatemala an unmissable destination.

Traveling through Guatemala was a truly enriching experience, with spectacular scenery and historic cities that seem straight out of a fairy tale. Antigua, with its cobblestone streets and colonial architecture, and the stunning Lake Atitlán, surrounded by majestic volcanoes, were some of the highlights of the trip. We can’t forget to mention Flores, the gateway to the impressive ruins of Tikal, one of the largest and most important archaeological sites of the Mayan civilization.

This itinerary in Guatemala was carefully planned so that we could experience the best of the country in 12 days, combining adventure, culture, and relaxation. If you’re planning your trip through Guatemala, this guide will help you discover the best stops and experiences you can’t miss in this incredible destination.

Day 1 to 3: Flores and the Tikal Ruins

How We Arrived

We arrived in Flores from Belize, where we had just finished exploring the wonders of this Caribbean country, ready for our Guatemala itinerary. In San Ignacio, we took a van that brought us to the border of Guatemala, where another van was waiting to take us to Flores.

Highlights in Flores

• Tikal Ruins: One of the most important archaeological sites of the Mayan civilization, Tikal is a must-see for any visitor. The ruins, located in the middle of the jungle, are impressive, and climbing to the top of the temples offers incredible panoramic views.
• Lake Petén Itzá: Enjoy a boat ride on the lake, taking in the scenery and tranquility.
• Historic Center of Flores: Stroll through the narrow, colorful streets of this small town, discovering its charms and tasting the local cuisine.

Post about Flores

Where We Stayed

During our stay in Flores, we chose a hostel with a view of Lake Petén Itzá. The cozy atmosphere and proximity to the main attractions made our experience even more special.

How We Left

We took a flight from Flores to Guatemala City. From there, we continued by van to Antigua, the next destination on our Guatemala itinerary.

Day 4 to 7: Antigua Guatemala

How We Arrived

We arrived in Antigua after a flight from Flores to Guatemala City. From there, a van transfer took us directly to this colonial city, famous for its architectural beauty and stunning views of the volcanoes.

Highlights in Antigua Guatemala

• Santa Catalina Arch: One of the most photographed spots in Antigua and an excellent introduction to the city’s history.
• Colonial Ruins: Antigua is filled with ruins that tell the story of the Spanish colonial period. Walk through the old churches and convents and feel the history around you.
• Volcanoes: Although we didn’t hike due to the unstable weather, we highly recommend doing so if the weather permits. The views are unique, and the experience is unforgettable!
• Local Cuisine: Take the opportunity to savor traditional dishes in cozy restaurants, many of which are located in historic buildings.

Post about Antigua Guatemala

Where We Stayed

We stayed in a small apartment on the outskirts of the historic center, which was ideal for keeping our budget in check while enjoying the city’s center. You can see accommodation options in the city here.

How We Left

We left Antigua by van heading to Lake Atitlán, where we stayed in the peaceful village of San Marcos La Laguna, continuing our Guatemala itinerary.

Day 8 to 11: Lake Atitlán and San Marcos La Laguna

How We Arrived

We left Antigua and continued our Guatemala itinerary by van to San Marcos La Laguna, one of the most tranquil and spiritual villages on the shores of Lake Atitlán.

Highlights of Lake Atitlán

• Lake Atitlán: The lake is surrounded by volcanoes and villages that seem frozen in time. Explore by boat, visiting the different villages, each with its own charm.
• San Pedro La Laguna: One of the most popular villages on Lake Atitlán, known for its vibrant nightlife and local culture.
• Wellness in San Marcos: San Marcos is the perfect place to relax and explore more holistic practices, with various options for yoga, meditation, and therapeutic massages.
• Local Cuisine: Enjoy meals with spectacular views, taking advantage of the diverse gastronomy of the villages around the lake.

Post about Lake Atitlán

Where We Stayed

We stayed at a hotel in San Marcos La Laguna, with a lake view and direct access to the water. The setting was serene, perfect for relaxing and recharging.

How We Left

We traveled back to Guatemala City by van, where we spent the last night in a comfortable hotel near the airport before heading to Costa Rica.

Day 12: Return to Guatemala City and Departure for Costa Rica

How We Arrived

We returned to Guatemala City by van from Lake Atitlán. We didn’t visit the city. This was the final stop on our Guatemala itinerary before flying to our next destination: Costa Rica.

Where We Stayed

We stayed at an economy hotel in a neighborhood close to Guatemala City’s airport, ensuring a smooth departure the following day.

General Tips for the Guatemala Itinerary

• Transportation: Consider booking transfers in advance to ensure a smooth trip between destinations. Vans are a practical and safe option for intercity travel, but for a more adventurous experience, the colorful and vibrant chicken buses are also a traditional mode of transport. Just make sure you’re informed about the safety of the transportation you use.
• Accommodation: Book in advance, especially in tourist spots like Antigua and Lake Atitlán, to secure the best lodging options. Guatemala offers everything from simple and affordable accommodations to charming boutique hotels.
• Food: Try local dishes like “pepian” and “tamalitos”. Street food is also a good option to taste local specialties. At markets, you’ll find exotic fruits and fresh ingredients that add a special touch to Guatemalan cuisine.
• Mobile Data: Generally, mobile coverage in Guatemala is very good. There is Wi-Fi in many places, but to ensure we were always connected, we used an eSIM. Stay connected at all times with Holafly eSIMs, offering unlimited data so you're always reachable and safe. From our experience, Holafly was incredibly simple to set up and let us browse without worries about limits or connection failures, making it the perfect choice for stress-free travel. And now, you can even get 5% off your travel eSIM from Holafly!

Safety Tips for Guatemala

• Travel Insurance: We recommend Heymondo travel insurance with a 5% discount.
• General Safety: We felt safe at all the places we visited, but it’s always wise to ask accommodations about safety in the area. Use common sense and avoid deserted or poorly lit areas.
• Personal Precautions: As with any destination, keep your valuables secure and avoid displaying unnecessary wealth in public.

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This 12-day itinerary in Guatemala offers a balanced mix of adventure, culture, and relaxation. From the ancient ruins of Tikal to the serene landscapes of Lake Atitlán, this trip provided us with unforgettable memories. Guatemala exceeded our expectations, and we have no doubt that this destination will leave a lasting impression on any traveler.

FAQs About the Guatemala Itinerary