11 Days in Guatemala - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Highlights of Guatemala: Natural Wonders & Maya Ruins 

This highlights itinerary is perfect for energetic first-time visitors looking for a mix of ancient ruins, outdoor adventures, and cultural experiences. Take a cycling tour to the villages of the Almolonga Valley around Antigua, hike Pacaya volcano, meet local artisans on a boat tour of Lake Atitlán, visit the ruins of Yaxhá National Park, and cruise Río Dulce with a stop in Livingston to learn about Garifuna culture.

Acquaint yourself with Antigua on a walking tour, including a stop at the iconic, canary-colored La Merced Church. Cycle around the villages of the Almolonga Valley—a picturesque journey with plenty of photo ops. Experience lava fields, volcanic vents, and views on a hike up Pacaya volcano, then take a boat tour off the beaten path and meet artisans at a women's weaving co-op. Kayak on Lake Atitlán before making the journey to Flores, where you'll spend a couple of days visiting Maya ruins, including Tikal, where you'll explore the archeological site and rainforest (keep an eye out for toucans and other wildlife). 

Then it's off to Río Dulce National Park. Check into your waterfront lodge before you head to Finca el Paraíso, where you can relax in a thermal waterfall and swim in a cavern. Then, take a boat tour on the Río Dulce, stopping at the 17th-century Castle of San Felipe. Visit Livingston, an Afro-Guatemalan community where you'll learn a traditional Garifuna dance, do a little bird-watching, and taste the local seafood stew. On your final full day, explore the sandstone monuments of Quiriguá Ruins before returning to Guatemala City for souvenir shopping before your departure. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Introduction to Guatemala: Antigua, Lake Atitlán & Tikal National Park

This Guatemala introduction itinerary also offers a good mix of activities but is better suited to those that want to hit some of the highlights at a slower pace. You'll learn about the history, culture, and cuisine of Antigua, soak in the hot springs at Santa Teresita, take a boat tour of Lake Atitlán, and visit the ruins of Tikal National Park and Yaxhá National Park. The pace and family-friendly activities, such as lunch with a local family, also make this itinerary a fit for families. 

Start your adventure with a walking tour of Antigua, accompanied by a local historian, then learn how to prepare Guatemalan food with Indigenous chefs. Explore volcanic landscapes on a hike up Pacaya volcano. Afterward, your tired muscles will appreciate hydrotherapy treatments, including a hot springs soak, in Santa Teresita. Bike to the De La Gente coffee cooperative for a tour, then sit down for lunch (and coffee, of course!) with a local farming family. Hit the road to Lake Atitlán, where you'll embark on a boat tour to some local villages that include Santiago Atitlán, San Juan Laguna, and a visit to a Maya shrine.

Kayak Lake Atitlán, stopping for a swim, cliff jumping, and a hike along the shoreline. Tour pyramid temples, palaces, and more at the ruins of Iximché. Then catch a flight to Flores and continue to Tikal National Park for a tour of the archeological site. Highlights include the Lost World and the Window Palace, and, as this site is surrounded by rainforest, you'll also have a chance to see wildlife, such as parakeets and monkeys. On your final full day, visit Yaxhá National Park and hike up Temple 216 for views of the Maya ruins from above, then indulge in one last Guatemalan dinner before departure. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Guatemalan Adventure: Antigua, Atitlán, Tikal & Río Dulce

This Guatemalan adventure is a great choice for travelers keen on culture and getting a bit off the beaten path. Travel like a local on a "chicken bus," learn about Maya ceremonies at Lake Atitlán, hike ancient routes to Tzununa, experience Garifuna culture in Livingston, and take a cooking class with locals. It's also a nice option for adventurous couples seeking unique bonding activities, from the excitement of the chicken bus tour to the spiritual experience of Maya rituals and romantic activities like soaking in thermal waters at Finca el Paraíso and watching the sunset from atop Temple IV.

Explore Antigua with a local historian, stopping at points of interest such as Palacio del Ayuntamiento and La Merced Church. Take a chicken bus tour with stops that include historic villages and markets—with time for souvenir shopping and street food tastings—then satisfy your sweet tooth at a "bean to bar" chocolate workshop. Hike Pacaya volcano before transferring to Lake Atitlán, where you'll participate in a Maya fire ceremony. Hike ancient paths to Tzununa and learn about community projects, including a vocational training center, before visiting a coffee farm and a local family in San Miguel Escobar.     

Hike to the sacred caves near Panajachel and witness Maya rituals. Continue to Flores, where you'll explore the ruins of Yaxhá National Park and Tikal National Park; watching the sunset from atop Temple IV is a treat. Your next stop is Finca el Paraíso. Spend the afternoon swimming in the river and soaking in the thermal waterfall before overnighting at a waterfront lodge. Cruise the Río Dulce to Livingston, where you'll learn about Garifuna culture and cuisine, then take a cooking class in a traditional village. Head to Guatemala City, stopping at the ruins of Quiriguá, followed by a farewell dinner in Zone 10. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Culture, Adventure & Cuisine in Guatemala

Foodies will appreciate the abundance of opportunities to experience Guatemalan cuisine on this 11-day trip. Culinary activities include a cooking class with Indigenous chefs in Antigua, street food tastings on a "chicken bus" tour, and a chocolate workshop in Lake Atitlán. It's also an excellent choice for bird-watchers, with a chance to spot the resplendent quetzal in Biotopo del Quetzal and find toucans and parakeets in Tikal National Park.

Get a taste of Guatemala with a cooking class in Antigua, where you'll learn from Indigenous chefs. Embark on a chicken bus tour, visiting colonial towns, such as San Pedro Las Huerta, and tasting street food along the way before learning the history of chicken buses during an educational workshop. Take a culinary walking tour of Antigua, stopping by traditional restaurants and street vendors to sample local flavors. Kayak and hike at Lake Atitlán, then meet local artisans at a women's co-op and end the day with a chocolate workshop. Explore Iximché with a local guide before returning to Antigua. 

Hit the road to Lanquín, stopping at Biotopo del Quetzal nature reserve en route. Take a guided hike through the cloud forest, keeping an eye out for the colorful resplendent quetzal, most commonly seen from January to June. On your way to Semuc Champey, tour Kam'ba Caves by candlelight and hop on an innertube for a ride down the Río Cahabón. Hike to El Mirador for a view of Semuc Champey's terraced pools (the perfect spot for a photo). Spend your last couple of days experiencing Tikal National Park, where you can explore the ruins and then soar over the forest canopy on a zipline excursion. Learn more 

Itinerary #5: Essential Guatemala: Volcanoes, Ruins & Waterfalls

This essential Guatemala itinerary is well-suited for active nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. Experience volcanic activity on a hike at Pacaya volcano, cycle to a coffee plantation, kayak on Lake Atitlán, then spot monkeys at Tikal National Park, immerse in nature at Oasis Chiyu ecolodge, and search for red-eyed tree frogs and other rainforest wildlife.  

Take a stroll through the streets of Antigua, visiting historic sites, including Santa Catalina Arch and Antigua Guatemala Cathedral, and taste street food favorites, such as dobladas (empanadas). Experience lava fields, tropical forests, and volcanic vents on a six-hour hike at Pacaya volcano. Peddle your way to the De La Gente coffee cooperative on a bike tour, where you'll learn about coffee production and have lunch with a family. Then it's off to Lake Atitlán for a boat tour to local villages, a women's weaving co-op, and a Maya shrine. You'll also have a chance to kayak on the lake and trek along the shore.  

Fly to Flores, your base for exploring Tikal National Park. Tour the archeological site with a guide and have your camera ready for shots of the ancient ruins and rainforest critters, including monkeys and toucans. Immerse in nature at Oasis Chiyu, an ecolodge on the edge of Parque Natural Las Conchas, where you can jump off a waterfall and search for red-eyed tree frogs and other wildlife. Enjoy a soak in the hot springs at Finca el Paraíso, then take a boat tour to Livingston to learn about Garifuna culture. Spend your final full day taking in the sites of Guatemala City on a walking tour. Learn more

More Great 11-Day Guatemala Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Guatemala? Check out these other 11-day Guatemala itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.