13 Days in Guatemala - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Complete Guatemala

Perfect for first-time travelers to Guatemala, this well-rounded itinerary gets you out exploring the impressive cities and stunning landscapes the country is famous for. With two or more nights each in Antigua, Lake Atitlán, and Lanquín, you'll have plenty of time to visit markets, roam ancient ruins, and move your legs on picturesque hikes. Plus, with a shuttle driver and local guides leading the way, it's easy to settle into the relaxed pace of Guatemala's culture.

Welcome to Guatemala! Your highlights tour begins in Guatemala City. You'll get your first taste of the country's diverse culture with a visit to the Museum of Anthropology and Ethnology and an evening attending a chocolate-making workshop. Next, hit the road to Antigua and enjoy a day each exploring the Copán Ruins and trekking across Pacaya volcano. Settled in, you'll make your way to Lake Atitlán, stopping by the famous markets of Chichicastenango on the way. Before continuing to Lanquín, get your heart rate up with a full day of kayaking and hiking under the surrounding jagged peaks.

After a relaxing evening in Lanquín, you'll wake early for an exciting morning in Semuc Champey National Park, complete with a tubing trip down the Río Cahabón. Next, a transfer brings you to Flores, where you can unpack your bags for three days of sightseeing. Spend a day roaming the impressive Maya pyramids and ruins in Tikal National Park, then head to the Actún Kan Caves to embark on a guided walk to learn about the cavern's historical importance. Before catching your onward flight, transfer to Guatemala City and spend an evening enjoying a Maya fire ceremony. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Guatemala Panorama: Culture, Adventure & Cuisine

Get deep in Guatemala's jungle and volcanic landscapes on this adventure-filled 13-day itinerary, perfect for those looking to stay active while exploring the country from top to bottom. Every day showcases a unique mix of culture, cuisine, and beautiful landscapes, and with overnights in Tikal National Park and Copán, you'll also get immersed in the history of the ancient Maya civilization.

After arriving in Guatemala City and transferring to Antigua, your culture-packed adventure begins with an introduction to the country's rich history along the Paseo de los Museos ("Museum Path"). Over the following two days in Antigua, you'll take a deep dive into Guatemala's culture through visits to local villages and a day hike up Pacaya volcano. Next, trade the bustling city for the dramatic peaks surrounding Lake Atitlán, and explore the crater lake by foot, bike, and kayak. Nearing the halfway point of your trip, you'll soon find yourself roaming the famous markets of Chichicastenango before carrying on.

During your two days in Quetzaltenango, you'll join a sawdust carpet workshop and soak in the idyllic hot springs of Fuente Georginas before hopping on a plane to fly north to Tikal National Park. Soar above the jungle canopy on a zipline tour, roam the ancient Maya kingdom, and then continue to the famous Copán Ruins. Deemed one of the most important Maya sites, it's impossible not to be in awe as you explore its underground tunnels and climb the 100-foot (30 m) high Temple 16. With just two days left, you'll return to Guatemala City to catch your onward flight, stopping by Macaw Mountain on the way. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Belize Islands & Guatemala Highlights

Split your time between the crystalline waters of the Belize Islands and Guatemala's culture-packed cities and villages on this 13-day highlights tour. Crafted especially for those who enjoy exploring landscapes by foot, kayak, and bike, you'll keep on the move while still having plenty of time to soak up the culture in quaint villages and tiny islands. Plus, with a stop at the Chichicastenango market and time in Guatemala City, you'll also experience the bustling side of Guatemala.

Your sun and fun-filled adventure start with a water taxi transfer from Belize City to San Pedro Town on the isle of Ambergris Caye. Settle in for three uninterrupted days exploring by foot, catamaran, and a glass-bottom boat; another water taxi brings you to the adjacent island of Caye Caulker. Known for its laid-back spirit and incredible diving and snorkeling opportunities, you'll have no problem filling the following three days with adventure and relaxation. Swim among exotic fish in the Caye Caulker Marine Reserve, explore the island in a golf cart, and spend a full day at the famous Blue Hole.

Begin the second half of your trip with a transfer to Guatemala City. Enjoy an evening at your leisure roaming the Plaza de la Constitución. Then it's back on the road to Panajachel, your home for two nights and the perfect base to visit the iconic market in Chichicastenango and kayak Lake Atitlán. After a three-hour transfer, you'll find yourself in Antigua, where you'll spend your last four days soaking up the scenery of Guatemala's western highlands. Cycle to the mountain town of San Antonio Aguas Calientes, climb up Pacaya volcano and roam its cobbled streets until it's time to catch your flight home. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Luxury Guatemala Helicopter & Cultural Tour

With six helicopter rides and a private campsite on the slopes of Acatenango volcano, this luxury Guatemala tour is equal parts luxury and excitement. Avoiding lengthy drives, you'll have plenty of time to settle into scenic villages and roam ancient Maya ruins. Plus, with a sunrise hike, an innertube ride down the Río Cahabón, and a guided tour in Tikal National Park, you'll discover the hidden delights of Guatemala that await off the beaten path.

Begin your luxury trip with three days in Antigua, the former capital of Guatemala, and the perfect place to soak up the country's culture. With a local guide leading the way, you'll visit the Paseo de Los Museos, attend a cooking class, and trek up Pacaya volcano for spectacular views of Agua, Fuego, and Acatenango. Next, get well off the beaten path with a 4WD tour and hike to your private campsite on Acatenango volcano; then, wake up early the following morning for an hour sunrise trek to the summit of Acatenango. Once back in Antigua, you'll have the evening and the next day to do as you please.

Next, see the dramatic volcanoes from above on a scenic helicopter tour and enjoy an evening sampling wine at Tabacos y Vinos until another helicopter ride brings you to Semuc Champey. Your inner child will love riding down the Río Cahabón on an innertube, then dive back into luxury on a helicopter transfer to El Mirador and Flores. With two days in Flores, you'll have time to wander the nearby Maya sites in Tikal National Park and Uaxactún before continuing to Lake Atitlán for a day of hiking. One last helicopter ride brings you to Guatemala City, where you'll catch your departing flight. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Best of Guatemala: Volcanoes, Maya Ruins, Hot Springs & Waterfalls

Discover the striking beauty and warm culture of Guatemala on this well-rounded itinerary, perfect for those who want to tick off the country's highlights in an active way. Using Antigua as your base for half the trip, you can unpack and explore southern Guatemala's valleys, volcanoes, and orchards. Then, spend the second half in the north and central regions of the country, swimming under waterfalls and boating to remote villages.

Your Guatemala adventure begins with a transfer from Guatemala City to the colonial city of Antigua, where you can unpack your bags and settle in for four days of exploration. Spend your first afternoon dusting off any jet lag with a roam around Parque Central, then pack in a history-themed walking tour, cooking class, and trip to Earth Lodge just outside El Hato over the following two days. You'll also have time to embark on a guided mountain bike and coffee farm tour before transferring west to Lake Atitlán to unwind under stunning mountain views and visit the markets in ​​colorful Chichicastenango.

On Day 8 of your trip, you'll catch a flight from Guatemala City to Flores and continue to Tikal National Park. Take a day to visit the famous sites in the former Maya kingdom, then get ready for a packed four days exploring east-central Guatemala. While using Oasis Chiyú ecolodge as your base, swim in the layered waterfalls in Las Concas, and transfer to Río Dulce to soak in the hot springs in Cascadas Finca el Paraíso. With just a few days left, explore rainforest scenery on a boat tour of the ​​Río Dulce and spend an evening in Livingston before catching your flight home from Guatemala City. Learn more

More Great 13-Day Guatemala Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Guatemala? Check out these other 13-day Guatemala itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.