8 Days in Guatemala - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Guatemala Nature & Cities

This nature and urban itinerary highlights Guatemala's countryside and cities, including Antigua, Lake Atitlán, and Guatemala City. It's perfect for travelers wanting to see a variety of landscapes with a nice mix of nature activities like hiking, kayaking, visiting viewpoints, cultural city tours, and art experiences. 

On Day 1, visit giraffes, monkeys, lions, and elephants at La Aurora Zoo in Guatemala City before walking the historic cobblestone streets in Antigua. On Day 2, climb Volcán Pacaya for panoramic views of tropical forests and dried lava fields. You'll see the countryside on Day 3, touring Almolonga Valley and Ciudad Vieja, colonial ruins, and historic churches in local villages. The following day brings adventures around Lake Atitlán, a body of water located in a massive volcanic crater. Discover a women's weaving co-op and shrine dedicated to an infamous Maya saint.  

On Day 5, you'll paddle around Lake Atitlán in a kayak. Next, follow a hiking trail between Tzununá and San Marcos La Laguna villages with views of the San Pedro, Tolimán, and Atitlán volcanoes. Learn about the history and culture of Guatemala City on Day 6, passing landmarks such as Centro Histórico, Plaza de la Constitución, the National Palace of Culture, and an 18th-century church. The next day, admire folk art in San Juan Comalapa, converse with local artists in their homes, and top off your day with a dip in the volcanic hot springs of Santa Teresita. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Active Guatemala: Flores, Antigua, Lake Atitlán & El Paredon

Those who like to stay busy and travel at a fast pace will enjoy this active itinerary featuring outdoor adventures such as hiking around the ancient ruins at Tikal and ascending the volcanic slopes of Pacaya. Visit the countryside and beaches to kayak on Lake Atitlán, surf at El Paredon, and embark on coffee tours in the highlands. 

On Day 1, tour Guatemala City's iconic sites and buildings, such as Centro Histórico, Plaza de la Constitución, and famous religious landmarks like Iglesia San Francisco, St. Augustine Rectory, and the Iglesia del Cerrito del Carmen. Explore the Maya ruins at Tikal National Park, where there are major points of interest, including temples, the Lost World, Complex Q, the Great Plaza, and the Window Palace on Day 2. Hike the lava fields of Volcán Pacaya on Day 3 before visiting the Spanish-colonial city of Antigua.

Day 4 is for discovering the Iximché archaeological site and Lake Atitlán, the enormous crater lake surrounded by three towering volcanoes. Spend the following day kayaking, swimming, or cliff jumping at Lake Atitlán before hiking along the shoreline to the town of Jaibalito. Day 6 is your opportunity to surf (or take a surfing lesson) at El Paredon's volcanic black-sand beaches. Tour highland coffee fields near Volcán de Agua the next day, where you'll meet with farmers, learn about life on a working coffee farm, and take a zipline ride over forests and waterfalls. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Guatemala Culture, Nature & Coast

Culture and Nature lovers will appreciate touring the historic streets of Antigua, taking a cooking class, hiking the lava fields of volcanic Pacaya, paddling along the glassy waters of Lake Atitlán, surfing at El Paredon, and learning about a sea turtle project on this itinerary that explores the culture, nature, and coasts of Guatemala. 

On Day 1, acquaint yourself with Antigua, known for the Spanish colonial Old Town, Parque Central, and stop by historic landmarks like the Santa Catalina Arch, the ruins of Antigua Guatemala Cathedral, and the 18th-century Convento Santa Clara. Visit the Maya town of Chichicastenango and its public market on Day 2 before preparing a regional meal during a traditional cooking class hosted by local chefs. The following day, hit the trail ascending the slopes to Volcán Pacaya and be rewarded with stunning vistas of the Agua, Fuego, and Acatenango volcanoes. 

Participate in a customary Maya fire ceremony on Day 4 at Lake Atitlán, then, the next day, embark on a kayaking and hiking adventure, taking in views of the San Pedro, Tolimán, and Atitlán volcanoes. Day 6 is for surfing, enjoying beach time at El Paredon, and visiting Monterrico's conservation center dedicated to protecting Pacific coast sea turtles. On Day 7, venture down the Río Coyolate on a whitewater rafting trip and brave Class II and III+ rapids. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Central & Northeast Guatemala

This tour of central and northeast Guatemala takes adventurous travelers deep into the jungle to see the temples and pyramids of Tikal, the caverns at B'omb'il Pek, and the stunning waterfalls in Semuc Champey. Plus, visit Indigenous farms and markets, like the colorful Chichicastenango market, Central America's largest. 

On Day 1, embark on a guided tour of Guatemala City's famous religious landmarks, Centro Histórico, Plaza de la Constitución, and the iconic National Palace museum. Touch down on the town of Flores on Day 2 and explore ancient Maya ruins at Tikal National Park, part of the larger Maya Biosphere Reserve. You'll visit the major structures, including Temples I, II, III, and IV, the Lost World complex, the Great Plaza, Complex Q, and the Window Palace. Discover the B'omb'il Pek Caves in Alta Verapaz, where you can try abseiling (rappelling) on Day 3.

The following day is full of adventures, including admiring rock formations at the Kam'ba Caves, tubing down the Río Cahabón, and trekking to the El Mirador viewpoint on your way to the terraced falls at Semuc Champey. Browse the market at Chichicastenango before heading to Huehuetenango in the rugged Cuchumatanes mountain range on Day 5. The next day is for swimming in the Cenotes de Candelaría and dining near Parque Centro América in Quetzaltenango, while Day 7 is for cycling around Antigua and touring farms and markets in the mountain town of San Antonio Aguas Calientes. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Guatemala Culture & Adventure Tour

This culture and adventure itinerary offers travelers a deep dive into the local culture through exciting excursions of sites around Antigua, Lake Atitlán, and Guatemala City. You'll cycle around the countryside, hike up the volcanic slopes of Pacaya, take a boat tour of Lago Atitlán, learn the inner workings of a coffee plantation, explore Maya ruins, and take a cooking class.

On your first day you'll transfer from Guatemala City to Antigua. Familiarize yourself with the colonial city and UNESCO World Heritage Site by stopping at historic landmarks like the Santa Catalina Arch, the 16th-century Antigua Guatemala Cathedral ruins, and 18th-century Convento Santa Clara. On Day 2, you'll cycle around Antigua and visit a macadamia nut farm, coffee plantations, and a handicrafts market in the mountain town of San Antonio Aguas Calientes.

Hike to the caldera of Volcán Pacaya on Day 3. The following day, take a scenic drive on the Pan-American Highway to Lake Atitlán, stopping in villages like Santiago Atitlán and San Juan Laguna for off-the-beaten-path cultural experiences. Explore the ruins of ancient temples, pyramids, and palaces at Iximché on Day 5. While the next day, you'll discover the inner workings of a coffee plantation and participate in a local cooking class and learn to prepare traditional Guatemalan cuisine. Finish your adventures with a tour of iconic buildings and religious landmarks in Guatemala City on Day 7. Learn more

More Great 8-Day Guatemala Itineraries

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