9 Days in Guatemala - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Discover Guatemala's Culture & Nature

Perfect for nature lovers who enjoy exploring independently, this culture and nature-packed itinerary ticks off Guatemala's historical landmarks and natural wonders. Using Antigua, Lanquín, and a village near Lake Atitlán as your bases, you'll have plenty of time to explore waterfalls, go spelunking, and hike to terraced pools. Plus, cooking and chocolate-making workshops give you a real sense and taste of authentic Guatemalan culture.

Welcome to Guatemala! Your adventure begins with a transfer from Guatemala City to the colonial city of Antigua, where you'll get your first taste of the country's rich culture on a guided culinary walking tour. Next, dust off any lingering jetlag with an exciting day hiking near El Hato and an evening participating in a "bean to bar" chocolate workshop before trading in the city for the central highlands. With two nights in Lanquín, you'll have time to embark on an exciting 4WD tour to Semuc Champey, famous for its terraced pools, and join a morning spelunking expedition through river caves.

After a relaxing evening in Antigua, your next stop brings you to Lake Atitlán—a crater lake surrounded by volcanoes. You'll no doubt feel the region's inviting culture as you hike from the village of Tzununa, above Atitlán, to the village of Santa Cruz La Laguna and attend a traditional Maya fire ceremony. Before leaving town, stop by Chichicastenango to wander its famous market and join a cooking class in a traditional village. Then, make the most of your last full day in Guatemala with a kayak expedition on Lake Atitlán until it's time to transfer to Guatemala City and catch your flight home. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Culture, Nature & Exploration in Guatemala

Pack in a bit of everything on this nine-day highlights tour of Guatemala. Starting and finishing in Guatemala City, you'll get a well-rounded introduction to the country's culture, nature, and cuisine through guided tours, a cooking class, and short hikes. With the perfect mix of seeing and doing, this adventure is ideal for those who want to keep on the move while also taking time to get to know the finer details of cities and villages.

After an hour's transfer from Guatemala City to Antigua, you're adventure begins with a fun afternoon learning how to prepare traditional Guatemalan cuisine in a local cooking class. Wake early the following morning for a memorable climb up the 8,370-foot (2,552 m) Pacaya volcano, complete with a picnic lunch at the summit, before continuing to Lake Atitlán. You'll quickly discover why this stunning lake is sacred to the Maya as you take in its awe-inspiring beauty on a boat tour, join a ziplining adventure across the San Buenaventura Valley, and participate in a colorful alfombras (carpets) workshop.

After a flight to Flores, you'll soon find yourself in Tikal National Park. Deemed as one of the most powerful kingdoms of the ancient Maya, you'll be in awe as you take in Temple IV, Lost World, and Great Plaza on a guided tour. Then, with four days left on your adventure and plenty more to see, you'll embark on an exciting road trip with overnight stops in Lanquín and Cobán. Along the way, visit the turquoise pools of Semuc Champey, explore the waterfall-filled Kam'ba Caves, and go bird-watching in Biotopo del Quetzal before catching your onward flight from Guatemala City. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Guatemala Multi-Sport Adventure

Crafted for those looking to stay active and embark on bucket-list hikes, this multi-sport Guatemala adventure will have you climbing volcanoes, mountain biking through colonial ruins, and kayaking on Lake Atitlán. With a total of six nights in Antigua, you'll spend a limited amount of hours in a vehicle and instead spend quality time exploring the landscapes of the central highlands. Plus, with your final full day at a boutique spa, you'll leave Guatemala feeling rejuvenated and refreshed.

Lace up your walking shoes as your Guatemala trip begins with an urban adventure in Antigua, exploring the Paseo de Los Museos ("Museum Path") and the Palacio del Ayuntamiento. Settled in, you'll wake early the next day for a bike tour through the historic city of Ciudad Vieja and alongside macadamia nut farms before slipping inton your hiking boots for an epic morning climbing Pacaya volcano the following day. Your legs will appreciate a less-active morning as you make the scenic drive to Lake Atitlán, but then it's right back out onto the trail with an exciting mountain bike tour through the highlands.

After a peaceful morning near the lakeside town of Panajachel, your trip continues with a five-hour kayak and hiking excursion along the north shore of Lake Atitlán. Rest up, as the next day brings you on a bucket-list trek on Acatenango volcano, where you'll camp at 12,300 feet (3,750 m) above sea level before waking early to watch the sunrise from Acatenango's peak. Then, with just one full day left until it's time to catch your onward flight, you'll give your body a well-earned break and spend an afternoon at the Hotel Casa Domingo, indulging in a personal spa treatment and relaxing by the pool. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Guatemala Adventure Highlights

Tick off the highlights of Guatemala in unique and exciting ways on this action and adventure-packed nine-day itinerary. Instead of gazing at impressive landscapes, you'll get right among the lush jungles and remote villages and spend a day soaring over coffee plantations on a zipline tour. Then, end your trip with a memorable visit to Tikal National Park, roaming ruins dating back to the Classic Maya period (250-900 CE).

Begin your nine-day trip with a transfer from Guatemala City to Antigua, where you'll get acquainted with the city's rich history by roaming the cobbled roads and sampling local street food at your leisure. Then, early the next morning, your first big adventure takes you on a six-hour (there-and-back) guided group hike through volcanic landscapes to the summit of Pacaya volcano. Take to the sky the following day for an adrenaline-pumping zipline tour before another epic day trip brings you to Panajachel on Lake Atitlán, where you'll water taxi, kayak, and hike under lakeside cliffs and towering volcanoes.

As the second half of your trip begins, you'll don your hiking gear and embark on an incredible overnight trek on Acatenango volcano. With an expert guide by your side, you'll climb through the high-alpine cloud forest, spend the night at a campsite looking over the Antigua Valley, then rise early for a sunrise climb to the summit. After a short flight and transfer to Tikal National Park, more adventures await. Explore the ruins of an abandoned Maya city and go in search of monkeys and toucans in the Maya Biosphere Reserve before flying back to Guatemala City, where your onward flight departs from. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Guatemala & Northern Belize Adventure

Cross off the cultural highlights and bucket-list hikes of Guatemala, then soak up the sun in Belize's Caye Caulker, on this multi-country itinerary perfect for visitors looking for an action-packed trip. With five nights in Guatemala and three nights in Belize, you'll get a scenic sampling of the best of both countries while also having time to enjoy delicious street food and strolls through quaint villages.

Upon your arrival in Guatemala City, get your bearings in the country with a self-guided tour of the Centro Histórico ("Historic Center") and a visit to the iconic National Palace. Then, early the following morning, you'll begin your trip to Antigua, stopping by Lake Atitlán on the way for a boat tour of charming lakeside villages. With two nights in this colorful colonial city, split up with a memorable overnight trek to the summit of Acatenango volcano, you'll have plenty of time to visit the Santa Catalina Arch, sample local street food, and wander the ruins of the 16th-century Antigua Guatemala Cathedral.

On Day 5 of your trip, you'll fly north to Flores and then transfer to Tikal National Park. With just one day in this historically significant region, you'll make the most of your time with a guided half-day tour of the Window Palace, the Lost World, and the Great Plaza, followed by a morning visit to Yaxhá National Park—home to Temple 216. Next, cross the border into Belize, where you'll spend your last few days in San Ignacio and Caye Caulker. Tour the Maya ruins of Lamanai, enjoy a scenic cruise down the Río Nuevo, and snorkel the Belize Barrier Reef before transferring to Belize City to catch your flight home. Learn more

More Great 9-Day Guatemala Itineraries

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