Guatemala 8-Day Tours & Itineraries

Explore 10 trips designed by local kimkim specialists to get ideas for your trip to Guatemala.

Explore Guatemala's rich history, cultures, and landscapes with our 8-day itineraries. For those looking forward to an adventurous plan, consider a trip like this best-of-Guatemala itinerary that features explorations through the colonial city Antigua, hiking up the live Pacaya volcano, and kayaking around picturesque Lake Atitlán. Enjoy a blend of cuisine, art, and nature with an itinerary similar to this culture, nature, and coast trip, where you'll visit traditional markets, take Guatemalan cooking classes, and visit the surf haven El Paredon. If you'd like to learn about Maya history and enjoy an active adventure, something similar to this active highlights itinerary is an excellent choice, as you'll explore ancient Tikal, go river tubing through the Candelaria Caves, and experience the vitality of Guatemala City. 

See our itineraries below or read our guide to the best 8-day trips in Guatemala.

Plan your trip to Guatemala
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Volcano views from the streets of Antigua
Map of Best of Guatemala: Antigua, Lake Atitlán & Tikal - 8 Days
Best of Guatemala: Antigua, Lake Atitlán & Tikal - 8 Days

This eight-day trip packs in some of Guatemala's greatest hits, from touring Maya ruins to climbing an active volcano. Hike, bike, and kayak around the country as you explore the picturesque colonial city of Antigua, scale the lava fields of Pacaya, experience the magic of Lake Atitlán, and venture deep into the rainforest to discover the ancient pyramids of Tikal.

Sunset over Lake Atitlán, Guatemala
Map of Luxury & Maya Culture in Guatemala -  8 Days
Luxury & Maya Culture in Guatemala - 8 Days

Immerse yourself in ancient Maya culture while traveling in style on this eight-day sojourn to Guatemala. Pamper yourself in luxury hotels and see famous sights from above as you travel by helicopter to some of Guatemala's best attractions. Among other highlights, you'll bask in the serene beauty of Lake Atitlán, discover the charming colonial city of Antigua, and participate in a Maya ceremonial ritual.

Summit one of Guatemala's tallest volcanoes on this eight-day adventure
Map of Multi-Sport Adventure in Guatemala - 8 Days
Multi-Sport Adventure in Guatemala - 8 Days

You're in for a week of adventure on this action-packed trip to one of Central America's lesser-known gems. Discover the rugged natural beauty of Guatemala as you hike, bike, and kayak around its most stunning attractions and charming towns. Camp overnight on a volcano, go mountain biking through colorful Indigenous villages, and paddle along the peaceful waters of Lake Atitlán.

 Semuc Champey in Guatemala
Map of Central & Northeast Guatemala - 8 Days
Central & Northeast Guatemala - 8 Days

Venture deep into the jungles of central and northern Guatemala, where mysterious caves, romantic waterfalls, and ancient ruins await. After a tour of Guatemala City, you'll fly north to Tikal, the ruins of an ancient Maya city and one of the most incredible archeological sites in the world. Finish the trip with visits to remote forests home to terraced waterfalls and caverns, then browse a traditional Indigenous market.

Enjoy sights like Volcán de Fuego outside of Ciudad Vieja, Guatemala City
Map of Guatemala Nature & Cities - 8 Days
Guatemala Nature & Cities - 8 Days

Make time for a quick getaway to Guatemala for adventures in its cities and countryside. Over eight days, you'll visit highlights in the capital plus the UNESCO World Heritage colonial city of Antigua. Round out the trip with volcano hikes, kayaking the famous Lake Atitlán, and visiting local markets and Indigenous villages.

Kayak and hike at Lake Atitlán
Map of Active Guatemala: Flores, Antigua, Lake Atitlán & El Paredon - 8 Days
Active Guatemala: Flores, Antigua, Lake Atitlán & El Paredon - 8 Days

If your idea of the perfect vacation involves more outdoor activities than indoor relaxation, then this eight-day adventure in Guatemala is for you. Get the blood pumping as you hike around the ancient Maya ruins at Tikal, then really push yourself on an ascent up the volcanic slopes of Pacaya. Finish the trip on the countryside and beaches as you kayak on Lake Atitlán, surf at El Paredon, and embark on coffee tours in the highlands.

Browse the colorful market of Santa Maria de Jesus near Antigua
Map of Guatemala Culture & Adventure Tour - 8 Days
Guatemala Culture & Adventure Tour - 8 Days

Ruins, volcanoes, colonial cities—you'll experience all that and more on this eight-day Guatemalan adventure. It's an active itinerary that starts in Antigua, one of the most well-preserved colonial towns in the Americas. Besides taking cooking classes and cycling the countryside, you'll hike the active volcano of Pacaya, take a boat tour of Lake Atitlán, visit the Iximché ruins, and more.

Take out a kayak on Lake Atitlán
Map of Active Highlights of Guatemala: Kayaking, Hiking & Tubing - 8 Days
Active Highlights of Guatemala: Kayaking, Hiking & Tubing - 8 Days

Get ready for eight days of exhilarating excursions through some of Guatemala's most stunning natural landscapes. On this fast-paced adventure, you'll set out from Antigua for hiking and kayaking along the shores of Lake Atitlán. Then it's on to Flores for a sunrise over Maya pyramids, wildlife spotting in Tikal National Park, and a thrilling inner tube ride through the Candelaria Caves. Wind down your trip in Guatemala City, learning about its colonial history and traditional cuisine with a walking tour and cooking class.

El Paredon, Guatemala
Map of Guatemala Culture, Nature & Coast - 8 Days
Guatemala Culture, Nature & Coast - 8 Days

Guatemala is filled with rich culture and unspoiled nature—and eight days is more than enough time to hit the highlights. You'll arrive in the miraculously well-preserved colonial city of Antigua and, from there, do everything from taking cooking classes to hiking up volcanoes. The adventure continues with a kayak ride along Lake Atitlán, surfing on the Pacific coast, whitewater rafting, Maya spiritual ceremonies, and more.

Cruise across Lake Atitlán and visit the Maya villages adorning the shore
Map of Volcanoes, Villages & Vibrant Culture of Guatemala: Lake Atitlán, Antigua & Central Highlands - 8 Days
Volcanoes, Villages & Vibrant Culture of Guatemala: Lake Atitlán, Antigua & Central Highlands - 8 Days

This eight-day Guatemalan itinerary blends cultural experiences, outdoor adventures, and natural beauty. Begin with a visit to Lake Atitlán, where you'll explore Maya villages by boat and kayak and hike along the lake's shores. In Antigua, hike up an active volcano and take a cycling tour of the countryside before journeying to the central highlands to discover the turquoise pools of Semuc Champey and Kam'ba Caves. Finally, explore the natural wonders of Reserva Ram Tzul on your way back to Guatemala City.

Other durations: 5 days · 6 days · 7 days · 8 days · 9 days · 10 days · 11 days · 12 days · 13 days · 14 days · 15 days · 16 days