2 Weeks In Guatemala Itinerary

Guatemala is the perfect Latin American country to tackle if you’re looking for somewhere adventurous yet easy to travel, thanks to having a compact travel circuit that can fit well within 2 weeks.

I’ve spent just over 5 weeks in Guatemala across two visits, but what I’ll describe here is a route that includes the absolute essentials.

With 2 weeks you’ll definitely be able to cover the must-dos, like visiting Lake Atitlan and hiking up the challenging Acatenango Volcano, but there are also some lesser-known spots you can check out along the way.

Located between Mexico, Belize, El Salvador, and Honduras, Guatemala is full of rich culture, colorful markets, out-of-this-world landscapes (including exploding volcanoes!), and some of Central America’s most impressive ancient Mayan ruins.

Luckily, the country is relatively small, meaning you can cover some major ground in just two weeks. Here’s exactly how.

Getting Around

The easiest way to get around Guatemala is by taking so-called “chicken busses” or shuttles.

Chicken buses are old American school buses that have been repurposed into public transportation in Guatemala. They’re cheap, colorful, and definitely an experience! However, some of the distances are quite long and the roads can be rough, so be prepared for a bumpy ride.

Shared shuttles are my preferred travel method in Guatemala. It’s actually one of the easiest countries to navigate as there’s a network of shuttles for tourists at a cheap price running all over the country. All you typically have to do is WhatsApp the company or book online where you’re staying, and a minibus will pick you up from your hotel and take you directly to your next destination.

You’ll be greeted by spacious, air-conditioned vans with plenty of room for your luggage. This is a great way to save time and energy, especially if you have only two weeks in Guatemala. However, it’s still fun to go on a chicken bus or two for the local experience, especially for shorter trips.

Big international bus booking sites usually only list major coach buses from Guatemala City to other neighboring countries. To book the shuttles and other local transportation options online, just check the local platform Guatego.

2-Week Itinerary

Alright, let’s jump into this Guatemala itinerary!

Where to start? Well, frankly, I don’t recommend staying for very long in Guatemala City just due to the high crime rate there. While normally the capital is where you want to begin exploring a country, in Guatemala the best sights are really outside the main city. It’s best to use the capital as a transit point only.

I suggest starting in Flores to see Guatemala’s most epic sight, the Mayan ruins of Tikal. But how you enter the country will depend on how you start your trip.

If you arrive in Guatemala City, you can quickly jump on a short domestic flight to Flores and then onto Tikal National Park.

If you’re entering the country from Mexico or Belize, then the most common route is to arrive in Flores by overnight bus.

If you choose to take the bus from Guatemala City, it’ll be about a nine-to-ten-hour ride. You can take it overnight if you don’t want to lose a day. If you’re short on time, I think it’s highly worth it to fly.

I suggest putting Flores first in your itinerary so that you tackle the two longest overland journeys during your first 4 days. After that, it’s much smoother sailing, with much shorter distances between each stop. While Flores and Lanquin are a bit out of the way, they’re both worth the detour.

Flores/Tikal (2 Days)

The main reason to visit Flores is to explore Tikal National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage site was once a thriving ancient Mayan city and is filled with impressive ruins, temples, and pyramids. I recommend spending one day in Flores and one day exploring the park.

Flores is a small island located on Lake Petén Itzá. The town is full of colorful buildings and chilled-out vibes. Make sure to go for a boat ride on the lake and watch the sunset over the water.

Since the old part of town is self-contained on an island, it’s a highly walkable and very safe area, so you can feel comfortable starting your trip here. (Do take a bit more care if exploring deeper into the town beyond the lakeside streets — I heard of some pickpocketing incidents here.)

Next, make sure to get an early start for your day trip to the Mayan Ruins of Tikal. It’s one of the most epic ruin sites in the world, and it’s huge. With pyramids and temples spread out in the jungle, you’ll need a full day to explore. I recommend booking a tour so you can learn about the history and significance of each structure.

For your second night, head back to Flores and enjoy some delicious local food. If you have time, visit the nearby Yaxhá ruins for a less crowded and more intimate Mayan ruin experience.

End your stay in Flores by relaxing in one of the many lakeside hammocks or enjoying a refreshing swim in Lake Petén Itzá before continuing your journey through Guatemala.

Where to Stay

• Hotel Villa del Lago
• Hostel Macarena

Transportation

• Check buses and shuttles to Flores

Lanquin / Champey (2 Days)

Early in the morning, you’ll catch a shuttle to the small town of Lanquin. This is where it gets uncomfortable. Up until recently, a lot of tourists skipped Semuc Champey because of its not so easy to reach location. However, the area has gained popularity in recent years with shuttles and the sheer willpower of backpackers. It’s about an eight-hour drive, but trust me, it’s worth it.

Once you arrive, you can relax in one of the epic eco-lodges or hostels. Most places offer guided tours to Semuc Champey (which you can simply book the night before), but you can also opt to explore on your own. Either way, you’ll see why this place is a must-visit in Guatemala.

Semuc Champey is a natural pool formed by a series of 18 limestone bridges on top of a river. It’s absolutely magical. The turquoise water against the lush green jungle makes for an incredible sight. You can spend hours swimming, jumping off rope swings, and exploring the caves nearby.

For the most epic view of the day, hike the 45 minutes up to the mirador (viewpoint) for a bird’s eye view of Semuc Champey.

After your day at Semuc Champey, you’ll head back to your accommodation, where you can hang out, enjoy some traditional Guatemalan food, and maybe even join a bonfire or two. If you still have some energy, make sure to take a guided night tour to see some of the nocturnal animals that come out in the forest.

Where to Stay

• Zephyr Lodge
• Utopia Eco Hotel

Transportation

• Check shuttles to Lanquin

Antigua (3 Days)

In the morning, you’ll take a shuttle from Semuc Champey to Antigua. It’s a gruelling eight-to-ten-hour journey, but it’s your last long journey in Guatemala!

Antigua is one of my favorite places in Central America. It’s one of the most charming cities in the world, with its cobblestones and colonial architecture with several volcanoes looming in the distance.

The streets are lined with colorful buildings, local markets, and plenty of cafes to grab a cup of Guatemalan coffee. I’ve ended up in Antigua thrice now, once to take Spanish lessons, but luckily you don’t need that much time to see the best of Antigua.

If it were me, I would split up my time in Antigua before and after the exhausting Acatenago hike:

2 days in Antigua ~ 2 days hiking the Volcano ~ 1 day in Antigua

This is because the hike is so draining — you’ll most likely get little sleep on the shaky summit – so you’ll probably want a day or two in between to recover before continuing your travels.

Here are some of the best things to do in Antigua:

• Take a free walking tour to explore Antigua and learn about its history.
• Climb Cerro de la Cruz (Hill of the Cross) for an incredible view of Antigua and surrounding volcanoes.
• Enjoy a variety of local and international cuisines.
• Visit historical sites like La Merced Church and Santa Catalina Arch.
• Spend a relaxing afternoon at one of the many rooftop bars.
• Visit a coffee plantation to learn about growing and harvesting coffee beans and enjoy a tasting session.

One of the most popular day trips from Antigua is a trip to hobbit-esque Hobbitenango, a small eco-village located in the mountains. You can take a shuttle or an Uber to the village, where you can spend the day exploring and enjoying panoramic views of Antigua. It will feel like you’ve just stepped straight into the shire!

You can read more suggestions in our guide to unique things to do in Antigua.

Where to Stay

• Ojala
• Casi Casa

Transportation

• Check shuttles to Antigua at Guatego

Acatenango Volcano Hike (2 Days)

I know you’ve surely seen the otherworldly videos of this hike up the active Volcano Acatenango, but nothing will quite prepare you for the actual experience.

The two-day, one-night hike is challenging, with steep climbs and altitude changes, but it’s one of the most memorable experiences in Guatemala (maybe your life).

Mind you, this is not an easy hike. The path up the volcano is steep, with very few switchbacks, and you’ll need to really power through. But the groups go slow, and there are plenty of guides to help.

You’ll meet in Antigua around 9 am before being driven to the base of Acatenango to start your hike. The first day is a five-to-six-hour trek through beautiful farmlands, coffee plantations, and forest trails until reaching base camp for the night. Here, you’ll enjoy stunning sunset views of Fuego Volcano erupting and possibly some stargazing if the sky is clear.

The next morning, you’ll wake up at 4 am to start your ascent to the summit for sunrise. It’s a tough climb with loose gravel and steep incline, but reaching the top will be worth it. At over 13,000 ft above sea level, you’ll have an incredible view of Fuego as the sun comes up.

After enjoying the stunning views and some breakfast at base camp, the descent begins. This part can be more difficult as it’s slippery and hard on the knees. But you’ll be down in a few hours.

You’ll return to Antigua in the afternoon, exhausted but filled with the biggest sense of accomplishment and memories that will surely last a lifetime.

Don’t worry about packing everything for the hike. As long as you have some good hiking boots, the tour will allow you to rent all the warm gear you’ll need for the chilly summit. You can leave your other belongings stored at your accommodation in Antigua.

Who to Hike Volcan Acatanengo With…

• Wicho and Charlies
• Tropicana Hostel
• Viator
• GetYourGuide

Atitlan (3 Days)

Schedule a shuttle in the morning to Panajachel from Antigua. The drive takes around three hours and brings you to the stunning Lake Atitlan, surrounded by volcanoes and indigenous villages.

I recommend heading straight to the docks to catch one of the boats that will take you to your accommodation. The lake is dotted with small villages around its shores, so you can pick a village to stay in based on your interests.

For adventure seekers, San Pedro is known for its nightlife and easy access to hiking. For a more tranquil experience, Santa Cruz or San Marcos may be the perfect fit. Don’t miss your town-hopping guide to Lake Atitlan to find the best place to stay for your travel style.

Some of the best things to do on Lake Atitlan:

• Kayaking around the lake
• Sunrise Paddleboarding session (Usually, your hotel can set this up)
• Enjoy a morning yoga session at Eagles Retreat. The views are epic.
• Go for a sunrise hike on Indian Nose Mountain in San Pedro
• Take a boat tour around the lake

And don’t worry too much about where you decide to stay. You can easily catch a boat to explore other villages throughout your time on the lake.

Where to Stay

• Hotel La Casa del Mundo
• Free Cerveza
• Eagle’s Retreats

Transportation

• Check shuttles from Antigua to Atitlan

Xela (2 Days)

After a few days on the lake, you’ll need to catch a bus to Xela (Quetzaltenango), the second-largest city in Guatemala. There are usually only two or three shuttles going a day, so make sure to plan ahead of time. One usually leaves from Panajachel around 8 a.m., and the other leaves at 1 p.m. It takes about two hours and is surrounded by stunning mountain ranges.

If you are looking to learn more about the Mayan civilization and the indigenous cultures of Guatemala, Xela is the perfect place to do so. You can take a tour of nearby indigenous villages and visit ancient ruins and markets.

While Antigua is also full of history and culture, it’s also full to the brim with tourists, while Xela is much more off the beaten path and will give you a more authentic experience.

Spend your last days in Guatemala exploring the markets and trying traditional foods, such as chuchitos (similar to tamales), rellenitos (mashed plantains filled with beans and chocolate), and atol de elote (a sweet corn-based drink).

You’ll need to schedule a shuttle back to Guatemala City to catch your flight. It’s about a four-hour drive and shuttles leave throughout the day. Make sure to give yourself plenty of time to make your flight.

Where to Stay

• Casa Seibel
• Casa Elizabeth

Some Other Itinerary Ideas

I’m a firm believer that itineraries shouldn’t be followed to the letter. You should always customize them based on your exact interest and time available! So, consider the above just a rough template.

I put Xela at the end because I really liked staying in this more typical city. Whereas Antigua is completely renovated and made beautiful for tourists, Xela shows you a bit more of the ‘real’ Guatemala, so it can be very interesting to put a stop there.

My main reason for going though was another sunrise volcano hike up Tajamulco, the highest point in Central America. If by this point of your two-week trip you find yourself exhausted, I can also recommend just adding two more days to your stay at Lake Atitlan, since it’s such a relaxing place with so much to do.

Here are a few more ideas if you have a bit of extra time:

• Go to Xela and hike up Tajamulco, the highest point in Central America
• Trek from Xela back to Atitlan, a 3-day experience that takes you past Mayan villages, through cloud forests, and via coffee country. I recommend doing this with Quetzal Trekkers, a social enterprise that benefits the local communities.
• Go on a jungle trek in the cloud forest of Coban or Biotopo del Quetzal. I sadly missed out on this, but a friend did it and loved the experience. The rainforest trek will give you a very different environment from the highlands in the south.
• Stop by Livingston in the north, which is a bit of a ramshackle Caribbean town that feels a lot more like Belize than southern Guatemala, again adding a bit more variety to your itinerary. I should mention though that Livingston is known to be a bit more rough around the edges and reviews tend to be mixed. You may find it either an interesting adventure or a fruitless diversion depending on the experience you’re seeking.