Unforgettable One Week in Guatemala Itinerary

If you’re looking for a destination that has everything from stunning natural beauty to adventure and rich cultural experiences, then Guatemala is the perfect place for you. 

One week in Guatemala is enough time to explore some of its most beautiful places. But really only scratches the surface of the country. In this itinerary, we will focus on exploring Guatemala’s most stunning natural and cultural attractions. 

Here is a suggested 1 week Guatemala itinerary that covers some of the best places in the country:

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Day 1: Land in Guatemala City and head straight to Lake Atitlan

Upon arrival in Guatemala City, take a private transfer or a shared shuttle to Lake Atitlan. You can take whatever transfer you choose to Panajachel which is located on Lake Atitlan.

TIP: Get cash from the ATM at the airport! Many places take cash only or charge a fee for cards around Guatemala.

Panajachel has water taxis (lancha colectivas) to every village on the lake, so it’s a perfect spot to take a taxi to begin your journey around the lake. 

—Expect to pay around Q20-25 in cash for each time you take a boat taxi, so bring your cash!—

The trip from the airport to Lake Atitlan will take around 3 hours, but you’ll be treated to some spectacular views of the Guatemalan highlands along the way. Pack a snack and enjoy the ride. 

I recommend heading straight to San Marcos, as this was a great place to use as a hub on Lake Atitlan. San Marcos is a quiet, picturesque village on the lake’s shore, surrounded by green hills and towering volcanoes. It has a calming energy and is full of yogis and delicious vegan food. 

However, here’s a little info on some of the different villages we visited along Lake Atitlan to help you choose what’s best for your travel style. (There are more than what is listed below but these are some popular spots and the ones that I have experienced): 

• San Marcos: A quiet, hippy, yoga hub along the lake. Full of beautiful nature, delicious vegan restaurants, yoga platforms, and cute coffee shops. A great spot for travelers who want to be out in nature and relax, as well as those eager to partake in adventurous activities. This would also be a great spot for digital nomads!
• Panajachel: This is the *big* city of Lake Atitlan. It definitely gives off metropolis vibes and is very busy. However, it’s full of markets, shops, and restaurants and provides easy access to traveling around the lake. 
• San Juan: A beautiful, colorful, and culture-rich village. You will see stunning murals, colorful markets, stunning art, and textiles throughout. This offers the best Mayan cultural experience around the lake. 
• San Pedro: This is a backpackers hub. Full of hostels, little bars, good eats, and lots of backpackers. This could be a great place for a solo traveler who is looking to meet new people. More of a party destination in comparison to the rest of the lake, however, that is not what defines it. 

Day 2: Explore San Marcos La Laguna or another village on the lake

Wake up and enjoy a quiet morning on the lake. Maybe pop in for a swim — the water in the San Marcos area is clean and perfect for swimming. Then you can head to one of the MANY yoga classes offered all over the village. 

After, grab a delicious vegan lunch at one of the delicious cafes all over the village. Meditate by the lake with views of the volcanoes that surround Lake Atitlan. Rock climb. Hike. Go cliff-jumping into the lake. Take a SUP to explore the lake from the water. Basically, the options are endless in San Marcos.

I highly recommend checking out Venga Atitlan which includes tons of activities you can book to explore around the lake. They also offer accommodations. I stayed here and the owners are spectacular people.

I can’t say enough good things about the people, the accommodation, and the activities offered at Venga Atitlan.

Day 3: Visit San Juan and head to Jaibalito (Casa del Mundo)

After breakfast, take a boat ride to San Juan La Laguna, known for its traditional Mayan textiles and vibrant murals. Visit the local weaving cooperatives to see how textiles are made. You can also take a coffee tour.

Make sure you leave time to hike the Mirador Kiaq’Aiswaan Viewpoint on San Juan La Laguna. It provides an amazing viewpoint of Lake Atitlan and San Juan, as well as, stunning murals painted all over the floor of the viewpoint location. 

This village is just absolutely beautiful. It was certainly our favorite of the trip. So full of color and culture. This is a must-visit when on Lake Atitlan. 

In the afternoon, travel to Casa del Mundo, an eco-lodge located on a cliff overlooking the lake. Spend the rest of the day relaxing and taking in the stunning views. You’ll want to stay here the rest of the day to soak in this AMAZING hotel.

• Casa Del Mundo is only accessible by boat, so you will need to take a water taxi. You can tell them Casa Del Mundo and they will know where to take you. 

Check out my review on Casa Del Mundo here!

Day 4: Casa del Mundo in the morning then travel to Antigua

Casa Del Mundo is truly a spectacular place. You will want to just soak in the beauty of the hotel, enjoy a swim in Lake Atitlan, lay in a hammock and listen to the waves, and eat the delicious food made by their amazing chef. 

I also cannot say enough about the staff at Casa Del Mundo, they all added to the experience at this beautiful hotel. 

Spend the morning at Casa del Mundo, enjoying the stunning views and taking advantage of the lodge’s amenities. In the afternoon, take a private transfer or shared shuttle to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Antigua, the former capital of Guatemala.

Day 5: Antigua

Today, explore the historic center of Antigua, including its famous colonial architecture and the many beautiful churches that can be found throughout the city.

Visit the Central Market, where you can find locally made textiles, ceramics, and other handicrafts, as well as fresh produce and food. Take a cooking class, enjoy a traditional Guatemalan meal, or take a coffee tour to learn about the country’s world-famous coffee.

Be sure to check out one of the many ruins throughout the city, as well as the famous Santa Catalina Arch.

Where to stay in Antigua:

• I recommend staying at Maya Papaya. This is a hostel that offers private rooms as well, so it’s a great option for both budget travelers and those looking for a private option. It’s also in a great location!
• Another option is: Casa Casi. This is also a hostel that offers private rooms so it’s a great option for many different types of travelers. We loved our stay here. The free breakfast is amazing, the rooms are gorgeous, it has a pool, and a bonus Mezcal bar inside of a chapel. It’s super cool and very walkable to all the sites in Antigua.

Day 6: Acatenango Hike

Today, embark on an unforgettable hike to the summit of Acatenango, the third-highest volcano in Central America. 

You will hike up about 4.5-5 hours to base camp with a group of strangers that will become great friends. At the base camp, you’ll have an opportunity to witness an active volcano, Volcan Fuego, up close, including eruptions of lava and ash. All this while enjoying roasted marshmallows, hot chocolate, and a great dinner.

You also have the option to hike Fuego to get a closer look at the eruptions, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. 

After camping at base camp, you can choose to wake up in the morning to summit Acatenango for sunrise. After the sunrise summit, you’ll head back to base camp for breakfast before making your way down the volcano.

This hike is no joke. It’s intense. It’s straight uphill. It’s at a high altitude. But I can truly say this is one of my favorite travel experiences of all time. This is an absolute must-do for an adventure traveler out there. 

When booking this experience, I HIGHLY recommend booking through Wicho & Charlie’s. 

Wicho & Charlie’s will provide you with an amazing experience, delicious vegan food, great base camp accommodations, and the kindest guides. Plus, they are dedicated to sustainability!

Check out my blog post all about my experience on the overnight Acatenango hike with Wicho & Charlie’s.

Day 7: Finish hike and celebrate in Antigua

After finishing the Acatenango hike, you’ll head back to Antigua. Spend the rest of the day relaxing and recovering from the hike, exploring Antigua’s many shops, or taking a tour of one of the city’s many museums.

I also recommend getting together with the new friends you made from your hike to celebrate the amazing experience you just had together.

Day 8: Fly Home

Take a shuttle back or a taxi back to the airport in Guatemala City. Ubers are extremely reliable and affordable in Guatemala so that’s a great way to get to the airport from Antigua. 

The airport in Guatemala City also includes a fabulous lounge, if you have Priority Pass you can enjoy a final bit of Guatemala by having a drink with Ron Zacapa Rum before your flight.

One Week in Guatemala

That’s wraps one week in Guatemala. This Guatemala itinerary is full of adventure, relaxation, nature, and culture but is only a small part of this amazing country. I recommend checking out these other parts of the country: Semuc Champey, Tikal, El Paredon, and Flores.

Check here for a packing list for Guatemala to help you get ready for your trip!