Guatemala

Sample 2 Week Guatemala Itinerary

Week 1: Highlands, Lakes & Volcanic Adventures

Day 1-2: Guatemala City → Antigua

Shuttle from Guatemala City to Antigua ($10-15, 1 hr).

Explore Antigua’s colonial streets, markets, and hike Pacaya Volcano ($15-20) or Volcan Acatenango ($20-40) and see actual lava explosions firsthand.

Budget stay: OX Expeditions Hostel (~$10-15).

Where we stayed: Hostal Guatefriends in Guatemala City (~$30/night for private queen bed room with shared bathroom) & Tzunun Hostel in Antigua (~$30/night for private 3 person bed room with private bathroom)

Activities:

2 day, 1 night hike Acatenango volcano and see volcanic explosions

Picaya volcano and eat the famed Picaya Pizza thats been cooked on hot volcanic rocks

Day 3-4: El Paredón (Surf & Beach Relaxation)

Shuttle from Antigua to El Paredón ($15, 2.5 hrs).

Budget stay: Mellow Hostel (~$12/night/person in shared dorm) or The Driftwood Surfer (~$15/night/person in shared dorm).

Where we stayed: Cocori Lodge (slightly pricier than the others, but we felt the nicer amenities like better AC/pool/bar/food were worth it).

Activities:

Take a surf lesson ($10-15 board rental, $20+ lesson).

Relax on black sand beaches and enjoy cheap street food (~$3-5).

Sunset boat or paddleboarding tour through the mangroves ($10-15).

Enjoy a beach bonfire at the hostel and meet other travelers.

Day 5-7: Lake Atitlán (Panajachel & San Pedro)

Shuttle from El Paredón to Panajachel (~$20, 5 hrs).

Boat ride to San Pedro La Laguna ($2-3).

Budget stay: Mikaso Hotel in San Pedro (~$12/night/person in shared dorm) or Mr. Mullet’s in San Pedro (~$10/night/person in shared dorm) or Free Cerveza in Santa Cruz (party hostel) or Iguana Perdida Hostel in Santa Cruz (well-known for its nightly Family Dinners).

Where we stayed: Iguana Perdida Hostel in the town of Santa Cruz

Activities:

Hike Indian Nose at sunrise (~$15-20 guided).

Kayak or paddleboard ($5-10).

Explore other villages like San Marcos (yoga, hippie vibe) and San Juan (artsy, party vibe).

Go cliff jumping at “Reserva Natural Cerro Tzankujil” in town of San Marcos for cliff jumping into Lake Atitlan. Many spots to jump from with varying heights, the lowest being very close to the water and the highest platform being approximately 15-20 meters.

Day 8: Chichicastenango Market (Day Trip) → Xela

Visit the famous Chichi Market (Thurs/Sun only, $5 shuttle from Pana).

Continue by shuttle to Xela (~$10, 2.5 hrs).

Budget stay: Casa Seibel (~$10).

Activities:

Soak in Fuentes Georginas hot springs ($7-10 entry).

Week 2: Jungle, Ruins & Coastal Adventures

Day 9-10: Semuc Champey (Lanquin)

Shuttle from Xela to Lanquin (~$30, 9-10 hrs).

Budget stay: Zephyr Lodge (~$10-15)

Where we stayed: Greengo’s Hostel (about same price as Zephyr, but located MUCH closer to the Semuc Champey entrance

Activities:

Swim in turquoise pools of Semuc Champey ($7 entry, tours $25).

Candlelit cave tour at K’anba Caves ($10-15).

Rope swings, cliff jumps, and tipsy tubing down Semuc Champey river (activities included with cave tour)

PRO TIP: Don’t stress. These tours/experiences can ALL be booked directly at your hostel.

Day 11-12: Flores & Tikal

Shuttle from Lanquin to Flores (~$35, 8 hrs).

Budget stay: Los Amigos Hostel (~$12).

Activities:

Tikal Ruins tour ($20-25, plus $22 entry).

Sunset at Jorge’s Rope Swing ($3 entrance, boat ride $2).

Day 13-14: Rio Dulce & Livingston

Bus from Flores to Rio Dulce (~$15, 5 hrs).

Budget stay: Casa Perico (~$10).

Activities:

Finca Paraiso hot waterfalls ($3 entry).

Boat trip to Livingston ($15-20).

Day 15: Return to Guatemala City & Fly Out

Bus from Rio Dulce to Guatemala City (~$20, 6-7 hrs).