10 Days in Guatemala: A Travel Itinerary You’ll Love

Guatemala is a country full of fiery volcanoes, ancient Mayan ruins, shimmering lakes, and colourful colonial towns. It also happens to be my favourite country I’ve ever visited!

I spent five weeks here during my solo trip through Central America and got to see a lot of what this beautiful country has to offer.

There’s honestly so much to love about this place, the people are warm and welcoming, the landscape is a mix of lush rainforest, towering volcanoes, and even sandy beaches, and getting around is surprisingly simple.

While a Guatemala 10 day itinerary won’t cover everything, it’s definitely enough time to visit some of its biggest bucket list destinations like Lake Atitlán, Antigua, and the Mayan ruins of Tikal. And if you’re a first-timer, solo traveller, or someone who loves a bit of adventure, this route is perfect for you.

If I only had 10 days to explore, this is exactly how I’d spend them.

10 Days In Guatemala At A Glance

Here’s a quick day-by-day breakdown of the places I recommend visiting in this guide.

The currency in Guatemala is the Guatemalan Quetzal, often just called Q, but US dollars are also accepted in some places. Just keep in mind that paying in USD can often work out more expensive.

Spanish is the most widely spoken language in Guatemala, but there are also many Mayan languages still spoken throughout the country.

The Best Time To Visit Guatemala

Guatemala has two seasons, the dry season which is between November to April, and the wet season, between May and October.

You can probably guess that I’m about to say the best time to visit is during the dry season, as the weather is way better for getting out and exploring Guatemala’s incredible landscapes.

Although Guatemala isn’t a huge country, the weather can vary quite a bit depending on where you are. Antigua sits at a higher elevation, so while the days are warm, the nights can get pretty chilly. Flores and Tikal, on the other hand, stay hot all year round but obviously, the wet season will bring humidity and plenty of rain with it.

I arrived in Guatemala in late October and stayed through November and I really enjoyed the weather during this time.

How To Get Around Guatemala

Getting around Guatemala is surprisingly easy and there are lots of different modes of transport you can use.

• Shared shuttles: This was my main mode of transport on my solo trip to Guatemala. They’re affordable, easy to arrange, and super convenient for getting between the country’s main destinations. You can book them in advance or through your accommodation, and they’ll pick you up and drop you off right where you need to be
• Private Transfers: These are a great option if you’re travelling with a group, though I haven’t used them myself since I was travelling solo. They’re more expensive than shared shuttles, but if you’re splitting the cost, they can be a comfortable and hassle-free way to get around.
• Uber: So Uber isn’t actually available across the whole country but you can use Uber in Guatemala City and Antigua. You’ll need to have internet access on your phone for this option.
• Tuk-Tuks: Although you definitely wouldn’t use these to travel long distances, they are an easy, cheap and fun way to get around the towns of Lake Atitlán and also Antigua.
• Boat Taxis: These are called lanchas and you’ll be using these a fair bit if you want to explore the many different towns dotted around Lake Atitlán. You can also use them in Flores to explore Lake Petén Itzá.
• Chicken Buses: I wouldn’t really recommend using a local bus for this particular itinerary. They’re definitely the cheapest way to get around, but they can be crowded, a bit chaotic, and take way longer than other transport options. If you’re on a really tight budget and don’t mind the extra hassle, they might be worth considering, but for most travellers, shared shuttles or private transfers are a much easier way to go.
• Flights: I personally didn’t need to use a flight to get around Guatemala as I had plenty of time during my trip to get from A to B. But for the sake of this 10 day trip, I have listed it as an option if you want to save on time.

Is 10 Days Enough To Visit Guatemala?

While 10 days isn’t enough to see everything Guatemala has to offer, it’s plenty of time to see some of the country’s biggest highlights.

Even though Guatemala is relatively small, travel times can be long and some routes take up to 10 – 12 hours. That’s why this itinerary focuses on Antigua, Lake Atitlán, and Flores, three of the top bucket list destinations.

I personally don’t think there is enough time to include places like Semuc Champey or El Paredón, as you’d end up spending more time on the road than actually enjoying the places you visit.

For this trip, you’re better off visiting a few locations to see them properly rather than rushing around.

Guatemala Route Map

Below is a map of the locations you’ll visit during this 10 day Guatemala itinerary.

Guatemala 10 Day Itinerary

This itinerary covers some of Guatemala’s main highlights, Antigua, Lake Atitlán, Flores, and Tikal. While you can reach all of them by shuttle, the trip to Flores by road takes anywhere between 8–12 hours, which is a bit of a trek.

If you’d rather save time, you can fly from Guatemala City to Flores instead. It’s a much quicker option and means more time exploring rather than sitting on a bus.

Day 1 Arrive In Antigua

If you’re flying into Guatemala, you’ll land at La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City. I wouldn’t really recommend spending any time here as there’s not much to see. It’s best to hop straight in a shuttle to Antigua which usually takes between 1 – 2 hours depending on traffic.

Antigua, which was once the capital of Guatemala, is a beautiful colonial town, filled with colourful buildings, cobblestone streets and surrounded by towering volcanoes. I actually kept coming back here during my trip as I loved it so much!

After a long day of travelling, the best thing to do will be to enjoy the rest of your day strolling the streets of Antigua. Points of interest that are easy to visit are the iconic Santa Catalina Arch, the beautiful Iglesia de la Merced Church, and the colonial ruins dotted around the town.

You can enjoy dinner at Samsara which has great vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options while 27 Adentro has a great rooftop.

For drinks, The Alchemist Bar and Ulew Cocktail Bar are popular spots for cocktails and a great way to wrap up the day. Just maybe don’t go too hard tonight as you’ve got a big day ahead tomorrow!

Where To Stay In Antigua

These are some recommendations for your next few nights in Antigua.

Budget: Flore Hostel

A boutique-style hostel in a great location, close to cafes, restaurants, and bars in Antigua. It has a rooftop terrace for relaxing and even includes breakfast in the price.

Mid-Range: Ojala

A beautiful property with a choice of private rooms or dorm rooms in a boho chic style. Breakfast is included and they have two gardens and a terrace area.

Luxury: Posada del Angel

Set in a beautiful colonial house, Posada del Angel offers a range of elegant rooms with plenty of character. It has a swimming pool and a terrace where you get awesome views of Volcan Agua and breakfast is also included here.

Day 2 Acatenango Volcano Hike

The Acatenango Volcano overnight hike was the highlight of my trip to Guatemala and it’s what I think is a once-in-a-lifetime experience! This is done as part of a guided tour which is better to pre-book.

On day 2 of this Guatemala itinerary, you’ll start your hike towards Acatenango’s 3,976m summit, trekking through four different ecosystems along the way. I won’t sugarcoat it, this hike is pretty tough and it can take anywhere from 3 to 6 hours to reach base camp.

But what you see once you arrive makes the hard work and sore legs more than worth it.

Acatenango is the perfect viewing platform to watch its fiery sister, Volcan Fuego, erupting as often as every 15 – 20 minutes. Some of the eruptions will throw lava and rocks up into the air, it’s really cool to watch.

Since this is an overnight hike, you won’t need accommodation for day 2 as you’ll be camping on Acatenango instead. Most hotels and hostels are happy to store your luggage while you’re off on the trek.

This hike is of course optional, so if an overnight trek up Acatenango isn’t your thing, you could swap it for a half-day trip to Pacaya instead. It’s a much shorter and easier hike, but you’ll still get to see an active volcano up close!

Day 3 Acatenango Sunrise & Back To Antigua

If you choose the Acatenango hike over visiting Pacaya, get ready for an early wake-up call! You’ll be hiking to the summit from base camp before dawn to catch an unreal sunrise from the top. I think this is my favourite sunrise I’ve ever seen!

You’ll then have breakfast back at camp before the trek back to your pick-up point. You’ll arrive back in Antigua around 12 – 1 pm.

After your hike, a well deserved shower will feel like absolute heaven! Once you’re feeling a bit more human again, Earth Lodge is such a good spot to spend an afternoon and grab some food.

Head up for a chilled afternoon and a late lunch or dinner. You’ll need to get an Uber or taxi to get there, as their free shuttle only runs at 8am and 12pm, but it’s only about 15 minutes from Antigua.

On a clear evening, you can even see Fuego erupting in the distance (it doesn’t get old, even if you’ve just climbed it!). The whole place has such a relaxed feel, we actually ended up staying the night when we visited.

Day 4 Antigua to Lake Atitlán

On day 4 of your 10 day Guatemala itinerary you’ll do the 3 hour journey from Antigua to the beautiful Lake Atitlán.

Lake Atitlán is a stunning crater lake surrounded by volcanoes and colourful villages, each with its own vibe. It sits in an old volcanic caldera, with deep blue water, epic views, and is home to a rich Mayan culture.

Your shuttle will take you to Panajachel, a town that is the gateway to the rest of the areas around Lake Atitlán. You’ll have a few days here so it will be best to base yourself in one area and then explore the others via lanchas (boat taxis) over the coming days.

The main towns that people choose to stay at are below;

• San Juan is a relaxed little town known for its Mayan culture, colourful murals, and local weaving shops where you can watch traditional techniques in action.
• San Pedro is a backpacker favourite with cheap accommodation, a fun social scene, and great hikes, including the sunrise trek up Indian Nose.
• San Marcos has a chilled, spiritual vibe, packed with yoga spots, meditation retreats, and lakefront cafes.

I stayed in San Pedro during my trip and really liked the area. It’s definitely the busiest of the lake towns, so if you’re after something more laid-back, San Marcos or San Juan would be better.

Where To Stay In Lake Atitlán

San Pedro

Budget/Mid-Range: Amigos

You can book either a dorm or a private room at Amigos, and the views over the lake are amazing. It’s right on the main street, so it’s super close to everything, but just a heads-up, it can get a bit noisy because of this.

Mid-Range: Sababa Resort

With private rooms overlooking the lake and a swimming pool, Sababa Resort is a great spot in the heart of San Pedro. Plus, breakfast is included with your stay, which is always a nice bonus!

San Juan

Budget/Mid-Range: Posada Rabin Ajaw

It’s a clean and comfortable place to stay in the centre of San Juan, with beautiful mountain views to wake up to.

San Marcos

Mid-Range: Fuego Atitlan Eco-Hotel

These eco-friendly yurts have stunning views over Lake Atitlán, and on a clear night, you can even see Fuego erupting in the distance. They’re perched at the top of a hill, so it’s a bit of a climb to get there but how else will you get such epic views?!

Luxury: The Lodge

Just outside of San Marco, in San Pablo is a cosy A-frame with incredible lake views, a private plunge pool, and a sauna!

Day 5 & 6 Explore Lake Atitlán

How you explore Lake Atitlán depends on where you’re staying, but the best way to get around is by lancha (boat taxi). They’re cheap (just a few dollars), but keep an eye on the schedules since they don’t run late at night, and the last boats vary between towns.

San Pedro La Laguna

San Pedro is the party town of Lake Atitlán, which may, or may not, be your thing. But even if nightlife isn’t what you’re looking for, there’s more to San Pedro than just the bars.

You can also pick up the trail for the Indian Nose hike here which is a short but steep 45-minute climb up to a viewpoint with awesome views across the lake. It’s better to come at sunrise and you can even see Fuego from here.

Zoola is a great place to eat in San Pedro and has pretty views across the water.

San Marco La Laguna

San Marco is known as the hippie town of Lake Atitlán, and when I make it back to Guatemala, this is where I’ll be staying. My backpacking party days are long gone!

Here, you can take a yoga class, meditate, or join a cacao ceremony which is an ancient Mayan tradition.

Heading just outside of the town will take you to La Reserva Natural Cerro Tzankujil. This nature reserve has forest trails, viewpoints, and sacred altars, plus it’s a perfect spot for swimming, sunbathing, or cliff jumping into the lake.

San Marco is also a great spot for vegans and vegetarians, with tons of cafés and restaurants serving up plant-based goodness.

San Juan La Laguna

Just a short tuk-tuk ride from San Pedro, San Juan La Laguna feels like a world away from the party town. This authentic town is known for its colourful street art, traditional weaving workshops, and locally made crafts.

You can also reach the Indian Nose hike from here, making it a great base if you’re planning to hike up to catch a sunrise view. Another great viewpoint is Mirador Kaqasiiwaan, which overlooks the lake and surrounding volcanoes.

San Juan is also home to a women-owned healing garden, where they grow medicinal plants and herbs to create powerful healing teas.

Santa Cruz La Laguna 

Santa Cruz La Laguna is a small, quiet town right on the edge of the lake, perfect if you’re looking to get out on the water. It’s a great spot for kayaking or paddleboarding, with epic views of the surrounding volcanoes.

If you’re after something a bit different, you can even go scuba diving in the lake! There’s supposedly an underwater hotel, and you can cook an egg over volcanic hot vents while warming your hands in the hot mud, definitely one of the more unique things to do at Lake Atitlán!

Day 7 Lake Atitlán to Flores

After a few amazing days exploring the towns around Lake Atitlán, it’s time to move on to your next stop – Flores.

You can take a shuttle to Flores from Panajachel but be prepared for a long 8–12 hour journey. Since this itinerary only gives you 10 days in Guatemala, I’d recommend saving time (and hassle) by taking a transfer to Guatemala City and flying to Flores instead. The flight only takes about an hour.

Located in northern Guatemala, Flores is the jumping-off point for exploring the country’s incredible Mayan ruins. But the town itself is worth some time too!

Flores sits on a small, man-made island on the edge of Lake Petén Itzá, with brightly coloured buildings, cobblestone streets, and a really relaxed vibe. To be honest, my one regret from my Guatemala trip was not spending more time here.

After a long travel day, I highly recommend heading to one of the rooftop bars such as Terraza, Sky Bar, or Mangos Bar to watch the sunset over the lake with a drink in hand.

Where To Stay In Flores

Budget: Los Amigos Hostel

This is where I stayed when I visited Flores, and I really liked the social atmosphere. The hostel has a bar and garden area, making it a great place to meet other travellers. You can choose between a dorm room or a private room, depending on your budget and preference.

Mid-Range: Casa Ramona

Is a boutique style hotel with pretty decor, a mix of room options, and a rooftop terrace to soak in the views. Breakfast is also included here.

Mid-Range/Luxury: Hotel Isla de Flores

This hotel has a rustic charm with beautiful views over the lake. It’s got everything you could need, including an onsite bakery, a rooftop bar, and a pool.

Day 9 Tikal

No Guatemala itinerary would be complete without a visit to Tikal, and if you’ve only got 10 days, this is one spot you absolutely can’t miss.

Hidden deep in Guatemala’s rainforest, Tikal is the ruins of an ancient Mayan city that was once the epicentre of the Mayan empire. It thrived for centuries before being abandoned around the 9th century, and over time it was reclaimed by the jungle. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, some of its architecture dates back as far as 400 BC.

I’ll be honest, I didn’t do much research before visiting Tikal and wasn’t really sure what to expect. But when I actually got there, I was blown away by towering pyramids rising above the treetops and the sound of howler monkeys echoing through the jungle.

Tikal is only about an hour’s drive from Flores, and getting there is pretty straightforward. You can arrange a trip through your accommodation or pre-book it here.

My tour was a day tour and we stayed to watch the sunset from a high point in the park but some tours get you there to watch the sunrise instead.

Where To Stay In Tikal

Some people choose to stay overnight in Tikal instead of heading back to Flores after the tour. I didn’t do this myself, but it’s definitely on my bucket list for when I make it back!

Jungle Lodge Tikal

Hotel Jungle Lodge Tikal is right inside Tikal National Park, with a choice of different rooms and bungalows to choose from. There’s a pool, restaurant, and bar, but just a heads-up, power only runs at set times since it’s on a generator.

Day 10 Leaving Guatemala

Sadly, your 10 day Guatemala adventure has come to an end, and it’s time to head home!

The easiest way to get back to Guatemala City for your international flight is by flying from Mundo Maya Airport in Flores. If you book early, you can find flights for as little as £47 (around $60).

If you’ve got the time (and the patience), you could take a shuttle or the night bus back instead, but with an 8–10 hour journey, it’s a bit of a slog, especially if you’ve got a flight to catch after!

Final Thoughts

Spending 10 days in Guatemala is enough to fit the best highlights into your itinerary, from the cobblestone streets of Antigua to the colourful towns of Lake Atitlán and the ancient ruins of Tikal.

Along the way, you’ll see volcanoes, crater lakes, and stunning colonial architecture, all without feeling too rushed since you’ll have a few days in each spot.

If you have extra time, you could extend your stay in any of these locations or add a visit to El Paredón, a laid-back surfer town, or Semuc Champey, home to breathtaking turquoise pools hidden in the jungle.