Looking for that perfect 7 day Guatemala itinerary for your first visit to the country? I know I was, so I’m sure you are too!
If you’re looking for a little bit of history with a splash of culture and dose of chaotic metropolis, look no further. I’ve cultivated the perfect 7 day Guatemala itinerary to give you a great introduction into what the country has to offer.
A quick caveat for your 7 day Guatemala itinerary…
Although on paper the country doesn’t look that large, getting from point A to point B can be extremely time-consuming. The roads in Guatemala are not well-maintained and often wind through dense jungle and mountains. Although I do love a good road trip adventure, 10 hours on a chicken bus to reach the remote areas of the country eats into my precious vacation days.
Some points of interest in Guatemala are far apart, making it difficult to see “all of the highlights” the country has to offer. So while everyone might recommend Tikal, Lake Atitlán, Guatemala City and Semuc Champey, the reality is that there isn’t enough time in a week.
The perfect and ideal 7 day Guatemala itinerary will have you focusing on one area of the country for your first visit. After that, it’s time to venture to the other corners of the country.
Related: How to Survive Traveling to Guatemala
This 7 day Guatemala itinerary is simply a suggestion. Your travel style might be different than mine. But, it always helps to get a recommendation from someone who has been there, done that. If anything, let this guide you towards creating your ideal 7 day Guatemala itinerary, whatever that might look like.
7 day Guatemala itinerary: Day 1
Arrive in Guatemala City.
Chances are great that you’re going to be flying into Guatemala City and landing in the afternoon. Spend this first half-day getting settled into your accommodation and going out for an easy, local meal. Make sure every electronic is charged, visit an ATM to pull out some Quetzales (local currency), and pick up some filtered water bottles.
I opted to stay in a hostel in Zone 11, which was just a short Uber ride away from the international airport. I recommend staying somewhere that is easy to get to, and has shopping/dining options close by.
7 day Guatemala itinerary: Day 2-3
Lake Atitlán
Welcome to the “Lake Como of Central America!” I’ve read that description in a few blogs and can attest to the truth of the statement. Lake Atitlán is the the deepest lake in Central America and is one of the most visited places in all of Guatemala.
The lake is dotted with quaint little villages that take you back to a more simpler time.
Where to stay at Lake Atitlán
I recommend basing yourself in Panajachel, the largest of the lakeside villages. While other villages might be more quaint and cater to a more specific travel style, staying in Panajachel will put you in the best position to find accommodations, food, souvenir shopping, and transportation.
Things to do around Lake Atitlán
There are so many things to do around the lake and in the different villages, from water sports to simply relaxing by the lakeside, you’d be hard-pressed to be bored.
Water sports
Kayaking, swimming, boating, and SUP are just a few water sporting options. However, there are certain spots around the lake that aren’t clean enough to be swimming in. Head over to the village of San Marcos to take a dip in the water.
Visit other villages
One of the best parts about staying on Lake Atitlán is visiting a handful of villages. The fastest, safest, and cheapest way to get between the villages is by water taxi. They’re super cheap (although the locals pay an even cheaper price – don’t try to haggle for a local price, the touts won’t budge) and a great adventure in it of itself. Spend a morning over in San Marcos La Laguna and visit the Eagle’s Nest and get your hippie on. Take a boat over to San Pedro and enjoy a stroll down backpacker alley. Or, just go for a ride and see the beautiful villages that seem to climb up the mountains surrounding the lake.
Go on an extreme adventure
ATV tours, skydiving, bike tours around the lake and hiking to various lookout points are all fun things to do around the lake if the laid-back type of travel isn’t exactly your style. Sunset hikes to Indian Nose are all the rage and reward you with a beautiful sunrise over the lake.
Enjoy the local Mayan culture
I was told that about 50% of the locals that live around Lake Atitlán are of the Mayan indigenous community, and you can see it as you walk around the villages. From my breakfast spot in San Pedro, I saw locals washing their clothes in the lake on large stones. Walking down the street in Panajachel I saw a local boy guiding donkeys. You can take local cooking or language classes if you want to immerse yourself further.
Go shopping
I saw some of the cheapest prices in Panajachel for souvenirs, and even though I’m not a huge shopper, I was sorely tempted. Everything from textiles to figurines to clothing is a fun souvenir to purchase. Don’t forget to negotiate a bit!
7 day Guatemala itinerary: Day 4-5
La Antigua
Welcome to the simply breathtaking colonial town of La Antigua. Not only is it a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but the former capital of Guatemala. After a series of earthquakes in 1773, the capital moved to Guatemala City and many structures were destroyed in La Antigua…but not all of them!
As you walking down the cobblestone streets of La Antigua and take all the pictures, you will undoubtedly stumble upon cultural gems, interesting museums, and buildings in ruins.
Things to do in La Antigua
From cultural experiences to extreme hiking, there are so many fun things to do in La Antigua.
Learn about the history
I’ve been vocal before about the importance of learning the history of places we visit, and that holds true with La Antigua. There are plenty of city tour options to choose from, but I highly recommend the free walking tour with Guru Walk. You’ll explore the town and pay what you want at the end.
Take a chocolate making class
Learn in a fun, hands-on experience the process of making chocolate from a master chocolatier. Discover the history of drinking chocolates and see the process from pod to the chocolate we know and love to eat. This is a total chocolate-lover’s dream come true! And if you don’t want to take the class, there are plenty of chocolates to purchase, and a free taste as you walk into the shop!
Photo shoots around town
La Antigua is beautiful and full of Insta-worthy photo opportunities, such as the Santa Catalina Arch. Every street you walk down has a unique characteristic that is just begging to be photographed. Spend some time wandering around the old town streets and let your camera guide you.
Hike to a volcano
Yes! Guatemala has dozens of named volcanoes, and even more that aren’t named. If you want a good adventure, you can sign up for the 2-day, 1-night strenuous Acatenango hike where you can see the volcano Fuego erupt. But if you don’t want to go on such an extreme hike, you can go on the Pacaya Volcano hike to an active volcano that is constantly spewing lava!
7 day Guatemala itinerary: Day 6-7
Guatemala City
Welcome back to the bustling metropolis of Guatemala City, the largest city in Central America. Now that you’ve spent time at quaint lakeside villages and got lost in the history of Guatemala in La Antigua, it’s time to take advantage of what a big city has to offer on your trip.
Where to stay in Guatemala City
Guatemala City has over 1,000,000 people living in the city itself, with over 3,000,000 living in the urban areas surrounding the capital. It needs to be said that every large city has crime, and every large city has places that should be avoided.
Although I won’t tell you what kind of lodging you should stay in (I chose AirBnB this time around), I will tell you which zone to pick. Guatemala City is divided into over 20 zones (some websites say 21, some say 25). Some zones are not advisable for foreign tourists to stay in.
The following zones are the areas you should stay in. These zones tend to be much safer than the rest, and are usually where the points of interest are located:
- Zone 4
- Zone 9
- Zone 11
- Zone 12
- Zone 14
- Zone 15
- Zone 16
As with any capital city, petty crime can and does happen, so make sure to keep your pocketbook and purse closed, locked, and protected.
With all this said, my AirBnB was located in Zone 4 and I never felt unsafe or worried while I walked around by myself during the day. I had no business being out at night, but if I did, Guatemala City has Uber.
Things to do in Guatemala City
With so many options of things to do in Guatemala City, it’s hard to narrow down. Any capital city across the world will have multiple cultural, shopping, culinary and sight-seeing options available. It really boils down to what you’re interested in. But give that this is your first trip to Guatemala city, here is what I suggest you include on your 7 day Guatemala itinerary.
Shop at the Central Market
The Central Market, or “Mercado Central,” was one of my favorite places to visit in Guatemala City. The mercado is split into 2 levels, with the top level full of souvenir vendors, and the downstairs full of food. When you visit the mercado, be prepared to negotiate the prices.
The variety of fruits and veggies on the lower level is impressive, and most of it is local. Don’t hesitate to try the fruits you don’t know, they’re all full of flavors. There’s also an area inside with small food stalls. Even if you’re not hungry, a cheap snack is a great way to experience the local culture.
Visit La Plaza de la Constitución (Central Park)
Plaza de la Constitución is the largest square in Guatemala and a great central location to get acquainted with the town. Although numerous dark events have taken place here over the centuries, it is a gathering place for culture and celebrations. When I visited, there was a celebration festival of the marimba going on.
Go on a city tour
Chances are high that you don’t know much about the history of Guatemala City (neither did I), but there’s always a way to fix that. Go on one of the city’s numerous city tours, whether by bus or walking. Get to know the buildings surrounding the Plaza de la Constitución, pop into some museums, and immerse yourself in the city.
Eat all the food you can
Guatemala is an up-and-coming foodie haven, with tons of high-end restaurants and street food alike. You can find almost any type of cuisine around, often made with local ingredients to give it a twist. I was missing Mexican food, so I found a taqueria in Zone 4 that I couldn’t get enough of. Go on a culinary adventure and try something new!
Hopefully this 7 day Guatemala itinerary will help you plan your first trip to the country. This is by no means an inclusive list of things to do in Guatemala or places to visit in Guatemala. The country is so diverse and worth checking out, but this will serve as a great introduction to your visit.
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