Guatemala's relatively small size allows you to comfortably visit its iconic volcanoes, colonial cities, and Maya ruins in around seven days. But even in as few as five days, you can still see its most famous sights. Clear two weeks on your calendar, however, and you'll have a wide array of cultural excursions and active adventures from which to choose.
Even with just five days, you can visit some of the highlight destinations in Guatemala. Explore ancient Maya ruins at Tikal, hike up sheer volcano slopes in the highlands, and discover the rich history of colonial Antigua on a walking tour. Or, if you're looking to go off the beaten path, head deep into coffee country and visit nature reserves home to the country's most exotic wildlife.
You can see Antigua's historical and cultural highlights in six days and one additional destination, like Lake Atitlán. Consider adding a visit to the Maya ruins at Iximché archaeological site or yoga sessions at San Marcos La Laguna for a more relaxed itinerary. Or, opt for additional outdoor experiences with a volcano hike in the central highlands or an overnight camping experience at Acatenango Volcano.
With a week in Guatemala, you can experience the best of multiple regions. Tour Antigua, Lake Atitlán, and visit Tikal National Park, all in one trip. Or test your physical endurance on hikes up not one but three different volcanoes. Moreover, you can embark on a combined Belize-Guatemala trip that includes diving around coral islands and seeing ancient Maya ruins on horseback in seven days.
With a week in Guatemala, you and your family can take a deep dive into the beauty and culture of Antigua and Lake Atitlán, opting for a highlights tour complete with an El Paredon beach day. For those with young ones eager to learn about Guatemala's history, let their imagination run wild on temples, pyramids, and a wildlife trip that includes two days in Tikal National Park. Or, if you'd like to spend plenty of time in nature, embark on a young explorer's tour and tick off visits to Semuc Champey, Lanquín, and Candelaria.
Since Guatemala is a relatively small country, eight days is enough time to see the highlights in Antigua, Lake Atitlán, and Guatemala City, so consider adding a visit to one of the many volcanoes, the Tikal ruins, or the black-sand Pacific beaches. Those wanting to venture off the beaten path can do so with beautiful hiking trails in the Western Highlands, the rivers and caves in Alta Verapaz, or a cultural experience like attending a traditional cooking class or witnessing a Maya fire ceremony.
With nine days in Guatemala, you can discover the historical natural wonders of Antigua, Lanquín, and Lake Atitlán on a highlights tour or cover more ground and add on a trip to Tikal National Park for a well-rounded itinerary. Those looking to spend as much time as possible outdoors should opt for a multi-sport adventure, complete with an overnight trek on Acatenango volcano. In contrast, those looking to experience Belize's Barrier Reef can embark on a Guatemala and Northern Belize adventure.
Guatemala's relatively small size means you can comfortably cover four to five destinations with the family in tow in 10 days. Get active with the kids and hike Pacaya volcano and kayak Lake Atitlán. Add El Paredon to the mix to release turtle hatchlings into the wild; or, fly to the island city of Flores to wander the ancient Maya ruins of Tikal National Park. Intrepid families might consider an expedition with the whole gang camping out on a still-active volcano or sticking to Flores and the Caribbean coast for plenty of fun in the sun and watersports.
In 10 days, you can visit many regions of Guatemala, embark on active tours, and see the major highlights. It's also enough time to enjoy off-the-beaten-path trips to indigenous villages, coffee plantations, and natural wonders hidden in highland rainforests. Beyond visiting ancient Maya ruins and taking boat rides down jade rivers, you can also embark on multi-day mountain biking tours and hikes to volcano peaks.
With 11 days in Guatemala, you can visit three to six destinations. First-timers can hit the famous sites of Antigua, Lake Atitlán, and Flores, choosing between a faster-paced and slower itinerary. Couples and those keen on culture will enjoy a variety of activities, including Maya rituals, on the Guatemalan Adventure, while outdoor enthusiasts will love hiking, cycling, and more on the Essential Guatemala tour. Alternatively, foodies can taste their way around Guatemala on the Culture, Adventure & Cuisine trip.
You can cover four to five destinations with 12 days in Guatemala, including hopping over to neighboring Honduras or Belize. Focus on seeing the southern volcanoes and northern jungles or take a cultural trip to the highlights of Guatemala and Copán. Foodies will enjoy cooking classes and food tours in Guatemala City and Antigua, while adventurous travelers will enjoy camping, summiting Acatenango volcano, and surfing along the Pacific Coast.
In just under two weeks in Guatemala, you can get to know the hidden details and surrounding landscapes of Antigua, Lake Atitlán, and Flores on a highlights tour or take a deep dive into Guatemala's history with a trip that includes the Copán Ruins and Quetzaltenango. Those who enjoy their creature comforts should opt for a 13-day luxury Guatemala trip complete with six helicopter rides, while sun lovers can split their time between the Belize Islands, Lake Atitlán, and Antigua.
In two weeks you can travel the whole of Guatemala and enjoy its greatest attractions, both natural and manufactured. Combine nature and culture with walks around Spanish colonial Antigua, boat rides on Lake Atitlán, hikes to volcano peaks, and tours of ancient Maya ruins. For more indigenous history, visit Tikal National Park, followed by a jaunt to the Caribbean to neighboring Belize. And if you want to test your endurance, opt for a multi-day mountain-biking adventure or volcano circuit hike.
With two weeks in Guatemala, you can take the family to visit at least three destinations. First-timers can hit the highlights through cultural, outdoor, and culinary experiences in Antigua, Lake Atitlán, and Flores. El Paredon offers animal encounters, including horseback riding and a visit to a turtle conservation. Active, outdoorsy families can go camping in Acatenango, and those keen on a multicountry trip can experience the markets, hiking, and ruins in Guatemala and then go snorkeling and sunbathing in Belize.
With 15 days in Guatemala, you can tick off the country's impressive cultural and natural must-dos on a highlights tour. If you'd like to add some relaxing time at the beach, opt for an itinerary covering Guatemala and Belize. Those who want to explore Guatemala from top to bottom will love a volcanoes, ruins, and waterfalls trip, while active travelers can get well off the beaten track and pack in adventures in Cobán, Tikal National Park, Lime Caye, and the famous Lake Atitlán.
