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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
