Antigua Itinerary
Overview
This two week Guatemala travel itinerary begins in Antigua, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its well-preserved colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and vibrant cultural scene. Its backdrop of volcanoes adds stunning natural beauty.
How long to stay in Antigua
3 days
How to get from Guatemala City to Antigua
- By Shuttle: Numerous tourist shuttles operate directly from La Aurora International Airport to Antigua (1 hour, $10-$15).
- By Taxi: Private taxis cost around $35.
- By Uber: Approx. $20-$25.
Best hotels to stay in Antigua
- Selina Antigua (Highly rated hostel) – Vibrant atmosphere, coworking spaces. Book here.
- The Purpose Hostel (Budget option) – Clean, social, and eco-friendly. Book here.
- Mesón Panza Verde (Boutique hotel) – Elegant rooms with a rooftop terrace. Book here.
What to do in Antigua
- Climb Cerro de la Cruz for panoramic views (Free).
- Take a guided hike to Pacaya Volcano ($15-$25).
- Explore Santa Catalina Arch and colonial buildings (Free).
- Visit the Antigua Market for local crafts and food (Free).
- Tour a Coffee Plantation ($20-$30).
Where to eat in Antigua
- La Cuevita de los Urquizú ($) – Traditional Guatemalan buffet. Google Review: 4.7
- Frida’s ($$) – Mexican-inspired cuisine with a lively vibe. Google Review: 4.6
- Tenedor del Cerro ($$$) – Upscale dining with breathtaking views. Google Review: 4.8
Modes of transport in Antigua
- Tuk-tuks and taxis (negotiable fares).
- Walking is the best way to explore the compact city center.
Antigua digital nomad rating:
4.5/5
- Pros: Good internet, coworking spaces, vibrant expat community.
- Cons: Higher costs than other Guatemalan towns.
- Nomadlist Page
Lake Atitlán Itinerary
Overview
Lake Atitlán is a stunning crater lake surrounded by volcanoes and traditional Mayan villages, each with its unique charm and vibe. It’s perfect for relaxation and adventure.
How long to stay in Lake Atitlán
3 days
How to get from Antigua to Lake Atitlán
- By Shuttle: Tourist shuttles from Antigua to Panajachel (the main gateway to Lake Atitlán) take 3-4 hours ($15-$20).
- By Bus: Local “chicken buses” are cheaper ($5) but less comfortable and take longer.
Best hotels to stay in Lake Atitlán
- Free Cerveza (Highly rated hostel in Santa Cruz) – Lakefront with a vibrant social scene. Book here.
- Hospedaje San Francisco (Budget option in San Pedro) – Cozy rooms and great location. Book here.
- Lush Atitlán (Boutique hotel in San Marcos) – Artistic rooms with stunning lake views. Book here.
What to do in Lake Atitlán
- Kayak or paddleboard on the lake ($10-$15/hour).
- Hike Indian Nose for sunrise views ($15 with a guide).
- Visit the villages: San Juan (art and weaving), San Pedro (backpacker vibes), and San Marcos (spiritual retreats).
- Explore the Atitlán Nature Reserve ($7 entry).
- Take a boat tour to multiple villages ($5-$10 per ride).
Where to eat in Lake Atitlán
- Cafe Atitlán ($) – Delicious local breakfast. Google Review: 4.7
- Restaurant Fe ($$) – Fusion cuisine in San Pedro. Google Review: 4.5
- El Árbol ($$$) – Vegetarian fine dining in San Marcos. Google Review: 4.8
Modes of transport in Lake Atitlán
- Public boats (“lanchas”) connect villages ($1-$3 per ride).
- Tuk-tuks are available in each village ($1-$2).
Lake Atitlán digital nomad rating:
4/5
- Pros: Scenic beauty, affordable living, relaxed vibe.
- Cons: Internet can be unreliable in smaller villages.
Chichicastenango Itinerary
Overview
Chichicastenango is home to Guatemala’s most famous open-air market, a colorful hub of Mayan culture, traditional crafts, and rituals.
How long to stay in Chichicastenango
1-2 days
How to get from Lake Atitlán to Chichicastenango
- By Shuttle: Direct shuttles from Panajachel (2 hours, $10-$15).
- By Bus: Local buses via Sololá and Los Encuentros ($5).
Best hotels to stay in Chichicastenango
- Hotel Santo Tomas (Highly rated hostel) – Centrally located with a charming courtyard. Book here.
- Hostal Casa de San Juan (Budget option) – Simple, clean, and near the market. Book here.
- Mayaland Hotel & Bungalows (Boutique hotel) – Classic rooms with modern amenities. Book here.
What to do in Chichicastenango
- Explore the Chichicastenango Market (Thursdays and Sundays; free entry).
- Visit Iglesia de Santo Tomás and observe Mayan-Catholic rituals (Free).
- Learn about Mayan culture at the Museo Regional ($5).
- Hike to the Pascual Abaj Shrine ($10 with a guide).
Where to eat in Chichicastenango
- La Parrilla ($) – Tasty grilled meats and local dishes. Google Review: 4.5
- Restaurante Maya Inn ($$) – Traditional Mayan recipes. Google Review: 4.6
- Hotel Santo Tomás Restaurant ($$$) – Gourmet dining with a local touch. Google Review: 4.7
Modes of transport in Chichicastenango
- Walkable town center.
- Tuk-tuks available for short distances ($1-$2).
Chichicastenango digital nomad rating:
2.5/5
- Pros: Unique cultural experience.
- Cons: Limited infrastructure and internet options.
Semuc Champey Itinerary
Overview
Semuc Champey is a natural paradise known for its turquoise limestone pools, lush jungle surroundings, and adventure activities.
How long to stay in Semuc Champey
2 days
How to get from Chichicastenango to Semuc Champey
- By Shuttle: Long travel day; 8-10 hours via Cobán ($30-$40).
Best hotels to stay in Semuc Champey
- Zephyr Lodge (Highly rated hostel) – Social vibe with incredible views. Book here.
- Greengo’s Hotel (Budget option) – Affordable cabins near the park. Book here.
- El Retiro Lodge (Boutique hotel) – Riverside bungalows. Book here.
What to do in Semuc Champey
- Swim in the turquoise pools (Park entry: $8).
- Hike to the El Mirador viewpoint for panoramic views (Free).
- Go tubing on the Cahabón River ($10-$15).
- Tour the Kanba Caves ($20).
Where to eat in Semuc Champey
- Comedor Shalom ($) – Affordable local meals. Google Review: 4.6
- Greengo’s Restaurant ($$) – International and local dishes. Google Review: 4.4
- Zephyr Lodge Restaurant ($$$) – Gourmet with a view. Google Review: 4.7
Modes of transport in Semuc Champey
- Tuk-tuks or pickup trucks for local transport.
Semuc Champey digital nomad rating:
2.5/5
- Pros: Breathtaking nature and adventure activities.
- Cons: Remote location with limited internet.
Flores & Tikal Itinerary
Overview
Flores, a charming island town on Lake Petén Itzá, serves as the gateway to the majestic Tikal ruins. Tikal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring ancient Mayan temples surrounded by dense jungle teeming with wildlife.
How long to stay in Flores & Tikal
4 days
How to get from Semuc Champey to Flores
- By Shuttle: Direct shuttles (8-10 hours, $35-$45).
- By Bus: Local buses or a combination of bus and shuttle via Cobán.
Best hotels to stay in Flores
- Los Amigos Hostel (Highly rated hostel) – Social and eco-friendly vibe in the heart of Flores. Book here.
- Casa Amelia (Budget option) – Affordable lakeside rooms with great views. Book here.
- Isla de Flores Hotel (Boutique hotel) – Modern amenities and a rooftop pool. Book here.
What to do in Flores & Tikal
- Take a guided tour of the Tikal ruins ($20 entry; guided tours cost $30-$40).
- Explore Yaxhá, a quieter Mayan site ($15 entry).
- Enjoy a boat ride on Lake Petén Itzá ($10-$15/hour).
- Wander through the colorful streets of Flores Island (Free).
- Visit the Actún Kan Caves ($5).
Where to eat in Flores
- Street food stands ($) – Try pupusas and tacos at local stalls. Google Review: 4.6
- Cool Beans Cafe ($$) – Coffee and international dishes. Google Review: 4.5
- Raices del Lago ($$$) – Upscale lakeside dining. Google Review: 4.7
Modes of transport in Flores & Tikal
- Tuk-tuks within Flores ($1-$2).
- Tourist shuttles or taxis for the 1-hour trip to Tikal ($10-$20).
Flores & Tikal digital nomad rating:
3.5/5
- Pros: Decent internet in Flores, scenic surroundings.
- Cons: Limited coworking spaces; remote Tikal offers no connectivity.
Extend your Trip
Extend your two week Guatemala travel itinerary by transitioning into Belize via San Ignacio. Travel from Flores to San Ignacio by shuttle (2–3 hours, $25–30 USD), crossing the border at Melchor de Mencos/Benque Viejo. This gives you the option to join for 7 days of the Belize travel itinerary
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