2 Weeks In Guatemala Itinerary

Guatemala is the proper Latin American nation to deal with should you’re on the lookout for someplace adventurous but simple to journey, because of having a compact journey circuit that may match nicely inside 2 weeks.

I’ve spent simply over 5 weeks in Guatemala throughout two visits, however what I’ll describe here’s a route that features absolutely the necessities.

With 2 weeks you’ll positively be capable of cowl the must-dos, like visiting Lake Atitlan and mountaineering up the difficult Acatenango Volcano, however there are additionally some lesser-known spots you possibly can take a look at alongside the way in which.

Positioned between Mexico, Belize, El Salvador, and Honduras, Guatemala is stuffed with wealthy tradition, colourful markets, out-of-this-world landscapes (together with exploding volcanoes!), and a few of Central America’s most spectacular historic Mayan ruins.

Fortunately, the nation is comparatively small, that means you possibly can cowl some main floor in simply two weeks. Right here’s precisely how.

Getting Round

The best strategy to get round Guatemala is by taking so-called “hen busses” or shuttles.

Hen buses are outdated American college buses which have been repurposed into public transportation in Guatemala. They’re low cost, colourful, and positively an expertise! Nonetheless, among the distances are fairly lengthy and the roads might be tough, so be ready for a bumpy journey.

Shared shuttles are my most well-liked journey methodology in Guatemala. It’s really one of many best nations to navigate as there’s a community of shuttles for vacationers at an affordable value working everywhere in the nation. All you sometimes should do is WhatsApp the corporate or e book on-line the place you’re staying, and a minibus will decide you up out of your resort and take you on to your subsequent vacation spot.

You’ll be greeted by spacious, air-conditioned vans with loads of room to your baggage. This can be a nice strategy to save time and power, particularly when you’ve got solely two weeks in Guatemala. Nonetheless, it’s nonetheless enjoyable to go on a hen bus or two for the native expertise, particularly for shorter journeys.

Large worldwide bus reserving websites often solely checklist main coach buses from Guatemala Metropolis to different neighboring nations. To e book the shuttles and different native transportation choices on-line, simply test the native platform Guatego.

2-Week Itinerary

Alright, let’s soar into this Guatemala itinerary!

The place to start out? Nicely, frankly, I don’t suggest staying for very lengthy in Guatemala Metropolis simply because of the excessive crime charge there. Whereas usually the capital is the place you need to start exploring a rustic, in Guatemala the very best sights are actually outdoors the primary metropolis. It’s greatest to make use of the capital as a transit level solely.

I counsel beginning in Flores to see Guatemala’s most epic sight, the Mayan ruins of Tikal. However the way you enter the nation will rely on the way you begin your journey.

If you happen to arrive in Guatemala Metropolis, you possibly can shortly soar on a brief home flight to Flores after which onto Tikal Nationwide Park.

If you happen to’re coming into the nation from Mexico or Belize, then the most typical route is to reach in Flores by in a single day bus.

If you happen to select to take the bus from Guatemala Metropolis, it’ll be a couple of nine-to-ten-hour journey. You’ll be able to take it in a single day should you don’t need to lose a day. If you happen to’re brief on time, I feel it’s extremely price it to fly.

I counsel placing Flores first in your itinerary so that you simply deal with the 2 longest overland journeys throughout your first 4 days. After that, it’s a lot smoother crusing, with a lot shorter distances between every cease. Whereas Flores and Lanquin are a bit out of the way in which, they’re each definitely worth the detour.

Flores/Tikal (2 Days)

The principle motive to go to Flores is to discover Tikal Nationwide Park. This UNESCO World Heritage web site was as soon as a thriving historic Mayan metropolis and is full of spectacular ruins, temples, and pyramids. I like to recommend spending at some point in Flores and at some point exploring the park.

Flores is a small island situated on Lake Petén Itzá. The city is stuffed with colourful buildings and chilled-out vibes. Make sure that to go for a ship journey on the lake and watch the sundown over the water.

Because the outdated a part of city is self-contained on an island, it’s a extremely walkable and really secure space, so you possibly can really feel snug beginning your journey right here. (Do take a bit extra care if exploring deeper into the city past the lakeside streets — I heard of some pickpocketing incidents right here.)

Subsequent, make certain to get an early begin to your day journey to the Mayan Ruins of Tikal. It’s probably the most epic break websites on this planet, and it’s enormous. With pyramids and temples unfold out within the jungle, you’ll want a full day to discover. I like to recommend reserving a tour so you possibly can be taught concerning the historical past and significance of every construction.

To your second evening, head again to Flores and revel in some scrumptious native meals. If in case you have time, go to the close by Yaxhá ruins for a much less crowded and extra intimate Mayan break expertise.

Finish your keep in Flores by stress-free in one of many many lakeside hammocks or having fun with a refreshing swim in Lake Petén Itzá earlier than persevering with your journey by way of Guatemala.

The place to Keep

Transportation

Lanquin / Champey (2 Days)

Early within the morning, you’ll catch a shuttle to the small city of Lanquin. That is the place it will get uncomfortable. Up till lately, a variety of vacationers skipped Semuc Champey due to its not really easy to succeed in location. Nonetheless, the world has gained reputation lately with shuttles and the sheer willpower of backpackers. It’s about an eight-hour drive, however belief me, it’s price it.

When you arrive, you possibly can calm down in one of many epic eco-lodges or hostels. Most locations provide guided excursions to Semuc Champey (which you’ll be able to merely e book the evening earlier than), however you can even choose to discover by yourself. Both manner, you’ll see why this place is a must-visit in Guatemala.

Semuc Champey is a pure pool shaped by a collection of 18 limestone bridges on prime of a river. It’s completely magical. The turquoise water in opposition to the plush inexperienced jungle makes for an unbelievable sight. You’ll be able to spend hours swimming, leaping off rope swings, and exploring the caves close by.

For probably the most epic view of the day, hike the 45 minutes as much as the mirador (viewpoint) for a hen’s eye view of Semuc Champey.

After your day at Semuc Champey, you’ll head again to your lodging, the place you possibly can hang around, take pleasure in some conventional Guatemalan meals, and possibly even be part of a bonfire or two. If you happen to nonetheless have some power, make certain to take a guided evening tour to see among the nocturnal animals that come out within the forest.

The place to Keep

Transportation

Antigua (3 Days)

Within the morning, you’ll take a shuttle from Semuc Champey to Antigua. It’s a gruelling eight-to-ten-hour journey, however it’s your final lengthy journey in Guatemala!

Antigua is one in all my favourite locations in Central America. It’s probably the most charming cities on this planet, with its cobblestones and colonial structure with a number of volcanoes looming within the distance.

The streets are lined with colourful buildings, native markets, and loads of cafes to seize a cup of Guatemalan espresso. I’ve ended up in Antigua thrice now, as soon as to take Spanish classes, however fortunately you don’t want that a lot time to see the very best of Antigua.

If it had been me, I’d break up up my time in Antigua earlier than and after the exhausting Acatenago hike:

2 days in Antigua ~ 2 days mountaineering the Volcano ~ 1 day in Antigua

It’s because the hike is so draining — you’ll almost certainly get little sleep on the shaky summit – so that you’ll in all probability desire a day or two in between to get well earlier than persevering with your travels.

Listed here are among the greatest issues to do in Antigua:

• Take a free strolling tour to discover Antigua and study its historical past.
• Climb Cerro de la Cruz (Hill of the Cross) for an unbelievable view of Antigua and surrounding volcanoes.
• Take pleasure in a wide range of native and worldwide cuisines.
• Go to historic websites like La Merced Church and Santa Catalina Arch.
• Spend a soothing afternoon at one of many many rooftop bars.
• Go to a espresso plantation to study rising and harvesting espresso beans and revel in a tasting session.

Probably the most standard day journeys from Antigua is a visit to hobbit-esque Hobbitenango, a small eco-village situated within the mountains. You’ll be able to take a shuttle or an Uber to the village, the place you possibly can spend the day exploring and having fun with panoramic views of Antigua. It should really feel such as you’ve simply stepped straight into the shire!

You’ll be able to learn extra solutions in our information to distinctive issues to do in Antigua.

The place to Keep

Transportation

Acatenango Volcano Hike (2 Days)

I do know you’ve absolutely seen the otherworldly movies of this hike up the lively Volcano Acatenango, however nothing will fairly put together you for the precise expertise.

The 2-day, one-night hike is difficult, with steep climbs and altitude modifications, however it’s probably the most memorable experiences in Guatemala (possibly your life).

Thoughts you, this isn’t a simple hike. The trail up the volcano is steep, with only a few switchbacks, and also you’ll want to actually energy by way of. However the teams go sluggish, and there are many guides to assist.

You’ll meet in Antigua round 9 am earlier than being pushed to the bottom of Acatenango to start out your hike. The primary day is a five-to-six-hour trek by way of stunning farmlands, espresso plantations, and forest trails till reaching base camp for the evening. Right here, you’ll take pleasure in beautiful sundown views of Fuego Volcano erupting and probably some stargazing if the sky is evident.

The subsequent morning, you’ll get up at 4 am to start out your ascent to the summit for dawn. It’s a tricky climb with unfastened gravel and steep incline, however reaching the highest can be price it. At over 13,000 ft above sea stage, you’ll have an unbelievable view of Fuego because the solar comes up.

After having fun with the beautiful views and a few breakfast at base camp, the descent begins. This half might be tougher because it’s slippery and exhausting on the knees. However you’ll be down in a number of hours.

You’ll return to Antigua within the afternoon, exhausted however full of the largest sense of accomplishment and reminiscences that can absolutely final a lifetime.

Don’t fear about packing all the things for the hike. So long as you might have some good mountaineering boots, the tour will assist you to hire all the nice and cozy gear you’ll want for the chilly summit. You’ll be able to depart your different belongings saved at your lodging in Antigua.

Who to Hike Volcan Acatanengo With…

Atitlan (3 Days)

Schedule a shuttle within the morning to Panajachel from Antigua. The drive takes round three hours and brings you to the beautiful Lake Atitlan, surrounded by volcanoes and indigenous villages.

I like to recommend heading straight to the docks to catch one of many boats that can take you to your lodging. The lake is dotted with small villages round its shores, so you possibly can decide a village to remain in primarily based in your pursuits.

For journey seekers, San Pedro is thought for its nightlife and quick access to mountaineering. For a extra tranquil expertise, Santa Cruz or San Marcos stands out as the good match. Don’t miss your town-hopping information to Lake Atitlan to search out the very best place to remain to your journey model.

A number of the greatest issues to do on Lake Atitlan:

• Kayaking across the lake
• Dawn Paddleboarding session (Normally, your resort can set this up)
• Take pleasure in a morning yoga session at Eagles Retreat. The views are epic.
• Go for a dawn hike on Indian Nostril Mountain in San Pedro
• Take a ship tour across the lake

And don’t fear an excessive amount of about the place you determine to remain. You’ll be able to simply catch a ship to discover different villages all through your time on the lake.

The place to Keep

Transportation

Xela (2 Days)

After a number of days on the lake, you’ll have to catch a bus to Xela (Quetzaltenango), the second-largest metropolis in Guatemala. There are often solely two or three shuttles going a day, so make certain to plan forward of time. One often leaves from Panajachel round 8 a.m., and the opposite leaves at 1 p.m. It takes about two hours and is surrounded by beautiful mountain ranges.

In case you are trying to be taught extra concerning the Mayan civilization and the indigenous cultures of Guatemala, Xela is the proper place to take action. You’ll be able to take a tour of close by indigenous villages and go to historic ruins and markets.

Whereas Antigua can also be stuffed with historical past and tradition, it’s additionally full to the brim with vacationers, whereas Xela is way more off the overwhelmed path and will provide you with a extra genuine expertise.

Spend your final days in Guatemala exploring the markets and attempting conventional meals, equivalent to chuchitos (much like tamales), rellenitos (mashed plantains full of beans and chocolate), and atol de elote (a candy corn-based drink).

You’ll have to schedule a shuttle again to Guatemala Metropolis to catch your flight. It’s a couple of four-hour drive and shuttles depart all through the day. Make sure that to offer your self loads of time to make your flight.

The place to Keep

Some Different Itinerary Concepts

I’m a agency believer that itineraries shouldn’t be adopted to the letter. It’s best to at all times customise them primarily based in your actual curiosity and time accessible! So, contemplate the above only a tough template.

I put Xela on the finish as a result of I actually favored staying on this extra typical metropolis. Whereas Antigua is totally renovated and made stunning for vacationers, Xela reveals you a bit extra of the ‘actual’ Guatemala, so it may be very attention-grabbing to place a cease there.

My primary motive for going although was one other dawn volcano hike up Tajamulco, the very best level in Central America. If by this level of your two-week journey you end up exhausted, I may also suggest simply including two extra days to your keep at Lake Atitlan, because it’s such a soothing place with a lot to do.

Listed here are a number of extra concepts when you’ve got a bit of additional time:

• Go to Xela and hike up Tajamulco, the very best level in Central America
• Trek from Xela again to Atitlan, a 3-day expertise that takes you previous Mayan villages, by way of cloud forests, and through espresso nation. I like to recommend doing this with Quetzal Trekkers, a social enterprise that advantages the native communities.
• Go on a jungle trek within the cloud forest of Coban or Biotopo del Quetzal. I sadly missed out on this, however a buddy did it and beloved the expertise. The rainforest trek will provide you with a really totally different atmosphere from the highlands within the south.
• Cease by Livingston within the north, which is a little bit of a ramshackle Caribbean city that feels much more like Belize than southern Guatemala, once more including a bit extra selection to your itinerary. I ought to point out although that Livingston is thought to be a bit extra tough across the edges and opinions are typically blended. It’s possible you’ll discover it both an attention-grabbing journey or a fruitless diversion relying on the expertise you’re looking for.