Spending 10 Days in Guatemala: My Exact Itinerary

One of the most underrated countries in Latin America has to be Guatemala. It is often overshadowed by its neighbor to the North, Mexico. Even though they are bordering countries, Guatemala and Mexico differ significantly from one another. 10 days in Guatemala isn’t a lot for this country, so I had to pack my itinerary.

For months, I had dreamed of visiting the beautiful Lake Atitlan area and the historic city of Antigua. When I finally got to go there, I spent six weeks there.

Hiking to the top of Volcan Acatenango, wandering in the Mayan ruins of Tikal, and going to the beach were some of my favorite highlights on my trip.

This will be just one possible route, and I will also discuss a few other things to do here that you may add to your trip. This 10-day itinerary of Guatemala will cover some of the best things to see in the country.

Why Should You Visit Guatemala?

During our year-long trip throughout Latin America, I often described Guatemala as a backpacker’s paradise. It’s a great combination of ruggedness and beauty.

When traveling throughout the country, you have many different options for transportation depending on your budget & wanted adventure. I will go over this more later on.

If you want to practice your Spanish, I highly suggest Guatemala. Not only do they speak slower compared to other Latin American countries, but they also have some fantastic Spanish schools.

I highly suggest taking a class here if you want to expand on your Spanish vocabulary.

Transportation for Getting Around Guatemala

Getting around Guatemala can be as easy or difficult as you’d like. The prices vary widely, depending on which mode of transportation you choose.

The three main forms of transportation are shuttle/bus, car rental, and chicken busses.

I will discuss each in detail so you can choose the best option when planning your Guatemalan itinerary.

Shuttle/Bus

When traveling around the popular areas of Lake Atitlan, Antigua, El Paredon, and other nearby locations, you’ll most likely use a shuttle rather than a bus. Shuttles are very popular because of their convenience and reliability.

When we traveled more in the Eastern and northern parts of Guatemala, we used a combination of big buses and shuttles.

Below, I will go over some tips for using these forms of transportation.

• The price from Antigua to Lake Atitlan should be between 100 Q – 120 Q. You should not pay more than $15.
• Walk around to different tour companies and ask about their prices. Popular online companies tend to charge more.
• If you are last minute and forgot to book one during the day, Guatego is a reliable company to book from online.
• If you want to take a night bus from Flores to Antigua, this will cost you around 250Q (~$32)

Chicken Busses

A popular and budget-friendly option is taking the chicken buses. They are the locals’ preferred means of transportation.

They are easily noticeable on the streets because they are decked out in an array of colors. They look like pimped-out school buses.

Choosing this option when planning your 10-day itinerary in Guatemala isn’t recommended, as the travel times are much longer. This is mainly due to the multiple stops and bus changes you must make.

This is by far the cheapest option. For example, to get from Antigua to Lake Atitlan will cost only $5 instead of $15.

Car Rental

If you can afford it and don’t mind the crazy roads, renting a car is perfect for this country. Make sure you choose safer routes, especially in non-touristy areas.

Depending on what car you want, you can find a good deal for about $20-$30 a day.

What Does a 10-day Itinerary in Guatemala Look Like?

In this Guatemalan itinerary example, I will create a perfect plan for you that goes along with some of our favorite things to do in Guatemala, all in 10 days.

10-Day Itinerary in Guatemala Map

(Day 1): Fly into Guatemala City and Bus to Lanquin

The day has come. Your adventure in Guatemala begins! Ideally, you arrive in Guatemala earlier on so you can get immediately bus to Lanquin. This first day will be shot no matter what, so you might as well make a full travel day.

There are some things to do in Guatemala City but overall, it is a skip for this 10-day itinerary in Guatemala.

This is the perfect scenario where it might seem like a better idea to overpay and prebook online than wait until you land. Try out Guatego if you’re having trouble finding a shuttle.

Best Hostels in Lanquin

• Greengo’s: If you want to be as close to Semuc Champey as possible, then this is your best option.
• Utopia: Another great hostel located near Semuc Champey. The amenities for this hostel are the cherry-on-top

(Day 2): Visit Semuc Champey

Semuc Champey is one of my favorite activities on this 10-day itinerary in Guatemala. Most of the photos you will see are of these emerald pools shown above. These are made out of limestone and a river is flowing underneath these pools. There is an overlook that you can hike up to if you want to get a better view.

Along with seeing these pools, you can also do some other activities in the area. This includes going deep into some caves with only a candle as a light source & tubing down the river.

(Day 3): Bus to Flores

After you spend the day exploring Semuc Champey and everything it has to offer, enjoy some beers around Lanquin and get ready to head to Flores.

If you haven’t booked a shuttle yet, your accommodation can help you with this.

The shuttle should cost no more than 200 Q (~$25) and often times it will be slightly cheaper.

Once you arrive in Flores, you can explore the island a little bit and book your trip to Tikal for the following morning.

Best Hostels in Flores

• Los Amigos: This is by far the most popular hostel. It is known for its nightlife and you will not have trouble meeting fellow backpackers.
• Hostel Casa de Grethel: If you want a good view of the island, then this is your best bet. This hostel technically isn’t on the island but they have boats that will take you across.

(Day 4): Explore Tikal then night bus to Antigua

Tikal is a must when visiting Guatemala. The pyramids are an insane human feat that takes being there in person to appreciate it.

We explored the area for hours and even saw some howler monkeys hanging out. The best part was when we went to the famous mirador.

We sat overlooking the forest and heard the monkeys howling.

This park is often compared to Chichen Itza. There are many similarities and differences. The main difference is there is far more of a crowd in Chichen Itza than in Tikal. Below are the prices for entering the park.

• Roundtrip shuttle to and from Tikal (Q80)
• Roundtrip Shuttle to and from Tikal w/ a Guide (Q120)
• Entry to Tikal (Q150)
• Entry to Tikal for sunrise (Q150 + Q100 as you need a guide)

I would suggest booking a night bus for later that night. This will save you time and money as you will not have to book accommodation for night 4.

This is super helpful when planning and budgeting your trip to Guatemala.

You can book the night bus through the same company you used for your trip to Tikal.

(Day 5): Explore Antigua/Hobbitenango

After arriving in Antigua in the morning, you will want to head to your hostel (or other accommodation). Once you drop off your bags you can explore the town to your liking.

If you’re feeling tired, sitting in a coffee shop for a while might suffice. You could also visit Hobbitenango, which is right outside the city.

The is a small amusement park that is a replica of the shire in Lord of the Rings.

Best Hostels in Antigua

• Maya Papaya: This is one of the best hostels in ALL of Latin America. Everything about this hostel is perfect and feels like a luxury hotel.
• The Purpose Hostel: With the best views of any hostel in Antigua, this hostel is everything you’d want and more.
• Tropicana: This is the most popular budget backpacker hostel. A dorm is as cheap as $11 USD and has happy hour every day.

(Day 6): Hike Volcan Pacaya

Depending on how you feel, you can decide what you want to do on this day. Personally, I love hiking and exploring.

Guatemala is one of the best countries to visit and see as many volcanoes as possible. Volcan Pacaya is cheap and well worth the trip.

This is less of a major hike and more of an experience. You can book him at your hostel or any travel agency in town.

If you have more time or want to try and squeeze it in, the most popular activity in town is hiking Volcan Acatenango.

This is one of my favorite experiences in my life as you get to sleep next to an erupting volcano.

(Day 7): Shuttle to Lake Atitlan

On day 7, you will want to head toward one of the most beautiful areas in the world, Lake Atitlan. This lake is unique because three volcanos surround it.

You can stay in different towns, such as the main hubs of Panajachel, San Pedro, and San Marco.

The most popular location to stay is San Pedro, and I stayed there for two weeks when I visited.

A shuttle from Antigua to Lake Atitlan should cost you no more than 100 – 120 Q. Finding the best deal can help you create your 10-day itinerary in Guatemala.

Best Hostels on Lake Atitlan

• Hotel Amigos: We stayed here when visiting San Pedro. It has great views of the lake and an amazing breakfast.
• Free Cerveza: This is one of the most popular hostels on the lake. A truly unique experience as you get to camp along the shores of Lake Atitlan.
• Dreamboat Hostel: A truly amazing party hostel in the main town of Lake Atitlan. The rooftop pool and bar are the icings on top.

(Day 8): Hike San Pedro Volcano

San Pedro Volcano is the best day hike I have done while visiting Guatemala. This is not an easy hike, but the views are well worth your effort.

It helps to stay in San Pedro during this hike as it is only a 5 to 10-minute tuk-tuk ride away.

There will be an entry fee but other than that, the costs are very minimal when doing this hike. Start early so you will have plenty of time to complete this hike before sundown.

(Day 9): Sunrise hike Indian Nose

A more popular hike amongst travelers is the Indian Nose hike. The best way to do this hike is for sunrise.

Most tours go for sunrise, which is breathtaking. From here, you can see Volcan Acatenango and Fuego.

The cost should be around 100 Q & you must be ready at 4 am.

You will return to town around 8 am and the rest of the day is yours to relax or explore.

This will be your last day before heading back home. Be sure to stop at a tour company to purchase a shuttle to the airport. Most, if not all, of these shuttles will leave from Panajachel.

(Day 10): Shuttle to Guatemala City Airport

Sadly, the day has come. Your Guatemalan adventure is over, but the itinerary was full of activities. If you can, make sure to book your flight to leave later in the day or at night.

If this won’t work for you, I suggest shuttling after the Indian Nose hike to Antigua. You can wake up early to get to the airport from a closer city.

If you have more time, then I will go over another amazing area below, which you can visit.

Bonus Day (If Visiting for More Than 10 Days):

After all of the activities that have been jammed into this itinerary, what better way to end the trip than to relax on the beach?

El Paredon is a booming up-and-coming beach destination in Central America. The waves are pristine and some excellent hostels are lined up on the beach’s shore.

This is a popular weekend getaway for Guatemala City locals, and for good reason. Once here, you feel like you are in the middle of nowhere but simultaneously in paradise.

Best Hostels in El Paredon

• Cocori: This is by far the best hostel in El Paredon in my opinion. You feel like you’re at a resort. The waves are in your footsteps and the food is top-notch.
• Mellow Hostel: I visited this hostel while in El Paredon and have to say it is probably the second-best one. It’s a little farther from the beach but everything else is perfect.
• Driftwood Hostel: This is the OG hostel in El Paredon. Whereas most hostels in this area are considered “party hostels”, this is the biggest.

Things to Know Before Creating Your Guatemala Itinerary

How Expensive is Guatemala?

I get this question a lot and it’s hard to answer sometimes. Guatemala is a cheap country, especially when compared to the cost of going to places like the United States.

It is cheaper than in Costa Rica but more expensive than in places like Mexico or Colombia.

$1 USD currently equals 7.80 Quetzales. The most expensive expenses are shuttles and hostels.

That’s why I suggest adding a night bus wherever you can.

Best Time to Visit Guatemala

If you want to visit Guatemala when it rains the least, that will be between November and April. I traveled to Guatemala in February and the weather was fantastic.

If you want to see turtles hatch on the beach daily, the best time to visit is during October and November.

Is a Week Enough Time to Visit Guatemala?

Generally, I don’t suggest visiting any country for only a week, no matter the size. There is so much every country on this planet has to offer.

That said, if you make a list of the top three activities you want to do in Guatemala, you can complete them in a week’s time.

Your planning will have to be on point but a lot of these activities can be squeezed in.

Final Thoughts on the 10-day Itinerary in Guatemala

Guatemala is a country full of adventure. The people along the way are some of the best you’ll ever meet. This country is growing year after year and soon it will blow up as a place you HAVE to visit in your lifetime. The hospitality is remarkable and I can’t wait to go back. With that being said, I think this 10-day Itinerary for Guatemala is perfectly put together. You can make some adjustments where applicable but you can’t go wrong with any of these activities.