Adventure & Relaxation in Guatemala: A 10-Day Itinerary

Arrive in Guatemala City (La Aurora International Airport) and meet your private driver for the one-hour transfer to Antigua. Check into your hotel, then begin your introduction to the city with a walk through Antigua’s cobblestone streets.

Antigua was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. The city is beautiful with well-preserved Spanish colonial architecture and Indigenous Mayan influences, including a thriving textile scene present in many markets such as the Mercado de Artesanías and the larger Mercado Central. Ruins are present throughout the city, and much of what you’ll see today reflects centuries of rebuilding following major earthquakes.

Start in the heart of Antigua at Parque Central, which is flanked by the beautiful San José Cathedral and the Palacio de los Capitanes Generales (Royal Palace), once the seat of the Spanish colonial government. It now houses the tourism board and rotating art exhibitions, and its long arcades are one of the city’s most recognizable architectural features.

Finish the afternoon at Sobremesa, located just off Parque Central, for inventive ice cream flavors such as strawberry parmesan and carrot cake.

Begin the day with a mid-morning cooking class at Casa San Miguel, focused on pepián, one of Guatemala’s traditional dishes. Pepián is a rich stew made with roasted chilies, tomatoes, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, spices, and typically chicken or beef. At the class, you’ll also learn the art of making Guatemalan tortillas and fried plantains. Lunch is the meal you prepare.

In the afternoon, visit Nim Po’t, a respected cooperative near city’s iconic Santa Catarina Arch. Nim Po’t showcases textiles and garments from across Guatemala, and it’s a great spot to pick up souvenirs.

Continue to Casa del Jade, one of the country’s most reputable jade sellers. Jade holds deep cultural significance for the Maya, and Guatemala is one of the world’s primary sources of the stone. Take a two-hour workshop and learn the ancient art of cutting and carving jade.
Later, go to La Efervescente wine bar and rooftop for sunset views of Antigua. Fireworks are a big tradition around federal holidays; I was able to catch some from the rooftop on New Year’s Day!

For dinner, stop at La Capitanía General, for a candlelit courtyard dinner with premium steak and meats.

For Days 3 and 4, depart early with a certified local guiding company for the Acatenango overnight trek, widely considered one of the best hiking experiences in Central America. The hike involves roughly six hours of trekking up steep volcanic terrain, with an overnight stay in cabins. As night falls, you’ll have a front-row seat to Volcán de Fuego’s eruptions.

On Day 4, descend in the morning and return to Antigua by early afternoon. Plan for a hotel nap and shower to recover.

If Acatenango feels like too big of a push, swap it for a guided day hike to Volcán Pacaya, an easy day trip from Antigua. Many tours include a stop to roast marshmallows using the volcano’s heat.

Start the day with breakfast at El Tenedor, perched high above Antigua with sweeping views of the city and nearby volcanoes. There is a free shuttle service departing from Hotel Casa Santo Domingo, which owns the restaurant and spa you’ll later spend the day at.

After breakfast, take time to walk through the surrounding art installations and galleries at Santo Domingo del Cerro featuring Guatemalan artists, like Efrain Recinos, one of the country’s most influential modern artists.

Then, head to Spa Casa Santo Domingo. The spa offers a wide range of treatments, including massage therapies using warm volcanic stones and cacao, along with a pool, sauna / steam room, and jacuzzi facilities that are heavenly for easing any post-hike muscle fatigue.

After the spa, explore the rest of the property. Casa Santo Domingo is located on the grounds of a former convent, and the property includes preserved ruins and informational placards that outline its history.

Make sure to stop at Chocolarti, the hotel’s chocolate shop. Everything is made on site, and it’s another great place to pick up gifts.

For dinner, El Refectorio, inside Casa Santo Domingo, is an easy choice if you want to stay put after a long spa day, offering a mix of Guatemalan and international fare.

Start the day off with a temazcal sauna at Earth Lodge, just outside Antigua. Meaning “house of heat,” a Mayan temazcal is an igloo-shaped sweat lodge made of volcanic rock, mud, and cement. In the ancient Maya world, the Temazcal was used as part of a ceremony to purify the body after exertion, heal the sick, and improve health (perfect for any residual post-Acatenango soreness). Sessions at the Earth Lodge are for 60 minutes, and visitors can also indulge in the facility's ice baths.

Then, transfer by private vehicle to Lake Atitlán (Santa Cantarina Palopó). The route is windy, so be sure to prepare if you’re prone to carsickness.

Check into Casa Palopó, a boutique hotel with an extensive collection of Guatemalan art. Spend time exploring the property’s terraces and galleries, taking in views of the lake and surrounding volcanoes.

Start off with a guided sunrise hike of Indian Nose trail for some of the most stunning panoramic views of the lake and surrounding towns. Expect a pre-dawn pick-up.

Later, visit the Asociación de Mujeres Mayas de San Juan, a women-owned cooperative where you’ll learn about traditional weaving and natural dyeing techniques using plants, flowers, and minerals. You'll have the opportunity to buy directly from the artisans, which is a great way to support local.

Return to the hotel for a luxurious massage overlooking Lake Atitlán.

Travel by lancha to Jaibalito and spend the day at Casa del Mundo, a unique and beautiful lakeside property built on the edge of a cliff. Day passes should be purchased in advance.
Spend the day swimming directly from the dock, relaxing in the steam sauna, and enjoying the beautiful gardens. Enjoy lunch at the property and be sure to take a lancha back to your hotel by early evening. Note that the lake’s waves pick up throughout the day, so travelers prone to seasickness may prefer to leave earlier in the afternoon.

Enjoy a slow morning at the hotel and transfer back to Antigua by private driver by noon.
Spend the afternoon at Luna Zorro Studio, a contemporary textile and art space on the edge of Antigua. The studio is located on a coffee farm and the space is stunning. The studio showcases modern interpretations of traditional Guatemalan weaving. If time allows, the studio offers a number of creative workshops.

Later, enjoy dinner at ITZAM, known for its seasonal Mayan-inspired small plates and coffee-based cocktails. Prepare for an early wake-up on Day 10.

Take an early flight from Guatemala City to Flores and meet your local guide upon arrival.
Flores sits on Lake Petén Itzá and serves as the gateway to Tikal National Park. The climate is tropical rainforest, so plan on lightweight clothing and bug spray.

Spend the day exploring Tikal National Park, one of the largest ancient Mayan cities ever discovered. The site covers more than 220 square miles, with over 3,000 identified structures and many still hidden. The history is incredible, and a local guide is worth it to fully appreciate what you’re seeing.

Your guide will return you to your hotel. I recommend staying La Lancha in Flores, a picturesque island town with cobblestone streets and bright buildings.

From here, I recommend wrapping up the day taking a tuk tuk (three-wheeled rickshaw) ride around Flores island and unwinding over a drink at Maracuya’s lakeside patio.