GUATEMALA
Welcome to your New Adventure and Thank you for trusting us along the way!
TO NOTE: We offer this same itinerary in Spanish and since this is the English version of it you will often see detailed information in both English and Spanish notes as " [🇪🇸&🇺🇸] " for specific locations.
Things to Know:
When to Visit
The name Guatemala comes from the Náhuatl (indigenous Mayan language) name "Quauhtlemallan", which means "land of many trees".
As a land of dense forests and jungles, Guatemala has two seasons: rain season (summer) and dry season (winter). The best time to visit Guatemala is during the dry season which is from December to April. During those months you get low chances of rain and temperatures don't go below 64º F (18º C). If you plan you visit during the rain season (May- October) keep in mind that is not always ideal, because rain storms can last hours and this could limit your trip.
Additionally, the best conditions from the dry season make this time Guatemala's high tourist season, so prices may rise a bit. But don't worry, Guatemala is still a low key destination and high tourist season is nothing like Europe.
Hint: Don't forget to visit our Italy itineraries coming soon!
How many days are needed to visit Guatemala?
If you plan to get the most out of your visit, we suggest a minimum of 8-9 days. This will give you enough time to visit iconic locations and do enough activities without feeling exhausted. Also, it is important to keep in mind the distances between cities and small towns. Guatemala is a country surrounded by mountains, volcanos and jungle, which makes the roads narrow and long. For the purpose of this 8 day itinerary, to visit the south region and the north, the most time efficient way to travel between them is by air using the capital, Guatemala City, as a connection point. We'll give you all the details later on.
Regions & Climate
In this section we tell you more about the two regions we will be visiting and its climate. The southern region, where you will find Guatemala City, Antigua and Lake Atitlán are zones rich in volcanos, mountains and highlands with elevations as high as 6,561 ft (2,000m) above sea level. Therefore, the climate here is cold, specially very early in the morning and late at night. On the other hand, the northern region which is full of grasslands, lakes and jungles does not go beyond 984 ft (300m) above sea level. Here you will find the climate to be humid and tropical. It is also in the souther region where you will encounter the Maya biosphere and the famous Tikal Ruins up close.
Our experience: We visited Guatemala in December and we had excellent weather, not too cold in the south and not too hot and humid in the north. The best part; we didn’t experience ant rain!
Budget
Guatemala is a budget friendly country and is well known among backpackers for this main reason. However, if you are seeking luxury travel experiences you will also find it here. This country has the best of both world!
*Our budget per day was $50 USD/ person and this included meals, activities, accommodation for two in hostels and local transport by land. As we go in this itinerary, you will be able to formulate your own budget based on your specific needs, but we hope this number gives you a clear idea of what to expect.
Local Currency and Where to Exchange Money
The local currency is the Guatemalan Quetzal (GTQ) and nowadays the conversion to the American Dollar is $1 USD = 7.84 GTQ. Guatemala only handles the Quetzal and throughout the country with the exception of the capital, it's unusual for establishments to accept credit cards. For this reason, we highly suggest to always carry Quetzal cash in hand.
The best place to exchange money to the local currency without doubt is the bank. Here you will have safer transactions and they will give you the best exchange rate. Whenever possible, avoid exchanging money at airports, because they'll give you the lowest exchange rate.
For your convenience, we'll give you the directions or exact coordinates of the banks and money exchanges kiosk on each location of this itinerary.
What to pack
As previously mentioned, the climate varies by regions. Knowing we will visit the south and the north, you need to pack clothes for two different climates.
Here is our suggestions:
For the South: Lightweight winter clothes that you can layer up, because temperatures rise around noon and decline at sunset. We recommend packing a muti-use jacket, long sleeve shirts, thermal garments and hiking shoes (for hiking excursions), pants and comfortable shoes . For the ladies that love wearing dresses, you can! But only around noon when the sun is at its peak.
For the North: The tropical climate requires light and breathable clothing. You can pack as you would usually do for hot and humid weather, but a waterproof jacket won't hurt you. And don't forget to bring mosquito repellent! Trust us on this one!
Important Information
The airport with most connections is La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City. We suggest purchasing your flight tickets into Guatemala with at least 3 months in advance. If you are planing to visit during high season (December-April), especially during Christmas and Easter, be aware that flight tickets prices will be high.
Here is a video on how to find cheap flights!
✈️ Although, the video audio is in Spanish, all the details are in English in the video description.
📞 SIM card
The main data providers in Guatemala are Movistar, Claro and Tigo. In our experience, having this service is a game changer. Not only for safety, but also for convenience. To have data allows you to be in contact with your family, tour agencies, hotels and use in-app services like Uber.
*The price of a SIM card with 8GB can cost around $13 USD. This will give you enough data for 2 weeks.
This Itinerary is divided in 5 Destinations
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Now let's begin!!
Guatemala City
OVERVIEW: Our adventure starts in Guatemala City's main Airport, La Aurora (GUA), where you will be arriving. From here we head to the city of Antigua.
Arrival and Transportation
✈️ From any original destination, you will most likely arrive at La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City. Once you arrive and complete all the procedures like customs and luggage pickup, we highly suggest that you purchase a SIM card at the airport, but make sure your phone is in "unlocked" mode by your phone provider to get this type of service in Guatemala.
🚙 The safest way to move around in Guatemala City is using Uber (this advise we got from the locals). Once you request a ride through the app, you need to go to the next to the taxi zone where you will get picked up.
*Price of Uber from La Aurora Airport to Antigua: $38.50 USD or 155 GTQ
#Mentes Viajeras Facts: At the airport you will see different tourist transport agencies offering "shuttle" services. These are safe to take, but keep in mind the price is per person, while an Uber is per ride. Since we were two travelers, it was cheaper and more confortable for us to take an Uber
Note: For our recommendation on hotels & hostels in Antigua look for the section below labeled as “Accommodation Options for Antigua”.
DAY I: CITY OF ANTIGUA
OVERVIEW: Antigua's cobblestone streets and colonial architecture make it the perfect city to walk and explore. We will visit the main landmarks, churches, museums and traditional restaurants to make your visit unique and fun.
Now get ready to walk around this amazing colonial style city, bursting in culture, amazing views, delicious food and incredible nightlife!
To Explore
Here is a list of the main things to do in Antigua in order of distances to make your walk a lot easier.
Optional
After visiting the main spots in Antigua, you can make a quick stop at Mirador del Cerro de la Cruz. This city overview point is a great spot to end the day with a beautiful sunset. From here you will see the entire city, its surrounding mountains and a better view of the Agua Volcano. All the details and GPS coordinates for the quick hike are on the description.
Where & What to Eat
Here’s a list of traditional Guatemalan dishes so you don’t miss out in the culinary experience!
1. Pepian: Similar to a curry and you can choose your protein (chicken, beef or pork). It’s really good!
2. Kaq'ik: A delicious red soup made with turkey and local herbs that would make you travel in time. Its origins trace back to the Mayan civilization and for that it is considered cultural patrimony.
3. Jocón: A form of chicken curry prepared with tomatoes and cilantro. This dish is also a cultural patrimony.
4. Shukos: A traditional Guatemalan street dish. It’s a sandwich in many forms and shapes!
5. And don’t forget to try the Micheladas! They are typical Guatemalan drinks containing beer, tomato juice, lemon juice, salt, black pepper and more. Very refreshing and delicious!
Below is a list of the restaurants we loved during our visit and a few other with great reviews.
Here’s a preview of Day 1!
Where to exchange money in Antigua
Options for Accommodations
#We stayed at Somos Hostel and had a great time there.
DAY 2
ACATENANGO VOLCANO
(FOR THE MOST ADVENTUROUS)
OVERVIEW: This is an overnight experience that consists of hiking and camping at 12,322 ft above sea level. You will get picked up from your hotel in Antigua to hike the Acatenango (inactive) volcano where you'll spend the night and watch in real life, eruptions of the Fuego volcano. Easy right? No worries, we'll give you all the details and you can decide if this is for you.
"We have seen incredible things in our travels, but nothing compares to an explosive volcanic eruption of lava. It’s beyond incredible!"
THE EXPERIENCE
We have put together all the important information you will need for this excursion and listed down the entire route so you know what to expect from this experience.
7 am - You get picked up from your hotel/hostel in Antigua
9:00 - You arrive at Soy Tours headquarters and are given a quick introduction of the hike
9:30am - Hike starts (~7.5hrs)
12:45 pm - Lunch
5:30 pm - Estimated time of arrival to camp + Dinner
*6 pm - [Optional] Hike to Fuego volcano (5hrs round trip).
-The next day -
4:30 am- Summit Acatenango for sunrise (1.5hr)
7:30 am - Breakfast at camp
8:30 am - Descend the volcano (3hrs)
11:30 am - Arrival to Soy Tours headquarters, return gear and celebrate!
12:45pm - Back to Antigua
PRICE
This tour includes transportation from and back to hotel, park entrance, 4 guides, 3 meals and camp gear for $50 USD / 450 GTQ per person. If you would like to do the hike to Fuego Volcano, know that this has an extra cost of $25 USD / 200 GTQ.
OUR RECOMMENDATIONS
🎒 The hike is demanding, so pack light!! We left our luggage in our hostel in Antigua and only brought our day backpacks. Soy tours can store your luggage for free if you need it.
🥾 Bring hiking shoes: The terrain changes drastically as we ascend and it is best to have good shoes with strong grip.
🧤 Bring at least 3 changes of clothes and make sure they are confortable, but you can layer up or down. Temperatures will change as you go up and it will get colder at night. At camp temperatures range from 41°F to 14°F (5°C to – 10°C) so don’t forget to pack globes, winter hat, scarf and thermal garments if you can. A waterproof jacket is also recommended. Note: The agency can let you borrow coats and backpacks if you need it, just let them know in advance.
🧼🫧 We highly recommend that you bring wet baby wipes and disinfecting wipes for your personal use. Know that there are no showers, sinks or toilets at camp, only porta potties.
💧It important that you bring your own water for personal use and to stay hydrated. We brought 3L of water and that was enough. If you have any question you can always contact the agency for more details on what to bring.
⏳ This tour ends the next day (Day 3 of this itinerary) at around 12pm. Once in Antigua we head straight to Lake Atitlán in a direct shuttle service. If you would like to stay one extra night to rest in Antigua after this hike, keep in mind that you will need an extra day to complete this itinerary. In other words, it will no longe be an 8 day itinerary, but instead a 9 day.
▶️ Here's a video of this experience with captions in English.
OPTIONS FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO SKIP THE VOLCANO EXPERIENCE
You can finish visiting the rest of activities that you did not complete on Day 1 and explore more the Guatemalan cuisine. There are plenty of great restaurants in this area! You could also enjoy a spa day at some of the establishments near by.
DAY 3
LAKE ATITLÁN
OVERVIEW: This day consists of getting to Panajachel town in Lake Atitlán from Antigua by car and taking a boat to your hotel/hostel if it's on one of towns across lake.
HOW TO GET HERE
The journey by car from Antigua to Panajachel, Lake Atitlán takes approximately 2hrs. Panajachel is the town of connection between other cities of Guatemala and the 11 towns around the lake. The cheapest way to get here from Antigua is by taking a tourist "shuttle" for $12 USD / 95 GTQ per person. You can arrange this service through your hotel/hostel, but remember to book it at least a day in advance. The other option to get to the lake from Antigua is an Uber ride for $52 USD / $403 GTQ.
#We booked a direct shuttle service with Somos Hostel and was on time with zero inconveniences. Highly recommended!
NOTE: For our recommendation on hotels & hostels in this area look for the section below labeled as “Accommodation Options for Lake Atitlán”.
PANAJACHEL
ARRIVAL
Once in Panajachel, if you have booked your stay at any of the other towns around the lake, for example, San Pedro, San Marcos, San Juan, etc, head to the Panajachel's pier "Embarcadero" to take a boat.
🚨VERY IMPORTANT🚨
After 6:30pm it becomes very difficult to find an available boat because at that time they stop running. This is due to the "xocomil", a meteorological phenomenon that occurs in the lake and creates high waves and strong winds. Please know that to navigate in the lake after 7pm is very dangerous. Taking in consideration the boats schedule is crucial when coming from Antigua. If you booked your hotel in a town other than Panajachel, than you must LEAVE Antigua by 3pm the latest. This will give you have enough time to get a boat and sail in calm waters before night time.
HOW TO MOVE BETWEEN TOWN AND WITHIN TOWNS
Each town has its own pier, and the only way to move between them is by boat due to the lack of roads (with the exception of San Juan to San Pedro). To move within the town you can use a Tuk Tuk ride service, these are motorized 3-wheeled rickshaws. The price of tuk-tuks vary by distances and range from 10-15 GTQ.
#Advise form Experience
🛺 Avoid taking a Tuk Tuk at night! The roads have very little street lighting and in our experience the road turned into the fast & furious scene once the sun went down. We can assure you, we weren’t the only visitors experiencing this! Beware!
THINGS TO DO IN PANAJACHEL
🚕 TRANSFER SERVICES
Once in Panajachel we highly suggest you organize in advance your transfer service to Guatemala City for Day 5 of this itinerary. In Calle Santander, you will see many agencies offering this service, but make sure you book a direct transfer because most make a stop in Antigua and this can make the trip longer and more exhausting. Here is an agency with great reviews that you can reach out.
WHERE TO EXCHANGE MONEY
Fun Facts
The name "Atitlán" derives from the náhualt language, where "Atl" means "water" and "Titlan" meant "in between", therefore, its name can be interpreted as "in between the waters".
This lake is surrounded by 11 town and located between 3 volcanoes: San Pedro, Tolimán & Atitlán. It is also at an elevation of 1,560 meter above sea with an extension of 18km and it is one of the deepest lakes in Central America with a depth of 325 metes.
DAY 4
Let's explore the towns!
OVERVIEW: We will explore the most authentic and attractive towns around Lake Atitlán. Each town has its unique characteristics such as art, religious believes and even language. Start your day early so you can get the most out of your visit!
SAN JUAN
This town is known for being calm and full of art. From the moment to you arrive you will see beautiful murals, colorful streets, art galleries featuring the town's local artists and artisanal Souvenir shops.
SAN PEDRO
This town is the busiest and popular among tourists. Here you will find many markets, restaurants, bars, activities and night life.
SAN MARCOS
This town is the most fun and famous among young travelers. It has relax and spiritual vibe, for which it has gotten the nickname of "hippie town". Here you will find many yoga and meditation centers. For us personally, the best part of visiting San Marcos was jumping off a cliff into the lake!
SANTIAGO APOSTOL
If you want to have a more unique and local experience in the lake, then you must visit this town. Here you will be in contact with local traditions and religious believes such as Sincretismo. If this is your vibe, don't forget to pay a visit to Maximón.
A PREVIEW OF THIS AMAZING EXPERIENCE!
Options for Accommodation in Lake Atitlán
#We stayed in a small lakefront chalet in San Juan via Airbnb. It was simple, but very pretty. It is a little bit far from downtown, so you will need a tuk tuk to move to and from the Airbnb. Definitely the perfect place to disconnect and relax! (*Price $41 USD/ night). Find the link below!
Here is a list of other options for accommodation with very good reviews.
YOU CAN CHECK OUT OUR YOUTUBE VIDEO OF LAKE ATILAN AND GET INSPIRED! (w/ English Subtitles)
DAY 5
GUATEMALA CITY (Layover)
OVERVIEW: This is a layover connection to rest before we take a flight to Flores in the north. The closest city to Tikal Ruins with an airport.
HOW TO GET TO GUATEMALA CITY FROM LAKE ATITLÁN
The journey from Panajachel, Lake Atilán to Guatemala City takes 4hrs by car. The best way to get here is by arranging a Shuttle service in advance in Panajachel. It is very important that you do this because there are no Uber or taxi services in the Lake Atitlán area. You can reserve a transport service in many of the agencies in Santander Street in Panajachel but make sure you book a direct trip and doesn’t stop in Antigua.
Options for Accommodation
Since we will be flying the next day, it is best to book hotels/hostel near the airport. Here is a list of accommodation options:
DAY 6
FLORES
OVERVIEW: From Guatemala City we will take a flight to Flores which is the town with the nearest airport close to the Mayan Ruins of Tikal. Once in Flores we take a shuttle to El Remate, where we will be staying during our visit to Lake Petén Itza and the sacred ruins of Tikal National Park.
FLIGHTS
The flight duration from La Aurora Airport (Guatemala city) to Mundo Maya Airport (Flores) is 1 hour. As in today, only two airlines offer flights to this destination, TAG Airlines and Avianca. With TAG you will find more flight options but with Avianca you'll get the cheapest flights.
#We booked a 6am to go to Flores and a 2pm return flight to Guatemala City. The price of our roundtrip flights with TAG airlines in December was *$269 USD per person (Christmas season). However, in the months of January, February, June and July you can find flight as low as $50 USD. Book in advance!
ARRIVAL & TRANSPORTATION
Once you leave the airport, you will see multiple shuttle agencies waiting for passengers to take them to Flores town or El Remate village. The price goes from *100 GTQ / $12 USD per person to Flores or *150 GTQ/ $19 USD to El Remate. This is the most convenient option as this region lacks Uber service.
Accommodation
You have two options when staying in this region. The first being the town of Flores, a big town with lots of establishments but further away from Tikal or El Ramate, a small village closer to the ruins. For the purpose of this itinerary, we will be staying in El Remate. Here’s some insights:
EL REMATE
📸 GPS coordinates: 16.997119, -89.699601
El Remate is a small remote village at the shoreside of Lake Peten Iza that offers travelers like us, the experience to disconnect and reconnect with nature. It is also conveniently located if you plan to visit the Mayan Ruins of Tikal National Park (30 mins). The village is small, but its has its charm. Here you will find great hotel/hostel options, a couple of supermarkets, restaurants with amazing views and plenty of activities within walking distance. And more importantly, tourist agencies that will arrange your visit to Tikal. Don't worry, we will give you the exact locations to all of them to make this experience stress-free!
#We stayed at Alice Guesthouse and loved our entire experience here.
Where to Eat
DAY 7
TIKAL NATIONAL PARK
OVERVIEW: On this day we will visit one of the most important archaeological sites left by the Mayan civilization, Tikal Ruins. We will do this by arranging a tour in advance for either the General Admissions or the Off-hours admission (sunrise or sunset). All the details below!
Tikal is located in Northern Guatemala's Petén Province within a large forest region often referred to as the Maya Forest, which extends into neighboring Mexico and Belize. The park is one of the few UNESCO World Heritage properties inscribed according to both natural and cultural criteria for its extraordinary biodiversity and archaeological importance.
📸 Acropolis North with Grand Jaguar Temple in the back. GPS: 17.222386, -89.623739
When and How to Get There
To visit the archeological site, you have 4 options for entrance tickets: Sunrise, Morning, Noon and Sunset. The best time to visit is early morning or late afternoon due to the hot and humid climate. If you seek for unique experiences, a Sunrise or Sunset visit is for you! In this itinerary, we picked the Sunrise visit as the ultimate option to see the ruins because in addition to visiting the multiple complexes, you will have exclusive access to the park while still dark and experience the wake of the jungle. An experience not worth missing!
NOTE: Regardless of the time you decide to visit the park, you must organize your visit in advance with an agency for transport, tickets or both. This is very important because tickets can’t be purchased online and there is a limited capacity of visitors per day, especially for Sunrise and Sunset entrances in which you must be accompanied by a guide. You can visit the park's official website below for more details.
Things to Know
- Bring plenty of water to stay hydrated and snacks. The park is pretty big and you will burn some calories just by walking and climbing up and down the pyramids. Yes, unlike other ancient pyramid in the world, you can climb them in here!
- Don’t forget to carry out your garbage or dispose them in the secure trashcans near the restrooms areas.
- Bring mosquito repellent!! This is a must.
- Wear confortable clothing appropriate for hot weather, suncreen, sunglasses and a hat if needed.
- Confortable shoes with good grip. Since you are allowed to climb most of the pyramids, be aware that the rocks can be slippery. Climb with caution.
- If you are visiting during the rain season, bring a rain jacket or poncho as back up.
TIKAL AT SUNRISE
To experience Tikal at sunrise is a feeling that goes beyond words. Walking through the ruins illuminated only by the moon and the shinning stars will give a completely different perspective of the immensity of Mayan civilization. You will see the pyramids up close and experience the wake of the Mayan forest. First with the wake of howling monkeys, then the birds and finally other animals as the songs of insects cease in unique symphony. This experience continues as you witness the first rays of sun illuminate the dark sky as it expands to all the temples and palaces. It is simply breathtaking!
This unique experience is worth the sacrifice of waking up very early!
TOUR INFO & PRICE
#We booked our Sunrise tour with "Horizontes Mayas Tour Agency" located in Hotel Las Gardenias in El Remate (exact location in the Accommodations section). We made our reservation the day before and due to the lack of availability we had to book a private tour instad of a group tour which could've been cheaper. With that in mind, book in advance! A private tour for two including transportation from our hotel, sunrise entrance tickets and a certified guide we paid *$82 USD / 650 GTQ per person.
Here is a breakdown of the tour so you have an idea of what to expect:
3:30 am- Pick up from your Hotel by the driver and guide
4 am - Entrance to Tikal National Reserve
4:15 am - Entrance to the Archeological Site and guided night walk
5:45am - Watch the sunrise from the tallest temple.
6:30 am- Guided tour to the rest of the complex
10 am - End of guided tour. You get extra time to explore the ruins on your own.
12pm - Back to your hotel
From this time on you have the rest of the day to relax and enjoy lake Petén.
📸 TEMPLE IV : 17.223184, -89.629809
#TRAVEL TIP
We recommend that you organize your airport transport for your return flight at least a day in advance with your hotel or a tour agency to facilitate you this transition.
DAY 8 - Last Day
OVERVIEW: We take a flight back from Mundo Maya Airport to Guatemala City and it is here where this adventure ends.
BONUS
If you are like us, even in your last day you will continue to explore. The neighborhood Cayala is a great place to end your visit in Guatemala City. here you will find nice restaurants, shopping centers and unique parks.
Cayala, Guatemala City
Good luck in this new adventure!
Until next time,
- Kathe y Jorge
GUATEMALA
Welcome to your New Adventure and Thank you for trusting us along the way!
TO NOTE: We offer this same itinerary in Spanish and since this is the English version of it you will often see detailed information in both English and Spanish notes as " [🇪🇸&🇺🇸] " for specific locations.
Things to Know:
When to Visit
The name Guatemala comes from the Náhuatl (indigenous Mayan language) name "Quauhtlemallan", which means "land of many trees".
As a land of dense forests and jungles, Guatemala has two seasons: rain season (summer) and dry season (winter). The best time to visit Guatemala is during the dry season which is from December to April. During those months you get low chances of rain and temperatures don't go below 64º F (18º C). If you plan you visit during the rain season (May- October) keep in mind that is not always ideal, because rain storms can last hours and this could limit your trip.
Additionally, the best conditions from the dry season make this time Guatemala's high tourist season, so prices may rise a bit. But don't worry, Guatemala is still a low key destination and high tourist season is nothing like Europe.
Hint: Don't forget to visit our Italy itineraries coming soon!
How many days are needed to visit Guatemala?
If you plan to get the most out of your visit, we suggest a minimum of 8-9 days. This will give you enough time to visit iconic locations and do enough activities without feeling exhausted. Also, it is important to keep in mind the distances between cities and small towns. Guatemala is a country surrounded by mountains, volcanos and jungle, which makes the roads narrow and long. For the purpose of this 8 day itinerary, to visit the south region and the north, the most time efficient way to travel between them is by air using the capital, Guatemala City, as a connection point. We'll give you all the details later on.
Regions & Climate
In this section we tell you more about the two regions we will be visiting and its climate. The southern region, where you will find Guatemala City, Antigua and Lake Atitlán are zones rich in volcanos, mountains and highlands with elevations as high as 6,561 ft (2,000m) above sea level. Therefore, the climate here is cold, specially very early in the morning and late at night. On the other hand, the northern region which is full of grasslands, lakes and jungles does not go beyond 984 ft (300m) above sea level. Here you will find the climate to be humid and tropical. It is also in the souther region where you will encounter the Maya biosphere and the famous Tikal Ruins up close.
Our experience: We visited Guatemala in December and we had excellent weather, not too cold in the south and not too hot and humid in the north. The best part; we didn’t experience ant rain!
Budget
Guatemala is a budget friendly country and is well known among backpackers for this main reason. However, if you are seeking luxury travel experiences you will also find it here. This country has the best of both world!
*Our budget per day was $50 USD/ person and this included meals, activities, accommodation for two in hostels and local transport by land. As we go in this itinerary, you will be able to formulate your own budget based on your specific needs, but we hope this number gives you a clear idea of what to expect.
Local Currency and Where to Exchange Money
The local currency is the Guatemalan Quetzal (GTQ) and nowadays the conversion to the American Dollar is $1 USD = 7.84 GTQ. Guatemala only handles the Quetzal and throughout the country with the exception of the capital, it's unusual for establishments to accept credit cards. For this reason, we highly suggest to always carry Quetzal cash in hand.
The best place to exchange money to the local currency without doubt is the bank. Here you will have safer transactions and they will give you the best exchange rate. Whenever possible, avoid exchanging money at airports, because they'll give you the lowest exchange rate.
For your convenience, we'll give you the directions or exact coordinates of the banks and money exchanges kiosk on each location of this itinerary.
What to pack
As previously mentioned, the climate varies by regions. Knowing we will visit the south and the north, you need to pack clothes for two different climates.
Here is our suggestions:
For the South: Lightweight winter clothes that you can layer up, because temperatures rise around noon and decline at sunset. We recommend packing a muti-use jacket, long sleeve shirts, thermal garments and hiking shoes (for hiking excursions), pants and comfortable shoes . For the ladies that love wearing dresses, you can! But only around noon when the sun is at its peak.
For the North: The tropical climate requires light and breathable clothing. You can pack as you would usually do for hot and humid weather, but a waterproof jacket won't hurt you. And don't forget to bring mosquito repellent! Trust us on this one!
Important Information
The airport with most connections is La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City. We suggest purchasing your flight tickets into Guatemala with at least 3 months in advance. If you are planing to visit during high season (December-April), especially during Christmas and Easter, be aware that flight tickets prices will be high.
Here is a video on how to find cheap flights!
✈️ Although, the video audio is in Spanish, all the details are in English in the video description.
📞 SIM card
The main data providers in Guatemala are Movistar, Claro and Tigo. In our experience, having this service is a game changer. Not only for safety, but also for convenience. To have data allows you to be in contact with your family, tour agencies, hotels and use in-app services like Uber.
*The price of a SIM card with 8GB can cost around $13 USD. This will give you enough data for 2 weeks.
This Itinerary is divided in 5 Destinations
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Now let's begin!!
Guatemala City
OVERVIEW: Our adventure starts in Guatemala City's main Airport, La Aurora (GUA), where you will be arriving. From here we head to the city of Antigua.
Arrival and Transportation
✈️ From any original destination, you will most likely arrive at La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City. Once you arrive and complete all the procedures like customs and luggage pickup, we highly suggest that you purchase a SIM card at the airport, but make sure your phone is in "unlocked" mode by your phone provider to get this type of service in Guatemala.
🚙 The safest way to move around in Guatemala City is using Uber (this advise we got from the locals). Once you request a ride through the app, you need to go to the next to the taxi zone where you will get picked up.
*Price of Uber from La Aurora Airport to Antigua: $38.50 USD or 155 GTQ
#Mentes Viajeras Facts: At the airport you will see different tourist transport agencies offering "shuttle" services. These are safe to take, but keep in mind the price is per person, while an Uber is per ride. Since we were two travelers, it was cheaper and more confortable for us to take an Uber
Note: For our recommendation on hotels & hostels in Antigua look for the section below labeled as “Accommodation Options for Antigua”.
DAY I: CITY OF ANTIGUA
OVERVIEW: Antigua's cobblestone streets and colonial architecture make it the perfect city to walk and explore. We will visit the main landmarks, churches, museums and traditional restaurants to make your visit unique and fun.
Now get ready to walk around this amazing colonial style city, bursting in culture, amazing views, delicious food and incredible nightlife!
To Explore
Here is a list of the main things to do in Antigua in order of distances to make your walk a lot easier.
Optional
After visiting the main spots in Antigua, you can make a quick stop at Mirador del Cerro de la Cruz. This city overview point is a great spot to end the day with a beautiful sunset. From here you will see the entire city, its surrounding mountains and a better view of the Agua Volcano. All the details and GPS coordinates for the quick hike are on the description.
Where & What to Eat
Here’s a list of traditional Guatemalan dishes so you don’t miss out in the culinary experience!
1. Pepian: Similar to a curry and you can choose your protein (chicken, beef or pork). It’s really good!
2. Kaq'ik: A delicious red soup made with turkey and local herbs that would make you travel in time. Its origins trace back to the Mayan civilization and for that it is considered cultural patrimony.
3. Jocón: A form of chicken curry prepared with tomatoes and cilantro. This dish is also a cultural patrimony.
4. Shukos: A traditional Guatemalan street dish. It’s a sandwich in many forms and shapes!
5. And don’t forget to try the Micheladas! They are typical Guatemalan drinks containing beer, tomato juice, lemon juice, salt, black pepper and more. Very refreshing and delicious!
Below is a list of the restaurants we loved during our visit and a few other with great reviews.
Here’s a preview of Day 1!
Where to exchange money in Antigua
Options for Accommodations
#We stayed at Somos Hostel and had a great time there.
DAY 2
ACATENANGO VOLCANO
(FOR THE MOST ADVENTUROUS)
OVERVIEW: This is an overnight experience that consists of hiking and camping at 12,322 ft above sea level. You will get picked up from your hotel in Antigua to hike the Acatenango (inactive) volcano where you'll spend the night and watch in real life, eruptions of the Fuego volcano. Easy right? No worries, we'll give you all the details and you can decide if this is for you.
"We have seen incredible things in our travels, but nothing compares to an explosive volcanic eruption of lava. It’s beyond incredible!"
THE EXPERIENCE
We have put together all the important information you will need for this excursion and listed down the entire route so you know what to expect from this experience.
7 am - You get picked up from your hotel/hostel in Antigua
9:00 - You arrive at Soy Tours headquarters and are given a quick introduction of the hike
9:30am - Hike starts (~7.5hrs)
12:45 pm - Lunch
5:30 pm - Estimated time of arrival to camp + Dinner
*6 pm - [Optional] Hike to Fuego volcano (5hrs round trip).
-The next day -
4:30 am- Summit Acatenango for sunrise (1.5hr)
7:30 am - Breakfast at camp
8:30 am - Descend the volcano (3hrs)
11:30 am - Arrival to Soy Tours headquarters, return gear and celebrate!
12:45pm - Back to Antigua
PRICE
This tour includes transportation from and back to hotel, park entrance, 4 guides, 3 meals and camp gear for $50 USD / 450 GTQ per person. If you would like to do the hike to Fuego Volcano, know that this has an extra cost of $25 USD / 200 GTQ.
OUR RECOMMENDATIONS
🎒 The hike is demanding, so pack light!! We left our luggage in our hostel in Antigua and only brought our day backpacks. Soy tours can store your luggage for free if you need it.
🥾 Bring hiking shoes: The terrain changes drastically as we ascend and it is best to have good shoes with strong grip.
🧤 Bring at least 3 changes of clothes and make sure they are confortable, but you can layer up or down. Temperatures will change as you go up and it will get colder at night. At camp temperatures range from 41°F to 14°F (5°C to – 10°C) so don’t forget to pack globes, winter hat, scarf and thermal garments if you can. A waterproof jacket is also recommended. Note: The agency can let you borrow coats and backpacks if you need it, just let them know in advance.
🧼🫧 We highly recommend that you bring wet baby wipes and disinfecting wipes for your personal use. Know that there are no showers, sinks or toilets at camp, only porta potties.
💧It important that you bring your own water for personal use and to stay hydrated. We brought 3L of water and that was enough. If you have any question you can always contact the agency for more details on what to bring.
⏳ This tour ends the next day (Day 3 of this itinerary) at around 12pm. Once in Antigua we head straight to Lake Atitlán in a direct shuttle service. If you would like to stay one extra night to rest in Antigua after this hike, keep in mind that you will need an extra day to complete this itinerary. In other words, it will no longe be an 8 day itinerary, but instead a 9 day.
▶️ Here's a video of this experience with captions in English.
OPTIONS FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO SKIP THE VOLCANO EXPERIENCE
You can finish visiting the rest of activities that you did not complete on Day 1 and explore more the Guatemalan cuisine. There are plenty of great restaurants in this area! You could also enjoy a spa day at some of the establishments near by.
DAY 3
LAKE ATITLÁN
OVERVIEW: This day consists of getting to Panajachel town in Lake Atitlán from Antigua by car and taking a boat to your hotel/hostel if it's on one of towns across lake.
HOW TO GET HERE
The journey by car from Antigua to Panajachel, Lake Atitlán takes approximately 2hrs. Panajachel is the town of connection between other cities of Guatemala and the 11 towns around the lake. The cheapest way to get here from Antigua is by taking a tourist "shuttle" for $12 USD / 95 GTQ per person. You can arrange this service through your hotel/hostel, but remember to book it at least a day in advance. The other option to get to the lake from Antigua is an Uber ride for $52 USD / $403 GTQ.
#We booked a direct shuttle service with Somos Hostel and was on time with zero inconveniences. Highly recommended!
NOTE: For our recommendation on hotels & hostels in this area look for the section below labeled as “Accommodation Options for Lake Atitlán”.
PANAJACHEL
ARRIVAL
Once in Panajachel, if you have booked your stay at any of the other towns around the lake, for example, San Pedro, San Marcos, San Juan, etc, head to the Panajachel's pier "Embarcadero" to take a boat.
🚨VERY IMPORTANT🚨
After 6:30pm it becomes very difficult to find an available boat because at that time they stop running. This is due to the "xocomil", a meteorological phenomenon that occurs in the lake and creates high waves and strong winds. Please know that to navigate in the lake after 7pm is very dangerous. Taking in consideration the boats schedule is crucial when coming from Antigua. If you booked your hotel in a town other than Panajachel, than you must LEAVE Antigua by 3pm the latest. This will give you have enough time to get a boat and sail in calm waters before night time.
HOW TO MOVE BETWEEN TOWN AND WITHIN TOWNS
Each town has its own pier, and the only way to move between them is by boat due to the lack of roads (with the exception of San Juan to San Pedro). To move within the town you can use a Tuk Tuk ride service, these are motorized 3-wheeled rickshaws. The price of tuk-tuks vary by distances and range from 10-15 GTQ.
#Advise form Experience
🛺 Avoid taking a Tuk Tuk at night! The roads have very little street lighting and in our experience the road turned into the fast & furious scene once the sun went down. We can assure you, we weren’t the only visitors experiencing this! Beware!
THINGS TO DO IN PANAJACHEL
🚕 TRANSFER SERVICES
Once in Panajachel we highly suggest you organize in advance your transfer service to Guatemala City for Day 5 of this itinerary. In Calle Santander, you will see many agencies offering this service, but make sure you book a direct transfer because most make a stop in Antigua and this can make the trip longer and more exhausting. Here is an agency with great reviews that you can reach out.
WHERE TO EXCHANGE MONEY
Fun Facts
The name "Atitlán" derives from the náhualt language, where "Atl" means "water" and "Titlan" meant "in between", therefore, its name can be interpreted as "in between the waters".
This lake is surrounded by 11 town and located between 3 volcanoes: San Pedro, Tolimán & Atitlán. It is also at an elevation of 1,560 meter above sea with an extension of 18km and it is one of the deepest lakes in Central America with a depth of 325 metes.
DAY 4
Let's explore the towns!
OVERVIEW: We will explore the most authentic and attractive towns around Lake Atitlán. Each town has its unique characteristics such as art, religious believes and even language. Start your day early so you can get the most out of your visit!
SAN JUAN
This town is known for being calm and full of art. From the moment to you arrive you will see beautiful murals, colorful streets, art galleries featuring the town's local artists and artisanal Souvenir shops.
SAN PEDRO
This town is the busiest and popular among tourists. Here you will find many markets, restaurants, bars, activities and night life.
SAN MARCOS
This town is the most fun and famous among young travelers. It has relax and spiritual vibe, for which it has gotten the nickname of "hippie town". Here you will find many yoga and meditation centers. For us personally, the best part of visiting San Marcos was jumping off a cliff into the lake!
SANTIAGO APOSTOL
If you want to have a more unique and local experience in the lake, then you must visit this town. Here you will be in contact with local traditions and religious believes such as Sincretismo. If this is your vibe, don't forget to pay a visit to Maximón.
A PREVIEW OF THIS AMAZING EXPERIENCE!
Options for Accommodation in Lake Atitlán
#We stayed in a small lakefront chalet in San Juan via Airbnb. It was simple, but very pretty. It is a little bit far from downtown, so you will need a tuk tuk to move to and from the Airbnb. Definitely the perfect place to disconnect and relax! (*Price $41 USD/ night). Find the link below!
Here is a list of other options for accommodation with very good reviews.
YOU CAN CHECK OUT OUR YOUTUBE VIDEO OF LAKE ATILAN AND GET INSPIRED! (w/ English Subtitles)
DAY 5
GUATEMALA CITY (Layover)
OVERVIEW: This is a layover connection to rest before we take a flight to Flores in the north. The closest city to Tikal Ruins with an airport.
HOW TO GET TO GUATEMALA CITY FROM LAKE ATITLÁN
The journey from Panajachel, Lake Atilán to Guatemala City takes 4hrs by car. The best way to get here is by arranging a Shuttle service in advance in Panajachel. It is very important that you do this because there are no Uber or taxi services in the Lake Atitlán area. You can reserve a transport service in many of the agencies in Santander Street in Panajachel but make sure you book a direct trip and doesn’t stop in Antigua.
Options for Accommodation
Since we will be flying the next day, it is best to book hotels/hostel near the airport. Here is a list of accommodation options:
DAY 6
FLORES
OVERVIEW: From Guatemala City we will take a flight to Flores which is the town with the nearest airport close to the Mayan Ruins of Tikal. Once in Flores we take a shuttle to El Remate, where we will be staying during our visit to Lake Petén Itza and the sacred ruins of Tikal National Park.
FLIGHTS
The flight duration from La Aurora Airport (Guatemala city) to Mundo Maya Airport (Flores) is 1 hour. As in today, only two airlines offer flights to this destination, TAG Airlines and Avianca. With TAG you will find more flight options but with Avianca you'll get the cheapest flights.
#We booked a 6am to go to Flores and a 2pm return flight to Guatemala City. The price of our roundtrip flights with TAG airlines in December was *$269 USD per person (Christmas season). However, in the months of January, February, June and July you can find flight as low as $50 USD. Book in advance!
ARRIVAL & TRANSPORTATION
Once you leave the airport, you will see multiple shuttle agencies waiting for passengers to take them to Flores town or El Remate village. The price goes from *100 GTQ / $12 USD per person to Flores or *150 GTQ/ $19 USD to El Remate. This is the most convenient option as this region lacks Uber service.
Accommodation
You have two options when staying in this region. The first being the town of Flores, a big town with lots of establishments but further away from Tikal or El Ramate, a small village closer to the ruins. For the purpose of this itinerary, we will be staying in El Remate. Here’s some insights:
EL REMATE
📸 GPS coordinates: 16.997119, -89.699601
El Remate is a small remote village at the shoreside of Lake Peten Iza that offers travelers like us, the experience to disconnect and reconnect with nature. It is also conveniently located if you plan to visit the Mayan Ruins of Tikal National Park (30 mins). The village is small, but its has its charm. Here you will find great hotel/hostel options, a couple of supermarkets, restaurants with amazing views and plenty of activities within walking distance. And more importantly, tourist agencies that will arrange your visit to Tikal. Don't worry, we will give you the exact locations to all of them to make this experience stress-free!
#We stayed at Alice Guesthouse and loved our entire experience here.
Where to Eat
DAY 7
TIKAL NATIONAL PARK
OVERVIEW: On this day we will visit one of the most important archaeological sites left by the Mayan civilization, Tikal Ruins. We will do this by arranging a tour in advance for either the General Admissions or the Off-hours admission (sunrise or sunset). All the details below!
Tikal is located in Northern Guatemala's Petén Province within a large forest region often referred to as the Maya Forest, which extends into neighboring Mexico and Belize. The park is one of the few UNESCO World Heritage properties inscribed according to both natural and cultural criteria for its extraordinary biodiversity and archaeological importance.
📸 Acropolis North with Grand Jaguar Temple in the back. GPS: 17.222386, -89.623739
When and How to Get There
To visit the archeological site, you have 4 options for entrance tickets: Sunrise, Morning, Noon and Sunset. The best time to visit is early morning or late afternoon due to the hot and humid climate. If you seek for unique experiences, a Sunrise or Sunset visit is for you! In this itinerary, we picked the Sunrise visit as the ultimate option to see the ruins because in addition to visiting the multiple complexes, you will have exclusive access to the park while still dark and experience the wake of the jungle. An experience not worth missing!
NOTE: Regardless of the time you decide to visit the park, you must organize your visit in advance with an agency for transport, tickets or both. This is very important because tickets can’t be purchased online and there is a limited capacity of visitors per day, especially for Sunrise and Sunset entrances in which you must be accompanied by a guide. You can visit the park's official website below for more details.
Things to Know
- Bring plenty of water to stay hydrated and snacks. The park is pretty big and you will burn some calories just by walking and climbing up and down the pyramids. Yes, unlike other ancient pyramid in the world, you can climb them in here!
- Don’t forget to carry out your garbage or dispose them in the secure trashcans near the restrooms areas.
- Bring mosquito repellent!! This is a must.
- Wear confortable clothing appropriate for hot weather, suncreen, sunglasses and a hat if needed.
- Confortable shoes with good grip. Since you are allowed to climb most of the pyramids, be aware that the rocks can be slippery. Climb with caution.
- If you are visiting during the rain season, bring a rain jacket or poncho as back up.
TIKAL AT SUNRISE
To experience Tikal at sunrise is a feeling that goes beyond words. Walking through the ruins illuminated only by the moon and the shinning stars will give a completely different perspective of the immensity of Mayan civilization. You will see the pyramids up close and experience the wake of the Mayan forest. First with the wake of howling monkeys, then the birds and finally other animals as the songs of insects cease in unique symphony. This experience continues as you witness the first rays of sun illuminate the dark sky as it expands to all the temples and palaces. It is simply breathtaking!
This unique experience is worth the sacrifice of waking up very early!
TOUR INFO & PRICE
#We booked our Sunrise tour with "Horizontes Mayas Tour Agency" located in Hotel Las Gardenias in El Remate (exact location in the Accommodations section). We made our reservation the day before and due to the lack of availability we had to book a private tour instad of a group tour which could've been cheaper. With that in mind, book in advance! A private tour for two including transportation from our hotel, sunrise entrance tickets and a certified guide we paid *$82 USD / 650 GTQ per person.
Here is a breakdown of the tour so you have an idea of what to expect:
3:30 am- Pick up from your Hotel by the driver and guide
4 am - Entrance to Tikal National Reserve
4:15 am - Entrance to the Archeological Site and guided night walk
5:45am - Watch the sunrise from the tallest temple.
6:30 am- Guided tour to the rest of the complex
10 am - End of guided tour. You get extra time to explore the ruins on your own.
12pm - Back to your hotel
From this time on you have the rest of the day to relax and enjoy lake Petén.
📸 TEMPLE IV : 17.223184, -89.629809
#TRAVEL TIP
We recommend that you organize your airport transport for your return flight at least a day in advance with your hotel or a tour agency to facilitate you this transition.
DAY 8 - Last Day
OVERVIEW: We take a flight back from Mundo Maya Airport to Guatemala City and it is here where this adventure ends.
BONUS
If you are like us, even in your last day you will continue to explore. The neighborhood Cayala is a great place to end your visit in Guatemala City. here you will find nice restaurants, shopping centers and unique parks.
Cayala, Guatemala City
Good luck in this new adventure!
Until next time,
- Kathe y Jorge