One Week Guatemala

Day 1 — Guatemala City to Antigua

On arrival at Guatemala City’s La Aurora International Airport, you will be transferred the short distance to your base for the next 3 nights, the magical town of Antigua.

Most visitors arrive late in the evening so, having checked in at the hotel of your choice, what remains of the day is at leisure.

(For those clients who arrive earlier in the day, the itinerary can be tweaked to suit).

Day 2 — Antigua

Widely considered one of the most beautiful towns in Latin America, and a UNESCO World Heritage site, Antigua enjoys a picturesque, picture postcard setting within a natural bowl, flanked on all sides by steep sided hills and with Agua volcano standing guard to the south.

The capital of Guatemala until 1771, Antigua has borne witness to several, devastating earthquakes over its history, and, wandering its streets today, there are still numerous, atmospheric ruins with tales to tell.

Sometimes described as a living museum, almost every building in Antigua’s historic centre either dates back to the colonial era or, if of more recent construction, seamlessly blends in with its surroundings.

It is therefore only fitting therefore that today begins with an introductory, private walking tour of town, taking in some of the key sites of interest and locations.

The rest of the afternoon is then free for you to explore Antigua at your leisure. Being a compact town, there is pretty much nowhere in Antigua that can’t be reached on foot while, for panoramic views over town, we suggest you head up to the Cerro de la Cruz.

Day 3 — Antigua (Day trip to Mt Pacaya)

Ascending a volcano is one of the highlights of any visit to Guatemala and that is exactly what you will do this morning.

Departing after breakfast, it is an approximate 90-minute drive to Mt Pacaya followed by the walk to the ridge. Naturally, the time taken for this hike varies from person to person depending on both fitness and tolerance of altitude.

From the top of the ridge, you will enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding countryside including further volcanoes.

You will then return to Antigua where the rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore on your ow or recover from your exertions.

Day 4 — Antigua to Lake Atitlan via Iximche

Departing Antigua for Lake Atitlan after breakfast, enroute you will stop and visit the picturesque Mayan archaeological ruins of Iximche.

Unlike the more famous, jungle-strewn, lowland sites in the north of Guatemala, Iximche is located on top of a raised plateau, surrounded on all sides by steep-sided escarpments.

Capital of the Kaqchikel Maya who had earlier conquered Mixco Viejo, even Iximche’s natural defences were unable to protect the city from the Spanish Conquistadors who sacked Iximche in 1524.

Although the city never fully recovered, even today, hundreds of years later, Iximche is still sacred to the local Maya and it is not unusual for visitors to stumble across traditional ceremonies taking place within the ruins.

Exploring the atmospheric ruins of Iximche normally takes around an hour or so. Returning to the road, it is another 90 minutes to Lake Atitlan where you will arrive in time for a late lunch.

Day 5 — Lake Atitlan

Formed by a volcanic eruption, Lake Atitlan is widely feted as being amongst the most beautiful lakes in the world.

Not only is Lake Atitlan stunningly beautiful, it is also home to countless, traditional Mayan villages and towns, all served by boats, or lanchas, criss-crossing the lake, carrying people and produce much as they have for done for thousands of years.

After breakfast, you will therefore enjoy another highlight of any holiday to Guatemala, a morning’s private boat trip on Lake Atitlan.

Quite aside from soaking up the beautiful views everywhere you look, there will be an opportunity to disembark the boat and explore a selection of indigenous, lakeside towns, each of which has its own, distinct character.

The largest of these towns is Santiago de Atitlan, primarily popular nowadays for the opportunity to come face to face with Maximon.

Returning to your hotel, the rest of the afternoon is free for you to relax.

Day 6 — Lake Atitlan to Antigua via Chichicastenango

Departing Lake Atitlan after an early breakfast, you begin the journey back to Antigua, but not before first visiting the town of Chichicastenango.

Often abbreviated to simply Chichi, this attractive but otherwise unassuming town high in the Guatemalan Highlands is transformed into one of the most vibrant and colourful markets in Latin America every Thursday & Sunday.

Dating back to pre-colonial times, K’iche Mayans from the surrounding countryside descend on Chichi to sell all manner of wares, with colourful masks, huipils (the traditional garment worn by indigenous women in Guatemala) as well as assorted textiles, fabrics, bags, carpets, furnishings, carvings and pottery covering almost every available inch of pavement. There is also a significant flower market, some of it used for traditional, medical treatments.

More than just a busy market however, Chichi is also an important religious centre, displaying a fusion of traditional and Christian faiths. Santo Tomas, in the very centre of town, is over 400 years old and was built on top of an original Mayan temple. Traditional ceremonies that combine both Mayan & Catholic traditions can often be witnessed on the steps leading up to the church.

After exploring the key sites with your guide, including time to browse the countless market stalls, there will be time for a spot of lunch. Departing Chichi, it is then an approximate 3-hour drive back to Antigua. Having checked in at your hotel, the rest of your day is at leisure.

Day 7 — Antigua to Guatemala City

Depending on flight schedules, you will be collected from your hotel for the return transfer to Guatemala City airport in good time for your onward flight.

Alternatively, you may wish to extend your stay in Guatemala and head north to the lowland highlights of Livingston, Rio Dulce, Flores & Tikal.