🇬🇹 Guatemala: Land of Volcanoes

Day 1: Landing and a smart transfer north

After the long international flight (most likely with a layover, and close to 18 hours of travel), you'll land in Guatemala City. Here we recommend making the smartest decision of the trip: catching a domestic flight to Flores (Mundo Maya Airport).

The alternative is a 10-hour overnight bus, but trust us: after crossing the Atlantic, paying for that 40-minute flight to save yourself the exhaustion is worth every cent, and you gain a full day of energy.

On arriving at Flores Island (likely around 8:00 pm), you'll find a lively atmosphere. You'll be exhausted but hungry, so head straight to El Takaso. It's a laid-back spot where we were welcomed with spectacular tacos and nachos that revived us. Welcome to the local food scene!

Day 2: Sunrise on Flores Island

Waking Up on Lake Petén Itzá

Get ready for an early start (few houses here have blinds and the sun comes in early). To start the day right, go for breakfast at Maracuyá. Write this one down: incredible toast, smoothies, bowls and unbeatable lake views.

With your batteries recharged, head to the San Miguel jetty. There, catch a boat to cross to the other side of the lake. The ideal plan is to walk up to the Rey Canek Viewpoint (about a 20-minute walk) and then cool off at Chechenal Beach. It's a paid beach, but has a lovely pier for a picnic and a swim in turquoise water.

Back on the island, we suggest eating at La Danta (fried fish and vegetables, really good) before catching your transfer to your next destination. Time to leave civilisation behind and head for the heart of the Maya world: Tikal National Park.

Sleeping Inside the National Park

For the full experience, stay at Jaguar Inn Tikal, one of only three hotels located INSIDE the park. Staying here is wild: there's no signal, electricity is limited and howler monkeys will be your alarm clock (we can vouch for it).

That same afternoon, take the chance to go in for sunset. Watch out, because Tikal has plenty of wildlife: spiders, snakes and jaguars. That's why, to move around at night (sunrise or sunset), you must be accompanied by a guide.

You'll watch the sunset from a viewpoint (usually Temple IV) and head back to the hostel for dinner, surrounded by total darkness.

Day 3: Maya Secrets and the Transfer to Antigua

Waking up in the jungle is a one-of-a-kind experience. The park opens at 6:00 and we recommend going in early to beat the heat. We went in around 8:30 and even so, seeing Tikal in the morning light was overwhelming: walking among pyramids taller than the trees will make you feel tiny before history.

History and Mysteries of Tikal

After the hike, head back to your accommodation for your bags and set off towards Flores airport. Time to retrace your steps: a domestic flight back to Guatemala City (usually arriving around 9:00 pm).

Heading to Antigua

You'll arrive in Antigua at night. Take the chance to rest, because the next day starts the colonial exploration.

Day 4: Cobbled streets, volcanoes and local food

Start the day with energy. To get your bearings in the city, we think a guided tour is a must.
💬 Tip: We had a mixed experience with a random guide, so we recommend playing it safe and booking this Free Tour of Antigua (Guruwalk), which has excellent reviews and will help you understand the history better.

The Third Great City of the Americas

For lunch, go to a classic that never fails: Rinconcito Antigüeño. It's popular, cheap and delicious. For around 40 Quetzales they serve a wood-fired chicken menu with sides that's incredible. ⚠️ Heads up: bring cash, they don't accept cards.

Settle your lunch with a coffee at Coffea Cafés Especiales (you're in coffee country) and take a stroll on your own. Visit La Merced Church, the Capuchinas Convent and, of course, take the obligatory photo at the Santa Catalina Arch.

Afterwards, walk up to Cerro de la Cruz. From there you'll get the most iconic view: the grid-shaped city under the imposing shadow of the Agua Volcano.

For an afternoon snack, stop by the bakery Doña Luisa Xicotencatl, famous for its banana bread (though we tried the apple one and it was spectacular).

If you want to see the 'real Antigua', end the day at the Municipal Market to buy fruit. You'll see chaos and locals going about their day, though be warned about the strong smells in the meat section.

Day 5: The Acatenango Volcano Challenge

For the ascent we recommend the company Asoava Tours (approx €60 all included). They usually pick you up around 7:00 AM to take you for breakfast, give you the packed lunch (which you'll carry yourself) and drive you to the start of the trail.

6 Hours of Climbing

Get ready for a tough ascent. You start at 2,300m and climb up to base camp at 3,700m. It's about 6 hours of walking with strategic stops.

💡 Vital tip: The company usually gives 1.5L of water, but that's not enough. Bring at least another litre plus energy snacks. Your body will burn through a lot of energy and you'll need to keep replenishing it.

Arrival at Base Camp (3:30 pm)

On arrival, you'll have three options for the afternoon. This is where you need to be honest about your physical state:

• Resting at camp enjoying the views of the active volcano (the conservative plan).
• Hiking to Fuego Volcano (+200Q): An extremely demanding extra hike towards the slope of the active volcano. It can take up to 5 hours round trip, with a night-time return. It's dangerous and technical, only recommended if you're in very good physical shape.
• The Viewpoint (+50Q): The balanced option. An easy 20-minute climb from camp to watch the sunset and the eruptions without wearing yourself out so much.
  💬 Our choice: We went for this one. The views are spectacular and you save your strength for the next day.

A Night of Cold and Fire

After the sunset, the bonfire gets lit. It's time to roast marshmallows, have a hot dinner and have something to warm up (hot chocolate or a strong drink). You'll need it.

Day 6: Sunrise Summit and Rest at the Lake

The Final Push: The Summit (4:00 AM)

At 4:00 AM you'll have the option to try to reach the summit (3,976m) for sunrise. It's 'only' 300m of elevation, but at that altitude, in the cold and on volcanic sand, it's a major challenge.
💬 Reality check: In our group, only the bravest dared to go. If you don't feel up to it, stay at camp: the sunrise views from there are already spectacular.

The Descent

After a hot breakfast, it's time to head down. It takes around 3 hours and your knees will suffer quite a bit on the loose terrain.

Remember: this is not a casual stroll. You need reasonable fitness and awareness of the risks of high-altitude trekking.

On to Panajachel

Once you're down, the most convenient option is to book the same company's direct transfer to Panajachel, the gateway to Lake Atitlán. The road has plenty of bends, but the first view of the lake will make you forget the tiredness.

You'll be exhausted after the adventure. Take the afternoon slow: enjoy a calm stroll along Calle Santander (the main street, full of crafts), have an early dinner and rest. Your body will thank you.

Day 7: A Village-Hopping Route Around Lake Atitlán

Take a public boat from Panajachel (25Q) to your base for the next two days: San Pedro La Laguna. We recommend staying at Hotel Mikaso, a haven of peace with a terrace over the lake, ideal for settling in as a base camp without moving your luggage around.

In San Marcos (the mystical/hippie village), you have two options depending on your energy:
🔹 Active option: Go to the Cerro Tzankujil Reserve (20Q). It has trails and a famous 12-metre diving platform into the lake.
🔹 Relaxed option: If you prefer to take it easy (like us, our legs were still sore from the volcano), stay at Café Victoria with an ice-cold Gallo beer and lake views.

San Juan is the artistic stop. Walk along the umbrella street and the hat street, covered in murals.
If you have the energy left after the volcano, you can climb up to the Kaqasiiwaan Viewpoint, though the village's streets are already worth the visit on their own.

Back in San Pedro, enjoy the backpacker atmosphere with a stroll. For dinner, our winning plan was ordering takeaway pizzas at Al Tempo Pizzería (the margherita is spectacular) and enjoying them calmly on the hotel terrace.

Day 8: The Colourful Chichicastenango Market

For this day, we recommend booking a shuttle (transport only) to visit the Chichicastenango Market. Keep in mind it's only held on Thursdays and Sundays, so plan your itinerary to line up with it.

The price is around 110 Quetzales (round trip) and the journey is 2h 30min of winding roads (bring travel sickness pills if you get carsick, fair warning).

Chichi is impressive. An endless maze of masks, textiles and incense. It's the ideal spot to buy all your souvenirs. Remember: haggling is part of the culture, but always do it respectfully.

Back in San Pedro, take it easy. A must-try snack is the Guatemalan sweets at Idea Connection (a great bakery/café) for one last, slightly bittersweet stroll around the village.

This wraps up the 9-day itinerary. A country that will surprise you with its wild nature, its Maya history and the warmth of its people.

Day 9: Return Logistics and Traffic

For the final transfer from Lake Atitlán (San Pedro) to La Aurora Airport, it's essential to book a private transfer or direct shuttle. Arrange it with your accommodation the day before.

Thank you, Guatemala!