3 Amazing weeks in Guatemala
Planning a trip to Guatemala? You should be! Guatemala is a beautiful, and unique place to visit. With spectacular landscapes, rich history, and bold colors, it’s a true paradise! To get the most of your trip, I recommend spending at least 3 weeks. So here’s how to spend 3 amazing weeks in Guatemala!
Spending 3 weeks in Guatemala will give you just enough time to explore some of the most popular destinations and get a sample of what the country has to offer. In this article, I’ll break down how you should spend your 3 weeks, more detailed information about each city/area will be in its’ own post.
I’ll also share some other expériences to add to your trip if you have more than 3 weeks to explore!
BONUS! At the end of the article you’ll find the different links & resources I use for planning my trips!
Week one : Lake Atitlan
No trip to Guatemala is complete without a week at Lake Atitlan. Considered one of the most beautiful lakes in the world, Lake Atitlan is surrounded by volcanoes, and indigenous mayan villages. There are lots of outdoor activities in the area, such as: kayaking, paddle boarding, hiking, zip-lining…
Spending one week at Lake Atitlan will give you just enough time to discover the different villages and do some outdoor activities.
Seeing as getting to Lake Atitlan can be a long (and bumpy) drive, it’s best to plan AT LEAST a week here. However, if you have more than just a week to kill – don’t worry because there is lots to see and do in the area!
Week two : Antigua, Acatenago and Fuego
Fall under the charm of colorful Antigua and its’ colonial architecture. Don’t forget to visit the local markets, where you can find just about anything.
You can spend a day or two exploring the city and surrounding areas, however, make sure to take an overnight trek up the volcanoes: Acatenago and Fuego ! Truly one of the most incredible expériences of my life, it’s also one of the major highlights in Guatemala.
After your trek, return to Antigua and spend a day or two relaxing before heading to Northern Guatemala.
Week 3 : Flores, Tikal and Semuc Champey
Explore the charming island town of Flores. Take a boat tour of Lake peten Itza, visit the Maya Biosphere Reserve and take a day trip to the ancient mayan ruins of Tikal. There are other archaeological sites to visit in the area as well. Additionally, you can also take part in jungle tours
After enjoying what Flores has to offer, make your way to Livingston! Here in Livingston, you can visit the stunning natural pools of Semuc Champey. Make sure to take time to explore the town of Coban, and hike through the Lanquin Caves, and K’an Ba Caves.
If you’re wanting to visit Guatemala at a bit slower of a pace, don’t hesitate to modify this itinerary. Personally, I would opt for skipping Semuc Champey and spending a few extra days at Lake Atitlan if you’re looking for a slower rythme.
Why you might ask? Well, Semuc Champey (although gorgeous) takes lots of time to get to. Additionally, if you’ve been to SE Asia, then you’ve probably seen similar landscapes!
Additional destination & experiences
If you have more than 3 weeks to spend in Guatemala then consider yourself lucky! There are other places to visit and additional experiences. Here are some other places and experiences I can recommend adding to your itinerary if time permits:
El Parédon:
Located on Guatemala’s Pacific coast, it’s known for its beautiful black sand beaches and surfing. With warm waters and consistent waves, its a popular destination for beach lovers and surfers!
Soak up the sun, catch some waves or visit the mangroves!
Quetzaltenango and Western Highlands:
Quetzaltenago is known for its’ hot springs and tradtional markets. Spend a few days hiking, visiting coffee plantations, and exploring the colorful town of Chichicastenango. If time permits, even take a day trip to the highland town of Todos Santos, known for its’ colorful market and traditional clothing.
Treks:
Apart from the Acatenango/Fuego trek near Antigua, there are multiple treks in Guatemala that are worth the détour.
Quetzaltenago to Lake Atitlan: This 43 km, 3 day, trek takes you through some of the country’s most stunning landscapes. Starting in Quetzaltenago, it follows the ancient Mayan trade route and passes through small villages and farmland.
Pacaya Volcano Trek: This is a popular day trek that takes you to the top of one of Guatemalaés most active volcanoes. Along the way you’ll see lava fields, steam vents, and stunning views.
El Mirador Trek: This challenging, yet rewarding, five-day trek takes you through dense jungles, home to ancient Mayan ruins and wildlife. The goal is to make it to the El Mirador ruins, some of the most impressive Mayan ruins in the world.
Although 3 weeks is the perfect amount of time to get a taste of Guatemala and what it has to offer, having extra time will give you the opportunity to get so much more out of your trip. From having extra time to relax, explore or go on one of the many possible treks !
So what are you waiting for ? Add Guatemala to your bucket-list!
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