what to do in guatemala for a week

Youll want hiking boots and to go with a licensed tour operator based out of Antigua (from $15 USD including transport to the volcano). Recommendations for how to use these itineraries and things to know when travelling in Guatemala: With a one-week vacation in Guatemala, theres time to appreciate the countrys prettiest colonial city, Antigua, head out to colourful communities around the volcano-fringed waters of Lago de Atitln and stand in awe before the countrys flagship Maya ruins of Tikl in the Petn region.*. Depending on where you booked your hotel, you may need to take additional transportation from Panajachel, such as a boat taxi leaving from the citys main docks. Climb two hours to the top of the activePacaya volcano just outside Antigua, where you'll be able to gaze directly into the crater if conditions allow. Paredn is a great option for a couple of days, and is located a two-hour shuttle All of the beans at Finca Filadelfia are hand-picked and we were there in the middle of the harvest season, getting to see the action in progress. Seriously, I can't even tell you how many times . to visit the Maya site of Yaxh ($30 USD entrance), which lies just 30 kilometres After landing at Guatemala City Airport, you'll be driven to your hotel in the colorful city of Antigua, about 45 minutes away. Jade - Antigua is world known for the best jade. Approaching from the water, we had the attackers view of its stone towers and walls; we pulled up our kayaks onshore and explored the fort from the landlubbers side. in luck and visiting between June and November, you might get to see baby Its a truly remarkable site, so grab a map and get ready to plunge back in time. projects headquarters (in the Plaza Central) at a cost of $95 Q ($12 USD). have learned by visiting the two on-site museums which contain many of the bed on a natural limestone bridge over the Ro Cahabn. The lake sits 1,500 meters (4,921 feet) above sea level and is also one of the deepest lakes in Central America. As a result, there is a shift of - 7 hours with France and - 1 hour with Montreal for example. Nothing will surprise you after walking through the market a few times. The locals are used to tourists, so you can expect friendly and helpful interactions in broken Spanish or English. Guatemala Travel Cost - Average Price of a Vacation to Guatemala: Food metres high. Volcanic smores! is a perfect way to dive deeper into the culinary history of the Mayan people. There is something distinct about Guatemala. READ MORE ABOUT ONE TRAVELLERS HOMESTAY EXPERIENCE IN GUATEMALA. The longer the bean is roasted, the darker the bean becomes, and in fact, the lower the caffeine content. Beautifully woven, This is the cheapest way to travel around Guatemala, though it isn't the most comfortable. On the northern end of Avenida Cinco Norte, dont miss the Iglesia de la Merced, with its striking canary yellow faade. around 100 GTQ($13 USD, includes cost of guide), and pay the entrance fee 18 Unforgettable Things To Do in Guatemala - Two Wandering Soles Archaeologists believe that the foundation of the city of Tikal was laid around 700 BC, making it the oldest site found in Central America to date. Jose Alejandro | Men's Life Coach & Leadership Guide on - Instagram Tasty seafood abounds heretry the Tapado, a fragrant seafood stew with coconut milk, spices, prawns, fish and crab. Finally, youll reach a part of the slope where the rock is warm to the touch and toasty air hisses out of the crevicesyouve found a hot spot. We stayed in the quiet but boutique Santa Catarina Palop. Visit a sacred lake. The biodiversity reserve at Tikal is massive, filled with dense rainforest and rolling hills. Roasting is a highly unique process depending on what type of flavor is desired from the coffee. The forest is home to dozens of Maya archaeological sites, and the highlight for most visitors is a trip to the impressive ruins . At over 13,000ft tall, the sunrise here is unparalleled as it puts you above the clouds and offers the best overlook for taking in Volcan de Fuego's violent eruptions. Wander over to Iglesia de Santo Tomas, a unique white-walled church from the 1500s fronted by a weatherworn flight of stairs reminiscent of a Mayan pyramid. We opted for a tour of a working coffee plantation, because we knew that Guatemala is well-known for its high-quality coffee production. Head to the ruins at the back to see how splendid this building once was. What not to miss in your 2 weeks in Guatemala itinerary: Days 1-3: Antigua Guatemala. Return to Antigua in the evening and stay overnight. Catch a flight back to Guatemala City and head home. In the afternoon, you'll have leisure time at your beautiful lakeside hotel in the village of Jaibalito. Combing travel with language learning with this two- or four-week immersive Spanish language course, that takes you from Antigua to Lake Atitlan and then up to Shemuc Champey and Flores, giving you the chance to explore some of Guatemalas most beautiful locations, go hiking through the jungle at the Mayan city of Tikal, and even take part in volunteering along the way. They can arrange tours of Tikal, as well as airport transfers. Finally, while away the afternoon in Santo Domingo, a former monastery turned luxury hotel and spa that Anita spoke from her heart and cooked from her heart, opening up her home to us and sharing her traditions. Where to stay in Flores: A short drive from the airport and with a dazzling location on Laguna Exequil, just a few kilometres east of Flores, Las Lagunas Boutique Hotel ($300 USD double) is a true paradise, with bungalows built on stilts overlooking the lake. DHS Announces Family Reunification Parole Processes for Colombia, El ); A swimming pool and terrace have the vest views in the house, while proximity to hiking trails and access to a nearby beach give this guesthouse an excellent location. Youll cruise past spectacular limestone cliffs before emerging from the river mouth to the Caribbean. Power up your walk with a quick latte from Cafe Condessa you wont be disappointed with their organic Guatemalan roasts. Venders sell everything under the sun (figuratively and literally), including (but not limited to) candles, handicrafts, food, spices, masks, pottery, medicinal plants, machetes, pigs, chickens, and baby kittens. Antigua Lago de Atitln Chichicastenango Tikal and Yahx Continue on to San Jorge La Laguna on the shore of Lake Atitlan. Paddle along the northern shore in the shadow of the volcanoes for about two hours, passing tiny villages perched on the sides of sheer ridges that rise up from the waters of the lake. The Guatemala Bucket List: 21 Epic Things to Do in Guatemala This is a must-visit if youre a foodie like me! The article was written in partnership with Purposeful Nomad, who operate womens-only tours of Guatemala that aim to have a positive social impact on the communities that they visit. Power up your walk with a quick latte from, you wont be disappointed with their organic Guatemalan roasts. Golden hour walks in Galway. Also, where would you exchange $ and are there ubers there? If you want to chill out in a hammock, learn about local There are so many things to do in Antigua you could easily spend a full week here. Guatemala in April: Travel Tips, Weather, and More | kimkim An hours drive from Antigua lies Volcn Pacaya, an active complex volcano that last erupted in 2014 but only showered nearby cities with ash. What to do in Guatemala? - gogo-traveling.com Atitlan: Two Nights TripSavvy / Alisha McDarris Day Four: Arrange an early pickup to head over to Atitlan, but before you get there you should take a couple of detours. , while not certified organic, tries to utilize as many sustainable principles as possible, such as shade-grown, compost fertilized, and sun-dried beans. to get under the skin of the Maya, in a site that has still barely been This eight-day trip packs in some of Guatemala's greatest hits, from touring Maya ruins to climbing an active volcano. , is a great spot for a date night because they offer a traditional yet elevated Guatemalan menu in a historic and romantic venue. environmental projects or do some surfing, the scruffy beach village of El Tikal was a major Mayan city, which at the height of its glory in the 6th century AD, may have housed over 100,000 residents. Authentic Guatemala: Antigua & Guatemala City - 6 Days, Guatemala Family Tour: Antigua & Lake Atitln - 7 Days. We actually spent an entire week in the Lake Atitlan area during our trip to Guatemala, and I just loved it there. Read More. The steepness and altitude put it at a medium difficulty level, but I recommend buying a walking stick at the beginning of the hike. Dating to 400 BCE, this UNESCO World Heritage Site was once a major center of Maya power and influence, featuring evidence of sophisticated urban planning and artistic achievements. Panajachel (2.5 hours, from around $15 USD) for the shuttle). If we only had 2 weeks: Guatemala itinerary - Cuppa to Copa Travels Make your way back to Antigua in the late afternoon (crossing lava fields and lush forests), and spend the rest of the day exploring all it has to offer. For the first hour youll be winding your way through trees, but eventually youll emerge onto bare slopes of loose black and rust-coloured lava rockwatch your footing here. There are 5 main pyramids (Templo I-V) open to tourists. } Experience Atmospheric Antigua. Antigua is a remarkable example of colonial architecture at its finest. For myself, I felt safe throughout my time in Guatemala. 1. explore different towns. Return to Antigua in time for lunch (your guide can recommend a great local spot) and spend the rest of the day exploring the charming city streets on your own. Be sure to catch the sunrise across the lake from the Sendero Nariz del Indio, an unguided hike which also leaves from the village. 103. Despite its widespread popularity with tourists, Antigua still feels like a quaint colonial town with lots of character. This shoreside settlement home to the project Pintando Santa Catarina, where bold patterns and colours taken from the designs of local textiles have been painted onto houses. event : evt, My favorite pyramid however, was Templo V, which is a little off the beaten path (ie: less visitors). For more information or to book a homestay, contact the Asociacin de Guas de Ecoturismo Rupalaj Kistalin (+502 4772 2527/ +502 5930 4773, [emailprotected]). Yes, you read that right. You can visit the museums for free that are attached to shops. We helped make a massive batch of corn tortillas (mom got a kick out of our misshapen results), played with the familys mischievous five-year-old boy and tried on a traditional huipil (blouse), faja (belt) and corte (skirt). She now lives between Europe and South America and, since 2014, has been travelling throughout this continent, authoring guidebooks, writing for international travel publications and creating comprehensive travel guides for Worldly Adventurer. since fostered a unique national identity that pervades every part of daily Allison | Conscious Marketing - Instagram For any Star Wars fans out there (such as my husband who told me this fun fact), Tikal might look familiar , it was used as a filming location for Yavin 4 in. Make sure you carve out a day to truly appreciate the But Guatemalas To get here, take a tourist shuttle from your hotel for La Merced Church is one of the most beautiful churches in La Antigua Guatemala. Keep an eye out for ceiba trees, sacred to the Mayatheir giant buttress roots help stabilize the trunk, allowing them to grow up to 70 metres high. from Antigua. After a stomach-stretching lunch of pupusasa Central American specialty of corn tortilla stuffed with savory fillings and accompanied by spicy cabbage slawour leader led us on a walk around the city to get our bearings, and then theres plenty of time to explore. It imparts a different profile than other regions of the world, which I could certainly pick up on the types we tried. Guatemala in July: Travel Tips, Weather, and More | kimkim Set just south of Mexico and west of Belize, there are a . Catherina did a wonderful job planning a week in Guatemala with an itinerary that was customiz", Traveled to Guatemala as a family in April, 2023, "Catherina put together a great trip for us and was very responsive to our feedback and worked super hard to give us a unique trip within budget. community-level tourism, which focuses on one of the many strengths of the Maya people: their textiles, Keep Reading: 16 Unique and Unusual Things to Do in Guatemala, Keep Reading: How to Be a More Responsible Traveler in 2023, Keep Reading: The Best Backpacking and Travel Water Filters, Ranked, Keep Reading: Trekking into the Clouds: 11 of South Americas Best Hikes, Keep Reading: 7 Things I Learned From Travelling Plastic-Free, Keep Reading: South America Backpacking Routes: 7 Itineraries for Two Weeks to One Month, Keep Reading: Get 5%-10% Off South America Tours and Itineraries, two- or four-week immersive Spanish language course. warmer than what you find further south), El Paredn is a relaxed little Individual cabins are hidden away into the undergrowth, with beds made up with crisp white sheets and silky mosquito nets. This morning you'll embark on another exciting adventure. Guatemala in One Week: The Ultimate Guide - Intrepid Travel Time difference Guatemala is located on the UTC-6 time zone. It's time to say goodbye to Guatemala! You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Next stop is Chichicastenango, home to one of Central Americas largest and most famous open-air markets. recommended if you want to better understand better the designs) from the What To Do In Antigua, Guatemala + Why Visit (Insider Tips) - y Travel Blog Any restaurants you recommend in/near Panajachel? Head straight to the roof and order a pint of local, craft beer and enjoy the resident DJ and the 360 views of the city around you. Every Thursday and Sunday the town comes alive, with stalls offering everything from high-quality huipiles and other beautiful traditional textiles to pottery, ceremonial wooden masks and every fruit and vegetable you could ever find in Guatemala. Visa and administrative If you intend to travel to Guatemala, be aware that you do not have no special steps to be taken. The entire city was named a UNESCO world heritage site! Run by a pair of 20-somethings, this cozy coffee shop and cafe that offers tasty brunch food as well as live music and local art. Above, the sky is the bluest youve ever seen, while the lofty apexes of still-bubbling volcanoes rise out of the earth, surrounded by patchwork fields of crops. A small pool and vine-slung courtyards make for perfect spots for relaxing, while its location, a few blocks north of the Parque Central, ensures an oasis of calm at the very centre of the city. If youre into salsa or want to practice some fancy footwork, this citys the place to be. Spend most of today touring the ancient Maya temples, palaces, and public squares set deep in the jungle at Tikal. Breakfast and dinner are included in room rates and they have surf boards to rent and operate surf classes. It should come as no surprise that it's one of the best spots to watch the sunset in Guatemala. Going at sunrise is the best time to go for wildlife viewing (although we didnt do this), because you can hear the forest come alive. For the purpose of this itinerary, I am only highlighting my favorite experiences in a compact 3 day schedule. Catch a flight to Mundo Maya International Airport (1 hour, $100 USD one-way) with Avianca or TAG although be sure to turn up on time to the airport, as flights can often be overbooked, while departures can also often be delayed. 20 Bucket List Things to Do in Guatemala - A Taste for Travel Dont worry, a one week vacation in Guatemala is a great way to get a taste for the country which will likely inspire a return trip in the future. You should schedule a shuttle bus from Antigua to Lake Atitlan (there are many options available), and it will take about 2 hours driving. Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip. Save room for dessert! Worldly Adventurer - aka Steph Dyson - is a bilingual freelance travel writer and guidebook author from the UK. Hike, bike, and kayak around the country as you explore the picturesque colonial city of Antigua, scale the lava fields of Pacaya, experience the magic of Lake Atitln, and venture deep into the rainforest to discover the ancient pyramids of Tikal. While backpackers often head across the lake to the party Spend your time here hiking up to Cerro de la Cruz mid-morning when the clouds are clearer, visiting the ruins of Catedral de Santiago, skipping under the Santa Catalina Arch (sunrise is the only time to get it to yourself! free Tikal audio guide before you arrive. See the State Department's travel website for the Worldwide Caution and Travel Advisories. See the picturesque countryside outside Antigua today on two wheels with a guided cycling tour. Intrepid is committed to using travel as a force for good. picture-perfect location, which is set within an idyllic valley thick with Hop on your bike and pedal down to the base of the Agua volcano, just south of the city. *You can visit many of these destinations on a Purposeful Nomad eight- or 11-day womens only Guatemala tour. You can visit Maximn and bring him an offering like alcohol or cigaretteshell even drink it! Where to stay in Ro Dulce on a budget: Reached by boat up a tributary of the Ro Dulce, Finca Tatin ($25 USD double, $10 USD dorm) is a true jungle paradise, with basic cabins, many of which overlook the river, making up the lodgings here. For me, I knew I wanted some huipil-weaved items, a woven rug, and some spare fabric. This morning you'll get right on the water with a kayaking excursion around the lake. Theres a moderate climb to reach the crater, where you can see molten lava glowing against blackened ash and even toast marshmallows. here, you can take a day trip out to Lago de Izabal, a vast lake that My favorite stop on the tour was naturally the tasting room! Im not a big traveler so I just went with knowing what I was told. Delicious dinners are served for guests in the evening around a large family table, making this the ideal place to get chatting to other travellers. I think you would be fine booking day tours, especially if your hotels had recommendations of quality operators. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hey, thanks so much for this very detailed and authentic article, is there any way i can contact you for more question as i'm heading there with a friend around christmas time. Shoot, I dont remember the names of any of the places we ate. Highlights from this meal include roasted garlic and avocado, baked Brie with papaya and prosciutto and lamb sliders with a flavorful jalapeo and feta spread. Know Before You Go: Guatemala Travel Guide, 3 Weeks in Indonesia: A Fully Loaded Itinerary, The Complete Guide to the Maya Route in Central America, One Week in Argentina: The Ultimate Itinerary, One Week in Israel: The Ultimate Itinerary, One Week in Switzerland: The Ultimate Itinerary, The Most Popular Destinations on the Gringo Trail. To experience the beating heart of indigenous craft, take a day trip out to. Consejo de Tejedoras de Santo There are hundreds (maybe thousands?) 21 Unique Tourist Attractions You Cant Miss in Guyana, 15 of the Best Day Hikes in Torres del Paine National Park For All Abilities. Best of Guatemala in One Week: 8-Day Itinerary | kimkim No-one really knows why, but it was lost to the jungle until Europeans rediscovered it in 1848. Hills dotted the landscape and volcanoes loomed in the background. You can also organize a guided hike up. . Nightlife in Guatemala City essentially it comes down to two choices: gritty Zona 1, which has some atmospheric old bars and raucous student places, or Zona 10's Zona Viva, largely the domain of wealthy Guatemaltecos, with upmarket bars and clubs. 18 Top Guatemala Packing List Items for 2023 - Asher & Lyric Its thought that the first structures here were Within 42,042 square miles, Guatemala offers colonial cities, cobalt blue lakes, fascinating culture, lush jungles, ancient ruins, tons of volcanos (a few of which are extremely active), and plenty of underrated treks throughout the amazing countryside. Here's how to spend a week in the Central American country, starting in charming Antigua and ending at Tikal National Park. A large proportion of Guatemalans are of Stop at a few of the small Maya villages that dot the shores, and delve into the local arts, history, and customs of Guatemala's Indigenous people. The next detour is to Chichicastenango, a small indigenous town with the largest market in the country where produce, handcrafts, animals and everything you can think of is sold. Gaze out onto Atitln's serene blue waters and watch the sun set behind the volcanic mountains from the comfort of your hammock. You will also broaden your knowledge about the vivid culture of Guatemala. ), Vanessa Stofer is a writer and Vancouver Island expat living in London. from regional hub Panajachel, a two-hour, 45-minute bus journey from Antigua listeners: [], #, Hardest working in Ireland of the female artisans of course. It was abandoned in approximately 900, corresponding with the wider, regional decline of the Maya civilization. My sons and I would like to go to Guatemala for two weeks in February. Sunset is Try out their kayaks for a gentle paddle on the water, join their guides for an early-morning monkey tour, enjoy a sundowner on your balcony or take a dip in their freshwater pool theres plenty of love here. Another option is Volcn Acatenango, although only if youre in good shape as its a challenging climb to the summit. ), and . far easier to take a tour from Flores. From ancient Mayan ruins to colorful colonial towns and natural splendor, Guatemala offers something for every type of tourist. Semana Santa or Holy Week in Guatemala is one of the most important celebrations of the year in this tiny country. Classic Guatemala for Families: Culture, Cuisine & Nature Family Fun in Guatemala: Nature, Ruins & Culture - 14 Days, How to Get from Lake Atitlan to Semuc Champey, How to Get from Guatemala City to Lake Atitln, How to Get from Guatemala City to Semuc Champey, How to Get from Guatemala City to Panajachel, How to Get from Lake Atitlan to Tikal National Park, How to Get from Antigua to Guatemala City, How to Get from Tikal National Park to Guatemala City, Arrive in Guatemala City, Transfer to Antigua, Bike Tour of Surrounding Villages, Farms & Ruins, Transfer to Jaibalito, Explore Lake Atitln & Indigenous Villages, Explore Tikal's Maya Ruins, Fly to Guatemala City, Explore the vibrant colonial city of Antigua by bike, Hike to the top of the active Pacaya volcano, Explore ancient ruins and lush rainforests in Tikal National Park. Find out more here (and get 10% discount with the code worldly). particularly spectacular. in the canopy above. Rooms are spacious and theres a fantastic bar and restaurant if you dont want to leave your lodgings in the evening, while a rooftop terrace with outstanding views across the city is just the cherry on the top of this excellent hostel. What to do in Guatemala He listened to what we wanted, made as many modifications as ", Traveled to Guatemala as a couple in June, 2023, "My husband and I booked our trip to Guatemala for Holy Week. Many local bars offer dancing lessons, so you can have a fun night out and learn some moves (or just gawp at the amazing talent on the dance floor). Follow the itinerary above but on your third day set up an Ro Dulce, Days four to seven: Lago de Atitln and Chichicastenango, Days eight to ten: Petn Tikal and Yaxha, Days eleven to thirteen: Ro Dulce and Livingston, Alternative destinations to add into your Guatemala travel itinerary. The perimeter of the large lake is peppered with small Mayan towns and human outcroppings, all of which have their own unique character and flair. Its not common to share the cabin with chickens anymore, but the name stuck. Day 1: Tikal Start your adventure in Tikal, the mighty jungle-choked kingdom in northern Guatemala whose ruined temples tower through the forest canopy. Maya descent; with the culture survived the arrival of the Spanish and has Flanked by a picturesque collection of volcanoes, as well as traditional Maya villages, Lago de Atitln is surely one of the most spectacular lakes in Central America and, as such, a must on any Guatemala itinerary. The one-time capital of Spanish Colonial Guatemala, Antigua was abandoned in the 1700s after a devastating earthquake. The Mercado de Artesanas is a popular spot for visitors to pick up a souvenir or two, but you can also check out the less crowded Mercado del Carmen (next to the ruined Iglesia del Carmen church) or the Centro de Arte Popular for works by indigenous Guatemalan artists. Top 20 Things to Do in Guatemala - TripSavvy The weather is extremely hot and humid so dont forget your sunscreen, bug repellent and tons of water. Keep walking until you find one that catches your interest. THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Guatemala - Tripadvisor are hand-picked and we were there in the middle of the harvest season, getting to see the action in progress. THAT'S AN AVERAGE OF $21.40 PER DAY, OR $10.70 EACH. That's what Guatemala has taught me. Semuc Champey is difficult to include on a short itinerary because of the difficulty in getting to the destination. people of the Kiche culture. We stayed in the quiet but boutique. One word of advice, for good quality Jade get it in the stores, not at the markets. Guatemala is a spellbinding concoction: lava-carved landscapes, hazy cloud forests, crayon-bright chicken buses and the haunting ruins of one of the worlds truly great civilizations. Guatemala International Travel Information Start your adventure in Tikal, the mighty jungle-choked kingdom in northern Guatemala whose ruined temples tower through the forest canopy. climb up Structure 216, a restored pyramid that has outstanding views of the Located on the slopes of one of Guatemalas famous volcanoes, Finca Filadelfia, while not certified organic, tries to utilize as many sustainable principles as possible, such as shade-grown, compost fertilized, and sun-dried beans.

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