One Week in Guatemala

You’ll likely fly into Guatemala City and you may want to plan on a lot of road travel throughout the trip, as flying within the country can be expensive.  A flight from Guatemala City to Flores (across the country) will run you about $250 R/T if you book online; and even that’s with a propeller plane which may not be for the faint of heart.  Chicken buses are plentiful but relatively unreliable, packed full of people and the occasional chicken.  While you may want to, and should, experience a chicken bus for the sake of experiencing it, we recommend that you not rely on them for the entirety of your trip in order to save time and comfort.  Therefore, our recommendation is that you contact a local driver service which can run as low as $350/week or, better yet, $60 for a four-hour journey.  This allows you to enjoy the scenery, not worry about getting lost, finding gas stations, paying for gas, or being responsible for the car.

Located one hour away from Guatemala City is Antigua and you’ll not want to miss this city!  Unique cobble stone streets create a grid through the city lining it with hostels, hotels, bars, and restaurants.  On the edge of the city is a marketplace where you can haggle quick souvenirs and get some fresh-shaved flavored ice from vendors.  Near the market is the bus station and it is the most unique bus station you will ever be blessed with seeing.  Private owners see their old school busses as blank canvases and a craft project for the ages.  In the morning hit up Sabe Rico Bakery for a delectable brunch.  At night, you can’t go wrong with one of the best bars in the world: Café No Se.

Guatemala is spotted with volcanoes throughout the country and while you’re in Antigua you may want to partake in exploring one.  Pacaya is an easy half-day trip from Antigua with a moderate hike to the bellowing top.  Actually, they don’t let you get all of the way to the top, but if you have a great guide they will take you to the potholes in the mountain which are so hot you can (and will) cook marshmallows in them.  If you’re dying to see lava consider venturing to Santa Maria outside of Quetzaltanango as it is actively spewing out lava in regular (small) eruptions.  As for lava near Antigua you have Volcon de Fuego but be very careful as the trail has been known to harbor local thieves who aren’t afraid to carry a weapon in order to take your valuables…maybe stay away from Fuego after all.

Speaking of volcanoes Lago Atitlan is surrounded by three of them.  Continue your trip by heading straight to the gorgeous lake which will take about three hours.  The largest city surrounding Atitlan is Panajachel, which is lovely, but the best culture lies in the many smaller villages surrounding the lake.  From Panajachel take a water taxi to one of the other villages, such as San Pedro La Laguna.  San Pedro is a flourishing village with local markets, traveler-friendly bars and restaurants, and good accommodation at very low pricing.  The town has turned into a hub for expats looking to run away for a few months by offering fantastic Spanish language schools, yoga studios, and low-priced spas.  Stay for at least two nights to set your soul free in this picturesque locale.

Guatemalan chocolate is some of the best in the world and historically traces back to the Maya and Aztec.  If you’d like to learn the history, see how it’s made, and taste the freshest chocolate you’ll ever find then you should consider one of the many chocolate-making experiences.  You’ll have the opportunity to make your own chocolate while being guided by a local giving you the backstory to our favorite vice.

Near Lanquin is the fairytale national monument of Semuc Champey.  On your way to Flores and Tikal (keep reading) you’ll pass near Lanquin and take the opportunity to stay in this tiny town for the unbelievable chance to swim in the glistening pools of the rain forest.  Start at the top of these river pools and dive, flip, and belly flop into the pristine waters.  You’ll spend hours with this adventure but don’t forget to tack on an extension that will guide you through nearby caves.

It’s strange to say that there is a major highlight to this amazing trip which still awaits, but Tikal is on the horizon.  Tikal is the “Machu Picchu” of Mayan culture in that it is the most famous and impressive of the Mayan ruins.  To do this part of the trip right you’ll want a seasoned guide.  Get the scoop on how the Maya lived in this expansive ancient city, you can climb some of the ruins, and spot monkeys, coatis, and possibly even venomous snakes!  For you Star Wars nerds out there, this is also where Yavin 4 was filmed.

Flores is your home base to Tikal so you’ll want to stay in this unique island town.  Situated on its own small island, Flores is surrounded by public docks where locals (and you) will dive into Lago Peten Itza to cool off from the tropical sun.  You’ll find memorable accommodations throughout the European-inspired streets as well as great bars and restaurants serving up reasonable happy hours.  The walk around the entire island is enjoyable and only takes an hour or so.  Rest up for the drive back to Guatemala City as it will be an eight-hour drive from Flores to catch your flight home.  Additionally, you could consider a one-way ticket back to Guatemala City from the Flores airport. Guatemala has been traumatized with civil war which ended only twenty years ago but the culture is vibrant and inviting.  You’ll experience some of the most memorable moments of your life whether you go with this itinerary or merely use it to inspire your personalized trip.