A Week in Guatemala: Lake Atitlán and Antigua Adventures
Planning a trip to Guatemala? This itinerary takes you from the magical shores of Lake Atitlán to the colonial charm of Antigua. If you’re looking for a mix of outdoor adventure, cultural experiences, and stunning landscapes, read on for a day-by-day breakdown of a carefully crafted itinerary that makes the most of your time on an unforgettable six night journey!
Itinerary Note: We pre-arranged our lodging and transfers, booking activities through our lodge and agencies along the way. This itinerary is packed with experiences, though my teenage boys opted to skip a few here and there for a little R&R instead. Be sure to adjust based on your travel style — whether it means slowing down to soak it all in or packing in every adventure possible (like me!).
These are my honest opinions and recommendations — I do not receive any compensation or discounts during our travel. This story does include some affiliate links for which I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please click the links to support my blog.
Six Night Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Guatemala & Transfer to Lake Atitlán
Arrive in Guatemala City early enough to reach Lake Atitlán before the last public boat (lancha), unless you are staying in or around Panajachel. Check with your lodging for the exact schedule—the last boat was at 7 PM when we visited. I priced out private transfers, including a stop for lunch and a quick detour to the Iximché ruins, through agencies and our accommodations in Lake Atitlán and Antigua, saving over $150 total. However, traffic delays disrupted our plans to visit Iximché, and an accident turned the 3–4 hour transfer into nearly six hours. A good reminder that flexibility is key. While I had read that the water can get rough in the evening, we had no issues.
Upon arrival at your lodge, be prepared to pay in cash—a must in Guatemala—before resting up for an early morning adventure. I recommend withdrawing cash at an airport bank-owned ATM in case you’re short on time when you arrive in Panajachel
Day 2: Indian Nose Hike & Exploring the Villages
Wake up at 4 AM for the famous Indian Nose hike with a local guide. The early start is worth it for the spectacular sunrise over Lake Atitlán. Warm clothes and a flashlight are essential. Afterward, explore several villages by boat:
San Pedro – A relaxed lakeside town with great views.
Santiago – Home to the infamous shrine of Maximón. Hiring a local guide at the dock is helpful, and bringing a tie as an offering (instead of booze or cigarettes) is a thoughtful touch. A quick tuk-tuk tour allows you to see more of the area.
San Juan – Famous for its weaving co-ops and local artists. Visiting earlier in the day is best, as many shops close by late afternoon.
San Marcos – A great place to stock up at the ATM, buy locally made chocolate bars, and explore the upper town, including a Catholic church and basketball court.
Catch the last boat back to your lodge by 5:40 PM and enjoy a relaxing evening.
Day 3: Hiking, Cliff Jumping & Moving to Panajachel
Start the day with sunrise yoga on the dock, followed by breakfast. If your lodge doesn’t offer SUPs or kayaks, rentals can be arranged nearby. At 10 AM, consider hiking through Three Villages (San Marcos, Tzununa, Jaibalito, and Santa Cruz) with a local guide—a fantastic way to see more of the lakeshore.
Next, take a boat to Cerro Tzankujil Nature Reserve, where you can hike up the hill and jump off an 8-meter cliff into the lake—an exhilarating experience! Be sure to have cash, as some ATMs may run out of money. Hiring a private lancha ($25) is an efficient way to return to Panajachel, where you can check into an Airbnb, sort out any cash needs, and explore the town at sunset.
Day 4: Sololá Market & Atitlán Nature Reserve
Kick off the day with a chicken bus ride to Sololá Market, a vibrant local experience filled with fresh produce, traditional textiles, and street food. The town’s church and main square are worth a visit before heading back to Panajachel via chicken bus. From there, take a tuk-tuk to the Atitlán Nature Reserve, which offers zip lines, hanging bridges, waterfalls, and butterfly gardens.
In the afternoon, take a taxi to Santa Catarina Palopó, a beautiful town known for its painted houses. If you’re lucky, a local festival may add extra charm to your visit. While the nearby hot springs may seem tempting, they are not always the cleanest option. Instead, return to Panajachel for shopping along Calle Santander, where textile and souvenir prices are often better than in Antigua.
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Day 5: Transfer to Antigua & Pacaya Volcano Hike
Before leaving Lake Atitlán, take a morning walk along the lake to the cemetery, where local traditions and gatherings can often be observed. At 11 AM, meet a private driver for the 3-hour transfer to Antigua ($90 USD).
That afternoon, embark on a Pacaya Volcano sunset hike. While the extra driving makes for a long day, the hike is incredible! Be sure to bring a flashlight—the descent can be tricky without one.
Day 6: Exploring Antigua
A self-guided walking tour of Antigua is a great way to explore, but hiring a guide can provide deeper insights. Highlights include:
Cerro de la Cruz – A fantastic overlook of the city.
Parque Central – The heart of Antigua, bustling with shoeshine boys and lively street vendors.
Capuchinas Ruins & Iglesia del Carmen – Beautiful historic sites worth visiting.
San Francisco Church – A must-see for its history and religious significance.
Dona Luisa Bakery – Famous for its delicious banana bread.
If considering a mountain biking tour, be sure to research routes beforehand—some can be just tough rides along main roads rather than scenic trails.
Wrap up the day with street food and a rooftop bar experience for a perfect end to your Antigua stay.
Day 7: Departure & Unexpected Detours
If time allows, visit Caoba Farms for breakfast before heading to the airport. A private transfer ($60 USD) typically leaves around 9:30 AM to catch an afternoon flight. However, as travel often brings surprises, be prepared for unexpected detours. Some travelers experience flight delays or reroutes—like an emergency landing in Cancún or an overnight stay in Houston. Fortunately, airlines often provide credits to cover food costs in such situations.
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Final Thoughts
Guatemala offers an incredible mix of adventure, culture, and relaxation. To make the most of your trip:
Carry cash (ATMs can run out of money!).
Hire local guides for hikes and cultural experiences.
Stay flexible—unexpected surprises can be part of the adventure!
Visited in November 2019
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