20 day itinerary
Gutemala
Personalized with:I want to travel at a relaxed paceInclude parks and green spacesBirding hot spotEco lodge
Itinerary
Guatemala is a stunning country with a rich tapestry of culture, history, and nature. With 20 days to explore, you can really soak in the beauty at a relaxed pace. Here’s a delightful itinerary that includes parks, green spaces, birding hotspots, and eco-lodges. Let’s dive in!
Day 1: Arrival in Guatemala City
- Morning: Arrive at . Take a taxi to your hotel in the city.
- Afternoon: Explore the historic center. Visit the and the .
- Evening: Enjoy a traditional Guatemalan dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 2: Guatemala City to Antigua
- Morning: Head to Antigua (about 1 hour drive). Check into an eco-lodge like .
- Afternoon: Stroll through the cobblestone streets, visiting the and .
- Evening: Dinner at a local café, perhaps trying some Pepian, a traditional stew.
Day 3: Antigua
- Morning: Take a guided walking tour of Antigua, including visits to the ruins of old churches.
- Afternoon: Visit the nearby for a gentle hike (or just enjoy the views from a distance).
- Evening: Relax at your eco-lodge and enjoy the garden.
Day 4: Antigua to Lake Atitlán
- Morning: Depart for Lake Atitlán (about 2.5 hours). Check into an eco-lodge like .
- Afternoon: Explore the lakeside town of . Visit the local market.
- Evening: Dinner with a view of the lake.
Day 5: Lake Atitlán
- Morning: Take a boat tour to visit the villages of San Juan and San Pedro. Enjoy the stunning views.
- Afternoon: Go birdwatching in the .
- Evening: Return to your lodge for a peaceful evening.
Day 6: Lake Atitlán to Quetzaltenango
- Morning: Travel to Quetzaltenango (about 2 hours). Check into an eco-lodge like .
- Afternoon: Explore the city, visiting the and the historic theater.
- Evening: Enjoy a local meal at a nearby restaurant.
Day 7: Quetzaltenango
- Morning: Hike to , natural hot springs surrounded by lush greenery.
- Afternoon: Relax in the hot springs and enjoy the natural beauty.
- Evening: Return to Quetzaltenango for dinner.
Day 8: Quetzaltenango to Chichicastenango
- Morning: Head to Chichicastenango (about 1.5 hours). Check into a local eco-lodge.
- Afternoon: Visit the famous market, especially vibrant on Thursdays and Sundays.
- Evening: Explore the local church and enjoy a quiet evening.
Day 9: Chichicastenango to Tikal
- Morning: Travel to Tikal (this will be a longer journey, about 8 hours, so consider an early start).
- Afternoon: Check into an eco-lodge like . Rest and relax.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at the lodge and listen to the sounds of the jungle.
Day 10:
- Morning: Early morning birdwatching in . Look for toucans and parrots!
- Afternoon: Explore the ancient Mayan ruins, including and .
- Evening: Return to your lodge for a well-deserved dinner.
Day 11: Tikal to
- Morning: Travel to (about 1 hour). Check into a lakeside eco-lodge.
- Afternoon: Explore the charming island town of .
- Evening: Dinner with a view of .
Day 12: to Rio Dulce
- Morning: Depart for Rio Dulce (about 3 hours). Check into an eco-lodge like .
- Afternoon: Relax by the river or take a kayak out.
- Evening: Enjoy a riverside dinner.
Day 13: Rio Dulce
- Morning: Take a boat tour to , a Garifuna town. Enjoy the scenery and birdwatching.
- Afternoon: Explore the town and try some local seafood.
- Evening: Return to your lodge for a peaceful evening.
Day 14: Rio Dulce to Semuc Champey
- Morning: Travel to Semuc Champey (about 5 hours). Check into an eco-lodge like .
- Afternoon: Relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
- Evening: Dinner at the lodge.
Day 15: Semuc Champey
- Morning: Explore the stunning turquoise pools of Semuc Champey. Go for a swim!
- Afternoon: Take a guided tour of the nearby K’an Ba caves.
- Evening: Return to your lodge for dinner.
Day 16: Semuc Champey to Antigua
- Morning: Travel back to Antigua (about 7 hours). Check into your eco-lodge.
- Afternoon: Relax and unwind after the journey.
- Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner in Antigua.
Day 17: Antigua
- Morning: Take a coffee tour at a local plantation.
- Afternoon: Visit the viewpoint for panoramic views of Antigua.
- Evening: Enjoy a cultural performance or live music in town.
Day 18: Antigua to Guatemala City
- Morning: Head back to Guatemala City (about 1 hour). Check into a hotel.
- Afternoon: Visit the to learn about Mayan culture.
- Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 19: Guatemala City
- Morning: Explore for some last-minute birdwatching.
- Afternoon: Visit or relax in .
- Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner, reflecting on your journey.
Day 20: Departure
- Morning: Last-minute shopping or sightseeing in Guatemala City.
- Afternoon: Head to the airport for your departure.
This itinerary allows you to experience the best of Guatemala at a leisurely pace, with plenty of opportunities for birdwatching, exploring parks, and enjoying eco-friendly accommodations. Enjoy your adventure! 🌿🦜