One Week in Guatemala: Lake Atitlán, Acatenango, and Antigua

Guatemala is a country that truly captures the heart with its stunning landscapes, rich Mayan culture, and warm hospitality. This one-week itinerary takes you through three of Guatemala’s most iconic destinations: the serene Lake Atitlán, the challenging Acatenango volcano, and the charming colonial city of Antigua. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, this trip offers a perfect blend of all three.

Overview

Duration: 7 days
Best Time to Visit: November to April (dry season)
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging (due to Acatenango hike)
Budget: $500-800 USD (excluding flights)

Day 1: Arrival in Guatemala City & Transfer to Antigua

Morning

  • Arrive at La Aurora International Airport (GUA)
  • Take a shuttle or private transfer to Antigua (about 1.5 hours, $10-15 USD)
  • Check into your accommodation in Antigua

Afternoon

  • Explore Antigua’s Historic Center: Start with a walking tour of the city’s cobblestone streets
  • Visit the Arco de Santa Catalina - the iconic yellow archway
  • Explore Plaza Central (Central Park) and admire the surrounding colonial architecture
  • Visit La Merced Church - a beautiful baroque church with intricate facades

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at one of Antigua’s excellent restaurants
  • Recommendation: Try traditional Guatemalan dishes like pepián or kak’ik
  • Rest early to prepare for the upcoming volcano hike

Accommodation Tip: Book a hotel or hostel in Antigua’s center for easy access to restaurants and tour operators.

Day 2: Acatenango Volcano Hike - Day 1

Morning (Early Start)

  • 6:00 AM: Meet your tour group (most tours depart early)
  • 7:00 AM: Begin the drive to the trailhead (about 1 hour from Antigua)
  • 8:00 AM: Start the hike to base camp

The Hike

The Acatenango hike is challenging but incredibly rewarding. Here’s what to expect:

  • Distance: Approximately 8-10 km to base camp
  • Elevation Gain: About 1,500 meters (4,900 feet)
  • Duration: 4-6 hours to base camp
  • Difficulty: Strenuous - requires good physical fitness

What to Pack

  • Warm layers (temperatures drop significantly at altitude)
  • Rain jacket (weather can change quickly)
  • Headlamp or flashlight
  • Plenty of water (at least 2-3 liters)
  • High-energy snacks
  • Camera for the incredible views

Afternoon

  • Arrive at base camp (around 3,800 meters / 12,500 feet)
  • Set up camp and rest
  • Guides will prepare dinner
  • Sunset: Watch the sunset over the surrounding volcanoes

Evening

  • The Main Event: As darkness falls, you’ll witness Fuego Volcano erupting
  • The eruptions light up the night sky with lava flows and ash clouds
  • This is one of the most spectacular natural phenomena you’ll ever see
  • Sleep in tents at base camp (it gets very cold, so bring warm sleeping gear)

Important Note: The altitude and physical exertion can be challenging. Make sure you’re in good health and consider spending a day or two in Antigua to acclimatize before attempting the hike.

Day 3: Acatenango Summit & Return to Antigua

Early Morning (Pre-Dawn)

  • 4:00 AM: Wake up for summit attempt (optional but highly recommended)
  • 4:30 AM: Begin the final 1-2 hour push to the summit
  • The trail is steep and can be slippery, so take your time

Summit Experience

  • Sunrise at Summit: Reach the summit (3,976 meters / 13,045 feet) just before sunrise
  • The 360-degree views are absolutely breathtaking
  • You’ll see Fuego, Agua, and other surrounding volcanoes
  • On clear days, you can see all the way to the Pacific Ocean

Morning

  • Descend back to base camp (about 1 hour)
  • Have breakfast and pack up camp
  • Begin the descent back to the trailhead (3-4 hours)
  • The descent is easier on the lungs but harder on the knees - trekking poles recommended

Afternoon

  • Return to Antigua around 2-3 PM
  • Well-deserved rest: Check into your hotel and take a hot shower
  • Treat yourself to a massage or just relax

Evening

  • Enjoy a celebratory dinner in Antigua
  • Share stories with fellow hikers
  • Get a good night’s sleep

Day 4: Antigua Exploration & Travel to Lake Atitlán

Morning

  • Coffee Tour: Guatemala is famous for its coffee. Take a tour of a local coffee plantation
  • Visit Casa Santo Domingo - a beautiful hotel/museum complex built in a former convent
  • Explore Mercado de Artesanías for local crafts and souvenirs

Afternoon

  • 12:00 PM: Take a shuttle to Panajachel, Lake Atitlán (about 2.5 hours, $15-20 USD)
  • The drive offers beautiful mountain views
  • Arrive in Panajachel and take a boat to your chosen lakeside town

Lake Atitlán Towns

Each town around the lake has its own character:

  • Panajachel: Main hub, good for shopping and restaurants
  • San Pedro La Laguna: Backpacker-friendly, great for nightlife
  • San Marcos La Laguna: Yoga and wellness focused, very peaceful
  • Santa Cruz La Laguna: Quiet, great for relaxation
  • Santiago Atitlán: Most traditional, rich in Mayan culture

Evening

  • Check into your lakeside accommodation
  • Watch the sunset over the lake - one of the most beautiful sunsets you’ll ever see
  • Enjoy dinner at a lakeside restaurant

Recommendation: I stayed in San Pedro, which offers a great balance of amenities and local culture.

Day 5: Lake Atitlán - Exploring the Lake Towns

Morning

  • Boat Tour: Take a lancha (public boat) to visit different towns
  • Santiago Atitlán: Visit the traditional market and see the Maximón shrine (a unique Mayan-Catholic deity)
  • San Juan La Laguna: Known for its textile cooperatives and art galleries
  • Learn about traditional weaving techniques from local women

Afternoon

  • Water Activities:
    • Kayaking on the lake (rentals available in most towns)
    • Stand-up paddleboarding
    • Swimming (the water is refreshing but can be cool)
  • Hiking: Many towns have hiking trails with stunning lake views
  • San Pedro Volcano: For the adventurous, you can hike this volcano (less challenging than Acatenango)

Evening

  • Return to your base town
  • Enjoy the local food scene
  • Many towns have excellent international and local restaurants

Day 6: Lake Atitlán - More Exploration & Activities

Morning Options

  • Sunrise Yoga: Many towns offer yoga classes with lake views
  • Spanish Classes: If you’re interested, Lake Atitlán is a great place to take Spanish lessons
  • Volunteer Opportunities: Many organizations welcome short-term volunteers
  • Relaxation: Sometimes the best activity is just sitting by the lake with a good book

Afternoon

  • Indian Nose Hike: A popular hike that offers incredible panoramic views of the lake
    • Usually starts early morning, but afternoon options available
    • Moderate difficulty, about 2-3 hours round trip
    • The view from the top is absolutely worth it

Evening

  • Enjoy your last evening at the lake
  • Take in the peaceful atmosphere
  • Many towns have live music or cultural events

Day 7: Return to Antigua & Departure

Morning

  • Early Breakfast: Enjoy one last lakeside meal
  • 9:00 AM: Take a boat back to Panajachel
  • 10:00 AM: Shuttle back to Antigua or Guatemala City (depending on your flight)

Afternoon

  • If you have time before your flight:
    • Do some last-minute souvenir shopping in Antigua
    • Visit any sites you missed on Day 1
    • Enjoy a final Guatemalan coffee

Evening

  • Head to the airport for your departure
  • Or extend your stay if you have more time!

Practical Tips

Getting Around

  • Shuttles: The most convenient way to travel between cities. Book through your hostel/hotel or online.
  • Chicken Buses: The local buses are an adventure but can be crowded and slow.
  • Private Transfers: More expensive but comfortable and reliable.

Money

  • Guatemalan Quetzal (GTQ) is the local currency
  • USD is widely accepted in tourist areas
  • ATMs are available in Antigua and Panajachel
  • Credit cards accepted in most hotels and restaurants

Safety

  • Guatemala has a reputation, but tourist areas are generally safe
  • Use common sense: don’t walk alone at night, keep valuables secure
  • The areas covered in this itinerary are well-traveled and safe

What to Pack

  • Layers: Temperatures vary significantly with altitude
  • Rain Gear: Especially important for the volcano hike
  • Good Hiking Boots: Essential for Acatenango
  • Sunscreen & Hat: The sun is strong at altitude
  • Cash: Many places don’t accept cards
  • Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated and reduce plastic waste

Acatenango Hike Tips

  • Book in Advance: Tours fill up, especially in peak season
  • Choose Your Tour Carefully:
    • Some tours provide better equipment (warm sleeping bags, tents)
    • Read reviews and ask about what’s included
    • Prices range from $60-150 USD
  • Physical Preparation: This is a challenging hike. Be honest about your fitness level.
  • Altitude Sickness: Symptoms can include headache, nausea, dizziness. Descend if symptoms worsen.
  • Porters: Many tours offer porter services for an extra fee - worth considering if you’re not used to carrying heavy packs at altitude

Budget Breakdown (Approximate)

  • Accommodation: $15-50/night (hostels to mid-range hotels)
  • Food: $10-25/day (street food to restaurants)
  • Acatenango Tour: $60-150 (depending on inclusions)
  • Transportation: $30-50 (shuttles between destinations)
  • Activities: $20-50 (boat tours, kayaking, etc.)
  • Total (excluding flights): $500-800 for 7 days

Final Thoughts

This one-week itinerary offers an incredible introduction to Guatemala’s natural beauty and culture. The Acatenango hike is challenging but the views and experience are absolutely unforgettable. Lake Atitlán provides a perfect balance of relaxation and exploration, while Antigua offers a glimpse into Guatemala’s colonial history.

The country has so much more to offer - from Tikal’s ancient Mayan ruins to Semuc Champey’s turquoise pools - but this itinerary gives you a fantastic taste of what makes Guatemala special. Whether you’re a solo traveler, couple, or group of friends, this trip will create memories that last a lifetime.

Remember: Travel is about the journey, not just the destination. Take time to interact with locals, try new foods, and be open to changing your plans if something interesting comes up. Guatemala’s people are warm and welcoming, and some of the best experiences come from unexpected encounters.

Have questions about this itinerary? Feel free to reach out or leave a comment below. Safe travels!