Antigua's colonial streets, Lake Atitlán, Tikal in the jungle and the most visible living Maya culture in Central America.
Before you go
When to go
November to April is dry. The rainy season runs May to October, usually afternoon downpours.
- Dry Nov–Apr
- Rain May–Oct
- Cool in the highlands
- Semana Santa is exceptional
How long you need
Ten to fourteen days — Antigua, Atitlán, Chichicastenango and Tikal.
- 10–14 days
- Antigua as the base
- Fly to Tikal
- Highland markets
Getting around
Shuttles between the main towns, and a short flight to Flores for Tikal.
- Tourist shuttles
- Fly to Flores for Tikal
- Slow mountain roads
- Guides recommended
Practicalities
Altitude in the highlands is real — Antigua sits at 1,500m and Atitlán higher. Check Smartraveller advice before booking.
- Highland altitude
- Layers for cool evenings
- Check current advice
- Local guides add a lot
Highlights
Antigua
A colonial city of pastel facades and ruined churches ringed by volcanoes, and the base most trips start from.
- Volcano views from the rooftops
- Spanish schools
- Semana Santa carpets
- Acatenango overnight hike
Lake Atitlán
A caldera lake ringed by volcanoes and Maya villages, each with its own character, linked by boat.
- San Juan and San Marcos
- Boats between villages
- Panajachel is the gateway
- Weaving cooperatives
Tikal
A vast Maya city in the Petén jungle, with temples rising above the canopy and howler monkeys in the trees.
- Fly to Flores
- Sunrise tour available
- Full day minimum
- Stay at Flores or on site
Planning notes
Guatemala has the most visible living Maya culture in Central America — traditional dress is everyday wear in the highlands, not a performance. The highlands sit at altitude, with Antigua at 1,500 metres and Atitlán higher, so evenings are cool year-round. Shuttles link the main destinations and are the standard way to get around. Check current DFAT advice before booking, as advisory levels vary by region.
Where this leads
Blog attracts, things to do informs, tours convert — in that order.
- Journal in Guatemala
- Things to do in Guatemala
- Tours in Guatemala
- Talk to a Cooee travel specialist