21 days in Guatemala & Cancun Itinerary

Make it your trip
Fly
1
Antigua, Guatemala
— 4 nights
Shuttle
2
Chichicastenango, Guatemala
— 2 nights
Shuttle
3
Huehuetenango, Guatemala
— 1 night
Drive
4
Todos Santos, Guatemala
— 1 night
Drive
5
San Marcos La Laguna, Guatemala
— 1 night
Fly
6
Flores, Guatemala
— 3 nights
Fly
7
Guatemala City, Guatemala
— 2 nights
Fly
8
Cancun, Mexico
— 6 nights
Fly

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Antigua, Guatemala — 4 nights

The former capital of Guatemala and a World Heritage Site, Antigua retains its colonial charm and remains one of the most visited destinations in the country.
Arco de Santa Catalina and Convento de las Capuchinas will appeal to history buffs. Step off the beaten path and head to ChocoMuseo and Casa Santo Domingo Museums. There's much more to do: pause for some serene contemplation at Iglesia de La Merced, don't miss a visit to Cerro de la Cruz, get impressive views of Volcan de Agua, and take in the spiritual surroundings of Colegio de San Jeronimo.

For ratings, maps, more things to do, and tourist information, use the Antigua trip maker app.

Indianapolis, USA to Antigua is an approximately 9.5-hour flight. You can also drive; or do a combination of train, bus, car, and taxi. The time zone difference moving from Eastern Standard Time (EST) to Central Standard Time (CST) is minus 1 hour. Expect much hotter temperatures when traveling from Indianapolis in January; daily highs in Antigua reach 74°F and lows reach 53°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 25th (Wed) so you can catch the shuttle to Chichicastenango.
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Historic Sites · Museums · Parks · Nature

Chichicastenango, Guatemala — 2 nights

Chichi

Sitting in a scenic spot among towering mountains, Chichicastenango has a large indigenous population and displays its cultural heritage in a burst of color when hosting its long-established market.
Start off your visit on the 26th (Thu): tour the pleasant surroundings at Laguna Lemoa and then explore the different monuments and memorials at Chichi Cemetery. On the 27th (Fri), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: contemplate the long history of Pascual Abaj, then examine the collection at Museo de Mascaras Ceremoniales, and then pause for some serene contemplation at Santo Tomas Church.

To find photos, ratings, and other tourist information, go to the Chichicastenango itinerary maker.

You can take a shuttle from Antigua to Chichicastenango in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Traveling from Antigua in January, you can expect nighttime temperatures to be a bit cooler in Chichicastenango, with lows of 40°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 27th (Fri) to allow enough time to take a shuttle to Huehuetenango.
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Historic Sites · Parks · Nature · Museums
Side Trip

Huehuetenango, Guatemala — 1 night

Huehuetenango is a city and a municipality in the highlands of western Guatemala. Kick off your visit on the 28th (Sat): take some stellar pictures from Mirador Juan Dieguez Olaverri and then explore the ancient world of Ruinas de Zaculeu.

To see other places to visit, photos, ratings, and more tourist information, read Huehuetenango trip itinerary planner.

Traveling by shuttle from Chichicastenango to Huehuetenango takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Traveling from Chichicastenango in January, expect nights in Huehuetenango to be about the same, around 42°F, while days are a bit warmer, around 76°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 28th (Sat) to allow enough time to travel to Todos Santos.
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Historic Sites
Highlights from your trip

Todos Santos, Guatemala — 1 night

Start off your visit on the 29th (Sun): stop by HispanoMaya.

For photos, maps, reviews, and other tourist information, use the Todos Santos online tour planner.

The Route module can help you plan travel from Huehuetenango to Todos Santos. Expect slightly colder weather when traveling from Huehuetenango in January: highs in Todos Santos hover around 70°F, while lows dip to 40°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 29th (Sun) early enough to travel to San Marcos La Laguna.
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San Marcos La Laguna, Guatemala — 1 night

San Marcos La Laguna is a village on the western shore of Lago Atitlán in the Sololá Department of Guatemala. Start off your visit on the 30th (Mon): relax and rejuvenate at some of the best spas and then view the masterpieces at Galeria Imox.

To find reviews, where to stay, and other tourist information, use the San Marcos La Laguna trip planner.

Explore your travel options from Todos Santos to San Marcos La Laguna with the Route module. Expect a bit warmer weather when traveling from Todos Santos in January: highs in San Marcos La Laguna hover around 76°F, while lows dip to 42°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 30th (Mon) early enough to catch the flight to Flores.
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Museums · Shopping · Spas
Side Trips
Highlights from your trip

Flores, Guatemala — 3 nights

An island town, capital of the landlocked region of Peten, attractive Flores features pleasant architecture that complements the shimmering appearance of the surrounding lake.
Visit Tikal and Dos Pilas for their historical value. You'll explore the less-touristy side of things at Cultural Triangle Yaxha-Nakum-Naranjo National Park and Catedral de Flores. The adventure continues: Head underground at Actún Can.

To see where to stay, photos, traveler tips, and other tourist information, refer to the Flores trip planner.

Traveling by flight from San Marcos La Laguna to Flores takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a shuttle. Traveling from San Marcos La Laguna in January, expect warmer with lows of 63°F in Flores. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 2nd (Thu) to allow time to fly to Guatemala City.
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Historic Sites · Parks · Nature
Side Trips

Guatemala City, Guatemala — 2 nights

Guate

The largest city in Central America and the country's capital, Guatemala City contains historic sights and modern businesses.
On the 3rd (Fri), see the interesting displays at Museo Numismatico de Guatemala, steep yourself in history at Palacio Nacional, and then admire the masterpieces at Casa Mima. Here are some ideas for day two: examine the collection at Museo del Ferrocarril, get a new perspective on nature at Museo Popol Vuh, then explore the world behind art at Museum of Modern Art Carlos Merida, and finally delve into the distant past at Acueducto de Pinula.

To see more things to do, other places to visit, reviews, and tourist information, refer to the Guatemala City trip itinerary maker site.

Traveling by flight from Flores to Guatemala City takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or drive. Traveling from Flores in February, expect Guatemala City to be slightly colder, temps between 76°F and 55°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 4th (Sat) early enough to catch the flight to Cancun.
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Museums · Historic Sites

Cancun, Mexico — 6 nights

Few destinations in Mexico dazzle visitors quite like Cancun, a modern resort town filled with glitzy hotels sitting on picturesque and well-developed Caribbean beaches.
Explore hidden gems such as Punta Sur and Playa Delfines. Mayan Museum of Cancun and Scorpion’s Temple are good opportunities to explore the local culture. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Cancun: Playa El Centro (in Isla Mujeres), Valladolid (Iglesia de la Candelaria, Casa de los Venados, &more) and Playa del Carmen (Gaston Charo Art Gallery Playa del Carmen & Parque Los Fundadores). There's lots more to do: indulge in some personalized pampering at some of the best spas, don't miss a visit to Avenida Kukulkan, glide peacefully along the water with some of the best stand-up paddleboarding in the area, and enjoy breathtaking views from Torre Escenica.

To see photos, traveler tips, more things to do, and tourist information, go to the Cancun sightseeing planner.

You can fly from Guatemala City to Cancun in 5 hours. Other options are to drive; or take a bus. Due to the time zone difference, you'll lose 1 hour traveling from Guatemala City to Cancun. Traveling from Guatemala City in February, you can expect nighttime temperatures to be a bit warmer in Cancun, with lows of 68°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 10th (Fri) early enough to fly back home.
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Outdoors · Beaches · Parks · Museums
Side Trips

Guatemala travel guide

4.5
Landmarks · Volcanos · Ruins
Land of Eternal Spring
Offering a chance to discover a rich history, remarkable landscapes, and a vibrant culture, a holiday in Guatemala remains a great choice for a wide range of travelers. The heart of the Maya civilization, Guatemala boasts stunning ancient ruins and traditional villages that blend with the Spanish heritage of the colonial-era and its stately cathedrals and town halls. While the cities boast splendid architecture and cultural heritage, they make up a small percentage of the mountainous Guatemalan landscape. Adventurous travelers and nature lovers will have plenty of things to do in Guatemala, from boating on the rushing rivers and scenic lakes, to exploring caves, picturesque beaches, and lush national parks.
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Lake Atitlan travel guide

4.4
Wildlife Areas · Bodies of Water · Stand-Up Paddleboarding
Lake Atitlan, a large volcanic lake, provides the setting for a wealth of interesting Mayan towns and villages. Surrounded by imposing and scenic mountains, the lake forms part of a sprawling national park, rich in wildlife and cultural attractions. The main towns and villages range from touristy gateways to authentic realms of tradition and culture, with charming local markets, rustic architecture, and a laid-back feel. Many of the towns can only be reached by boat, with trips on the lake high on most visitors' Lake Atitlan itineraries.
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