23 days in Guatemala Itinerary

Sitting at the base of the volcano of the same name, San Pedro La Laguna has a particularly lively and international atmosphere, attracting tourists from across the world with its lakeside and volcanic scenery, nightlife, and wealth of budget accommodations.

Change things up with these side-trips from San Pedro La Laguna: San Marcos La Laguna (Cerro Tzankujil Nature Reserve & San Marcos Holistic Cottage) and Colonial Church (in Santiago Atitlan). The adventure continues: contemplate the waterfront views at Lago de Atitlan, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Church of St Peter, look for gifts at Lema Association, and view the masterpieces at Galeria Imox.

To see more things to do, where to stay, other places to visit, and tourist information, read our San Pedro La Laguna vacation planner.

Amsterdam, The Netherlands to San Pedro La Laguna is an approximately 21-hour combination of flight and car. You'll gain 7 hours traveling from Amsterdam to San Pedro La Laguna due to the time zone difference. When traveling from Amsterdam in April, plan for much warmer days in San Pedro La Laguna, with highs around 34°C, while nights are a bit warmer with lows around 12°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 3rd (Mon) early enough to go by car to Quetzaltenango.

Named for the Quetzal bird--one of Guatemala's national symbols--Quetzaltenango once included the territories controlled by K'iche' Mayans, a pre-Columbian tribe eventually supplanted by Spanish conquistadores.

Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Quetzaltenango: Panajachel (Church of St Francis, Reserva Natural Atitlán, &more) and Retalhuleu (Xetulul Theme Park & Xocomil). There's lots more to do: get impressive views of Santa Maria Volcano, make a trip to Central Plaza, explore the activities along Laguna Chicabal, and pause for some serene contemplation at Catedral del Espiritu Santo.

To find traveler tips, maps, ratings, and tourist information, refer to the Quetzaltenango trip builder tool.

Traveling by car from San Pedro La Laguna to Quetzaltenango takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a shuttle. When traveling from San Pedro La Laguna in April, plan for little chillier days and about the same nights in Quetzaltenango: temperatures range from 28°C by day to 9°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 8th (Sat) early enough to take a shuttle to Chichicastenango.

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.

On the 9th (Sun), steep yourself in history at Pascual Abaj, examine the collection at Museo de Mascaras Ceremoniales, then explore the different monuments and memorials at Chichi Cemetery, and finally take in the architecture and atmosphere at Santo Tomas Church.

Take the guesswork out of planning a Chichicastenango vacation by using our trip itinerary maker.

Getting from Quetzaltenango to Chichicastenango by shuttle takes about 1.5 hours. Other options: drive; or take a bus. In April, daily temperatures in Chichicastenango can reach 28°C, while at night they dip to 9°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 9th (Sun) to allow enough time to drive to Lanquin.

San Agustín Lanquín, often referred to simply as Lanquín, is a municipality in the Guatemalan department of Alta Verapaz. Kick off your visit on the 10th (Mon): Head underground at Lanquin Caves. On the 11th (Tue), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: head outdoors with Aventura Grande, then explore the activities along Monumento Natural Semuc Champey, and then explore the fascinating underground world of Grutas Las Marias.

Inspirock's itinerary builder makes planning a Lanquin trip simple and quick.

Getting from Chichicastenango to Lanquin by car takes about 4.5 hours. Other options: do a combination of taxi and bus; or do a combination of bus and shuttle. Plan for much warmer temperatures traveling from Chichicastenango in April, with highs in Lanquin at 43°C and lows at 28°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 11th (Tue) early enough to go by car to Tikal National Park.

Take a trip to Tikal National Park and discover an ancient city in the thick tropical jungle.

On the 12th (Wed), take in the spiritual surroundings of Tikal.

For reviews, ratings, and other tourist information, read Tikal National Park vacation planner.

Traveling by car from Lanquin to Tikal National Park takes 6.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of shuttle and bus; or take a bus. Cap off your sightseeing on the 12th (Wed) early enough to go by car to Flores.

An island town, capital of the landlocked region of Peten, attractive Flores features pleasant architecture that complements the shimmering appearance of the surrounding lake.

When in Flores, make a side trip to see Cerro Biotope Cahui in El Remate, approximately El Remate away. There's still lots to do: explore the ancient world of Parque arqueologico uaxactun, learn about wildlife with up-close encounters at Petencito Zoo, identify plant and animal life at Ixpanpajul Nature Park, and enjoy breathtaking views from Mirador de Canek.

For ratings, traveler tips, other places to visit, and other tourist information, read our Flores vacation app.

You can drive from Tikal National Park to Flores in 1.5 hours. Other options are to take a shuttle; or take a bus. Expect a daytime high around 39°C in April, and nighttime lows around 25°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 15th (Sat) so you can catch the flight to Antigua.

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.

Venture out of the city with trips to Guatemala City (National Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology, La Aurora Zoo, &more). Next up on the itinerary: explore the world behind art at Casa Santo Domingo Museums, delve into the distant past at Arco de Santa Catalina, examine the collection at ChocoMuseo, and pause for some serene contemplation at Iglesia de La Merced.

For ratings, maps, other places to visit, and tourist information, read our Antigua day trip planning website.

Getting from Flores to Antigua by flight takes about 2.5 hours. Other options: take a shuttle; or drive. Expect slightly colder temperatures when traveling from Flores in April; daily highs in Antigua reach 32°C and lows reach 17°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 22nd (Sat) to allow enough time to fly back home.