EPIC 8-Day Guatemala Itinerary for First-Timers: Antigua, Acatenango & Atitlán

A landscape scattered with monumental volcanoes and decorated with colorful, historic towns, awe-inspiring lakes and ancient ruins sounds like a fairytale, right? 

Fairytale or not, Guatemala is an incredible, VERY REAL place welcoming travelers from all over the world. 

I didn’t know much about this Central American volcanic paradise until I visited for the first time to climb the Acatenango Volcano, an unforgettable bucket list experience to ring in the New Year. Who needs fireworks when you have the violent shakes of the eruptions and red-hot lava spewing into the sky, leaving tendrils of smoke to fade the stars?

After visiting Guatemala for eight days during my corporate holiday shutdown, I finally understand why this beautiful country welcomes a mix of all types of travelers, rather than a single wanderlust persona.

Avid hikers, culture-seekers, and budget travelers flock to Guatemala, Central America’s cultural gem, which offers everything from difficult, multi-day volcano treks to relaxing moments of lapping waves on the lakeshore. 

Guatemala is an “everything country” which makes it appealing to all types of travelers.

With limited time in Guatemala, I focused my itinerary on three main places: Antigua, Acatenango and Lake Atitlán. 

Antigua, a historic town sitting beneath Agua, Acatenango and Fuego Volcanoes, is a welcoming place of culture and color – a great place to start your 8-day Guatemala itinerary. 

Acatenango Volcano is – or *should be* – on top of everyone’s bucket list. This inactive volcano is a difficult climb but offers breathtaking views of the currently-active and violently-erupting Fuego Volcano. This overnight hike was a highlight of my eight days in Guatemala. 

Lake Atitlán is an unforgettable shimmering blue lake beneath Atitlán and San Pedro Volcanoes with a collection of unique villages only accessible by boat or tuk-tuk. The place I thought would be “overhyped” was a true Central American paradise that exceeded its eminence.

This 8-day Guatemala itinerary is a perfectly paced itinerary for travelers visiting Guatemala for the first time. I’ll cover important tips for visiting Guatemala, highlight my favorite stays (which includes my recommendation for the BEST hostel in Antigua), and help you plan an unforgettable PTO-friendly getaway that can be planned using only four, five or LESS PTO days (including weekends).

Read on to discover why I LOVED Guatemala so much and learn more about my EPIC Guatemala itinerary!

Heads up!

There’s A LOT of information coming up.

Why Visit Guatemala?

There are few places around the world where you can witness the magnificence of a volcanic eruption. Guatemala is a hiker’s paradise offering adventurous travelers the chance to get close to an active volcano. 

The overnight hike to Acatenango base camp is a bucket list experience that will challenge your physical limits but foster unparalleled levels of empowerment and spiritual growth. For a less strenuous hike but an epic culinary experience, I recommend hiking Pacaya Volcano to enjoy pizza cooked by the active giant. 

But it isn’t just the erupting Fuego Volcano or its monumental neighbors that make Guatemala so unique. This Central American country is a cultural anchor for Mayan culture.

Home to over 1500 Mayan ruins, Guatemala pioneers the preservation of the historic Mayan culture that shaped the modern cultural landscape. Mayan culture is prevalent in all aspects of Guatemalan life from the local cuisine (try Pepián!) to the little traditions performed by locals (to some Guatemalans, an escape to Lake Atitlán is a healing journey).

Your trip to Guatemala can be an epic adventure or a relaxing healing journey – Guatemala offers everything!

Best Time to Visit Guatemala

Guatemala’s mild climate makes it the perfect year-round destination.

However, like most Central American travel destinations, Guatemala experiences two seasons: dry season and rainy season. The dry season is characterized by warm sunny days with minimal rain. The rainy season experiences cooler temperatures with scattered rain showers and interspersed sunshine.

The best time to visit Guatemala is during the country’s dry season, November through April. During the dry season, Guatemala experiences warm temperatures and bright, sunny days, ideal for travelers in the Northern Hemisphere who want to trade the winter gloom for a happy, summer vibe. 

Guatemala’s dry season is ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, relaxing by Lake Atitlán, paragliding, and soaking up the sun.

Rainy season in Guatemala occurs from May through October. Travel in Guatemala slows down during the rainy season, making this time ideal for budget travelers or travelers who enjoy interspersed showers and cooler temperatures. 

When you travel to Guatemala depends on your budget and travel style. If you want to explore the stunning landscapes, climb volcanoes and soak up the sun, visit Guatemala during the dry season. If you don’t mind scattered showers and a bit of humidity, visit Guatemala during the more affordable rainy season.

How Long Do I Need for Guatemala?

Many of the travelers I met in Guatemala had extended trips exceeding several weeks or months. I quickly realized, after spending a few days exploring the colorful streets of Antigua and the nearby volcanic landscapes, why such an intriguing place would tether young travelers for weeks at a time.

But Guatemala isn’t strictly a destination for nomads hoping to stay in one place for months, or for traveling volunteers looking for a home base for the peak season. Travelers with corporate PTO limitations, like myself, can also enjoy much of what Guatemala has to offer in shorter itineraries. 

I spent eight days in Guatemala, exploring Antigua, climbing Acatenango and visiting the villages around Lake Atitlán and I felt like this itinerary was perfect for a first-time visitor like myself. Could I have stayed longer? Absolutely – if I didn’t have to return to work I could’ve stayed in Guatemala forever!

For travelers visiting for the first time, eight days in Guatemala is the perfect amount of time to see three main destinations: Antigua, Acatenango (overnight hike) and Lake Atitlán. 

If you have less time to spend in Guatemala, focus your itinerary on one or two specific places. 

Choose Antigua if you want to explore colorful cobblestone streets and visit local markets. Antigua is the home base for trekkers wanting to climb Acatenango, so if you want to pack Antigua and Acatenango in a short Guatemala itinerary, start with those two places. 

Choose Lake Atitlán if you want to spend days soaking up the sun by the lakeshore, traveling from village to village by boat. I stacked Lake Atitlán onto the end of my Guatemala itinerary, spending three full days exploring this beautiful paradise surrounded by monumental volcanoes.

My itinerary didn’t include El Paredón (a local surfing village) or Flores (the place to go to see Mayan ruins), two places I’ll make sure to visit when I go back to Guatemala. These are great places to add to your Guatemala itinerary if you have more than eight days.

Is Guatemala Expensive to Visit?

Guatemala is an affordable Central American destination.

Hostels cost anywhere from $15 – $30 USD for dorms and private rooms and each meal cost less than a Chipotle burrito (~$10 USD). 

The biggest expense for me on my Guatemala trip was my flight to Guatemala from Denver. Traveling during the busy Christmas/New Year’s season is great for people with a week off work (no PTO necessary), however this is one of the most expensive times to travel. My wallet took a hit on the Guatemala flight expense. 

Activities in Guatemala were my second largest expense. The Acatenango guided hike, a life-changing bucket list experience worth every penny, was the most expensive activity in Guatemala (~$160 USD for the two day experience). When it comes to booking activities, I’m not a frugal traveler. Every activity in Guatemala was worth the money!

Do I Need a SIM Card for Guatemala?

A physical SIM card or an eSIM is helpful for traveling around Guatemala.

If your phone is compatible with a physical SIM card, you can purchase a SIM and get a Guatemalan number. This makes it easy to contact local numbers or search without wifi. ESIMs like Airalo (my favorite eSIM) are great for travelers whose phones aren’t compatible with physical SIM cards or who want the ease of buying data at your fingertips.

If you’re thinking about trying an eSIM for the first time, I recommend using Airalo, a user-friendly app that lets you purchase and top off (if necessary) data packages all from the Airalo app. For years I’ve been a collector of physical SIM cards, adding to my “SIM graveyard” after every trip. I tried Airalo for the first time in Guatemala and loved how easy it was to install an eSIM!

Airalo provides eSIMs for destinations all around the world – download the app to find your travel eSIM!

New to Airalo? Use this link for new customers to get your eSIM for Guatemala for 15% off! 🥳

Already an Airalo customer? Use this link for existing customers to get your eSIM for Guatemala for 10% off! ☺️

Getting Around Guatemala

Shared Shuttle

The best way to get around Guatemala is to book a shared shuttle. Shared shuttles are comfortable buses that seat ten or more people and cost between $20 – $40 USD. Besides the Chicken Bus, a colorful, decked-out school bus that transports locals, shared shuttles are one of the most affordable ways to travel around Guatemala. 

Before arriving in Guatemala City, I booked my shared shuttle from Guatemala City to Antigua. Get Your Guide has a collection of options for shared and private shuttles. Most shuttles require reservation at least twelve hours in advance, so having the option to book on Get Your Guide made searching for transport easy.

If the options on Get Your Guide are fully booked, search for local shuttle companies and contact via WhatsApp to see if there is last-minute availability.

Traveling from Guatemala City to Antigua 🚙🌋 ? Book your shared shuttle HERE

Private Shuttle or Uber

Private shuttles and Ubers are more expensive than shared shuttles, but can provide a little more flexibility. Most shared shuttles depart Guatemala cities at specific times, with a set itinerary. Private shuttles allow travelers to flexibly travel from destination to destination on your own schedule. Ubers are similar, but may not be available in specific cities.

Book your private shuttle from Guatemala City to Antigua HERE 🚗🌋

Chicken Bus

When you arrive in Guatemala, the Chicken Bus will become a “Where’s Waldo”: you won’t always search for them, but you’ll see them everywhere.

Chicken Buses are colorful school buses decorated with vibrant lights and flashing signs. Locals use these buses for transport around the cities. Chicken buses are the MOST affordable way to travel around cities in Guatemala, however they require advanced knowledge of Spanish and your full attention to any belongings you have with you. These buses are a fun way to travel locally and use any spare Quetzales you might need to spend.

Tuk-Tuk

Bumbling tuk-tuks wind their way through the narrow cobblestone roads connecting some villages in Lake Atitlán. Tuk-tuks are price negotiable, easy modes of transport when available. You’ll mostly find them in Lake Atitlán, but some guided tuk-tuk tours are available in Antigua.

My EPIC 8-day Guatemala Itinerary for First Timers: A Quick Look

How to Spend Eight Days in Guatemala Exploring Antigua, Acatenango Volcano and Lake Atitlán (Perfect for Travelers with Limited PTO)

What This Itinerary *Doesn’t* Include

As an adventurer who prioritizes slow travel – spending more time exploring a few places rather than trying to cram as many places at once – there are a few destinations in Guatemala that I didn’t include in this itinerary. If you have more than eight days in Guatemala, add these bucket list places to your Guatemala itinerary!

Flores and Tikal

Home of Guatemala’s breathtaking ancient Mayan ruins. Flores and Tikal are FAR from Antigua and Lake Atitlán. You’ll have to take an overnight bus or catch a flight to get there. I didn’t include these places in my Guatemala itinerary because I wanted to spend more time exploring the landscapes around Antigua and Lake Atitlán.

Semuc Champey

An incredible natural limestone bridge that spans the Cahabón River painting the vibrant green landscape turquoise. Like Flores, Semuc Champey requires a full day to travel to, therefore it wasn’t worth squeezing into my 8-day Guatemala itinerary.

El Paredon

A relaxing surf town on Guatemala’s Pacific Coast. This surf town was high on my Guatemala bucket list, but couldn’t fit into my short itinerary.

8 Days in Guatemala: Itinerary Details

Here’s a detailed look at how I recommend spending 8 days in Guatemala, with recommendations for transport to and from each place, where to stay in Antigua and Lake Atitlán, and epic activities to add to your Guatemala bucket list!

Day 1: Arrival (Guatemala City)

Welcome to Guatemala!

If you’re traveling during Guatemala’s peak season – November to April – you’ll be met with enjoyable warm weather and Central American sunshine! I was surprised that Guatemala wasn’t as humid as I thought it would be (beneficial for my thick, curly hair).

Once you arrive in Guatemala City, you’ll want to head straight to Antigua, which is approximately 37 kilometers and takes 45 minutes to an hour (depending on traffic).

Getting to Guatemala City from Antigua

My top recommendation for traveling from Guatemala City to Antigua is to book a shared shuttle from La Aurora International Airport directly to Antigua. Most shared shuttle operators require you to book at least 12 hours in advance, but you can always send a WhatsApp message to a few local shuttle companies to check for last-minute availability. I booked my shuttle with Get Your Guide (my go-to platform for all things travel!) and had a hassle-free shuttle experience.

Where to Stay in Antigua

Here are my top recommendations for where to stay in Antigua, Guatemala:

BEST BUDGET:

Bloom Hostel

Bloom Hostel, one of Antigua’s newest hostels, is one of my favorite places to stay in Guatemala. Just a short walk from Antigua’s Parque Central, this hostel is conveniently located outside the chaos of the city center. I loved the rooftop terrace at Bloom Hostel and I have yet to find a hostel that serves a breakfast as delicious (still dreaming about that yogurt parfait!).

BEST MID-RANGE

Masaryk Bed and Breakfast

In Lake Atitlán I met a local from Antigua traveling around Guatemala in search of the same adventures as I was. This local was the proud host of Masaryk Bed and Breakfast in Antigua, a comfortable accommodation walking distance from Cerro de la Cruz. This B&B is cozy, affordable and has a great host!

BEST LUXURY

Porta Hotel Antigua

Porta Hotel is an unforgettable four-star hotel in Antigua that captures the essence of Guatemala through its decor and vibe. With spacious rooms, a stunning outdoor pool, and luxury spa, Porta Hotel is the perfect place to splurge in Antigua. 

Day 2 and 3: Explore Antigua

The first stop on your Guatemala itinerary should be the colorful city of Antigua. Nestled beneath Agua, Acatenango and Fuego volcanoes, this historic city is the perfect place to discover the local culture, indulge in traditional Mayan cuisine, and witness volcanic eruptions from the rooftop of your hostel. 

Since this itinerary includes the overnight hike to Acatenango, I recommend spending a few days in Antigua to acclimate to the elevation before starting the trek. Here’s a list of things to do in Antigua:

Things to Do in Antigua

Visit Arco de Santa Catalina and Walk the Colorful Streets

Arco de Santa Catalina is the iconic yellow arch you see on every Guatemala Pinterest board. Originally constructed in the late 1600s to connect a convent with a school, this incredible photo spot perfectly frames Agua Volcano in the background. Visit Arco de Santa Catalina in the early hours of the morning to get photos with fewer tourists and street vendors!

Explore Antigua’s Ruins

Weathered ruins scatter the colorful streets of Antigua. Some are open to the public, while others can only be viewed from the cobblestone streets nearby. I loved visiting the ruins of Catedral de San José which were oddly reminiscent of the ancient ruins in Rome.

Peruse Mercado Artesanías 

Antigua’s local artisan market is situated on the outskirts of the historic city center. This maze of handmade souvenirs is the perfect place to explore. At Mercado Artesanías, you’ll find everything from delicate beadwork to hand-embroidered skirts and traditional Mayan clothing, to classic fridge magnets. Make sure to haggle for a good price!

Buy Handmade Souvenirs from Manos Preciosas

There’s no better Guatemala souvenir than those made from the precious hands of local artisans. Beyond the bustling market stalls of Mercado Artisanales and Mercadito (Parque Central), you’ll find Manos Preciosas, a family-run artisan shop selling beautiful textiles, embroidered skirts and bags, and Mayan worry dolls. Thumbnail-sized Mayan worry dolls are believed to take away your whispered worries after you place them beneath your pillow at night.

Hike up Cerro De La Cruz for Beautiful Views of Antigua

If your hostel or hotel in Antigua doesn’t have a rooftop to view the volcanic landscape surrounding the colonial city, you’ll want to trek the 1.5km trail up to Cerro de la Cruz. On the outskirts of Antigua’s city center, is a panoramic viewpoint of Antigua called Cerro de la Cruz. This viewpoint has a monumental cross and showcases the colorful city with the towering Agua Volcano framing the landscape. 

Antigua Chocolate Workshop

Chocolate is believed to be a gift from the gods, a delicacy held sacred by the Mayan culture for its ceremonial and spiritual purposes. In the heart of Antigua is Maya Cacao Chocolate shop, which hosts small-group workshops for travelers wanting to learn about the traditions that transform bean to bar.

Take a Guatemalan Cooking Class

No matter the destination, I always try to book a local cooking class. Antigua was no exception. Cooking classes are not only a great way to learn about the food that shapes the culture, they are also a great way to meet other adventurous travelers. I booked this Guatemalan cooking class with Chef David Farfan and really enjoyed learning how to cook Pepian to perfection, determining when your plantain is fried enough to devour, and understanding what makes Guatemalan food so special.

Visit the Antigua Bookshop

A bookshop always makes it onto my itinerary. While Antigua Bookshop might not have the endless rows of books and kick knacks characteristic of Barnes and Noble, I still could’ve easily gotten lost exploring familiar titles in Spanish. 

Where to Eat in Antigua

For a Slow Morning with a Coffee: Biblioteca

Many people will walk by these antiquated ruins in the heart of Antigua, but few will venture inside. Awaiting those who enter the ruins surrounding Biblioteca Municipal is a beautiful free art exhibition and a quaint cafe in a relaxing courtyard. This cafe is the perfect place to enjoy a slow morning in Antigua before venturing out to explore the colorful streets surrounding it.

For Guatemalan “Candies”: Doña Maria Gordillo

Doña Maria Gordillo has been making handmade Guatemalan “candies” since the 1800s. Offering mouthwateringly delicious candied fruits, coconut candies and milk-based treats, this sweet shop is the perfect place to indulge your sweet tooth.

I recommend trying the canillitas de leche (milk fudge) and the cocadas (my favorite!). I brought these treats with me on the Acatenango overnight hike, which proved to be the perfect energy-booster during snack and lunch breaks!

For Lunch or Dinner:

Rincóncito Antigüeño

If the restaurant has a duo perfecting handmade tortillas fresh off the comal (a flat griddle used for making tortillas in Guatemala), you know you’re in the right spot. Rincóncito Antigüeño is a popular lunch spot in Antigua for indulging in pollo de la leña (chicken from the grill) with fresh tortillas. Add a Gallo – Guatemala’s beer – and I’m in heaven. Rinconcito Antigueno is worth the wait!

Casa de las Sopas (Try Pepián!)

There’s no better place to try Pepián than a place that specializes in this Guatemalan specialty!

Pepián is a rich meat stew with roasted sesame and pumpkin seeds, starchy vegetables like potato and chayote, usually made with beef or roasted chicken. I visited La Casa de las Sopas on my first night in Antigua, savoring every mouthful of the rich Pepián as I lapped the stew with the homemade tortillas. It was an unforgettable first meal – a place I recommend to every traveler who wants to try Pepián.

Fridas

Just steps away from the Arco de Santa Catalina is a modern eatery specializing in street tacos and margaritas (a godly combo!). Fridas is a colorful, chaotically pleasant taqueria with a vast menu. 

Day 4 and 5: Acatenango Overnight Hike, Travel to Lake Atitlán

After two full days exploring Antigua, it’s time to check something off the bucket list…

✅ Climbing a volcano (or two, if you decide to climb Fuego also)

The Acatenango overnight hike is a two-day, one-night excursion so you’ll need to save two full days for hiking on your Guatemala itinerary. 

Climbing Acatenango is no easy task, but it is 100% worth the challenge. From the start of the hike to Acatenango base camp, you’ll traverse nearly 8 kilometers of steep volcanic dirt trails and ascend over 1,200 meters. The hike takes 4 – 6 hours depending on your pace.

I organized the Acatenango hike to be in the middle of my Guatemala itinerary to allow for acclimation in Antigua – which is especially important for travelers visiting from sea level. I thought that being from Colorado would give me a leg up, being already accustomed to elevation, however, I still found myself breathless on the trail. Mindset is important for reaching base camp! If you are physically capable, YOU CAN DO IT. 

Most travelers will book this bucket list experience with a guide company. There are endless options for local guide companies and which company you choose will depend on your budget (some companies charge slightly more, especially for small group hikes) and accommodation style (tent or cabin). I booked this adventure with Wicho and Charlie’s, a local guide company that prioritizes sustainability and offers comfortable cabins and vegan meals at base camp.

If you want to read more about the Acatenango overnight hike, which includes a timeline for the adventure, my thoughts on hiking Fuego after the challenging hike to Acatenango base camp, and a great restaurant recommendation for AFTER the hike, read my detailed Acatenango hiking guide!

Day 6 and 7: Explore the Beautiful Villages Around Lake Atitlán

If I told you there’s a breathtaking sapphire lake surrounded by monumental volcanoes in the heart of Central America, you might look at me sideways and ask if I was describing a fictional place.

Lake Atitlán transcends fairytale, an impossible reality that feels like the paradise of your dreams. Scenic villages surround this beautiful lake, requiring transport by boat, which makes this Guatemalan destination feel secluded and secretive. 

When I arrived at Lake Atitlán, I quickly realized why so many travelers stay here until their visas run out…I could’ve spent forever sitting by the lakeside.

There are so many incredible things to do in Lake Atitlán and each village has its charms. Read more to discover how to get around Lake Atitlán and my recommendations for what to do in each village!

How to get Around Lake Atitlán

Public Lanchas

The main mode of transport from village to village in Lake Atitlán is to catch a public lancha – a small speedboat-type vessel piled full with travelers and local villagers – which stops at local docks along the lakeshore. Public lanchas usually start running at 7:30am and the last boat leaves anytime between 5 – 7:30pm, depending on the village. For a public lancha, you should expect to pay no more than 25-30 Quetzales.

Private Lanchas

In order to catch my 5am shuttle from Panjachel to Guatemala City, I needed to hire a private lancha from Santa Cruz to Panajachel at 4:30am. While most travelers would typically stay in Panajachel, I decided to stay one more night at my favorite hostel, Free Cerveza.

Private Lanchas range from 100-300 Quetzales depending on your captain. I don’t recommend hiring a private lancha for travel during peak transport hours around Lake Atitlán. Instead, opt for the affordable public launches!

Hiking

Some villages have scenic trails that cross over and around the steep mountainside, connecting local villages by footpath. I was daring enough (and unexpectedly underprepared) to hike from Jaibalito to Tzununa, after hearing a recommendation for this hiking trail from my hostel owner in Jaibalito. 

The hike I expected would take 20-30 minutes ended up being an hour and a half of steep stairs, minor bushwhacking, and cliffside scrambling (nearly FOUR miles). Had I been more prepared – and not in a skirt – I would have loved this hike. If you’re an active traveler and want to take the “scenic” trekking route, there are trails from Jaibalito to Tzununa to Santa Cruz.

Tuk-Tuk

The few villages that are connected by paved or cobblestone roads allow transport by tuk-tuk. This is especially helpful in the hilly villages like Santa Cruz where the hillsides are aggressively steep. Tuk-tuks are usually around the same price as a public lancha, ~25 Quetzales per person. Make sure to haggle for a fair price!

Best Villages in Lake Atitlán

Jaibalito

A one-road village with local vibes, a great hostel (Art and Coffee) and a cafe with incredible views and the best Shakshuka you’ll ever eat. I loved the quiet peace Jaibalito offered and enjoyed the hike from Jaibalito to Tzununa.

Santa Cruz

My favorite of Lake Atitlán’s local villages, perched high on the prominent mountainside. Santa Cruz has two great hostels, Free Cerveza (my favorite hostel EVER) and La Iguana Perdida. There are lots of things to do in this village including cooking classes, textile tours, handicraft workshops and Spanish school.

San Marcos

The spiritual village of Lake Atitlán. San Marcos is a sanctuary for the down-to-earth, spiritual travelers who want to spend their days doing yoga, meditating, enjoying relaxing massages and experiencing unique jungle ceremonies.

San Juan La Laguna

Lake Atitlán’s most colorful village is San Juan La Laguna which features painted murals, decorative streets and vibrant local restaurants. If you plan to visit San Juan La Laguna, don’t forget to discover the Mayan bee sanctuary!

San Pedro

The bustling, backpacker paradise in Lake Atitlán. San Pedro has a youthful energy, a collection of social hostels, and endless bars.

Santiago Atitlán

The secluded, Mayan village of Lake Atitlán. Santiago is the largest village around Lake Atitlán – a beautiful place to discover Mayan culture.

Where to Stay in Lake Atitlán: My TOP Picks

Art and Coffee

Jaibalito

Art and Coffee is a small sanctuary in the one-road village of Jaibalito. Managed by three laid-back Colorado natives, this hostel offers high-stacked dorm bunks and a few private rooms.

After arriving at Lake Atitlán late and catching the last public lancha to Jaibalito available, I was greeted by the friendly faces at Art and Coffee, the relaxing strum of a guitar, and many barefoot travelers. 

La Casa del Mundo

Santa Cruz, Private Dock

After scouring Guatemala Pinterest boards, I discovered a breathtaking secluded haven decorated colorfully like La Casa Madrigal in Disney’s Encanto.

La Casa del Mundo is an unforgettable hotel in Santa Cruz on its own private cliffside. When one room became available in an otherwise always-booked hotel, I knew I had to spend the night at La Casa del Mundo. This beautiful hotel deserves all its praise. Want to visit La Casa del Mundo but don’t want to book a room? Day passes are available for 50 Quetzales. 

Free Cerveza

Santa Cruz

Free Cerveza hostel does glamping right. This sustainable, eco-friendly hostel offers teepee-style glamping and private casitas. With its own private dock, a beautiful open lounge area, and a free beer at check-in, Free Cerveza has secured its spot as my FAVORITE hostel. EVER. 

La Iguana Perdida

Santa Cruz

Steps away from the public dock at Santa Cruz village is La Iguana Perdida, a social hostel offering comfortable dorm rooms, delectable family dinners, and epic after-dinner activities (like leap-frog musical chairs!). This hostel is a budget backpacker’s paradise, the perfect place to stay at Lake Atitlán.

A look into my unforgettable stay at La Casa del Mundo ⬇️

Day 8: Lake Atitlán to Guatemala City, Return Home!

After reading my detailed itinerary, hopefully you better understand how to spend 8 days in Guatemala! From Panajachel, you’ll want to catch an early shuttle back to Guatemala City, allowing extra time to account for the busy traffic in the city. I hope this jam-packed Guatemala itinerary inspires you to discover the colorful streets of Antigua, check-off a bucket list volcano hike, and discover the serenity at Lake Atitlán. 

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