My very first time in Central America was well spent in Guatemala, which is quickly becoming a hot spot for travelers. Here is my itinerary of 4-5 days in Antigua and Lake Atitlán, as well as helpful tips for your visit.

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WHAT TO EXPECT: In Antigua, expect to see cobblestone roads, historical colonial-style architecture, ruins, plenty of restaurants and modern cocktail bars, incredible local cuisine, and active volcanoes. In Lake Atitlán, expect incredible mountain and volcano views, lakeside water activities, boat rides, local Mayan cuisine, nature reserve and hikes, beautiful gardens and greenery.
BRING CASH: While most places take credit cards, many scenarios will require cash (street food, small shops, tuk tuks). Plan to have some cash on hand, just in case. There are few ATMs. Check the current USD to Quetzales rate here, or download the XE app for on-the-go use.
CHECK THE WEATHER: The weather can be pretty unpredictable in Guatemala. Mornings can be warm, afternoons can be rainy, and evenings can be chilly. Check the weather prior to arriving so you can pack accordingly.
PLAN TRANSPORTATION AHEAD: If you plan on moving around between cities, I highly suggest having all transfers and transportation booked in advance to alleviate time lost and any hiccups during your trip.

Getting around

In Antigua

Antigua is very walkable and it’s a great way to explore the city. But if you’re tired or want to get somewhere fast, you can get an Uber, grab a Tuk Tuk, or jump on a chicken bus. You can negotiate prices for the Tuk Tuk and they only accept quetzales (Guatemalan currency). Ubers work just like in the states and come pretty quick and often. Chicken buses are colorful school buses and have several routes that run across the country. In Antigua, it’s hard to determine where the stops are so be prepared to ask which route you’re on, have small bills for the fare, and expect no AC or seatbelts.

In Lake Atitlán

The best way to get between the lake towns is by boat. There is a main dock in every village and each has public or private boats available. Public boats are cheaper and run often but make local stops in all towns. Private boats cost more but offer direct access to where ever you’re going and you don’t share the ride. I mostly took private boats (for convenience and because they were mostly available) and the prices ranged between $15-20 USD per person (~100-150 quetzales). While in the lake towns, tuk tuks are around all the time and can take you around. There are no Ubers on the lake.

Things to do: Antigua

Visit the Santa Catalina Arch

The prominent arch dates back to the 1600s and is a top landmark in Antigua. In this area, you’ll find textile and souvenir vendors, shops, restaurants and bars, and it’s a great photo opportunity as well.

Marvel at the Antigua Guatemala Cathedral

A massive, beautifully restored cathedral located in the center of Antigua. Across is Antigua’s Central Park, where you’ll find amazing street food, local vendors, centrally located hotels, and plenty of restaurants and rooftop bars.

See the Iglesia de la Merced

A baroque style church worth checking out and located across a small park with great street food options.

Explore the ruins at Convento La Recolección

This site is home to a historical monastery which has been devastated over the years by earthquakes and is now a complex of ruins. You can wander the complex on your own and the entrance fee is about $15 USD.

Take in city views from the Cerro De La Cruz

Regrettably, I didn’t get to visit this incredible viewpoint called “el mirador” by locals. But it’s a great way to see breathtaking city and volcano views. Grab a tuk tuk for the ride up.

Hike up the mountain for a one of a kind volcano viewing

Another activity I didn’t partake in due to time, but I am definitely planning on doing so next time around. A hike up the Guatemalan mountains can offer close-up views of its many active volcanoes. You may even get to see a volcanic eruption while up there. The hike tours range from a few hours to overnight to multiple days in the mountains. You can find a variety tour packages on my favorite website below.

Tip: plan to rise early, pack light and only the necessities, wear proper hiking shoes, and pack warm clothing.

Try the local street food

Meat filled empandas topped with salsa, onions and cheese crumbles.

The street food in Antigua is probably the best way to try authentic Guatemalan cuisine. You can find most food vendors stationed in any of the parks, but most are located in the park in front of Iglesia La Merced. They have a varying selection of empanadas, tacos, sandwiches, and more - with yummy veggie toppings and salsas. Also check out the fruit ice cream!

Enjoy a relaxing pool day

There are no beaches in Antigua so during warm weather, the pool is the way to go. After all the walking and exploring, I stumbled upon a restaurant with a small lounging pool, jacuzzi, and rooftop - a perfect way to spend the afternoon.

The day pass fee is Q150 (about $20 USD) per person and includes a lounger and towel. You can order food and drinks with the wait staff and later check out the rooftop views of Antigua. The rooftop also has a bar.

Getting to Lake Atitlán

If you plan to visit Lake Atitlán from Antigua (or vice versa), I highly recommend reserving a transfer in advance. Travel time between the two cities is about 3 hours. Here are a few ways to get to the lake:

SHARED SHUTTLE: This option is cheap and efficient. A shuttle picks you up at your hotel or Airbnb, collects other passengers along the way (normally very quick), and stops for a food and restroom break at a gas station halfway through. I booked shuttle tickets for about $15 USD each in a minivan for a group of about 10 passengers. Drop off at Lake Atitlán is in San Pedro, one of the lakeside villages, and you can transfer to any village via boat from there.
PRIVATE TRANSFER: Can be costly but it’s a great option if you want a direct transfer.
RENT A CAR: You can also rent a car and drive there yourself if you plan to make it a road trip. I would not recommend this since the roads are very curvy, cuts through a lot of mountains, and there can be a lot of fog up at the top of some mountains. But if you’re a thrill seeker, this may be a flexible option for you. Keep in mind the villages in Lake Atitlán are all lakeside so you need to plan to park up and expect long detours if you drive to the other villages. There are also police checkpoints along the journey.

Things to do: Lake Atitlán

Visit the Nature Reserve in Panajachel

The nature reserve is located in the popular village Panajachel. There’s a butterfly geodome, a small hiking trail that leads to the lake, and a zip lining activity. Tickets are Q80 per person (about $10 USD).

Explore the lake villages

Each village in Lake Atitlán has a lot to offer and they’re all fairly close to each other via boat. From my experience, San Pedro has a lot of restaurants, bars, tattoo shops and it’s a backpackers paradise. Its also centrally located to all the other villages. Panajachel is the also a very popular village with a lot of expats and tourists.

Indulge in Mayan cuisine

Lake Atitlán is known for its Mayan culture, and you can’t visit without trying authentic Mayan cuisine. There are many local places serving up awesome food, so be sure to check them out.

Where to eat/drink

Here are the restaurants and bars I tried while in Antigua and Lake Atitlán.

Antigua Food/Drinks

Patio De La Primera: Beautiful courtyard restaurant, extensive food menu, great cocktails, rooftop views.
Los Tres Tiempos: Located next to the Santa Cruz arch, amazing setting with a large courtyard, and great food and cocktail selections.
Casa Tipica: Small hidden gem serving delicious local cuisine.
Charleston: Trendy cocktail bar with speakeasy vibes.
Aqua Antigua: Poolside restaurant with modern dishes and great drinks. Head to the rooftop bar for views and libations.
The Good Hotel: Enjoyed a great breakfast while staying at this hotel.

Lake Atitlán Food/Drinks

La Isla Verde: Located in Santa Cruz. Eco friendly restaurant and hotel serving limited but fresh meals in a beautiful airy setting.

CECAP: Located in Santa Cruz. Authentic Mayan dishes with insane views of the lake.
Delicias Del Lago: Located in Panajachel. Phenomenal Mayan food, ask for their salsa verde and pour it on everythinggggg.

Hotels/Airbnbs in Antigua and Lake Atitlán

Good Hotel Antigua

This modern, Dutch-style hotel has several locations over the world. They donate their profits to invest in local communities. The Antigua hotel profits contribute to Niños de Guatemala, which is a foundation that provides underprivileged children with an education. Each room is named after a Guatemalan child of the foundation and the rooms are clean, stylish and very comfortable. The garden had a really nice seating area and it’s connected to a cafe next door serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Airbnb

This Airbnb resort is located in the Santa Cruz location. The lakefront property has a variety of room options, all with their own private terrace and jacuzzi. Room service is available for an additional cost serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The food was prepared fresh right on the property and was incredible! There is also wine available for purchase in the room. The room was modern and very comfortable. The property features:

Shared pool and lounge beds
Outdoor sauna
Kayaking and paddleboard equipment
Room service and wine at an extra cost

View my Guatemala highlights on Instagram for a closer look at this itinerary here.

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Oct 8 Travel Itinerary: Antigua and Lake Atitlán, Guatemala

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