what to do in guatemala for a week

While backpackers often head across the lake to the party (around $10 USD, 50 mins to 1.5 hours). There is an intense beauty and spirituality in this place that really spoke to me. Take a short flight to Peten and go straight to the Tikal National Park. canyon, with a day trip out to Livingston. Day 1: Tikal Start your adventure in Tikal, the mighty jungle-choked kingdom in northern Guatemala whose ruined temples tower through the forest canopy. While exploring Antigua, make sure to peek in some of the interior courtyards that hide behind the colorful facades. The most popular touristic towns ringing Lake Atitlan are Panajachel, San Pedro, and San Marcos. The weather is extremely hot and humid so dont forget your sunscreen, bug repellent and tons of water. A tour of the weaving community Venders sell everything under the sun (figuratively and literally), including (but not limited to) candles, handicrafts, food, spices, masks, pottery, medicinal plants, machetes, pigs, chickens, and baby kittens. These start from $45 USD per person and You can also stay overnight at a What should you see and do on a short itinerary? The towns narrow lanes explode into a kaleidoscope of colour on Thursday and Sundays: everything from ceramics, fruit and vegetables, spices, textiles, local crafts and leather goods to powdered chalk and farming supplies. Home to the country's most famous ancient Maya archeological site, the park covers 222 square miles (576 sq km) and is part of the much larger Maya Biosphere Reserve. Transportations: The chicken buses are the easiest to get around. The intimate class sizes and visit to the local farmers market allow you to really touch, learn and taste all about traditional Guatemalan food. Sunset is particularly spectacular. Inside (enter through the side door and dont take photos its strictly forbidden) youll find local people praying for their ancestors and making offerings of maize, flowers and bottles of alcohol. Rooms are spacious and theres a fantastic bar and restaurant if you dont want to leave your lodgings in the evening, while a rooftop terrace with outstanding views across the city is just the cherry on the top of this excellent hostel. For myself, I felt safe throughout my time in Guatemala. Spend a couple of hours exploring the site and be sure to Out of all the places in Guatemala, this was the city I knew the most about prior to arriving because it is an Instagram darling. To get to San Juan La Laguna, boats for all villages depart Yaxh is home to around 500 structures including nine mighty temples that tower You can wander for hours around Tikals jungle paths, stumbling across the ruins of palaces, monuments, houses and temples. A trip for two weeks for two people costs Q10,639 in Guatemala. Anita spoke from her heart and cooked from her heart, opening up her home to us and sharing her traditions. "Where can I start reviewing my trip to Guatemala? We specifically chose this week to view the processions and street carpets that are present dur", Traveled to Guatemala as a couple in April, 2023, "Wow, what an incredible trip!! This small village is known for its striking Mayan textiles and unique artistic style of painting. The affordable guided tour of the fincas premises takes you through all the major steps of the coffee making process. await. #, Hardest working in Ireland Seek out some desayuno tradicional for breakfast, a hefty plateful of scrambled eggs with tomatoes and onions, refried beans, avocado, stewed plantain and corn tortillas on the side. This shoreside settlement home to the project Pintando Santa Catarina, where bold patterns and colours taken from the designs of local textiles have been painted onto houses. from Antigua, although, as some are still active, its a good idea to check the metres high. 103. Intrepid is committed to using travel as a force for good. My sons and I would like to go to Guatemala for two weeks in February. Tikal was a major Mayan city, which at the height of its glory in the 6th century AD, may have housed over 100,000 residents. Maya descent; with the culture survived the arrival of the Spanish and has bed on a natural limestone bridge over the Ro Cahabn. The perimeter of the large lake is peppered with small Mayan towns and human outcroppings, all of which have their own unique character and flair. What not to miss in your 2 weeks in Guatemala itinerary: Days 1-3: Antigua Guatemala. The biodiversity reserve at Tikal is massive, filled with dense rainforest and rolling hills. It's time to say goodbye to Guatemala! The fantastic La Choza Chula, a social enterprise and tour operator who run a series of social and environmental projects in the community, run tours ($25 USD). to the site of Q 150 ($20 USD). I typically take out money via an ATM, instead of exchanging currencies. After Easter, most travelers head to Lake Atitln to relaxbut to avoid the . kilometres north of Antigua. I honestly didnt expect it be so fantastic. Delayed Guatemalan election results to be made official next week After spending a final morning in the capital at your leisure, your driver will be waiting to transfer you to the airport for your flight home. To improve your online experience, we use cookies for enhanced functionality and analytics. A seven-hour hike up to the 3,975-metre peak promises outstanding views across Antigua Guatemala in the distance, as well as many of the nearby volcanoes including the smoke-puffing Volcn Fuego. the end of Calle del Embarcadero has boats to San Pedro La Laguna from where For a spot of afternoon shopping, Antigua is home to many markets. READ MORE: 5 MUST-SEE MAYA RUINS IN NORTH AND CENTRAL AMERICA. , while not certified organic, tries to utilize as many sustainable principles as possible, such as shade-grown, compost fertilized, and sun-dried beans. Many local bars offer dancing lessons, so you can have a fun night out and learn some moves (or just gawp at the amazing talent on the dance floor). Pictured above, Its unique rounded sides and half-uncovered profile make it a special sight to see. Welcome to Guatemala! Only about 25% of the Mayan ruins have been uncovered with the rest of the site left in the wild and raw condition it was found. COMPLETE Tikal Guide 15 BEST Day Trips From Antigua, Guatemala 3 Days in Antigua Guatemala: The Perfect Itinerary Backpacking Guatemala: COMPLETE Guide + ROUTES Pacaya VS Acatenango: Which Volcano Hike Is Best? Switching gears today, you'll be driven to the stunning Lake Atitln, about three hours west of Antigua. The intimate class sizes and visit to the local farmers market allow you to really touch, learn and taste all about traditional Guatemalan food. THAT'S AN AVERAGE OF $21.40 PER DAY, OR $10.70 EACH. Usually only the top-tier, 5 star quality beans are used for export, while the 4 and 3 star beans are used for blended, lower-quality production or instant coffee. Small on the inside but with a nice outdoor seating along the courtyard, this place is getting experimental with some of their flavor combinations. Antigua Lago de Atitln Chichicastenango Tikal and Yahx Where to stay near Tikal on a budget: The more affordable Jaguar Inn ($70 USD double, $30 USD two-person tent) is also situated right in the heart of Parque Nacional Tikal. A few highlights from the meal include a delicious red bean & pumpkin soup served with pepitas, melt-in-your-mouth short ribs served with a blue-cheese au gratin potatoes and a four-piece dessert which included homemade raspberry sorbet, dark chocolate mousse and a honey poached pear. The steepness and altitude put it at a medium difficulty level, but I recommend buying a walking stick at the beginning of the hike. Alternatively, you can stay in Parque Nacional Tikal, a short walk from the entrance to Tikal. Copyright 2021 Worldly Adventurer | Privacy Policy, Guatemala travel itinerary: How to start planning your trip, One-week Guatemala travel itinerary: Or is it safe we go there book our hotels and find a tour for a day to some places we like to go? Updated April 2022 Known for active volcanoes, charming colonial towns, vibrant indigenous cultures, and ancient ruins, Guatemala is a place we've been itching to travel for years. Dont underestimate how long it takes to transfer on the lake (several hours sometimes) and most boats only run in the morning, thanks to strong winds that come most afternoons. Authentic Guatemala: Antigua & Guatemala City - 6 Days, Guatemala Family Tour: Antigua & Lake Atitln - 7 Days. After a nice sleep in, borrow a kayak from a river lodge and paddle downriver to UNESCO-listed Castillo de San Felipe de Lara, an imposing Spanish colonial fort built to guard the entrance to Lake Izabal from Caribbean pirates invading from the sea. Private bungalows are clean and comfortable and surrounded by the jungle, while you can also book a campsite or a campsite and tent if youre on more of a budget although the humidity can make camping a fairly uncomfortable experience. If you want to go with a guide, Gem Trips and local archaeologist Roxy Ortiz are a good bet. A lesser-explored corner of Guatemala is the sacred lake of Chicabal, a crater lake not far away from Xela, that you can reach by a steep but short hike (2-3 hours, depending on your pace). I want to go on a solo trip at the end of the month- do you think going solo is safe? However, indigenous groups in Guatemala are disproportionately poor compared with the rest of the population and one means of addresses this inequality is through community-level tourism, which focuses on one of the many strengths of the Maya people: their textiles. Antigua, Guatemala Want to see epic photos and videos from these experiences? on: function(evt, cb) { over the jungle landscapes of this remote part of Guatemala. ), Vanessa Stofer is a writer and Vancouver Island expat living in London. Restored to its 18th century glory, Santo Domingo is now a hotel, church, museum, restaurant, bar, and gardens. })(); Travel + Food Blog for Millenial Travelers, How to Plan the Perfect One Week Vacation in Guatemala, There are lots of advertisements for paid tours of the city, but with a guidebook of Antigua in hand, theres no need to spend the extra money! Restored to its 18th century glory, Santo Domingo is now a hotel, church, museum, restaurant, bar, and gardens. Youll need cash to pay for those. A man was checking for a possible intruder in his backyard when he accidentally shot himself, according to Texas news reports.. Officers with the San Antonio Police Department were called to the . Guatemala travel - Lonely Planet | Central America The founder, Steph Dyson, is a travel journalist who's been published by National Geographic Traveller, CNN, Lonely Planet, and more. Guatemala City Travel Guide | What to do in Guatemala City They can arrange tours of Tikal, as well as airport transfers. You should schedule a shuttle bus from Antigua to Lake Atitlan (there are many options available), and it will take about 2 hours driving. As you wander through the expansive complex, youll take in the beautiful, airy gardens with sun-bleached pergolas and local flora. For more information or to book a homestay, contact the Asociacin de Guas de Ecoturismo Rupalaj Kistalin (+502 4772 2527/ +502 5930 4773, [emailprotected]). The ULTIMATE Guatemala Packing List (+ What Not To Pack) The lake sits 1,500 meters (4,921 feet) above sea level and is also one of the deepest lakes in Central America. Once the beans are roughly the same red color as a red delicious apple, they are ready to pick. Delicious dinners are served for guests in the evening around a large family table, making this the ideal place to get chatting to other travellers. Purposeful Nomad are a small group tour company leading once-in-a-lifetime, womens only tours to Guatemala, where you visit small communities to learn about their rich cultural history of weaving and textiles, take cooking classes to sample the best home-cooked Guatemalan cuisine and experience the famed kite festival in Santo Domingo Xenacoj. This post is a compilation of posts originally published in January 2016 and updated in January 2021. I think you would be fine booking day tours, especially if your hotels had recommendations of quality operators. Although the beans themselves will have certain characteristics depending on the region theyre grown in, roasting might include different types of wood or additives to create a certain profile or enhance certain qualities in the flavor. Run by a pair of 20-somethings, this cozy coffee shop and cafe that offers tasty brunch food as well as live music and local art. This is a must-visit if youre a foodie like me! you can connect with vessels to San Juan La Laguna. In the northern part of Guatemala is a region called the Peten rainforest. With one week in Guatemala, you can easily see Guatemalas Big Three Antigua, Lago de Atitln and Tikal no matter how tight or expansive your budget. Depending on where you booked your hotel, you may need to take additional transportation from Panajachel, such as a boat taxi leaving from the citys main docks. Back in Antigua, have a rest and freshen up before visiting Caf Condesa for a massive wedge of pie, decadent layer cake or cheesecake towering with fruit. The Cost of Travel in Guatemala: A Detailed Budget Breakdown Again, youll want to organise a tour with a company in Antigua (from $90 USD pp). be found in San Juan La Laguna, a The best times to visit Guatemala for festivals, jungle encounters and temple trips. So, a trip to Guatemala for two people costs around Q5,319 for one week. Then stop for a hearty, traditional mealin Tecpan. Run by a pair of 20-somethings, this cozy coffee shop and cafe that offers tasty brunch food as well as live music and local art. The Mercado de Artesanas is a popular spot for visitors to pick up a souvenir or two, but you can also check out the less crowded Mercado del Carmen (next to the ruined Iglesia del Carmen church) or the Centro de Arte Popular for works by indigenous Guatemalan artists. The longer the bean is roasted, the darker the bean becomes, and in fact, the lower the caffeine content. Lots of the courtyards have little restaurants, cute fountains and small mom & pop shops to check out which you wouldnt initially notice from the street. exhibitions. The medicine I didn't know I neede." Allison | Conscious Marketing + Content Mentor on Instagram: "Let it be simple. tunics) as well as religious garments, all of which reflect thousands of years forms: { While its possible to get here under your own steam, its The towns main attraction is its local market, with Chichicastenango taking the riotous colour and chaos of the traditional Latin American market to the next level. Nestled in the hilly, jungle-covered region of El Peten, Tikal offers a step back in time to the turn of the millennium, but also a raw view of the true splendor of the Guatemalan rainforest. Get your map, put on your comfy shoes and go for a walk. governmental website INSIMUVEH for Theres a moderate climb to reach the crater, where you can see molten lava glowing against blackened ash and even toast marshmallows. Check out the smaller towns of Atitlan. Theyre dubbed chicken buses because passengers often used to transport live animals on board, which made for some very noisy, furry and feathery hand luggage. Sorry about that. Santiago is also home to a womanizing Mayan folk saint named Maximn, whose effigy moves annually to a new local house and is assigned two guardians who must stay with him at all times. Food is an amazing vessel to experience Mayan traditions, and a cooking class at Lake Atitlan Cooking School is a perfect way to dive deeper into the culinary history of the Mayan people. The restaurant inside Santo Domingo. World-renowned for its colorful woven textiles, handmade pottery, and general artisan craftsmanship, it would be a shame not to visit at least one market during your 7 days in Guatemala. community-level tourism, which focuses on one of the many strengths of the Maya people: their textiles, Keep Reading: 16 Unique and Unusual Things to Do in Guatemala, Keep Reading: How to Be a More Responsible Traveler in 2023, Keep Reading: The Best Backpacking and Travel Water Filters, Ranked, Keep Reading: Trekking into the Clouds: 11 of South Americas Best Hikes, Keep Reading: 7 Things I Learned From Travelling Plastic-Free, Keep Reading: South America Backpacking Routes: 7 Itineraries for Two Weeks to One Month, Keep Reading: Get 5%-10% Off South America Tours and Itineraries, two- or four-week immersive Spanish language course. The locals are used to tourists, so you can expect friendly and helpful interactions in broken Spanish or English. Politics: The Republic of Guatemala (capital Guatemala City) is a democratic republic, headed by a president who is head of both state and government. The best place to see them is with a tour of the nearby mangroves and river one of only seven sea turtle feeding grounds in the world. of the female artisans of course. Thentry to go to bed early. squares and roads, some of which date as far back as 500 BC and measure over 60 window.mc4wp.listeners.push( Enjoy the rest of your day walking around the cobbled streets, treating yourself to local snacks at cafs and food vendors, and strolling by a few of the main attractionslike the 16th-century Antigua Guatemala Cathedral and the remains of the 18th-century Convento Santa Clara. Nightlife in Guatemala City essentially it comes down to two choices: gritty Zona 1, which has some atmospheric old bars and raucous student places, or Zona 10's Zona Viva, largely the domain of wealthy Guatemaltecos, with upmarket bars and clubs. Because Lake Atitlan is one of the primary regions where indigenous people live in Guatemala, I think it is essential to spend a day learning about the culture and traditions of Mayan descendants. Its situated a short boat ride from Flores, but the owners can help you organise tours of Tikal, transport and practically anything you need. It only deterred them temporarily, though, and they destroyed, burned and looted the fort a good few times. Guatemala Travel Guide (Updated2023) - Nomadic Matt's Travel Site ), and . It's best not to stroll around Zona 1 late at night, but Zona 10 is considered safe enough. We did a few day trips and organized activities with local experts, and I booked all of those online through AirBnb experiences and TripAdvisor. We ended our second day in Antigua with a meal at a modern Guatemalan gastronomy restaurant. Relax for lunch and keep exploring Antigua, see the artisans markets, jade stores, church ruins, and museums. You can also use San Juan La Laguna as a base from which to DisclaimerWorldly Adventurer is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk and affiliated sites. Head straight to the roof and order a pint of local, craft beer and enjoy the resident DJ and the 360 views of the city around you. Private bungalows are clean and comfortable and surrounded by the forest, while you can also book a campsite or a campsite and tent if youre on more of a budget although the humidity can make camping a fairly uncomfortable experience. Find out more here (and get 10% discount with the code worldly). Where to stay near Tikal: Right inside the national park, Jungle Lodge ($100 USD double) is a remarkably up-scale hotel right in the middle of the jungle. The most iconic is Temple I, which will most likely be your first view of the park. Domingo Xenacoj (The Weaving Council of Santo Domingo Xenacoj) in Santa Domingo Xenacoj, which lies 30 Shes visited 57 countries and doesnt plan to stop anytime soon. (again, I recommend Atitrans 12 unique and unforgettable things to do in Guatemala - Worldpackers When I remember my time in Guatemala, I remember Lake Atitlan. Antigua, have a rest and freshen up before visiting Caf Condesa. After a stomach-stretching lunch of pupusasa Central American specialty of corn tortilla stuffed with savory fillings and accompanied by spicy cabbage slawour leader led us on a walk around the city to get our bearings, and then theres plenty of time to explore. turtles being released across the beach to the sea. painting. Where to stay in Flores: A short drive from the airport and with a dazzling location on Laguna Exequil, just a few kilometres east of Flores, Las Lagunas Boutique Hotel ($300 USD double) is a true paradise, with bungalows built on stilts overlooking the lake. Best Guide to Semana Santa (Holy Week) in Guatemala - Travel Experta On a clear day, you can easily see all the volcanoes. Top 10 Things to See and Do in Flores, Guatemala - Culture Trip Gorgeous volcanos, colorful cities, Mayan ruins, crystal clear swimming holes, dirt cheap prices, and adventure around every corner-if that sounds like your kind of vacation destination, it's time to consider spending 2 weeks in Guatemala. Youll cruise past spectacular limestone cliffs before emerging from the river mouth to the Caribbean. Although it's predominantly a celebration for Catholics, travelers of all religions and beliefs can experience this great opportunity to see art in a very particular way. 16 Unique and Unusual Things to Do in Guatemala Antigua Lago de Atitln Tikal, Two week-Guatemala travel itinerary: Beautifully woven, Journey Through Guatemala & Belize - 12 Days, Cultural Highlights of Belize & Guatemala - 7 Days, Culture & Beaches in Guatemala & Belize - 12 Days. DHS Announces Family Reunification Parole Processes for Colombia, El Enter through the side door to see offerings of corn, flowers and candles laid out inside. See the State Department's travel website for the Worldwide Caution and Travel Advisories. Hike, bike, and kayak around the country as you explore the picturesque colonial city of Antigua, scale the lava fields of Pacaya, experience the magic of Lake Atitln, and venture deep into the rainforest to discover the ancient pyramids of Tikal. Day Three: Take a tour to the active Pacaya Volcano, a place where you can walk in the middle of lava flows. Within 42,042 square miles, Guatemala offers colonial cities, cobalt blue lakes, fascinating culture, lush jungles, ancient ruins, tons of volcanos (a few of which are extremely active), and plenty of underrated treks throughout the amazing countryside. It wont take long for you to understand why this splendid Panajachel (2.5 hours, from around $15 USD) for the shuttle). VISIT GUATEMALA ON A SMALL GROUP TOUR WITH INTREPID. This is one of the most popular things to do in Guatemala, especially for adventure lovers, and for good reason. Introducing Guatemala Paraglide over Lago de Atitln The astounding beauty of Lago de Atitln is usually appreciated from the shores of this serene volcanic lake, or from the peak of the San Pedro volcano, but a more unusual way to take in all of its beauty is by paragliding over the placid waters. Hi, I am looking to find a reliable tour guide in Guatemala if you know of anyone I will be very happy to give me their information/contact number. This morning you'll embark on another exciting adventure. Our local travel specialists have been recommended by. Chicken Buses Chicken buses are a popular method of transport for the locals and some travelers like to have this experience. Individual cabins are hidden away into the undergrowth, with beds made up with crisp white sheets and silky mosquito nets.
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