Guatemala 9-Day Trip Itinerary

Arrive at GUA Airport

Arrive at La Aurora International Airport (GUA) in Guatemala City.

Clear customs and immigration.

Have your passport and any necessary visa documents ready. Currency exchange is available at the airport, or you can withdraw local currency (Quetzales) from an ATM.

Private Transfer to Antigua

Enjoy a comfortable private ground transfer from La Aurora International Airport directly to your hotel in Antigua.

The scenic drive takes approximately one hour, depending on traffic.

Book safely and promptly your ground transfer to your hotel. All units are recent models for comfort and safety.

Hotel Check-in & Refresh

Check into your boutique hotel in Antigua and take some time to refresh and relax after your journey.

Many hotels in Antigua offer early check-in subject to availability, especially if booked in advance. Confirm with your hotel.

Traditional Guatemalan Breakfast

Savor a hearty Guatemalan breakfast with local specialties like eggs, black beans, plantains, and fresh fruit.

Try a 'desayuno típico' at a local eatery near your hotel.

Central Park & Arch Exploration

Begin your exploration of Antigua at the bustling Central Park (Parque Central), surrounded by the Cathedral de Santiago, Palacio de los Capitanes Generales, and the iconic Santa Catalina Arch.

Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and colonial architecture.

The Santa Catalina Arch is one of Antigua's most famous landmarks, perfect for photos. Wander through the park to observe local life.

Lunch in Antigua

Enjoy lunch at a restaurant offering traditional Guatemalan cuisine or international options in Antigua.

Relax & Explore on Your Own

Take some time for leisure, explore local shops, or visit a nearby ruin such as the Convento Santa Clara or La Merced Church.

Dinner in Antigua

Enjoy a delicious dinner at one of Antigua's highly-rated restaurants.

Antigua Coffee Tour Adventure

Begin your journey in San Pedro Las Huertas, visit the central park and traditional pila.

Learn about the coffee process from seed to cup, including harvesting, roasting, and grinding, concluding with a tasting session.

This tour offers a comprehensive look at Guatemalan coffee. Wear comfortable shoes and bring sun protection.

Lunch in Antigua

Enjoy a relaxed lunch at a local restaurant, perhaps trying a 'pepián' or 'jocón'.

Guatemalan Cooking Class & Market Tour

Discover unique local flavors by visiting a local market to choose exotic ingredients, then learn to cook traditional Guatemalan dishes.

A hands-on experience of traditional ways of life.

This class is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in Guatemalan culture and cuisine. You'll learn secrets to making authentic dishes.

Enjoy Your Cooked Meal

Savor the delicious meal you prepared during the cooking class for dinner.

Evening Stroll

Enjoy a leisurely evening stroll through the illuminated streets of Antigua.

Views from Cerro de la Cruz

Take a short hike or taxi ride up to Cerro de la Cruz (Hill of the Cross) for panoramic views of Antigua and the surrounding volcanoes, including Volcán de Agua.

The viewpoint offers excellent photo opportunities. It's a relatively easy ascent.

Explore Local Ruins

Visit one of Antigua's many well-preserved ruins, such as the Convento de Capuchinas or La Recolección Architectural Complex, to admire the colonial architecture and learn about their history.

Each ruin tells a unique story of Antigua's past. Check opening hours beforehand.

Lunch at a Local Cafe

Enjoy a light lunch at a charming cafe in Antigua.

Street Food Tour Around Antigua

Embark on a guided street food tour, visiting beautiful towns around Antigua with a local guide. You'll try incredible and unique Guatemalan street food that you might not discover on your own.

Come hungry! This is a fantastic way to taste authentic local snacks and learn about the culture behind them. Wear comfortable walking shoes.

Relaxed Evening & Dinner

Enjoy a relaxed evening.

Since the street food tour might serve as a substantial meal, you might opt for a lighter dinner or drinks.

Organic Coffee & Honey Farm Tour

Visit an organic, self-sustaining farm located just 15 minutes from Antigua.

Here, you'll roast, grind, brew, and enjoy local Guatemalan coffee. Learn about fermentation and traditional farming practices, including avocados and honey.

This experience provides insight into sustainable agriculture and local products. Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for some walking.

Lunch near the farm or back in Antigua

Enjoy lunch, perhaps at a restaurant near the organic farm or back in Antigua.

Afternoon Mountain Bike Tour

Discover the Guatemalan countryside with a guided mountain bike tour.

Explore natural trails and local villages around Antigua, suitable for various experience levels.

Mountain Bike Guatemala (TripAdvisor attraction) offers expertly crafted tours. Inquire about shorter, half-day options. Ensure you are comfortable with biking.

Dinner & Evening Leisure

Enjoy a farewell dinner in Antigua, perhaps at a restaurant offering rooftop views of the city.

Antigua Artisan Market & Souvenir Shopping

Explore the vibrant Mercado de Artesanías (Artisan Market) to find unique souvenirs, textiles, pottery, and local crafts.

Practice your bargaining skills!

A great place to pick up gifts and mementos of your trip. Don't forget to visit the local jade factory for beautiful jewelry.

Last Lunch in Antigua

Enjoy one final Guatemalan lunch at a favorite spot or a new restaurant you wanted to try.

Free Time & Packing

Use the afternoon for any last-minute sightseeing, relaxation, or packing before preparing for the next leg of your journey.

Dinner & Prepare for Travel

Have an early dinner or grab something quick as you prepare for your journey to the next destination (Flores/Tikal) which will involve travel back to Guatemala City Airport.

Flight to Flores

Take a domestic flight from La Aurora International Airport (GUA) in Guatemala City to Mundo Maya International Airport (FRS) in Flores, the gateway to Tikal.

Enjoy scenic views of the Guatemalan landscape.

Book domestic flights in advance. Airlines like TAG Airlines or Avianca typically operate this route.

Hotel Check-in & Lunch

Check into your hotel in Flores and have lunch at a local restaurant.

Flores is a charming island town on Lake Petén Itzá.

Many restaurants offer fresh fish from the lake.

Explore Flores Island

Take a leisurely walk around the colorful island town of Flores.

Visit the central plaza, enjoy lakeside views, and browse local artisan shops.

The island is small and easily walkable. Don't miss the sunset views over the lake.

Dinner with Lake Views

Enjoy dinner at one of Flores' lakeside restaurants, savoring local Petén cuisine.

Try 'Pescado Blanco' (white fish), a local specialty.

Tikal Day Tour from Flores

Embark on an extensive tour of Tikal National Park.

Your local guide will lead you through jungle trails, spotting wildlife and explaining the history and culture of the ancient Mayan civilization. Climb impressive temples and immerse yourself in this UNESCO World Heritage site.

This premium tour allows ample time for exploration, questions, and photography. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water.

Lunch near Tikal

Enjoy a packed lunch or a meal at a restaurant located near the Tikal National Park entrance.

Lunch is often included in tour packages, confirm with your tour operator.

Relaxation in Flores

Return to Flores and unwind after a long day of exploring.

Enjoy a refreshing drink by the lake.

Dinner in Flores

Have dinner at a different restaurant in Flores, sampling more local flavors.

Morning Leisure in Flores

Enjoy a relaxed morning, perhaps visit the lookout point ('Mirador') for panoramic views of Flores and the lake, or do some last-minute souvenir shopping.

Lunch in Flores

Savor a final lunch in Flores before heading back to Tikal for an evening experience.

Tikal VIP Private Sunset Tour

Experience the magic of Tikal National Park as the sun sets over the ancient Mayan city.

Learn about Mayan history, culture, and the local flora and fauna from your private guide. Witness the jungle come alive at dusk.

This private tour offers a unique perspective of Tikal. Bring insect repellent and a flashlight. Booking in advance is essential.

Breakfast and Check-out

Enjoy a final breakfast in Flores and complete your hotel check-out.

Travel to Guatemala City Airport

Take a domestic flight from Mundo Maya International Airport (FRS) in Flores back to La Aurora International Airport (GUA) in Guatemala City for your international departure.

Allow sufficient time for transfer and check-in for your international flight.

International Flight Check-in

Check in for your international flight back to Ottawa at La Aurora International Airport.

Be sure to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before your international flight.

Relax and Depart

Enjoy some time at the airport for last-minute souvenirs or a meal before boarding your flight.