Guatemala, best things to See, Eat & Do: 3 cities in 8 days

Juliska Cyntje
Oct 16, 2025
4 min read

Guatemala is a land where ancient spirit and natural beauty intertwine, a country that feels alive with stories whispered through its volcanoes, lakes, and cobblestone streets. In Guatemala City, modern energy hums alongside markets and rich traditions. Then, just an hour away, Antigua welcomes you with pastel-hued colonial charm, volcanoes standing guard as you wander through ruins wrapped in bougainvillea. And beyond, nestled high in the mountains, Lake Atitlán glimmers like a mirror of the sky, surrounded by villages where time moves softly and life flows to the rhythm of the water. Here, each sunrise feels sacred, each moment steeped in quiet wonder. Guatemala doesn’t just capture your gaze; it captures your soul. I attest.

Itinerary:

2 nights in Guatemala City
2 nights in Antigua
3 nights in Lake Atitlán

Here’s my top picks for stay, eat and experience. No fuzz, just a list!

Some booking links are affiliate links, if you click it, like it and book it, this island girl will do a happy dance at no additional cost to you.

General tips:

Best time to visit is November to mid-December to avoid the high season crowd and the rainy season, and between February and April is also a good choice. We visited in April, which was perfectly fine too; chilly nights in Antigua and Lake Atitlan, but sunny and warm at daytime, expect for Antigua that had a few cloudy afternoons.
Transportation
- Guatemala City; Uber was just fine.
- Antigua; if you stay in the city center, everything will be at walking distance. Take a taxi or Uber if you happen to need a transportation to somewhere else, most tours provide transportation from your accommodation or meeting point in the city center. There are Tuk Tuk taxi’s, but these are way pricier than Uber or car taxi’s.
- Lake Atitlán; water taxi’s in between Lake towns and Tuk Tuk for on-land transportation (agree on price before hopping in).
Have enough cash on hand (local currency) for purchases/payments, souvenirs/street vendors etc. in Antigua and Lake Atitlán, not all international card payments will go through (even at hotels and restaurants).

Where to stay in Guatemala City for under $100:

Selection is based on ratings, location and aesthetics. Click to book.

Upscale hotels in Guatemala City $100+ p/n:

What to do in Guatemala City:

Booking link is provided for guided tours and location for sight visits.

City tour+traditional lunch
Walking city tour
Pacaya Volcano day trip
Visit Zoológico La Aurora
Shop at Oakland Mall
Shop produce, art/coal crafts, clothing and more at Mercado Central
Shop souvenirs and gifts at Mercado de Artesanias La Aurora (handcrafts market).

Where to stay in Antigua:

Selection is based on ratings, location (5-7 min walk to main sights) and aesthetics. Click to book.

Hotel Las Camelias Inn by AHS – as from $90 p/n
Hotel Aurora – as from $100 p/n
Parador de Antigua – as From $112 p/n
El Carmen Hotel – as from $125 p/n
Hotel Posada de Don Rodrigo – as from $148 p/n
El Convento Boutique Hotel – as from $168 p/n
Las Cruces Boutique Hotel – as from $200 p/n

Upscale/Luxury options and a little tucked away (10-12 min walk to main sights):

Bärehuus Boutique Hotel – as from $109 p/n
Los Pasos Boutique Hotel & Spa – as from $166 p/n
Camino Real Antigua – as from $320 p/n

What to do in Antigua:

Booking link is provided for guided tours and location for sight visits.

ATV Sunset Tour (Cerro de la Cruz, Hobbitenango, local dinner).
Stroll the Old City; Parque Central, Arco de Santa Catalina, the cutest Starbucks I’ve ever seen, Choco Museum.
Lunch or dinner on a private deck at El Hato Verde.
Visit Museo Casa del Tejido ($2 entrance) for a quick tour and weaving demonstration.
Visit El Barrio for drinks, snacks and entertainment.
Aqua Antigua for a day pass or delicious lunch.

Where to stay in Lake Atitlán:

The best way to experience Lake Atitlán is to stay somewhere where you’ll have direct access to the lake. Finding the best accommodation totally depends on your group size and needs, but searching on Airbnb will give you the best options.

Base yourself in Panajachel (main town) and make day trips to the surrounding lake towns (if you have more days you could stay a night or 2 at another lake town).

Unfortunately, the villa we stayed at (which was pure magic btw) is no longer active on Airbnb.

If you need help finding the best stay for you and yours, contact me freely.

What to do in Lake Atitlán:

Stroll around Panajachel city center.
Day trip to San Pedro La Laguna (accessible by ferry only);
- Book a horseback riding tour with Henry. Whatsapp him at: +502 5836-7172. He also offers other tour like hiking the San Pedro volcano.
- Relaxing day pass at Sababa Resort ($7 p.p.) + consumption.
Breakfast or lunch at La Casa del Mundo (accessible by ferry only).
Day trip to San Juan La Laguna (accessible by ferry only).