Guatemala is a country of vibrant colors, rich culture, and breathtaking landscapes. come along as I recount my unforgettable 5-day adventure through the magical wonders of Lake Atitlán and the historic streets of Antigua. Guatemala is truly a hidden gem. I’m going to take you along day by day of this beautiful trip! At the end of this post you will find my full downloadable itinerary with links and details to everything detailed here.
Day 1-2: Lake Atitlán – Nature’s Oasis
Day 1: Arrival and Getting Acquainted Matthew and I took a 3-hour drive from Guatemala City to Lake Atitlan. It was an adventure! As I stepped onto the shores of Lake Atitlán, I felt an immediate sense of awe at the beauty surrounding me. After settling into my Airbnb, I wasted no time diving into the wonders of this natural paradise.
Exploring Lake Atitlán:
I booked a private tour with Pedro via https://atitlanguatemala.com/
- Boat Tour Bliss: My first stop was a boat tour around the lake, taking in the breathtaking views and hopping off to explore the charming villages of San Juan and Santiago.
- San Juan’s Cultural Marvels: In San Juan, I immersed myself in the local culture, visiting artisan cooperatives and learning about traditional Mayan textiles.
- Santiago Adventures: Santiago offers a taste of true Guatemalan culture from seeing how the locals live to witnessing how they practice their religion.
Day 2: Cultural Immersion and Relaxation After a day of exploration, I decided to unwind and enjoy some leisure time, mixed with a touch of culture.
- Tazpoc Resort Retreat: I treated myself to a day pass at Tazpoc Resort, where $25 granted me access to their tranquil pool and delicious lunch. It was the perfect spot to relax and soak in the beauty of Lake Atitlán.
Day 3-5: Antigua – Colonial Charm and History
Day 3: Arrival in Antigua and Time Travel Arriving in Antigua felt like stepping back in time, with its cobblestone streets and colonial architecture transporting me to another era.
- Luxurious Stay at Villa Bokeh: My accommodation at Villa Bokeh Hotel was a luxurious haven, offering stunning views of Antigua’s surrounding volcanoes and impeccable service. If you want more information on Villa Bokeh Check out my Blog post fully dedicated to the hotel It’s stunning![villa bokeh blog post]
- Day 4: Discovering Antigua’s History: the next day I embarked on a journey through Antigua’s past, visiting historic landmarks like the Cathedral of San José aka Santa Ana Ruins
Day 5: Conquering Volcano Pacaya One of the highlights of my trip was the exhilarating adventure of hiking Volcano Pacaya, an active volcano offering unparalleled views and a sense of achievement.
- Ascending to New Heights: With each step, I felt a rush of adrenaline as I climbed higher, finally reaching the summit and witnessing the awe-inspiring views of Guatemala’s volcanic landscape.
- Dining Delights: After the hike, I indulged in some culinary delights, trying out different eateries like Casa Escobar, where I savored the flavors of Guatemala.
Day 6: Farewell to Guatemala As my journey came to an end, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the incredible experiences and memories I had created.
- Download my full itinerary to discover more about this incredible country and start planning your trip today!
