Guatemala City Suggested Itineraries
Written by Viator, April 2012
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Tip - Suggested Itineraries
However, there can definitely be a lot packed into three days in this area. So, get out your stop watch and get going!
Day One: Getting to Know the City
Guatemala City itself has plenty to offer visitors. From diverse dining options to shopping to cultural attractions and clubs, a lot can be packed into a day in this large city. Start in Zona 1, the heart of the historic district, then venture further and hit up Zona 10 and the Popol Vuh Museum to check out pre-Columbian artifacts. No visit to the city is complete without visits to the Metropolitan Cathedral, the National Palace, Civic Center and Ixchel Museum.
Day Two: Day Trip to Copan
Rise and shine! Start your day early and hop on the bus to Copan, Honduras to check out massive ancient ruins from the Mayans. It’s easy to spend days here, but hit up the major attractions in the area – the acropolis, ball court, tunnels, hieroglyphic staircase and plaza – to get the basic idea of the magnitude of these ruins. Then, hop back on the bus and head into Guatemala City for a late dinner and dancing. For a serious nightclub party, check out NYX in Zona 10.
Day Three: Lake Atitlan Exploration
This is the deepest lake in Central America (and likely also the most beautiful). Surrounded by volcanoes, spend time here either on the shore or on the water. In the afternoon, head in to one of the local villages to learn more about Guatemalan culture, then head over to Chichicatenango. If visiting on a Thursday or Sunday, be sure to pay a visit to the popular market which sells handmade wares
Latest Replies
Reply by Viator, April 2013
Doing what: Iximché Ruins and Antigua City Tour from Guatemala City
It was a wonderful day. The guide was so sweet :)
Reply by Viator, April 2013
Doing what: Pacaya Volcano Day Trip from Guatemala City
Short version: Incredible trip with breathtaking scenery and even better hospitality from driver and guide. Out of shape travelers NOT encouraged!
Long Version: Let me start this off by saying my wife is a native Spanish speaker and it went a LONG way in Guatemala as a whole since tourism is slowly coming back after decades of civil war. That aside, this was truly an experience unlike anything my wife and I have every done before. We were picked up right at our hotel at 7:30AM after breakfast. The driver, Henry, was INCREDIBLY nice and hospitable(we actually used him again the next day to set up a private cab to Antigua). Upon getting there, we were introduced to our guide who would take us up the mountain. The only slightly annoying part was right in the beginning as they try to convince you to rent a walking stick or take a horse up the mountain, but this is expected in tourist areas. After respectfully declining (about a dozen times!), we were off on our adventure. As we went up the mountain we would stop frequently to take in wild life and learn the different uses of the local plants by the natives to cure anything from headaches and stomachaches to wiping the sweat from your brow! As we reached the peak of our ascent, we stopped at a place called the oven. It was basically just two rocks jutting out and inside the rocks were temps of over 400 degrees! Our guide had gotten us sticks so we could roast marshmallows from the heat. It was a tasty treat and good half way point before the descent. The descent was a little hairy as the ground is not really set due to the activity of the volcano. Just go slow and you will be fine! When we got to the bottom of the mountain we got back in the van with Henry and were dropped off back at our hotel by early afternoon with plenty of time before dinner to shower off the adventure. Awesome trip and a MUST if you are visiting Guatemala!
Reply by Viator, March 2013
Doing what: Pacaya Volcano Day Trip from Guatemala City
This was a great trip! Our driver and guide were both fantastic resources. The hike was amazing, walking through different ecosystems as we ascended and finally ending up in the baran wasteland where lava had flowed just two years before. A great way to spend a day!
