A 10-day loop through Guatemala’s highlights — colonial Antigua, Lake Atitlán’s Maya villages, Semuc Champey’s turquoise pools and sunrise at Tikal. This active itinerary blends hikes, boat rides and cultural markets with shared transport and local guides.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You step off the van in Antigua at dawn: cobbled streets still cool, Volcán de Agua towering like a dark shoulder above red-tiled roofs. Over the next ten days the country pushes and pulls you — the high, thin air around Lake Atitlán where local boats cut the water, the humid green squeeze of Alta Verapaz and Semuc Champey, and finally the ancient silence of Tikal's jungle ruins.
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
10 days
Fitness Level
Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness: multiple medium-to-long travel days, short hikes (2–4 hours) including steep, uneven terrain and jungle walks.
Wildlife
History
Guatemala was a central region of the ancient Maya civilization; Spanish colonization concentrated power in Antigua, which retains colonial architecture atop volcanic soils and seismic history.
Conservation
Karst systems at Semuc Champey and lowland rainforests at Tikal are fragile—avoid single-use plastics, stay on trails and support community-run initiatives when possible.
Reserve your spot on the 10 Days - Guatemala Mayan Explorer today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Bring cash for markets
Chichicastenango and small village stalls often accept only cash (Quetzales); bring small bills for bargaining and bus fares.
Acclimatize before the hikes
Spend a day at Antigua or Lake Atitlán (1,500–1,600 m) before attempting Pacaya or long overland travel to reduce altitude strain.
Mosquito protection
Semuc Champey and Petén are mosquito-prone—use DEET or picaridin repellent and long sleeves for dusk and dawn.
Footwear for varied terrain
Use sturdy, grippy hiking shoes for volcanic scree, slippery cave approaches and jungle trails—avoid sandals on Pacaya and in caves.
Sturdy hiking shoes
Support and traction for volcanic slopes, jungle trails and cave approaches.
Light rain jacket
Protects against sudden tropical downpours during the wet season and mist at higher elevations.
Insect repellent
Essential in Semuc Champey, Petén and village evenings to reduce mosquito-borne risk.
Daypack with hydration
Carry water, snacks, sunscreen and a camera for day trips and boat transfers.