Home › Journeys › Antigua & Lake Atitlán › 5 days

Antigua & Lake Atitlán: 5-Day Plan You Can Actually Drive

Last updated:

The 5-day version for February: every day fits real transit, opening hours and daylight. Prefer more or fewer days? 4-day plan · 5-day plan · best time to go.

Use this plan → Customize this plan →

5
days
349 km
distance
13.0 h
driving
24
curated stops

💡 Good to know for this plan

Day 1 Guatemala City → Antigua

6 curated stops
Transit
3h45
Finish
~17:55
Temperature
13.8°C–27.8°C
Rainy days
~1
Daylight
11.5h
09:00
National Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology read more
View fascinating Mayan artifacts, including the famous Tikal mask.
50 min · Guatemala City
10:05
Popol Vuh Museum popolvuh.ufm.edu read more map ↗
Explore a nice collection of pre-Hispanic Mayan and Colonial archaeological items.
50 min · Guatemala City · Q35 adults, Q15 students
open: M-F 09:00-17:00, Sa 09:00-13:00
11:10
National Palace of Culture read more map ↗
Admire grand courtyards, murals, and a rose held by hands symbolizing peace.
50 min · Guatemala City · Entrance Q40 for foreigners
14:05
Iglesia de San Francisco el Grande m.facebook.com read more map ↗
You will see the grand ruins housing Guatemala's first native saint.
50 min · Antigua · Q8
open: Daily 06:00-18:00
16:00
Volcán Acatenango read more map ↗
Trek steep trails for breathtaking mountain and valley vistas.
50 min · Antigua · US$40–100
17:05
Volcán de Fuego read more map ↗
Witness fiery eruptions lighting up the night sky.
50 min · Antigua · Q100-200
Overnight: Antigua
e.g. Hotel Convento Santa Catalina · La Casa del Rompecabezas
Find a stay → Tours & tickets for the evening →

Day 2 Around Antigua

6 curated stops
Transit
0h30
Finish
~15:50
Temperature
13.8°C–27.8°C
Rainy days
~1
Daylight
11.5h
09:00
Iglesia de La Merced read more map ↗
You will see an earthquake-resistant masterpiece of colonial architecture.
50 min · Antigua · Admission fee to convent GTQ15
open: M-F 08:00-12:30 & 15:00-18:00, Sa Su 08:00-12:00 & 14:00-18:00
10:00
Arco de Santa Catalina read more map ↗
You will see the iconic arched walkway favored by photographers.
50 min · Antigua
11:00
Catedral de Antigua Guatemala read more map ↗
You will see the grand ruins of an imposing colonial cathedral.
50 min · Antigua
12:00
Convent Sor Juana de Maldonado search map ↗
You will see exhibits on convent life and Holy Week traditions.
50 min · Antigua · Q40, students Q20
open: M-F 09:00-17:00, Closed weekends
13:00
Colegio de San Jerónimo search map ↗
You will see the remnants of this short-lived educational institution.
50 min · Antigua · Q30
open: Daily 09:00-17:00
14:00
La Recolección read more map ↗
You will see the damaged remnants of this once-proud monastery.
50 min · Antigua · Q40
open: Daily 09:00-17:00
14:50
La Canche search map ↗
Enjoy simple, delicious local meals in a cozy family setting.
60 min · Antigua · Q15-25
open: Daily 06:45-20:30
Overnight here
e.g. Hotel Convento Santa Catalina · La Casa del Rompecabezas
Find a stay → Tours & tickets for the evening →

Day 3 Panajachel (Lake Atitlán)

3 curated stops
Transit
1h50
Finish
~15:50
Temperature
15.6°C–28.4°C
Rainy days
~1
Daylight
11.5h
10:30
Lake Atitlán search map ↗
Marvel at crystal waters framed by dramatic volcanic ridges.
90 min · Panajachel (Lake Atitlán)
12:15
Nature Reserve en.atitlanreserva.com
Spot monkeys and birds while walking on hanging bridges through a lush sanctuary.
90 min · Panajachel (Lake Atitlán)
14:00
Casa Cakchiquel search
Visit a restored historic house with a fair trade store and rich legacy.
50 min · Panajachel (Lake Atitlán) · free
14:50
Restaurante Hana restaurantehana.com
Experience authentic Japanese dining in a beautifully traditional setting.
60 min · Panajachel (Lake Atitlán)
open: 12-3PM 6-8PM Closed Mondays
Overnight here
e.g. Posada Don Miguel · Hotel Jere
Find a stay → Tours & tickets for the evening →

Day 4 Antigua

6 curated stops
Transit
3h22
Finish
~17:50
Temperature
15.6°C–28.4°C
Rainy days
~1
Daylight
11.5h
10:30
Banco Industrial Numismatic Museum search map ↗
You will see a curated display of Guatemalan currency history.
50 min · Antigua · Free
open: M-F 09:00-19:00, Sa Su 09:00-17:00
11:30
Museo Santiago de los Caballeros search map ↗
You will see a historic palace housing ancient and colonial artifacts.
50 min · Antigua
open: Th F 09:00-16:00, Sa Su 10:00-16:00, but the palace and grounds are open daily all day
12:30
ChocoMuseo Antigua chocomuseo.com map ↗
You will see the process of crafting rich chocolate from bean to bar.
50 min · Antigua · Free
open: Daily 10:00-19:00
13:30
Museo Casa del Tejido Antiguo casadeltejido.org map ↗
You will see ancient Mayan weaving techniques preserved and showcased.
50 min · Antigua · Q15 for guided tour of museum portion; free for those only visiting market
open: M-F 09:00-17:00, Sa 09:00-16:00
14:30
Cerro de la Cruz search map ↗
Enjoy panoramic city views from this sacred hill.
50 min · Antigua · Free
open: Daily 07:00-18:00
15:30
Convento de las Capuchinas search map ↗
You will see the partially restored convent and church offices.
50 min · Antigua · Q40
Overnight: Panajachel (Lake Atitlán)
e.g. Posada Don Miguel · Hotel Jere
Find a stay → Tours & tickets for the evening →

Day 5 Chichicastenango → back to start

1 curated stops
Transit
3h35
Finish
~13:30
Temperature
8.3°C–20.2°C
Rainy days
~1
Daylight
11.5h
09:50
Iglesia Santo Tomas search map ↗
50 min · Chichicastenango

Time to spare on this day

One stop and a free afternoon. We don't book activities, but these partners do.

Tours & day trips here →

🚗 Rental cars for this trip →

🔍 Check before you book

Every stop is a real, sourced place, but opening hours change, roads close and businesses move. Check anything you're paying for before you book.

Use this plan → Change month, pace or interests →