Are you planning to journey into the heart of the Mayan world but aren’t sure how long to visit? Don’t worry, we’ve rounded up the best of Guatemala’s archaeological sites and cultural hotspots for you to craft your itinerary lasting between seven to 14 days.
Guatemala is one of the world’s most beautiful destinations. From its rich Mayan history to the diverse landscapes of volcanoes and beaches, this South American country is a must-see for any traveller interested in the Mayan empire and contemporary culture, crafts, and flavors.
At Martsam Travel, we create custom Guatemala tour packages for travellers using our local knowledge. We can cater to your needs, whether you’re an outdoor adventurer looking to climb the active Pacaya volcano or prefer a slower pace to stroll around Mesoamerican Maya sites.
To learn more about the tours we help you create, get in touch. Our team loves nothing more than helping to turn holiday dreams into reality. But for now, let’s look at how many days you should spend in Guatemala.
A Trip to Guatemala for 8 Days and Under
If you only have a short time to explore Guatemala, no problem! There are plenty of activities that you can fit into eight days and under. Whether you’d like a tour of Guatemala’s cultural highlights or a whistle stop tour of Guatemala’s Mayan history, we’ve selected some must-see sites for your journey.
Each of these sites is located in southern Guatemala and accessible from Guatemala City.
Explore the Colonial Churches of Antigua Guatemala
Nestled in the central highlands of Guatemala, Antigua Guatemala is known for its colourful buildings and Spanish-Baroque architecture. The city is surrounded by active volcanoes, with several colonial churches bearing the damage of the 1773 Santa Maria Earthquake.
Antigua’s 40-plus churches reflect the introduction of Roman Catholicism and the city’s colonial past. Visit the main square to see the Antigua Guatemala Cathedral. Behind its pristine facade lies the ruins of the church, which are centuries old.

Visit Chichicastenango’s Colorful Markets

Hike Around Lake Atitlán

A Trip to Guatemala for 10-11 Days
While it’s possible to visit historical highlights on an eight-day tour of Guatemala’s Mayan treasures, having a little longer in Guatemala means there’s more time for leisurely activities in between even more sightseeing.
If you’re looking to travel in style, check out Martsam Travel’s Luxury Tour of Guatemala. This trip includes several of the sites above, as well as helicopter rides over Lake Atitlán and the hidden Maya site of El Mirador. Across this 11-day journey, you’ll stay in luxurious locations with spectacular views of the landscape.
Take in the Ancient Ruins of Tikal

Investigate Iximche’s Archaeological Sites

A Trip to Guatemala for 13-14 Days
Navigate Yaxhá-Nakum-Naranjo National Park
The Cultural Triangle Yaxha-Nakum-Naranjo National Park is a multidisciplinary project situated in Petén, north Guatemala. The massive archaeological site is 1,200 square kilometers, with archaeologists, architects, restaurateurs, and biologists working together to restore and maintain it.The triangle contains Mayan sites including Yaxhá, Nakum, Naranjo and Holmul, strategically located ancient cities positioned to access natural resources and raw materials. Topoxte is a particular highlight. Located on an island in Yaxha Lake, this fortified city is thought to have been an important trade route between the Maya highlands and the Yucatán.
Enjoy Biotopo Monterrico-Hawaii Nature Reserve

However long you’re planning to spend in Guatemala, we hope our recommendations have given you a good idea of how to travel and what you’d like to see. To read more about topography and festivals, check out our facts about Guatemala to learn more about this country.
If you’d like more information about our customizable tours to Guatemala, we’d love to hear from you! Get in touch with our family-run team to find out how we use our specialized local knowledge to give travellers the best experiences in the heart of the Mayan world.