Volcanos, Lakes, + Cities: Our Budget 5 Night Trip to Guatemala
Guatemala provides a perfect opportunity for a short jaunt from the States. With direct flights to Guatemala City from a variety of US cities ( LAX, Dallas, Philly, etc), Guatemala is a perfect location for a 5 night trip. Guatemala is a great option for someone who is looking for a quick combination of adventure ( volcano hike anyone?) and city charm ( plus the food!). After the obligatory step of Googling ” is Guatemla ‘safe’ for female travelers?” ( if not obvious, the answer is YES) I hoped over to KIWI.com to find a budget direct flight from Philly and my wheels started spinning for ideas to have a quick budget 5 night trip to Guatemala.
Why Guatemala?
Guatemala is often considered much more affordable compared to it’s neighbors. But there are a lot of great options out there, so why Guatemala? Guatemala provides a perfect mix of outdoor opportunities, delicious food, and colorful architecture within a few hours from each other. Guatemalans are also incredibly friendly. Plus, if you’re a Spanish speaker ( or aspiring one like myself), Guatemalans are happy to chat in a conversational way. English is also widely spoken in the tourist areas.
When to travel to Guatemala?
Guatemala is a great location because it has ideal weather through the year. From November to April is the dry season, and between May and October is the wet season. The pleasant climate ( 70-90F) makes it a great option for a trip year round for a 5 day Guatemala itinerary!
5 Day Guatemala Itinerary
Budget Hotel Options in Guatemala
One big perk for choosing Guatemala is that your money can stretch further. Currently the Quetzal ( named after the county’s bird) is valued 8GTQ to 1 USD. I like variety- so I stayed in a hotel in Antigua, camped the 1 night on Acatenango (included in this this tour),and was spoiled at a homestay for a few nights in Lake Atitlán. Many accommodations include a free ( delicious) breakfast and it’s easy to find local meals for $3-5 USD a day.
Where to Go to Guatemala on a Budget?
As this was a quick trip, I decided to base myself in 2 iconic locations- Antigua and Lake Atitlán. I found this split to be perfect- a bit of outside time, a bit of old city charm, and a bit of adventure. One big miss for me- the ruins in the North! In retrospect, I wish I was able to visit Tikal. So many locals spoke so highly of the Mayan Ruins which is exactly why I prioritized visiting the ruins in Belize a few months later.
Below is the exact itinerary I recommend using for an efficient budget 5 night trip to Guatemala!
5 Day Guatemala Itinerary
Day 1: ( Transport/Antigua): Fly to Guatemala City
I am a strong believer that every location is worth visiting- despite ( or in spite?) of it’s reputation. I skipped out on Guatemala City ( oh time…), and headed right from the airport to Antigua.
An Uber from the airport to Antigua will cost about $35USD and 40 minutes of your time.
With the Airalo ESIM- you don’t have to wait around the airport to try to connect to WIFI to get the Uber. Instead, activate your ESIM and then you’re instantly connected to the Guatemala network!
If you want charm, a great view, and a delicious ( FREE) breakfast, then stay at Hotel T Kon T which is bookable through Booking.com. The hotel is right in the center of colorful Antigua, but the true perk is the complimentary breakfast of eggs, homemade tortillas, and refried beans on the rooftop- a trip highlight for sure.
Day 2: Antigua to Panajachel ( Lake Atitlán)
It’s easy to spend hours meandering the streets of photogenic Antigua. With an early start and a belly full of strong Guatemalan coffee, head out to the cobblestone streets to take in the cafes, colorful buildings and charming squares.
After a few hours, call an Uber ( $100-$120) for a bit of a splurge, but for an efficient ( and private) ride to Lake Atitlán. If you have more forward planning and a positive attitude, go for a shared shuttle instead which can be booked for $15-25 USD here.
Most rides drop you off at San Pedro, one of the main towns around the lake. From there, the adventure begins. Hop on an iconic blue wooden boat to cross the lake from San Pedro La Laguna to Panajahel ( or Pana for short) for less then $3. You can’t beat time on the water for that price!
Either check in for the night, or hop back on the lake ( for $2 USD) to explore some of the neighboring towns. You can’t go wrong with whichever village you choose- just take the next boat and go from there!
For night 2, indulge in a local experience and stay at this Homestay in Pana which is bookable through Airbnb for about $30 USD a night. The host ( Virginia) is so kind. She cooked me dinner AND breakfast (which was enjoyed on her rooftop in a HAMMOCK).
Day 3: Panajachel/Antigua
After spending the morning sipping coffee on the rooftop, I hugged Virginia and we exchanged an honest “hasta luego.” Virginia can help coordinate the shuttle back to Antigua to help the budget!
After a 2-3 hr drive back, check into your accommodation before heading out to the safety briefing for the overnight hike. This Airbnb is a short walk from the OX Expeditions: Acatenango Overnight Tour office. After a quick 1 hour briefing, grab some food nearby before an early night to prepare for the hike.
Day 4: Antigua/ Ancatenango Hike
Meet early at the same office to repack bags and triple check your packing list. OX Expeditions loans backpacks, coats, walking poles- pretty much whatever you need which is perfect when packing lite for a few days!
By 10:00, expect to be out on the volcano! For $3USD you can pay for a hiking stick ( which I did to help with some of the gravely sections). Additionally, OX offers the option to have a porter transport your bag for $20 USD. Realistically, almost everyone in my group chose this option ( at least for the way up as I did). Going downhill, carrying your bag should not be a problem!
This tour is reason enough to come to Guatemala. For $99, you have lunch on the way up the mountain, dinner at the top, a tent set up for you, and a prepared breakfast in the morning! Not often you can find a guided walk up and down a volcano, 3 homemade meals, and “accommodation” ( with an incredible view) all for under $100 USD! This tour was a clear highlight of my trip. If this sounds like something you’re interested in, find out more about the Acatenango volcano hike here.
Day 5: Acatenango Hike/ Antigua
First off, watching the sunrise over an active volcano is unlike any other experience. Unzipping a tent, curled up in a sleeping sac, bundled in winter layers is a beautiful way to start the day ( and really one of my favorite views of all time).
After an 8:00am departure, you’ll begin to head slowly back down the volcano to arrive back in Antigua for a late lunch, much needed shower, and enough time for a nap. I recommend this homestay ( through Airbnb) which is affordable ( at $17 USD/night) and on top of a local restaurant which is a great option for dinner.
Day 6: Antigua/Transport Home
On the last morning, grab some breakfast tacos, stroll the main square one more time, and find a taxi back to the airport for 40 minutes and $30USD.
Take a breath, sit back, and soak in the adventure you managed to treat yourself too over the last 5 nights! We hope you’ve enjoyed our 5 day Guatemala Itinerary and are ready to start planning your trip to Guatemala on a budget!
What about heading to Acatenango Volcano in Guatemala next?
Want to learn more about other destinations in Central and South America? Check Out our suggestions for:
Belize
- Ambergis Caye Belize Budget Itinerary ( without crowds)
- Caye Caulker Budget Guide
- 10 Best Cheap Eats on Caye Caulker
- 2 Week Budget Belize Itinerary
- San Ignacio, Belize Ruins on a Budget
Mexico
Chile
Love budget travel friendly locations?
Check out our SE Asia recommendations:
Malaysia
- 5 Nights in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- 3 Week Malaysia Budget Guide
- Cameron Highlands Malaysia Budget Guide
- 5 Day Georgetown Budget Guide
- Langkawi Island Budget Guide
- 9 restaurants in Kuala Lumpur for under $3USD
Singapore
Indonesia
