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Travelers love kimkim

"Kimkim is the perfect solution for independent travelers who are too busy to plan it all themselves" - Gayle R., traveled with kimkim in October 2019

Introducing Guatemala

When is the best time to visit? 
The weather in Guatemala is generally split between two seasons — dry and rainy. The dry season generally runs from mid-October to late April, with the other half of the year being the rainy season. That being said, tourism is still alive and thriving during the rainy season as we're not dealing with monsoon-type rains, think more afternoon/evening showers. Depending on your goals while visiting Guatemala, each season has its benefits. Overnight camping and long hikes favor the dry season, while birding, morning adventures, and smaller crowds are best during the rainy season. Learn more

Where to go in Guatemala? 
A few of the top sights that most people think of when visiting Guatemala are Antigua, Lake Atitlan, one of the many volcanoes, and the Tikal ruins. When you search Guatemala they will be the top sights, although if you are open to getting a little more off the beaten path, Guatemala has so many wonders to experience including the beautiful hiking trails in the Western Highlands, the rivers and caves in Alta Verapaz, black sand Pacific beaches, mountain biking trails in every corner, and many more. Let us know what types of adventure you're seeking and we'll help recommend the right areas.

How many days do I need?
Although Guatemala is a fairly small country in size, the variety in Mayan culture and drastic landscapes make it huge! At least a week is recommended to get a feel for the different experiences this country has to offer.

Getting Around Guatemala
There are two main airports in Guatemala, La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City, and Mundo Maya International Airport in Flores—close to the Tikal ruins. Once in the country, it's best to get around by private transfer or shared tourist shuttle (minibus or coach). Learn more

Explore trips by duration: 5 days · 7 days · 8 days · 10 days · 14 days · 15 days · 16 days

Guatemala Tours & Itineraries

Get inspired by trips other travelers have loved
Lake Atitlan with volcanoes in the background
Map of Best of Guatemala - 8 Days
Best of Guatemala - 8 Days

This one-week trip packs in all the highlights of beautiful Guatemala, from touring Mayan ruins and climbing an active volcano to exploring the stunning landscape. Hike, bike, and kayak around the country as you discover the picturesque colonial city of Antigua, the magic of Lake Atitlan, and the history of Mayan civilization at Tikal.

View of Agua volcano from Antigua, Guatemala
Map of Mayan Adventure in Guatemala - 6 Days
Mayan Adventure in Guatemala - 6 Days

This trip to the heart of Central America offers fascinating historical culture, thrilling adventure, and jaw-dropping vistas. You'll fall in love with the charming colonial city of Antigua, learn about ancient Mayan civilization, and hike and bike some of Guatemala's stunning mountain volcanoes.

Overlooking Lake Atitlan, Guatemala
Map of Luxury and Mayan Culture in Guatemala -  8 Days
Luxury and Mayan Culture in Guatemala - 8 Days

Immerse yourself in ancient Mayan culture while traveling in style on this 8-day trip to Guatemala. Pamper yourself in luxury hotels and see the sights from above as you fly by helicopter to some of Guatemala's best attractions. You'll bask in the beauty of magical Lake Atitlan, discover the charming colonial city of Antigua, and participate in a Mayan ceremonial ritual.

View of the volcano from Antigua, Guatemala
Map of Best of Guatemala & Copán - 13 Days
Best of Guatemala & Copán - 13 Days

Delve into the incredible natural beauty and diverse cultures of Guatemala and Honduras on this two-week trip. Discover Maya ruins, towering volcanoes, and vibrant cities through a well-rounded mix of outdoor adventures and cultural encounters. You'll roam around colonial Antigua, kayak on stunning Lake Atitlan, and browse the artisan markets in indigenous Maya towns.

Antigua's Santa Catalina Arch
Map of Highlights of Guatemala - 10 Days
Highlights of Guatemala - 10 Days

Experience the rich culture and natural beauty of Guatemala on this 10-day, action-packed itinerary. Stroll the cobbled streets of colonial Antigua, tour Lake Atitlán by boat, and hike around indigenous villages and towering volcanoes. Finally, experience living history as you explore ancient Maya ruins at Iximché and Tikal.

Watch Volcan de Fuego erupt from your campsite on Volcan de Acatenango
Map of Multi-Sport Adventure in Guatemala - 8 Days
Multi-Sport Adventure in Guatemala - 8 Days

You're in for a week of adventure on this action-packed trip to one of Central America's lesser-known gems. Discover the rugged natural beauty of Guatemala as you hike, bike, and kayak around its most stunning attractions and charming towns. You'll camp out overnight on a volcano, go mountain biking through colorful indigenous villages, and paddle through the waters of magical Lake Atitlan.

Make the Most of Your Time in Guatemala

Have a fixed number of days? Maximize the things to see and do during your visit
Antigua
How Many Days Should You Spend in Guatemala?

Guatemala's relatively small size allows you to comfortably visit its iconic volcanoes, colonial cities, and Mayan ruins in around seven days. But even in as few as five days,...

Guatemala Travel Advice

Read our detailed insights to make sure you have the best trip

Our Latest Guatemala Content

Explore Guatemala's Tikal National Park to see ancient Maya ruins
Map of 2 Weeks in Guatemala - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
2 Weeks in Guatemala - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

In two weeks you can travel the whole of Guatemala and enjoy its greatest attractions, both natural and manufactured. Combine nature and culture with walks around Spanish colonial Antigua, boat rides on Lake Atitlán, hikes to volcano peaks, and tours of ancient Maya ruins. For more indigenous history, visit Tikal National Park, followed by a jaunt to the Caribbean to neighboring Belize. And if you want to test your endurance, opt for a multi-day mountain-biking adventure or volcano circuit hike.

Guatemala's Agua, Fuego and Acatenango volcanoes in the dawn light
Map of 10 Days in Guatemala - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas
10 Days in Guatemala - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas

In 10 days, you can visit many regions of Guatemala, embark on active tours, and see the major highlights. It's also enough time to enjoy off-the-beaten-path trips to indigenous villages, coffee plantations, and natural wonders hidden in highland rainforests. Beyond visiting ancient Maya ruins and taking boat rides down jade rivers, you can also embark on multi-day mountain biking tours and hikes to volcano peaks.

Admire the ancient Maya ruins of Guatemala's famed Temple of the Great Jaguar in Tikal National Park
Map of 7 Days in Guatemala - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas
7 Days in Guatemala - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With a week in Guatemala, you can experience the best of multiple regions of this beautiful country. Tour Antigua, Lake Atitlán, and visit Tikal National Park, all in one trip. Or test your physical endurance on hikes up not one but three different volcanoes. Moreover, you can embark on a combined Belize-Guatemala trip that includes diving around coral islands and seeing ancient Maya ruins on horseback in seven days.

Guatemala Travel Maps

Get the lay of land, and understand distances between the places you want to visit
Guatemala map: 7 Days in Guatemala - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas
7 Days in Guatemala - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas
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Guatemala map: 10 Days in Guatemala - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas
10 Days in Guatemala - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas
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Guatemala map: 2 Weeks in Guatemala - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
2 Weeks in Guatemala - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
View article

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Trip Reviews for Guatemala

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim
Brian and Manon

Amazing Guatemala! · Guatemala - May 27 - Jun 4, 2022

Traveler: Brian and Manon B. - Local specialist: Eduardo Celada

I had been to Antigua 23 years ago as a backpacker and I couldn't wait to take my family there, but in a more structured way. Edouardo streamlined the whole process and I felt safe and taking care of. As early as the first email (which came in very quickly), he had taken the time to organize a trip with a variety of activities (from challenging to informative) based on our likes and dislikes. We had to tweak it a bit and within 2 weeks, we had a plan and we were booked. Our driver Vinni was... read more

I had been to Antigua 23 years ago as a backpacker and I couldn't wait to take my family there, but in a more structured way. Edouardo streamlined the whole process and I felt safe and taking care of. As early as the first email (which came in very quickly), he had taken the time to organize a trip with a variety of activities (from challenging to informative) based on our likes and dislikes. We had to tweak it a bit and within 2 weeks, we had a plan and we were booked. Our driver Vinni was full of energy and radiated positivity. His English was surprisingly good and we got a ton of information about the area. Our Guide Pepian (which is a nickname based on the most delicious food ever!) was very kind and patient with us and our kids. He checked on us multiple times during the activities and was participating like it was his first time. His enthusiasm and love for his country were contagious and we had the best time. They also were very good at accomodating our diet restrictions (GF, DF). After a couple of days, we all agreed that to hike Acetenango was maybe too challenging for our daughter, so at that point, Eduardo, with the help of Pepian, pivoted quickly, booked us a hotel (we were originally supposed to camp on the volcano) and found other activities for us to do instead. We don't feel like we wasted time at all. It was amazing and I don't regret using kimkim and we feel like we now have friends in Guatemala.
If you go to Guatemala and you can only do ONE activity, do the coffee farm from De La Gente. But honestly, I would rate all activities above a 9/10 (hike, bike, kayak, tours). We will be back for sure!

Hotel Reviews

Casa Antigua

Antigua

Overall Rating
Hotel Review

It was nice and clean. The breakfast was great! The internet wasn't very good however. The beds were super hard, but I think that is just how mattress are in Guatemala.

Tips for future travelers

Choose a room towards the front to get the best WIFI.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Beds had sand on and were very hard and WIFI was very spotty
Staff

Their English was very good
Authenticity & Character

Loved how pretty it is in the courtyard
Location

Close to everything and fairly quiet

San Buenaventura Hotel

Panajachel, Sololá

Overall Rating
Hotel Review

It was damp and there was no sheet on the couch/beds for our kids. However, they were quick at bringing some. There was a lot of cobwebs and spiders in the beds. It's kind of expected given its Guatemala but still... Water came through the door upstairs during the rain. I am glad we were there for only one night. Also, make sure you shower at night because there is no hot water in the morning.

Tips for future travelers

People with pretty much low expectation

Cleanliness & Comfort

clean cobwebs and seal doors, also insure beds are made
Staff

very responsive but their English was limited
Authenticity & Character

it seemed old and dingy
Location

We had to have our driver to take us to a restaurant

Hotel Casa del Parque

ANTIGUA

Overall Rating
Hotel Review

This hotel is right in the middle of a couple bars and it is very loud until 1230. We didn't sleep much even with earplugs. The WIFI was good. The layout is weird as the shower opens directly in the room so there is little privacy. It does have a pool but its cold. We enjoyed the sauna though. The fountain is missing so it makes it look run down. We enjoyed the breakfast and the staff was kind and helpful. Our room had amazing views of the volcanoes.

Tips for future travelers

Make sure you don't require a lot of sleep or a lot of quiet time.

Cleanliness & Comfort

beds were hard and no privacy to change
Staff

Authenticity & Character

Location

too many bars/parties close by
Activity Reviews

Antigua Walking tour

Antigua

Overall Rating
Activity Review

Marybel was knowledgeable and very kind.

Zip-Lining Tour - Santo Domingo del Cerro

Antigua

Overall Rating
Activity Review

Very cool views and the guides were nice. They could have loosen up, but we liked it anyway.

Pacaya Volcano Day Hike

Guatemala

Overall Rating
Activity Review

The marshmallow and the pizza toped it off nicely. Because its rainy season, we didn't have the best views, but we enjoyed it nonetheless.

Food

Transport

Guides, drivers and staff

Quality of Experience

Coffee tour "De La Gente" by Bus

Antigua

Overall Rating
Activity Review

By far, the best experience of our trip. Eating with them in his house and getting to grind our own cup the artisanal way is something we will remember forever.

Transport

Guides, drivers and staff

Quality of Experience

Chocolate Museum Experience

Guatemala

Overall Rating

Spa day at Santa Teresita

Guatemala

Overall Rating

Pedal and Paddle: Mountain Biking at Lake Atitlan

Guatemala

Overall Rating

Kayak & Hike Tour at Lake Atitlan

Guatemala

Overall Rating

Earth Lodge Day Hike from Antigua

Guatemala

Overall Rating

Aguacate tour in Finca Paseo de las Nubes

Guatemala

Overall Rating
Eduardo Celada profile photo
Eduardo Celada, local specialist, responded to this review:

Thank you very much for each work on this feedback. I am very happy to hear that you liked what we have proposed for this program for your and your kids.
We feel satisfied that you have enjoyed the destinations. Antigua and Lake Atitlan for 9 days.
I will be sure to pass your cheers and feelings about the program to our guides and drivers. as well as our partners for their services that are an important part of our programs too.

Abrazos de Guatemala.
Eduardo Celada
eduardo@adventureguatemala.com

Michael

I cannot sing Eduardo's praises highly enough... · Guatemala - May 20 - May 27, 2022

Traveler: Michael E. - Local specialist: Eduardo Celada

I cannot sing Eduardo's praises highly enough! He was so responsive, right from the initial email conversation. He listened to my values and budgetary concerns in planning the perfect itinerary and the selection of hotels. He was so patient and responsive with all my questions-- most particularly during the trip. I was traveling alone and without cell coverage-- he was my only safety net. We would communicate through WhatsApp when I had WiFi at a hotel. I felt like I was always on his... read more

I cannot sing Eduardo's praises highly enough! He was so responsive, right from the initial email conversation. He listened to my values and budgetary concerns in planning the perfect itinerary and the selection of hotels. He was so patient and responsive with all my questions-- most particularly during the trip. I was traveling alone and without cell coverage-- he was my only safety net. We would communicate through WhatsApp when I had WiFi at a hotel. I felt like I was always on his radar screen. I had so enjoyed our conversations in planning the trip, that when I got to Antigua, I asked if I could meet him. We ended up having dinner together, and now I have a new friend! The drivers he arranged for me, Danilo and Fernando were kind and delightful. And I especially enjoyed my guide Luis Galindo, with whom I spent 4 days-- biking, hiking, kayaking. For me the richness of a travel experience, particularly when it comes to guides, is the relationship, my experience with the guide-- not the facts. I can get facts from a book, and likely won't remember them anyway. But the willingness to talk and be connected-- to laugh, to hear about one another's life is everything. And that's what I will remember. I believe I have made a new friend in Luis as well. Most impressive to me about Eduardo-- my last night was a late night stay at an airport hotel, having just flown into Guatemala City from Flores/Tikal, and leaving for home early the next morning. The hotel isn't 5 minutes from the airport, and they have a shuttle. Still, he insisted on driving all the way from Antigua, late at night, taking time away from his family to pick me up at the airport and taking those five minutes to drive me to the hotel. "I just like to make sure my clients are OK and had a good time." I have never planned a trip so quickly, almost impulsively. I had never heard of KimKim-- didn't understand how it worked exactly, but it popped up on my initial google search about Guatemala. Eduardo went full-steam ahead with the planning, and I sent my money. I would catch myself thinking-- "You don'y know ANYTHING about this operation! If it's even legit or is it a scam?" But I trusted Eduardo. I would absolutely use KimKim again as well. For anyone planning a trip to Guatemala, you cannot go wrong with Eduardo. I still can't quite believe how dense and rich a weeklong trip could be.

Hotel Reviews

Hotel Casa del Parque

ANTIGUA

Overall Rating
Hotel Review

This hotel is modest, sweet, small, and charming, with an enchanting garden-- and it could not have a better location, just 50 yards away from the Central Park/Plaza Mayor. I am a daily swimmer, and though while small, I appreciated the pool for an afternoon dip. It is a bit tattered around the edges, but in a way, that only adds to its authenticity and charm. It is not a sleek, spa-like experience. On the downside, it is next door to a bar, that on Saturday night was a little loud-- but not terrible. The other odd thing was that none of the windows in my room opened. As it could be quite humid in Antigua, the room felt a little stuffy. But with the ceiling fan on, and leaving my door open for a bit-- it was fine. It was perfect for me.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Staff

Authenticity & Character

Location

Casa del Mundo

Lake Atitlán

Overall Rating
Hotel Review

Stay there!!! I cried when I climbed the stairs and was led to my room and saw that view for the first time. The food was delicious. The service, very solicitous. This is an enchanted spot I will never forget. It is a significant climb of irregular stairs to reach the hotel from the lake's edge, and then more steps to get to one's room. So older, movement impaired or disabled folks may find it too challenging.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Staff

Authenticity & Character

Location

Jungle Lodge Tikal

Peten

Overall Rating
Hotel Review

It is a luscious and thrilling spot. Beautifully appointed. Delicious food.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Staff

Authenticity & Character

Location

Hotel Barcelo

Guatemala City

Overall Rating
Hotel Review

Perfectly adequate for what it is-- a businessy, airport hotel.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Staff

Authenticity & Character

Location

Activity Reviews

Valley Ride - Bicycle Tour of Antigua's Villages, Farms, and Ruins

Antigua

Overall Rating
Activity Review

It was a push for me physically. (But I'm a fit 67-year-old.) Those big balloon tires are a good choice for riding over all those cobblestones! Still a bumpy ride in places. A couple challenging hills. But so lovely to see villages and squares there I would never likely visit. Made me want to linger in each one.

Guides, drivers and staff

Quality of Experience

Pacaya Volcano Day Hike

Guatemala

Overall Rating
Activity Review

The hike was not nearly as challenging as I had imagined. A lovely day getting acquainted with Luis and admiring constantly shifting vistas.

Transport

Guides, drivers and staff

Quality of Experience

Lake Atitlan - Village Tour

Guatemala

Overall Rating
Activity Review

Such dramatically different atmospheres in villages not a half mile apart. I loved Santiago Atitlan, and San Juan de Laguna was utterly charming offering a magnificent view, if willing to climb a steep hill. So much art everywhere! San Pedro was interesting enough, but if time were tight, I would say one could skip it.

Transport

Guides, drivers and staff

Quality of Experience

Kayak & Hike Tour at Lake Atitlan

Guatemala

Overall Rating
Activity Review

This was one of the trip highlights for me!

Transport

Guides, drivers and staff

Quality of Experience

Explore Tikal National Park

Guatemala

Overall Rating
Activity Review

A whole other world and experience! Only because someone I met at the gate at LAX waiting for the same flight to Guatemala suggested it-- I asked Eduardo about a sunrise tour of Tikal. He then happily arranged it. It made ALL the difference! I only saw perhaps 5 other tourists the whole morning, and it was much cooler than later in the day. It was like having the acropolis or the Sistine Chapel to oneself.

Transport

Guides, drivers and staff

Quality of Experience

Eduardo Celada profile photo
Eduardo Celada, local specialist, responded to this review:

We really appreciate your opinion on this program and we are sure we did our best to provide you with the experience of local activities that will remind your family!!

We highly recommend spreading the word about our out Country!
Eduardo - Guatemala

Fantastic trip! · Guatemala - May 10 - May 18, 2022

Traveler: Caitlin F. - Local specialist: Eduardo Celada

Eduardo did a fantastic job booking our trip! We particularly loved Caye Caulker and Antigua!
It was amazing exploring the Mayan ruins and hearing the local guides explain the Mayan culture. read more

Eduardo did a fantastic job booking our trip! We particularly loved Caye Caulker and Antigua!
It was amazing exploring the Mayan ruins and hearing the local guides explain the Mayan culture.

Hotel Review

Jan's Hotel

Caye Caulker

Overall Rating
Hotel Review

Great hotel in a fantastic location. Clean and friendly staff.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Staff

Authenticity & Character

Location

On the beachfront, easy walking distance.
Activity Review

Snorkelling day tour at Caye Caulker

Caye Caulker

Overall Rating
Activity Review

Amazing snorkelling, great staff and the food was delicious.

Food

Transport

Guides, drivers and staff

Quality of Experience

Eduardo Celada profile photo
Eduardo Celada, local specialist, responded to this review:

Hola Caitlin,
thank you very much for your feedback on this trip. We really appreciate the time you take to leave this opinion. We hope to have you in the future for other trips with Kimkim.
Eduardo