Guatemala Road Trip Itinerary
Embark on a journey to discover the beauty of Guatemala with a Guatemala Road Trip! Starting in Guatemala City, the route will take you through some of the most stunning landscapes and historical sites the country has to offer. You'll travel through Rio Dulce, Tikal, Flores, Lake Atitlán, Quetzaltenango, Puerto San José, and end back in Guatemala City. The total distance is approximately 1612km, and it is recommended to take 12 days to complete the journey. The best time of the year to drive is from December to April, when the weather is at its best.
Along the way, you'll be able to explore some of Guatemala's UNESCO Heritage Monuments. These include Tikal, an ancient Mayan city, and Quiriguá, a pre-Columbian archaeological site. You'll also have the opportunity to explore the stunning Lake Atitlán, with its picturesque villages and breathtaking views.
The roads on the route are generally in good condition, with some parts being curvy and narrow. However, the route is suitable for every driver, and can be managed with a fair budget. So why not take the Guatemala Road Trip and discover the beauty of the country!
12
number of days
1,580 km
route length
moderate
budget
tourist
good for
on the right
traffic direction
high
accident level
START
Guatemala City
Distance 1,580 km
Driving time 36.5 h
Pace: slow
363.5 kWh
Airports
GUA
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Guatemala City is the perfect starting point for the Guatemala Road Trip. Located in the central part of the country, this vibrant city is an ideal base for exploring the many wonders of Guatemala.
Start your exploration of Guatemala City by visiting the breathtaking National Palace of Culture, with its stunning views of the city and its surrounding mountains. Take a stroll through the historic cobblestone streets of the old city, and explore the many local markets and restaurants. Afterward, don’t miss out on the incredible Mayan ruins of Tikal, located just outside of the city.
When arriving in Guatemala City, the closest international airport is the La Aurora International Airport (GUA). From there, you can rent a car and begin your journey around Guatemala.
The Guatemala Road Trip is sure to be an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experience. With its fascinating culture, delicious cuisine, and breathtaking scenery, you’re sure to have a wonderful time in Guatemala.
So start planning your trip today, and don’t forget to include Guatemala City in your itinerary!
1
Guatemala City
- Rio Dulce
Distance 284 km
Driving time 5.4 h
Pace: modest
73.9 kWh
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Are you ready for an amazing road trip from Guatemala City to Rio Dulce? This stage is only 289km and can be completed in less than 6 hours. As you drive, you will be able to admire the beautiful countryside scenery and the historical sites along the way.
Your first stop should be the small town of San Lucas Tolimán, where you can visit the picturesque San Lucas Tolimán Church, built in 1573 in honor of San Lucas. As you continue your journey, you will come across the town of El Estor, where you can enjoy the stunning views of Lake Izabal.
Further along the road, you will pass through the town of Morales, where you can find the ancient ruins of Nim Li Punit, a Mayan archaeological site. As you continue your journey, you will come across the town of Livingston, where you can enjoy the beautiful Caribbean coastline.
Finally, you will arrive at your destination, Rio Dulce. Here, you can explore the Rio Dulce National Park, a protected area full of wildlife and natural beauty. You can also take a boat trip to the beautiful island of El Golfete, where you can enjoy the natural beauty of the Caribbean Sea.
Remember to take your time and enjoy the journey, as there are many interesting sites to explore along the way. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the “Itinerary” of this stage. Have a safe and enjoyable trip!
Rio Dulce - Guatemala - Middle America - Road Trip - - Wikimedia Commons
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2
Rio Dulce
- Tikal
Distance 251 km
Driving time 4.6 h
Pace: modest
65.3 kWh
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Welcome to the road trip from Rio Dulce to Tikal! This 251 km drive takes less than 5 hours, and will take you through some of the most beautiful places in Guatemala.
Start in Rio Dulce, a small town where the Rio Dulce River meets the Caribbean Sea. Here you can explore the Castillo de San Felipe, a fortress built by the Spanish in the 17th century, or take a boat tour of the river.
Heading inland, you'll pass through lush green hills and rolling farmland. Keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife, including monkeys, toucans, and iguanas.
Next, you'll arrive at the ruins of Quirigua, a Mayan archaeological site with intricately carved stelae and altars. It's a great spot to explore and learn more about the ancient Maya.
Finally, you'll reach Tikal National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here you can explore the ancient city of Tikal, with its towering pyramids and plazas.
As you drive, be sure to take in the amazing scenery and look out for interesting attractions along the way. More information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your journey!
Tikal - Guatemala - Middle America - Road Trip - - Wikimedia Commons
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3
Tikal
- Flores
Distance 64 km
Driving time 1.3 h
Pace: modest
16.6 kWh
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Embark on a thrilling road trip from Tikal, Guatemala to Flores and explore the Mayan archaeological sites and the stunning landscapes of this region. This 64 km journey will take you less than two hours to complete and will be filled with some of the most interesting places to visit.
Start your adventure in Tikal, Guatemala and explore the ruins of the ancient Mayan city, including the Temples of the Great Jaguar and the Temple of the Masks. You can also take a walk through the lush jungle and observe the diverse wildlife of the region.
Next, you can drive to the picturesque town of El Remate, located on the shores of Lake Peten Itza. Here you can take a boat ride on the lake and admire the stunning views of the Mayan temples in the distance. You can also visit the nearby archaeological site of Yaxha, where you can explore the ruins of the ancient Mayan city.
Continue your journey to Flores, where you can explore the colonial-style buildings and the cobblestone streets. You can also visit the nearby archaeological site of El Mirador, where you can explore the ruins of the ancient Mayan city.
As you drive along the roads, take in the stunning views of the lush jungle and the picturesque landscapes. Keep an eye out for the wildlife of the region, including monkeys, toucans, and parrots.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, hop in your car and get ready for an unforgettable road trip from Tikal to Flores.
Flores - Guatemala - Middle America - Road Trip - - Wikimedia Commons
Flores - Guatemala - Middle America - Road Trip - Flickr
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4
Flores
- Cobán
Distance 265 km
Driving time 6.1 h
Pace: modest
68.9 kWh
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Embark on an exciting road trip from Flores in Guatemala to Cobán and discover the many wonders of this route! This 265km journey will take you no more than 6 hours, and along the way you will find many interesting sites to explore.
Start your journey in Flores and visit the nearby Mayan ruins of Tikal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you can explore the remains of the ancient Mayan city, and marvel at the towering pyramids and temples.
As you continue your drive, you will be treated to some of the most beautiful landscapes in Central America. Take in the stunning views of the rolling hills, lush jungles, and the sparkling lakes.
When you arrive in Cobán, you can explore the ruins of the ancient Mayan city of Quiriguá. This archaeological site is home to some of the most impressive sculptures and monuments of the Mayan civilization.
Along the way, be sure to take the time to appreciate the local culture and cuisine. Stop at some of the roadside restaurants for a delicious meal, or visit one of the local markets for some souvenirs.
This is just one stage of a larger tour, and more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route can be found in the Itinerary of this stage. So, get ready to embark on an unforgettable road trip from Flores to Cobán!
Cobán - Guatemala - Middle America - Road Trip - Wikipedia
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5
Cobán
- Lake Atitlán
Distance 205 km
Driving time 7.1 h
Pace: slow
47.2 kWh
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Embark on a journey of 223 km through the Guatemalan highlands, starting in Cobán and ending in Lake Atitlán. This road trip will take you less than 7 hours, so make sure to take your time and enjoy the amazing sights along the way. Start by visiting the lively city of Chichicastenango, where you can explore the vibrant markets and visit the impressive Santo Tomás Church. As you take the winding roads of the Guatemalan highlands, make sure to keep an eye out for scenic views and interesting historical sites. The roads are narrow in some sections, but the views will be worth it. Along the way, you'll be able to enjoy the beautiful landscapes and the local culture. Finally, you'll arrive at Lake Atitlán, where you can relax and take in the stunning views. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, make sure to check out the Itinerary of this stage.
Lake Atitlán - Guatemala - Middle America - Road Trip - commons.wikimedia.org
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6
Lake Atitlán
- Quetzaltenango
Distance 73 km
Driving time 1.9 h
Pace: slow
16.8 kWh
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Take a road trip from Lake Atitlán to Quetzaltenango and explore the beautiful landscapes of Guatemala! The journey is only 83km and takes less than two hours, but you'll be rewarded with some of the most stunning views of the country. Winding roads will take you through lush green hills and past picturesque villages, so make sure to keep an eye out for historical sites and scenic roads. As you drive, you'll be able to take in the breathtaking views of the volcanoes and the lake. You'll also be able to explore some of the local markets and sample some of the delicious food. At the end of the journey, you'll arrive in Quetzaltenango, where you can explore the city and its many attractions. For more information about attractions, accommodation, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the Itinerary of this stage. So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and hit the road!
Quetzaltenango - Guatemala - Middle America - Road Trip - www.flickr.com
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7
Quetzaltenango
- Champerico
Distance 96 km
Driving time 2.5 h
Pace: slow
22.1 kWh
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Start your Guatemalan adventure with a thrilling road trip from Quetzaltenango to Champerico! Along this 96km route, you’ll get to experience some of the most breathtaking views of Guatemala. Get ready for an unforgettable trip, as the drive will take you less than 3 hours.
As you drive, make sure to take in the spectacular views of the lush green valleys, rolling hills, and the distant volcanoes. You’ll also get to drive through the beautiful town of San Marcos La Laguna, where you can stop and explore its colonial-style churches and vibrant markets. For a unique experience, you can also take a boat ride across the lake to the small island of Tzununá.
Once you get to Champerico, you can explore its stunning beaches and enjoy the delicious seafood. Don’t forget to take a stroll down the picturesque boardwalk, with its colorful fishing boats and breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.
For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the “Itinerary” of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Get ready for an amazing adventure and take this unforgettable road trip from Quetzaltenango to Champerico!
Champerico - Guatemala - Middle America - Road Trip - - Wikimedia Commons
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8
Champerico
- Puerto San José
Distance 220 km
Driving time 4.5 h
Pace: modest
57.2 kWh
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Welcome road-trippers! Are you ready for a scenic drive from Champerico, Guatemala to Puerto San José? This 220 km journey will take you fewer than 5 hours, and you'll get to explore some of Guatemala's most interesting places!
Start your adventure in Champerico, where you'll find beautiful beaches, lush vegetation, and a small but vibrant town. Then, make your way to Puerto San José, where you can explore the bustling port city and its many attractions.
On the way, you'll pass through the stunning landscapes of Guatemala's Pacific Coast. Take your time to appreciate the views of the volcanoes, the rolling hills, and the lush rainforest. Be sure to keep an eye out for the wildlife, too!
Once you reach Puerto San José, you'll find plenty of attractions to explore. Take a stroll along the waterfront, visit the local markets, and enjoy the local cuisine. You can also explore the nearby beaches, take a boat tour, or even go fishing.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the "Itinerary" of this stage.
So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and hit the road to Champerico and Puerto San José!
Puerto San José - Guatemala - Middle America - Road Trip - - Wikimedia Commons
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9
Puerto San José
- Antigua
Distance 86 km
Driving time 1.7 h
Pace: modest
22.4 kWh
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Embark on an unforgettable road trip from Puerto San José to Antigua! This 81 km journey will take you less than two hours, giving you plenty of time to explore the best attractions along the way. Get ready to be mesmerized by the picturesque landscapes, winding roads, and historical sites. As you make your way to Antigua, be sure to check out the UNESCO Heritage sites, including the Church and Convent of St. Francis and the Ruins of Antigua Guatemala. This is one of the most popular stages of a larger tour, so be sure to take advantage of the attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route. All of this information can be found in the “Itinerary” of this stage. So, buckle up and get ready for an incredible journey from Puerto San José to Antigua!
Antigua - Guatemala - Middle America - Road Trip - - Wikimedia Commons
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10
Antigua
- Guatemala City
Distance 36 km
Driving time 1.2 h
Pace: slow
8.3 kWh
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Are you ready to start your unforgettable road trip from Antigua to Guatemala City? Get ready for a 40 km journey with plenty of interesting stops along the way. You can expect to reach Guatemala City in fewer than 1 hour, but take your time to enjoy the beautiful scenery and the winding roads. Start your journey from the historic city of Antigua and make sure to visit the iconic ruins of La Merced Church. From there, you can drive to the beautiful town of San Juan del Obispo, where you can admire the stunning view of the Agua Volcano. Continue your journey to the vibrant city of San Lucas Sacatepéquez, where you can explore the colorful markets and the local culture. Finally, you will reach Guatemala City and its many attractions, such as the National Palace and the National Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!
Guatemala City
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Guatemala City is the perfect ending point to your Guatemala Road Trip. Located in the Central American country of Guatemala, it is the largest city in Central America as well as the capital of the nation. As you come to the end of your road trip, you will find Guatemala City offers a plethora of exciting attractions.
You can begin your exploration of Guatemala City in one of its many museums, including the Natural History Museum, the National Museum of Modern Art, or the National Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology. These museums offer a unique insight into Guatemala’s rich cultural history and provide an opportunity to learn more about the country’s past.
No trip to Guatemala City is complete without a visit to the nearby archaeological site of Kaminaljuyu. This ancient Mayan city dates back to the Preclassic Period and is a must-see for any traveler. After exploring the ruins, you can head over to the Zona Viva, Guatemala City’s vibrant entertainment district. Here you can find a variety of restaurants, bars, and nightclubs.
You can also explore one of the many local markets in Guatemala City, such as the Central Market or La Terminal. Here you can find a wide array of local handicrafts and souvenirs. And if you’re looking for a more educational experience, you can visit the University of San Carlos, the oldest university in Central America.
Finally, you can end your trip to Guatemala City by taking a stroll through Parque La Democracia. This beautiful park is a great place to relax and take in the sights of the city.
For those traveling by air, the closest international airport is La Aurora International Airport (GUA). When it’s time to leave Guatemala City, you’ll be sure to take with you a lifetime of memories from your Guatemala Road Trip.
Guatemala Road Trip at a glance
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Start:
Guatemala City
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End:
Guatemala City
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Distance:
1,580 km
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Stay:
12 days
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Getting there:
La Aurora Airport (GUA)
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When to drive:
January, February, March, April, June, July, December
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More info:
More info you can find in the "Itinerary" section at each stage.
Before you set off
Embark on a captivating 12-day Road Trip spanning approximately 1612km, showcasing Guatemala's breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Your journey starts from the bustling metropolis of Guatemala City and winds through the enchanting regions of Rio Dulce, the majestic ruins of Tikal, the quaint island town of Flores, the serene Lake Atitlán, the vibrant Quetzaltenango, and the tranquil shores of Puerto San José, before circling back to your starting point.
Key Destinations and Top Sights:
- Guatemala City: The vibrant capital, where modernity meets history, offering museums, architecture, and a glimpse into the nation's past and present.
- Rio Dulce: A natural paradise with its `sweet river,` tropical rainforest, and an impressive 43-meter-high bridge offering panoramic views.
- Tikal: Delve into the heart of Mayan civilization at this UNESCO World Heritage site, featuring towering pyramids and ancient temples amidst the jungle.
- Flores: A picturesque island town on Lake Petén Itzá, steeped in history with cobblestone streets and colorful houses.
- Lake Atitlán: Surrounded by volcanoes, this lake is known for its natural beauty and the diverse indigenous communities that inhabit its shores.
- Quetzaltenango: Also known as Xela, this city is the cultural hub of the Maya K'iche' people and is famed for its neoclassical architecture and traditional markets.
- Puerto San José: A coastal escape, where you can unwind on Pacific beaches and savor fresh seafood before the journey back to Guatemala City.
Best Time to Go:
The ideal time for a Road Trip in Guatemala is from December to April, coinciding with the dry season, offering clear skies and comfortable temperatures for travel and exploration.
Potential Risks:
Despite generally well-maintained Roads, it's important to exercise caution when navigating through curvy and narrow stretches. Stay vigilant as local driving customs may differ significantly from those in other countries.
Interesting Facts for Roadtrippers:
- Guatemala is home to 33 volcanoes, and you can witness some of them, like the Volcán de Agua, from Lake Atitlán.
- The country's rich biodiversity includes over 700 species of birds, making it a birdwatcher's paradise, especially in the Petén region near Tikal.
- Guatemala's cultural tapestry is woven with more than 20 distinct Mayan languages still spoken today, each with its own unique traditions and customs.
A good choice for:
A Road Trip through Guatemala is an unparalleled adventure through time and nature. From experiencing the grandeur of ancient Mayan ruins to embracing the serenity of vast lakes and volcanoes, and engaging with the vibrant local cultures, this journey promises memories that will last a lifetime for history enthusiasts, nature lovers, and adventurous souls alike.
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