3 days: settle and see
- Day 1: Arrive, settle in, swim, early dinner.
- Day 2: Morning boat to San Juan for weaving cooperatives and coffee, then a swim at Cerro Tzankujil. Back before the afternoon wind.
- Day 3: A slow morning, or Sololá's market (Tuesday or Friday), then travel on.
5 days: add depth
- Day 1: Arrive and rest.
- Day 2: Indian Nose at sunrise, then sleep in the afternoon.
- Day 3: San Juan and San Marcos.
- Day 4: Santiago Atitlán by morning boat: market and Maximón.
- Day 5: Rest, then depart.
7 days: add space
- Follow the 5-day plan, then add a guided Mayan Trail or waterfall hike on Day 5.
- Day 6: Chichicastenango on a Thursday or Sunday (a long day).
- Day 7: Leave it free. If you plan a ceremony, keep two free days afterward.
Packing list
- Layers: cool mornings and nights, warm midday sun.
- Rain jacket (May to October).
- Sturdy shoes for hikes, plus sandals.
- Swimsuit, quick-dry towel, small dry bag.
- Sunscreen, hat, insect repellent, headlamp.
- Refillable bottle; modest clothes for villages and churches.
- Small quetzal bills; copies of your passport and insurance.
Last checked October 2026. Fees, fares and hours change, so confirm anything that matters.