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Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala
Your flight should land in Guatemala City, then take a shuttle to Antigua. The
entire city of Antigua is a UNESCO World Heritage because of its well-preserved
Spanish Baroque architecture. This town is so colorful, and there are fantastic
views of the surrounding volcanos at every turn.
- Parque Central de La Antigua Guatemala
- Cerro De La Cruz
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Panajachel, Guatemala
Panajachel is a hill town on Lake Atitlán – one of the Can’t-Miss Destinations
in Guatemala. There are many villages you can stay in, but I recommend
Panajachel because it’s a larger town, which means it’s a more convenient “home
base” for tours and excursions.
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Alta Verapaz, Guatemala
On your sixth day, depart Lake Atitlán for the jungle paradise of Semuc Champey.
It’s about a nine-hour drive to Semuc Champey, so plan on this being a transit
day. Semuc Champey is a limestone bridge that formed over a river. On day seven,
you can swim and slide down waterfalls in the crystal clear pools of the bridge,
hike to a fantastic viewpoint, tube down the calm aboveground part of the river,
or water cave. Most people stay in the town of Lanquin and take a 4X4 pickup
truck (the local taxis) to Semuc Champey for the day. But there are some resorts
and ecolodges in the jungle closer to Semuc Champey. Here’s my Ultimate Guide to
Semuc Champey for more information on what to do, where to stay, and how to
prepare for Semuc Champey.
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Tikal, Guatemala
On day eight, head to Tikal National Park. It’s about an eight-hour drive from
Semuc Champey to the park, and you’ll want to make sure you arrive at the park
in time to check-in, settle into your accommodation, and go on either a sunset
or moonlighting tour of the jungle and ruins.