Planning 10 days in Guatemala and not sure how to make every day count? This is the 10 day Guatemala itinerary built for the traveler who wants more than the standard loop — more time at the lake, more depth in Antigua, and three days to go somewhere almost nobody else puts in their itinerary. … Read more
Planning 7 days in Guatemala and tired of seeing the same recycled itinerary everywhere you look? This is the Guatemala 7-day itinerary you actually need; one that goes beyond the obvious stops, tells you honestly what to skip, and gives you the hidden gems, unique stays, and real experiences that most visitors never find.
If you are planning Holy Week in Guatemala and trying to decide where to go, Semana Santa at Lake Atitlán offers something that no other destination in the country can match: twelve indigenous villages, each with its own Holy Week traditions, spread around one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. While most travelers … Read more
Maximón is Guatemala’s most mysterious and misunderstood spiritual figure, and possibly the most fascinating thing you will encounter in the entire country. He is a wooden deity who sits in a smoke-filled room accepting offerings of cigars and liquor, and he will grant petitions that no Catholic saint would touch. Want revenge on someone who … Read more
This is a complete, day by day guide to Semana Santa in Santiago Atitlán: what happens, when it happens, and how to actually understand what you’re looking at while you’re there. If you’re planning Holy Week in Guatemala and weighing Antigua against Lake Atitlán, this is the guide for the lake side of that decision. … Read more
If you’re looking for one of the most unique experiences in Guatemala for nature and adventure lovers, rappelling in Guatemala at Finca El Barretal is it. This is the kind of exciting, once in a lifetime experience that makes travel unforgettable. El Barretal is a Guatemalan hidden gem. It is not touristy, and it is … Read more
When it comes to experiencing a true cultural treasure, there’s nothing quite like attending the Giant Kite Festival in Guatemala. Every year on November 1st, two small towns — Sumpango Guatemala and Santiago Sacatepéquez — become the heart of one of the most colorful and meaningful celebrations in the country. But if you’re planning a … Read more
Every year on November 1st, the skies above Santiago Sacatepéquez fill with color, spirit, and tradition during the Giant Kite Festival in Guatemala. While many travelers know about Sumpango’s barriletes giganates, the Santiago Sacatepéquez Kite Festival offers a more intimate and deeply emotional experience. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to … Read more
I once arrived at the Sumpango Kite Festival before sunrise and spent almost two hours waiting for anything to happen. After several visits, here’s what I’d do differently, from the best arrival time to parking, crowds, food, and where to stay.
Updated for 2026. Guatemala’s giant kite festivals take place every year on November 1st, during All Saints Day and Day of the Dead traditions. In 2026, the barriletes gigantes festivals in Sumpango and Santiago Sacatepéquez will fall on Sunday, November 1, 2026. When you think about Guatemala’s Day of the Dead celebrations, there is nothing … Read more
