Top Central Highlands Culture - page 2

Take a morning to learn the Maya art of backstrap weaving in a beautiful central Antigua courtyard, surrounded by plants. Sit alongside a master weaver and learn her story. Guatemala is a country rich in its textile tradition, with lots of colors everywhere. But do you know what it really takes to create a weaving? Beginners can gain appreciation of this tradition, and advanced weavers can dive into the nitty gritty details of single-sided or even double-sided brocade. Stitch by stitch, learn to weave a traditional motif.

Immerse yourself in the fascinating Mayan culture with a guided tour of the Iximche archaeological site on this private day trip from Antigua. Built in 1465 as the capital of the Kaqchikel Maya, Iximche became the first Spanish capital of Guatemala. You'll uncover the turbulent history of this sacred site as you explore the ruins with your Mayan guide. If you’re lucky, you may even get to see a Mayan spiritual ceremony.

Antigua Guatemala is a city that once was the capital of Central America. With its cobblestone streets, Catholic churches such as Iglesia de La Merced and convents, unique monuments, and gastronomy, you'll travel back in time to the 15th through the 17th centuries on this all-day guided tour from Guatemala City with hotel pickup included.

If you’ve ever wanted to roast marshmallows on lava, this is the tour for you. Besides experiencing this cooking technique, this private tour takes you on a tour of Guatemala City during the day. Visit places like the San Jose Cathedral, National Palace, and have some time for shopping at the central market. When the sun is about to set, hike up to the volcano and see the glowing lava, with your marshmallows.

Visit several Antigua highlights in one convenient walking tour, ideal for first-time visitors or those with limited time in the region. There’s no need to worry about getting lost or overlooking lesser-known spots, as your guide will escort you from point to point, providing context for each attraction along the way.

Visit one of the largest and most important Mayan places in Central America—Tikal—on this all-day tour from the city of Guatemala. After a flight to Flores International Airport, where you meet your tour guide, you will head to the Tikal National Park. Tikal is one of the most important archeological complexes left by the Mayan civilization. It features temples, palaces, and public squares. Remains of dwellings are scattered throughout the surrounding countryside.

Take a tour from Guatemala City that showcases the mix of Spanish and Mayan traditions that have influenced this incredible nation. Journey into the Iximche ruins—one of Guatemala’s most famous archeological sites—with a guide for extra insight, and then make your way to the Spanish colonial town of Antigua. Follow your expert guide to all of the highlights without having to navigate, including churches, plazas, and shops.

Discover the beauty and rich cultural heritage of Lake Atitlan on this full-day lake tour from Antigua or Guatemala City. Your adventure starts with a scenic drive out to the lake, stopping at viewpoints along the way. After breakfast in Panajachel, you’ll jump on a boat over to San Juan la Laguna, swing by San Pedro and Santiago Atitlan, and end the day on a sweet note with a hot chocolate in Tecpan.

Immerse yourself in the scenic splendor of Lake Atitlán, and the charming villages that surround it, on a full-day trip from Guatemala City. Travel to Guatemala’s western highlands to observe virtually unchanged Mayan traditions, and then sail on the glittering surface of Lake Atitlán. Absorb the vibrant colors of lakeside settlements, Panajachel and Santiago, and delve into the region’s rich history with your guide. Round-trip transport from your Guatemala City hotel is included on this small-group tour, limited to 15 people.

Visit the ancient ruins of Tikal and gain a deeper understanding of Mayan culture and traditions on this day trip from Guatemala City. Take a scenic flight from the nation’ capital and make your way to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed archeological park in the comfort of an air-conditioned bus. Wander the jungle with your expert guide who will provide narration about the site and dine on an included lunch.

Get a short introduction to the Spanish-colonial charm of Antigua, a UNESCO World Heritage site, during this 3-hour morning tour from Guatemala City. This atmospheric city was the country’s capital for more than 200 years, creating a wealth of historic architecture and gorgeous scenery for you to discover during your walking tour. Tread on Antigua’s cobblestone streets as you explore sites like the Cathedral of Santiago, Central Park and the city's iconic Arch of Santa Catalina. Your Antigua visit includes a guide and round-trip hotel transport (except during Holy Week in April).

Explore the fascinating Spanish and Mayan history of Guatemala on this family-friendly 8-hour tour to Iximché and colonial Antigua. Wander the atmospheric archaeological site of Iximché to discover the history of the Mayans. Then head to Antigua, former colonial capital, where you’ll visit the San Francisco Church, Calle del Arco, La Merced Church and the central plaza. Your excursion also includes round-trip transportation from your hotel, a guide and all entrance fees.

Experience one of the ancient world’s most incredible archaeological sites at Tikal, a celebrated Mayan city deep in the Guatemalan jungle, on this 17-hour trip by air from Antigua. Enjoy a bird’s eye view of the Guatemalan jungle on your flight to this UNESCO World Heritage-listed Mayan site, spending the day exploring this incredible city’s steep temples and beautiful plazas with the help of your guide. Your day trip from Antigua to Tikal also includes round-trip transportation from your Antigua hotel, lunch, and all entrance fees.

Take an unexpected excursion through Guatemala City, discovering its unique mid-century architecture, bustling markets and fascinating museums, during this 7-hour excursion. Start with driving tour of city’s main avenues and its National Palace before admiring Guatemala City’s collection of 50s and 60s architecture like the Supreme Court Building and City Hall. During your visit you’ll also get a taste for daily life and shop for souvenirs at the city’s central market and explore Popol Vuh Museum. Your Guatemala City trip includes a guide, entrance fees and round-trip hotel transport.

Familiarize yourself with Antigua while visiting Guatemala during this full-day tour that takes you around the city with a guide who shows you spots and tells you stories you may miss if choosing to explore on your own. This Antigua tour includes hotel pickup from Guatemala City and provides lunch during the day.

More than history: an experience that is lived. What makes our tour unique is the combination of living history, personalized attention and outdoor adventure. Antigua Guatemala is not just a colonial city – it’s a scenario that comes to life with the narration of our professional guides, who accompany you on a bilingual tour full of context, anecdotes and details that you won’t find in a printed guide. Walk along cobblestone streets, discover iconic monuments and hidden corners, and feel the past come alive around you. Then you’ll change your pace to explore the magical world of Hobbitenango, a fantasy eco-park nestled in the mountains, on your own. We coordinate your transfer to and from Antigua, and you decide how to live your adventure. Designed for small groups, this tour is ideal for friends, couples or families looking for an authentic experience, balancing culture, history and nature in one unforgettable day.

While so many visitors head straight to Antigua after landing in Guatemala City, stick around and you’ll have the opportunity to see this dazzling capital under the moonlight. Hop into a safari Jeep for this night city photo tour through Guatemala City. You’ll cruise through both the historic district and the more modern neighborhoods with your group, stopping for photos at sites like the Civic Center and the Metropolitan Cathedral.

Delve into Guatemala’s rich history with a private guided tour to two significant cultural sights: Chichicastenango and Iximche. Start with a walking tour of Chichicastenango’s huge outdoor market and 400-year-old churches, then visit the Iximche archaeological site to learn about the historic Mayan city that became Guatemala’s first Spanish capital. Hotel pickup and private transport are included for a seamless experience.

Prepare to enjoy an incredible journey full of experiences that will delight your senses while we visit the towns around La Antigua Guatemala and the main activities carried out by local people in the different traditional towns to visit. This tour was created by Best Guatemala to show the different traditions, art and skills of the locals, such as cooking, weaving and local crops, explaining a little bit of the history, importance and life style of each town, making three stops to highlight the most important out of the five villages we will visit. TOUR PLAN Heading to our first stop, San Juan del Obispo village, you will visit the Archbishop´s Palace (if availiable). Then we will visit a local family, experts in chocolate preparation, the one you could taste if wanted (not included). Following to our next stops, you will drive through three colorful and historical main plazas of San Pedro Las Huertas, San Miguel Escobar and Ciudad Vieja village.

Discover the labyrinthine stalls and vibrant culture of Antigua’s local market on this colorful culture and cuisine tour. Learn about the importance of the market to the Guatemalan culture as you wander through the different parts of the market, from local crafts and flowers to food, trying tropical fruit and sweets as you go. You’ll also have the chance to make your own tortillas, before visiting a local lunch spot (at own cost).

Ideal for curious travelers looking for history, culture, local perspective and a more authentic connection with Guatemala. Comfortable transportation, safe exploration, local insight and a personalized, relaxed experience through the history, culture and everyday life of Guatemala City. Born and raised in Guatemala, I guide travelers from Europe, the United States and Latin America across the country, sharing local stories, traditions and perspectives beyond the typical tourist experience. As someone who has worked in Alaska's salmon fishing industry and traveled extensively, I enjoy connecting travelers with the authentic side of Guatemala through real conversations, local insight and meaningful cultural experiences beyond the usual tourist route. This tour combines history, architecture and authentic culture with the comfort of exploring the city alongside a passionate local guide. A memorable introduction to one of Central America's most unique and misunderstood capitals

The tour of the Guatemalan highlands is a unique contrast of nature and culture. Our first point to visit will be the Chichicastenango craft market, which is only installed on Thursdays and Sundays. In this place we will know the daily living of the Quiche Maya and we will have time to make purchases of crafts, a very important part of the experience. In the afternoon, the visit continues in the town of Panajachel, where we will have lunch and enjoy a panoramic view of the beautiful Lake Atitlan, formed more than 85,000 years ago and currently guarded by three imposing volcanoes. At the end, the return to Guatemala City begins.

Explore Antigua and the surrounding villages by Vespa with this small-group tour for no more than eight participants. You'll visit historic buildings such as the Church of Ciudad Vieja. Your group will also spend time in San Juan del Obispo, where you'll learn about chocolate production first hand from a local family who work in the chocolate industry.

Discover the true essence of Antigua Guatemala on our exclusive village tour by private vehicle. Immerse yourself in the rich culture and fascinating history of each town as you capture unforgettable moments with your camera. With incredible views and a unique experience at each stop, this tour is essential for any visitor. Book your adventure now!