Top Central Highlands Day Trips

Lake Atitlan is one of Guatemala’s most popular attractions—and for good reason. Surrounded by volcanoes, the ancient caldera lake is mesmerizing in its beauty, while the villages that line its shores are all unique and fascinating. Perfect for travelers who have limited time, this small-group day tour from Antigua is a great way to squeeze in the highlights of the lake while delving deeper into the colorful local culture.

Visit more attractions—including the Cerro de la Cruz viewpoint—just outside of Antigua in just one day on this exciting excursion. Visit the Alta Mira eco-park for volcano views, the Earth Lodge avocado plantation, and the famous Cerro de la Cruz viewpoint for even more beautiful views. Don’t worry about the transit as we have ATVs, meaning you can focus on enjoying the views, drinks, and range of activities that will suit most travelers.

Spend a day on the shores of Lake Atitlan with this private tour from Antigua. Your driver will pick you up at your hotel and take you through the highlands, with stops at viewpoints along the way. You'll then take a group boat tour from the town of Panajachel to the Mayan villages of San Juan, San Pedro, and Santiago, heading back to Antigua at the end of the day.

Take to the slopes and experience Guatemala’s most-visited volcano in a new way on this fun-filled adventure day. A great way for thrill-seekers to combine volcano hiking with ATV driving and sightseeing, this group tour includes the chance to drive through lush forests and lava fields as well as exploring local villages around the Pacaya Volcano (you do not enter the national park).

Embark on an exhilarating journey to the majestic Pacaya Volcano with our exclusive tour from Antigua Guatemala! We'll transport you from Antigua Guatemala to the volcano's base, where our expert guides, will enhance your climb. For a modest entrance fee of Q100, you'll gain access to this breathtaking natural wonder. The hike to the summit offers stunning vistas and a moderate trail that takes about 1.5 hours, culminating in a dramatic landscape of petrified lava. At the peak, experience the thrill of roasting marshmallows over volcanic heat—a unique moment you won’t forget. After enjoying the views and capturing memories, our descent leads back to comfort, with our bus ready to return you to Antigua. Join us for this memorable adventure and take home lasting memories from one of nature’s most impressive showcases. We look forward to welcoming you!

Discover Antigua’s rich history and vibrant culture on this exciting ATV tour through local villages. Visit a textile museum, jade and chocolate factories, and the first cathedral in Central America (built in 1534). Enjoy panoramic views of volcanoes and the city, while connecting with Mayan villagers. Finish the adventure with authentic Guatemalan cuisine at a local restaurant in San Pedro El Panorama.

Enjoy a scenic journey, breathtaking views, and a unique experience in Antigua Guatemala. We will pick you up in a comfortable van for a half-day tour to Hobbitenango and Cerro de la Cruz.

Discover the vibrant birdlife around Antigua, Guatemala with Nighthawk Birding Tours! Choose from six unique, guided tours—through forests, coffee plantations, and hidden birding hotspots. Perfect for casual birdwatchers, photographers, and avid birders alike, our tours showcase hummingbirds, toucans, motmots, and other tropical species. Tours are usually private, ensuring a personalized experience, but smaller groups may occasionally be combined for shared adventures. Prices vary depending on tour and group size.

Embark on a unique adventure with our tour of Pacaya Volcano, one of Guatemala’s most active and visited volcanoes. Through trails surrounded by nature and volcanic rock, you will reach a unique landscape where you can walk on solidified lava and admire unforgettable panoramic views, this tour includes comfortable transportation and certified local guide, ensuring a safe and enriching experience. - Panoramic view of other volcanoes (Volcano of Water, Fire and Acatenango) - Hike to Pacaya volcano from Antigua between volcanic rocks and nature - Marshmallow roast with the heat of the Volcano - Opportunity to take unique photos - Authorized local guide

Step beyond Semuc Champey and experience authentic life in a Q’eqchi’ village. This is not a typical tour — it’s a personal and immersive cultural experience. Walk hidden jungle paths, discover native plants and their traditional uses, and enjoy breathtaking viewpoints most travelers never see. Visit a local family, learn about ancestral ingredients and traditional cooking, and experience daily life firsthand. Your guide will share stories and insights that bring the culture to life. Small groups, meaningful connections, and real impact — your visit directly supports a local family and sustainable tourism. Come curious, leave with a deeper understanding of Guatemala.

A very complete and picturesque tour, which teaches you interesting things particular to each village, live different experiences in an approximate span of 6 hours, meet local people and add the excitement and adventure of touring the villages in an ATV. We have the best bilingual guides who will give you a great time creating new memories.

Discover the natural wonder of Semuc Champey on a full-day adventure from Guatemala City. Travel by private transport through vibrant landscapes to reach the stunning turquoise pools and secret caves. With an early pick-up and a 4x4 ride, maximize your time exploring this natural paradise. Hike to the Mirador viewpoint, swim in the pools, and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before returning to the city. - Private round-trip transportation from Guatemala City or Antigua - Local Spanish or English-speaking guide included - Hotel pickup and drop-off for added convenience - Opportunity to explore caves and swim in natural pools

On your own, it’s difficult to squeeze the Chichicastenango market (Mercado Santo Tomás) into a single day, but this guided tour makes it a breeze by handling all the transportation logistics from Guatemala City, with a Lake Atitlan photo stop too. Going with a guide keeps you from getting lost in the crowds and provides tons of insight into the rich cultures you’ll see practicing rituals in Santo Tomas Church.

After being picked up by your local driver from your hotel in Antigua, make your way to Panajachel at Lake Atitlán and set off on a scenic boat trip across the peaceful waters. Your bilingual guide will share insights about life in the Guatemalan Highlands as you visit the villages of San Juan La Laguna and Santiago Atitlán. In these traditional Maya communities, learn about local culture and the positive impact of textile and bee farming industries on the region’s economy. In San Juan La Laguna, visit women’s workshops to see traditional dyeing techniques using natural resources such as plants, tree bark, coconut shells, and vegetables to create vibrant colors for woven textiles. You will also experience the chocolate-making process firsthand. Continue to Santiago Atitlán, one of the largest villages, to observe local weaving on backstrap looms and meet the friendly Tz’utujil Maya people, admire the stunning views of the three majestic volcanoes: Atitlán, Tolimán, and San Pedro.

Discover the magic of Guatemala in a day that combines the fantasy of Hobbitenango and the rich history of Antigua Guatemala. This private tour offers the comfort of exclusive transportation and a local guide who will take you through breathtaking landscapes and heritage sites. Enjoy panoramic views at Cerro de la Cruz, visit historical gems such as La Merced and the Arch of Santa Catalina, and explore the vibrant Handicraft Market. With free time to enjoy a local breakfast and lunch, create lasting memories on this unique tour. - Private tour with hotel pickup in Guatemala City or Antigua - Exploration of Hobbitenango, with time for photos and activities - Visits to Antigua's main attractions, including museums and markets - Approximately 13 hours long with a professional local guide

This is the exclusive, private day tour of Lake Atitlan, ideal for travelers who want to experience the best of the lake without haste. Enjoy private transportation from your hotel in Antigua. Explore three unforgettable Mayan villages—San Juan, San Pedro and Santiago—with personalized attention, artisan workshops, lake views, spectacular photographs and authentic cultural immersion. Designed to offer comfort, real experiences, this tour allows you to discover the magic of Lake Atitlan and return to Antigua the same day, being the perfect choice for travelers seeking a higher quality experience. ✅ Reasons to book this tour: Greater comfort and privacy: no strangers, no waiting times. Make the most of your time: get to know three villages and return to Antigua the same day. Ideal for spectacular photos: volcanoes, murals, viewpoints Personalized attention : a guide that adapts the experience to the rhythm and interests of the group

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.

This tour is ideal for those looking for a perfect combination of nature, culture, and adventure, all in one day. At the end of the afternoon, we'll return to Antigua with our hearts full of memories and our cameras packed with spectacular photos. * You'll explore some of the picturesque villages surrounding the lake, each with its own unique character, culture, and charm. * You'll experience living Mayan traditions up close, admire local crafts, and enjoy the hospitality of the communities that have called the lake home for generations. * Boat tour of the deepest lake in Central America and time to explore the different towns.

Get away from Antigua for a day of full rest and relaxation on the shores of the beautiful Lake Atitlan. Travel in private transportation to a resort on the Lake, where you can while away the afternoon relaxing in a hammock, kayaking on the Lake, or pampering yourself with the optional spa package for the ultimate stress-melting experience.

The giant kite festival is connected with the Mayan kaqchikel heritage from Santiago and Sumpango Sacatepequez through generation. This time you will have the chance to explore the festival with me, a local Mayan kaqchikel guide. During our visit I will help you to understand the connection of the Mayan spirituality and cosmovision/worldview expressed in the giant kites, also, you will have the chance to understand more about Mayan kaqchikel culture and all traditions related with the day of the dead.

Get to know Guatemala City on this private all-day guided tour. Travel comfortably by car to some of the city's highlights and historical points of interest. Learn about the mystical Mayan civilization with a visit to the Archeological Museum and discover more about the history of Guatemala. Then, head to the historical center of the city and visit the market, cathedral, the National Palace, Plaza la Constitution, and more.

This popular Pacaya Volcano day trip from Guatemala City is the perfect way to experience the beauty of the country’s most active volcano. Follow your expert local guide to the top of this fiery mountain and look out over stunning views of Guatemala countryside. It’s a memorable way to experience the natural beauty of this incredible country and is perfect for novice hikers.

Get a glimpse of Guatemala’s colonial past with this walking tour of Antigua. This former capital is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, beloved for its cobblestone streets and majestic church ruins. Meet your guide in the Central Plaza and visit sites like a jade factory, City Hall Palace, and Santo Domingo, an elegant hotel and cultural center. As you walk, your guide will share information on Antigua’s history and architecture.