Top Central Highlands Day Trips

In a city surrounded by volcanoes, adventure is hard to resist. Indulge your sense of adventure on this tour around the outskirts of Antigua on an ATV, motorcycle, or scooter, which grants you access to parts of the countryside that traditional tour vehicles can't reach. Take your pick of a vehicle and choose to drive it yourself or ride in the back seat. You'll go far from the beaten path as you visit the mountains around the famous El Cerro de la Cruz, El Hato, the Hobbitenango eco-park inspired by "The Lord of the Rings," and San Juan del Obispo.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

Discover a fantastical world of hobbit houses, amazing nature, panoramic volcano views, and crumbling palaces and churches on this fun-filled day trip to Hobbitenango and Antigua. Combining the natural beauty and inspired architecture of Hobbitenango with the fascinating history and faded grandeur of the old Spanish capital, this private day trip is a great way to maximize your time in Guatemala.

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. A light snack is included to keep you energized. 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

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.

Experience the thrill of climbing an active volcano on this small-group hiking tour to Pacaya from Guatemala City. A great opportunity to climb one of Guatemala’s many volcanoes with the support of a local trekking guide, this half-day tour begins with a scenic drive out to Pacaya Volcano National Park. You’ll then hit the trails, hiking through farmland, cloud forests, and lava fields until you reach the summit, where you’ll be rewarded with epic panoramic views.

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.

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.

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.

The tour begins with hotel pickup in Panajachel at 3:00 a.m. You will travel with other passengers by shared minivan to Santa Clara La Laguna. Upon arrival, there will be a brief 5-minute stop before starting the hike. Accompanied by a local Spanish-speaking guide, you will hike for approximately 45 minutes to reach the summit of Indian Nose Mountain. From the top, enjoy a spectacular sunrise with panoramic views of Lake Atitlán, surrounded by the San Pedro, Atitlán, and Tolimán volcanoes. You will spend approximately two hours at the summit to relax and take in the breathtaking scenery. To keep you warm in the early morning cold, a hot chocolate drink will be provided. After hiking back down to the base, you will return to Panajachel by shared minivan.

Discover the lively highland culture and beautiful scenery of Guatemala during this 12-hour visit to Chichicastenango and Lake Atitlan from Guatemala City. Start by checking out the colonial architecture and sprawling market of Chichicastenango, where vendors hawk everything from colorful handicrafts to candles, food and machetes. You’ll then have a chance to explore the picturesque town of Panjachel on the volcano-rimmed shores of Lake Atitlan. Your Chichicastenango and Lake Atitlan trip includes a guide, optional lunch upgrade and round-trip hotel transport.

Escape to the magical mountain of El Hato and enjoy breathtaking views of volcanoes, valleys, and Hobbit-inspired villages. Explore Hobbitenango and Altamira, take amazing selfies with giant hands and Gandalf, and experience the Aero Bike, Giant Swing, and Giant Slide. Includes round-trip transportation, entrances, and free time to explore. Pick-up: Antigua 8:00 AM or Guatemala City (Tikal Futura) 8:30 AM. Return to your original location in the afternoon. ✨

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.

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.

Lake Atitlan Private Tour is the best way to explore one of the most breathtaking places Guatemala has to offer. In this tour prepare to be immerse in nature, culture and history, the towns that we’re visiting each has their own uniques and we have to explore it. You will be amazed by what the Lake Atitlan has to offer, the beautiful landscape of three volcanoes surrounded by water, that in its depths lays a Maya city, it’s impossible to miss. This tour also offers you a full experience of the western highlands of Guatemala, starting with a typical breakfast and having the rest of the day immerse in the cultural and mysticism of each town. In this full day tour, which is private and personalized, you can plan your day on different activities or stay more time in some places. The time is yours to manage, we are happy to join you in the ride.

Explore the hills and mountains around Antigua by motorcycle with this tour. You'll visit a variety of great viewpoints, from a Hobbit-themed lodge to an organic farm, wrapping up your visit at an indigenous village situated a mile (1.6 km) above sea level. If you're an experienced motorcyclist, you'll be able to do your own driving, but don't worry if you aren't—you can always take the back seat.