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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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!

The Pacaya Volcano Explorer ATV Tour offers the perfect combination of off-road adventure, volcanic landscapes, and breathtaking scenery—all in less than a full day. Ride through rugged mountain trails, visit the impressive Wind Turbines, relax by the peaceful Calderas Lagoon, and explore the ancient Petrified Lava Fields created by past eruptions of Pacaya Volcano. It's an unforgettable experience for travelers looking to discover one of Guatemala's most active volcanoes from a unique perspective without the strenuous volcano hike.

What makes this tour unique? Experience one of Guatemala’s most vibrant and meaningful cultural celebrations — the Giant Kite Festival of Sumpango, held every year on November 1st. This exclusive tour takes you beyond sightseeing: you’ll walk through the colorful cemetery, witness hundreds of hand-crafted kites soaring high, and learn directly from local artisans about the centuries-old Mayan traditions that honor the Day of the Dead. Join CA Travelers for an authentic cultural immersion where you’ll taste local dishes, explore traditional markets, and connect with Guatemalan families who keep this spiritual art alive. Perfect for culture lovers, photographers, families, and curious travelers seeking a once-in-a-lifetime experience filled with color, meaning, and emotion.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

The gem of Guatemala, Lake Atitlan is a crater lake surrounded by volcanoes and a living hub of Mayan cultures. Visiting on a day trip from Guatemala City simplifies transportation to this highland destination and lets you see the best of the lake in just a day—a difficult feat to accomplish on your own. This tour includes stops at top Lake Atitlan sites including the busy town of Panajachel and small villages like San Juan.

Experience the Guatemalan highlands like few travelers do: a day that combines imposing nature, living Mayan culture, and postcard-perfect landscapes. We start in the market of Chichicastenango, one of the largest and most colorful indigenous markets in Latin America, active only on Thursdays and Sundays. Here you will walk among stalls of textiles, ceramics, and crafts while getting close to the daily traditions of the K'iche' Maya people — with time dedicated to exploring and buying unique pieces. In the afternoon we arrive in Panajachel, where you will enjoy lunch time (Not included) Panoramic view of Lake Atitlán, considered one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. Formed more than 85,000 years ago and surrounded by three majestic volcanoes, Atitlán offers a breathtaking backdrop that few photographs can fully capture.

Your journey starts in total comfort: we will pick you up directly in Antigua Guatemala City. Panajachel Wake up with local flavor ✔ Enjoy an authentic Chapin Breakfast, full of Guatemalan tradition and flavor. San Juan La Laguna Immerse yourself in a magical corner of Lake Atitlan, where every street, every gesture and every artisanal creation tells a story ✔ Live a Mayan textile workshop and know the symbolism of each design. ✔ Learn about melipone bees, guardians of natural balance. ✔ Walk along Calle de los Umbreros and Calle de los Hatros, full of art and color. San Pedro La Laguna ✔ Short stop to rest or explore the picturesque Hummingbird Street. Santiago Atitlan Let yourself be wrapped up in the mystique of this town full of living traditions, spirituality and Mayan heritage. ✔ Discover its artisan market, full of color and flavor. ✔ Visit the Church and Convent of Santiago Apostle, symbol of cultural syncretism.

Discover Guatemala’s two major cities in just one day on a private tour that covers both Antigua and Guatemala City. This tour is ideal if you want to break up your journey from Antigua back to Guatemala City, particularly if you’re flying back from La Aurora International Airport. Plus, you private guide will ensure that you receive undivided attention and enjoy the flexibility to personalize your itinerary and take comfort break on your schedule.

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.

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.

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.

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