Top Central Highlands How to Get Around - page 9

Visitors can see the towns of San Antonio Palopó and Santa Catarina Palopó, where houses painted with vibrant colors and Mayan symbols turn the town into an open-air art gallery. Each mural reflects the identity of the K’akch’ikel community and conveys a message of cultural pride. In addition, the natural hot springs on the shore of the lake offer a unique space for relaxation, while viewpoints give spectacular views of volcanoes and Lake Atitlan. The experience is completed with the warmth of its inhabitants and the possibility of acquiring textile crafts made with ancestral techniques.

As one of the oldest cities in Guatemala, Antigua is brimming with history, legends, and sightseeing opportunities. This guided tour gives you a taste of the city and takes care of the navigation for you. Wander through the cobbled colonial streets with your guide to get the local perspective on key sights and attractions such as La Merced, plus get recommendations for things to check out while you're in town.

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.

Use ciphers, clues, and puzzles to discover Antigua's fascinating history—unlike traditional tours, this scavenger hunt turns exploring into an engaging and family-friendly game. You'll cover a long list of must-see attractions on your own time, following a story line that brings each intriguing site to life.

From soft flavors to exclusive creations, craft beer already has a wide group of followers who are increasingly pleased with the different brands that exist in the region. We will visit different local breweries both inside and outside Antigua, tasting a wide variety of craft beers.

This drive-through safari tour from Puerto Quetzal is a kid-friendly way to discover Guatemala’s wildlife without leaving the comfort of a private vehicle. Skip the hassle of renting a car and enjoy door-to-door transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle that takes you straight from your cruise port to the drive-through safari. Then, ride through it to see wild animals in a natural habitat—not cages.

Visit two of the Guatemala City area’s most interesting theme parks with this private day tour. Your guide will pick you up at your hotel and take you to Altamira, with its gigantic wooden structures featuring larger-than-life hands. You'll then visit Hobbitenango, a Lord of the Rings-inspired eco-park with hobbit houses and spectacular countryside views.

Discover the charm of Antigua Guatemala on this guided day trip. Begin with a scenic pickup from your hotel in Guatemala City before heading to the picturesque town of Antigua. Enjoy stunning views from Cerro de la Cruz and explore the impressive La Merced Church, where you can also access the terrace for a splendid view of the Santa Catalina Arch. Stroll through Central Park, savor local ice cream, and immerse yourself in the lively artisan market. The tour concludes with a visit to the beautiful Las Capuchinas Convent, making it a culturally enriching experience. - Comfortable private transportation included from Guatemala City. - Local guide available in English or Spanish. - Admission to all the aforementioned attractions, including La Merced and the Las Capuchinas Convent. - Explore the artisan market and enjoy free time for lunch and photos.

City tour through the cosmopolitan Guatemala City, during the tour you will be able to know the city of Guatemala passing through important avenues and monuments to understand its history through the explanations of our guide, taking with you pleasant experiences where you visit: Avenida Las Américas, Reforma Avenue, Civic Center, Historic Center, relief map of Guatemala and finally Paseo Cayalá.

Without a guided tour of Guatemala City, you might overlook the many museums, historical monuments, and public plazas that make Guatemala’s capital city a thriving cultural hub. This guided tour introduces you to must-see Guatemala City attractions like Plaza Mayor with the convenience of included transportation—one of the biggest deterrents from exploring on your own—plus includes loads of information about Guatemala’s history and culture from a certified tour guide.

This experience aims to preserve the textile art of Guatemala, the highest expression of the Mayan worldview. We will travel to the community of Santo Domingo Xenacoj, located 37km from Guatemala City. Upon arrival in the community, you will meet with the Council of Weavers of town and together you will start learning about the importance of the National Council of Weavers in Guatemala, their effort in the preservation and conservation of Guatemala weaving art. You will finish the day eating a traditional lunch prepared by the community.

We will shuttle 30 minutes outside Antigua through the town of Parramos and the small village of Chirijuyu to meet our trailhead. From there we begin an introductory climb followed by a 3km jeep track descent through coffee and avocado plantations. We will ride smooth trails through agricultural operations and then cross the rustic town of San Andres Itzapa. From there we will start our second climb (4km) up through the town on paved and cobble stoned roads before entering a pine forest at 1900m (6,400ft). Crossing a small ravine will bring us to a smooth descent and fast singletrack through pine trees. This will exit into the plains of Parramos crossing fields of corn, fruit, beans and greenhouses as you wind along agricultural singletrack. The final descent follows 500+ year old trails that have been eroded into tunnels of tight twisty fun. Exit in the town of Pastores and cycle the gradual paved downhill back to Antigua!

A unique experience where you can get to know one of the three active volcanoes of Guatemala, you will see beautiful landscapes and you will live unforgettable moments, where you will connect with nature. Keep in mind that we start picking up our clients 15 minutes past the hour, and the maximum delay after 6 am or 2 pm is 15 minutes past the hour.

This Antigua Guatemala walking tour offers an authentic and well-contextualized experience, guided by a local expert who combines history, culture and colonial architecture in a dynamic and accessible tour. Unlike generic tours, this tour prioritizes understanding the destination, connecting each historical point with the current life of the city. The tour takes place in small groups or in private mode, allowing a more personalized experience, with enough time for questions, photographs and local recommendations. The rhythm is comfortable and designed to enjoy Antigua walking, without hurry and with clear explanations. It is an ideal choice for first-time travelers who want a complete introduction, as well as for those who seek to understand Guatemala’s colonial and cultural heritage in a close and professional way.

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.

Embark on a thrilling 2-day journey from Antigua or Guatemala City, to the majestic Copán Ruins, Honduras' most significant cultural treasure. This UNESCO World Heritage site, known as the 'Paris of the Maya World', offers an unparalleled glimpse into the ancient Maya civilization. Discover the world-famous Hieroglyphic Stairway, the longest known Maya inscription, and marvel at the intricate carvings and plazas that reveal Copán's rich history. With bilingual guides, comfortable shuttle transportation, and a cozy stay at Hotel Berakah, this tour promises an unforgettable blend of history, culture, and nature. Available Monday to Saturday, starting at 3:30 am, this adventure is a must for history buffs and nature lovers alike!

We have created a wonderful tour for you to know the history of Guatemala differently. You will go from being in a Mayan archaeological site to 2 colonial cities, and the current capital of Guatemala, all combined in this tour. Guatemala, before the arrival of the Spanish conquerors, was divided into kingdoms of different ethnicities. In 1524 when the conquerors set foot in Guatemalan for the first time, they did so in the Kaqchiquel City of Iximché and founded the first Spanish capital there. A few years later, they moved to Ciudad Vieja and established their second capital. Still, due to a natural disaster in 1541, they moved for the third time to what we now know as Antigua Guatemala. Finally, after an earthquake in 1773, they moved their capital for the fourth time, and they did it to where it is located today. This is a specialized tour for history lovers and the entire family. You will be accompanied at all times by an expert guide.

Explore the mysteries of the Mayan civilization at two of the culture’s most important archaeological sites on an overnight trip to Copán from Antigua. First stop at Copán, a UNESCO World Heritage site, spending the first day visiting one of the biggest Mayan cities of the ancient world. On the second day visit Macaw Mountain Bird Park and Nature Reserve, a bird rescue, rehabilitation and release center.

Cover some of the top highlights of Guatemala, including colonial towns, towering volcanoes and indigenous villages, during this 4-day, 3-night trip. During this Guatemalan adventure you’ll walk the charming cobblestoned streets of Antigua and admire the stunning volcano-rimmed shores of Lake Atitlan. You’ll also get a taste for the bustling markets and rich indigenous culture found in cities like Chichicastenango. Your Guatemalan adventure includes accommodations, meals, a guide and coach transport.

Classic motorcycles and epic road trips are the perfect pairing, and this Royal Enfield Classic 500 and Mayan Crossroads Volcano Loop combo tour offers just that. Suitable for experienced motorcyclists only (valid motorcycle license required), this unforgettable motorcycle trip loops around two of Guatemala’s most fiery volcanoes, Fuego—whose name literally means fire—and Acatenango, before finishing back up in the picture-postcard city of Antigua.

Feel Luxuriousness in the unique Glamping Site. Acatenango is the region’s third highest peak and will be the home for one night, the perfect place to witness life in its brightest splendor. Set next to the Fire Volcano (Volcán de Fuego), one of the three active volcanoes in Guatemala, famous for its lava eruptions that can be seen from Glamping Site.Andrea Cardona as many other experienced hikers agree that enjoying sunrise above Acatenango summit it is exceptional, making you feel above the clouds like in heaven. Volcan de Fuego is known to be the world’s most consistently erupting volcano. Its eruptions can be viewed from the distance when driving to the starting point from Antigua and like clockwork every 15 minutes you can view the smoke bellowing out of the top. As you ascend, experience microclimate variations crossing through a diverse ecosystem, make sure that when you listen to your inner voice, it is motivating in the middle of the physical challenge.

Founded by the Spaniards in 1543, nowadays Antigua is a beautiful blend of ruins, restored colonial buildings, and new buildings in colonial style. It was declared “Monument of America” in 1965.

Wander through the quaint cobblestone alleyways, enjoy the colonial-era churches and monuments, and take in the stunning views of the volcano from Cerro de la Cruz. After a delightful dinner at an upscale restaurant, discover Guatemala's renowned coffee culture through a guided tour and tasting at Finca La Azotea. This unique experience blends history, architecture, culture, and culinary delights, offering an extraordinary journey through one of Latin America's most enchanting cities.

How do locals eat? On this food tour we’ll visit one of Guatemala’s biggest markets to taste some of our famous local “Antojitos” and see the variety and colors of fruits and vegetables on market days. Then a hands on experience of making your own criollo corn tortillas with a delicious traditional lunch.