Top Central Highlands Day Trips

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).

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

Explore Antiguan history, culture, and cuisine on this half-day chicken bus tour, ideal for travelers tight on time. Cover more ground than you could on foot and visit unusual places many travelers overlook, such as the San Juan del Obispo Museum and Valhalla Experimental Station. Plus, enjoy access to communities that you likely couldn’t get if exploring independently.

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.

Explore the Mayan City of Tikal from Guatemala City in a day, with the best planning. Tour is designed to make the most of this day, you will also know the spectacular Isle of Flowers.

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.

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.

Swap the bustle of Guatemala City for the serene vistas of Lake Atitlan (Lake Atitlan) on this full-day tour, including hotel pick-up. Admire the trio of volcanoes that stand watch over the lake – Volcan San Pedro, Volcan Atitlan and Volcan Toliman – as you cruise across Lake Atitlan and explore the lakeside villages. Shop for handicrafts and unique souvenirs in lively Panajachel, tuck into a typical Guatemalan lunch at a local restaurant (own expense) and witness the culture and traditions of the Tzutujil people in Santiago de Atitlán.

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.

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.

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.

Spend a day out in nature on this private tour from Antigua to the Atitlan area. You'll visit Los Tarrales Natural Reserve, with its network of trails and dense flora, where you'll take a birding tour with a local guide. This will be followed by lunch (at your expense) in the Mayan Village of San Lucas Toliman, a great place for shopping for souvenirs. Hotel pickup is included for your convenience.

Feel like Mayan royalty for the day during this day-long trip to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Tikal, with optional upgrades for a private tour and a zipline adventure. Fly from the capital to Mundo Maya Airport for an in-depth exploration of this sprawling 222-square mile (576-square kilometer) Mayan complex of pyramids, palaces and temples. You’ll also get up close with the region’s range of exotic plant and animal life, and even fly above it on an optional zipline tour. This Tikal day trip also includes a guide, round-trip flights and transport, site entrance fees and lunch.

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.

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

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.