Top Pacific Highlands Day Trips

Take a break from the noisy crowds on your cruise ship and set off on a leisurely bird watching excursion. After pickup from Puerto Quetzal, enjoy a 1-hour drive through the Guatemalan countryside to El Paredon. Hop on a boat and float through the impressive mangroves. With the help of your guide, spot a variety of endemic and migratory birds. After the tour, receive an emailed checklist for your sightings.

Experience an unforgettable hiking adventure on the slopes of **Pacaya Volcano**, one of Guatemala’s most active and accessible volcanoes. Your journey begins through lush pine forests and volcanic landscapes, where the air is fresh and the scenery constantly evolving. As you ascend, the terrain transforms into dramatic black lava fields, still warm beneath your feet, offering a rare glimpse into the Earth’s raw power. Along the way, local guides share fascinating insights about volcanic activity, history, and the surrounding ecosystems. Reaching the higher viewpoints, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of neighboring volcanoes and distant valleys. If conditions allow, you may even witness glowing lava flows up close—an awe-inspiring and humbling experience. Perfect for adventurers and nature lovers alike, this hike blends excitement, education, and natural beauty into a once-in-a-lifetime journey you will never forget.

We are going to explore the Antigua Guatemala Market (we will learn about the history of the grains, vegetables and fruits). The main foods that were in Mesoamerica before the Conquest were corn, beans, squash, cacao and chili and to remember a bit our past we will have the opportunity to be in touch with local people and will learn how to make tortillas that is made of corn. Continuing our experience we will taste local dishes and we will know about its history, we will have the opportunity to meet the most important dishes for the Guatemala Gastronomy, These creations of culinary art were born during the sixteenth century and represent the fusion of pre-Columbian cuisine with ingredients of Hispanic Arabic origin. Most of the dishes are made with Vegetables, meats and spices. Also we will have the opportunity to taste an icon dish of Antigua Guatemala, well known for its peculiar flavor and ingredients that make it up.

When your cruise ship sails into Puerto Quezal, maximize your time with a full-day shore excursion to Antigua. Alongside by your guide, you’ll absorb the colonial charm of Antigua City while listening to history-rich commentary. Marvel at landmarks like Santo Domingo Convent and the Church of La Merced and then browse stalls brimming with colorful souvenirs. Visit a rural coffee plantation to observe traditional production processes and sample aromatic cups of coffee with a local farmer.

Discover the nuances of coffee production in one of the world's biggest coffee exporters during this private shore excursion from Puerto Quetzal in Guatemala. Visit a coffee plantation with over a hundred years of tradition and learn about the entire process—from bean to cup—on a guided tour. At the end of your tour, visit the cupping lab to sample various coffees from the plantation and enjoy a delicious lunch.

Make the most of your time on dry land with a private tour of Antigua. Your excursion to the UNESCO-listed city includes a guided tour of the central plaza, along with a visits to a jade factory and the Santo Domingo Monastery. Beginning and ending at the Puerto Quetzal cruise terminal, comfortable round-trip transportation ensures that you return to your ship in time for departure.

Escape the crowds and discover one of Guatemala's hidden natural treasures just one hour from Puerto Quetzal. This meaningful CSR shore excursion takes you to the beautiful Hawaii Nature Reserve, home to protected mangrove forests, peaceful waterways, and abundant wildlife. Enjoy a guided boat ride through scenic canals while spotting herons, egrets, kingfishers, and many resident and migratory birds in their natural habitat. Learn how mangroves protect the coastline, support biodiversity, store carbon, and sustain local fishing communities. Your visit directly supports community conservation and environmental education initiatives, making your journey both memorable and impactful. Perfect for nature lovers, birdwatchers, photographers, and travelers seeking authentic experiences, this small-group eco-adventure combines breathtaking scenery, wildlife encounters, sustainable tourism, and guaranteed return to your cruise ship.