Antigua Guatemala: Villages Tour on Chicken Bus

Antigua Guatemala’s vibrant culture comes alive on the Villages Tour, where travelers can enjoy the local traditions of the region. Aboard an authentic chicken bus, this 4-hour journey takes visitors through picturesque villages, offering a unique opportunity to explore artisanal chocolate-making in San Juan del Obispo and sustainable agriculture in San Miguel Dueñas. With personalized insights from bilingual guides and stunning views of the Fuego and Agua volcanoes, this tour promises an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re a history buff or a foodie, the Villages Tour provides a glimpse into the heart of Antigua’s rich cultural heritage that’s sure to captivate and intrigue.

Key Points

• Immersive 4-hour tour of traditional Guatemalan villages near Antigua, including San Juan del Obispo, San Pedro Las Huertas, Ciudad Vieja, and San Miguel Dueñas.
• Authentic transportation in a colorful mini chicken bus, with maximum group size of 15 and options for Spanish or English-speaking guides.
• Highlights include artisanal chocolate workshop, Museum of Loquat, village life experiences, historical insights, and scenic views of Fuego and Agua volcanoes.
• Opportunities to learn about traditional weaving, sustainable agriculture, and the region’s rich cultural heritage and practices.
• Tour includes complimentary bottled water, snacks, and lunch to savor local flavors, with an overall rating of 4.8 out of 5 from previous travelers.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The Villages Tour in Antigua Guatemala offers an immersive cultural experience for visitors. Priced from Q1,536 per person, the 4-hour tour takes participants on an authentic mini chicken bus to explore the charming villages surrounding Antigua.

With a maximum group size of 15, the tour is available in both Spanish and English. Travelers can expect free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later.

Highlights include visiting a jade workshop, tasting local delicacies, observing traditional weaving, and enjoying scenic views of the Fuego and Agua volcanoes across multiple villages.

Experience Highlights

Visiting the villages surrounding Antigua Guatemala offers travelers a unique culture. Travelers will ride in an authentic Mini Chicken Bus, visiting a jade workshop and tasting local delicacies like macadamias and chocolate. They’ll observe traditional weaving practices and enjoy scenic views of the Fuego and Agua volcanoes. The tour includes stops in various villages, including:

Village	Highlights
San Juan del Obispo	Artisanal chocolate workshop and Museum of Loquat
San Pedro Las Huertas	Exploring village life, baroque church, volcano views
Ciudad Vieja	Discovering the first Spanish colonial capital
San Miguel Dueñas	Observing local flower and vegetable crops
Valhalla Macadamia Farm	Learning about sustainable agriculture

A surprise village may also be visited, offering opportunities to explore Mayan culture and coffee production.

Detailed Itinerary

Travelers begin their journey in San Juan del Obispo, where they’ll visit an artisanal chocolate workshop and sample a traditional chocolate beverage paired with sweet bread.

Next, they’ll explore the Museum of Loquat and try products made from the giant loquats.

In San Pedro Las Huertas, they’ll experience village life, visit the communal laundry area and baroque church, and take photos with volcano views.

In Ciudad Vieja, they’ll discover the first capital of the Spanish Crown, enjoying panoramic vistas.

At San Miguel Dueñas, they’ll observe local flower and vegetable crops.

The tour culminates with a visit to the Valhalla Macadamia Farm, where they’ll learn about sustainable agriculture and support local indigenous communities.

San Juan Del Obispo

In San Juan del Obispo, visitors first stop at an artisanal chocolate workshop, where they sample a traditional chocolate beverage paired with sweet bread.

They then explore the Museum of Loquat, learning about the giant loquat fruit and tasting products made from it.

The village is known for its historic charm, with Spanish colonial architecture and a baroque church.

Visitors can wander the streets, taking in the scenic views of the Fuego and Agua volcanoes in the distance.

This stop on the tour provides a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage and traditional practices.

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San Pedro Las Huertas

The tour then takes visitors to San Pedro Las Huertas, where they can experience the essence of village life.

Here, the group explores the communal laundry area and the baroque church, capturing picturesque photos with the majestic volcanoes in the background.

The guide shares insights into the daily routines and traditions of the local residents, allowing the travelers to gain a deeper understanding of the community’s way of life.

This stop offers a glimpse into the authentic, unhurried pace of rural Guatemala, providing a stark contrast to the bustling streets of Antigua Guatemala.

Ciudad Vieja

From San Pedro Las Huertas, the tour now heads to Ciudad Vieja, the first capital of the Spanish Crown in the region.

Guests will discover the historic city’s panoramic views and learn about its significant past. Founded in 1541, Ciudad Vieja was the original capital before it was destroyed by a mudslide in 1541.

Visitors can explore the remnants of this once-thriving colonial settlement, taking in the stunning vistas of the surrounding volcanoes.

The guide will share stories of the city’s rise and fall, providing valuable insights into Guatemala’s complex history.

This stop offers a unique opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the region’s heritage and the resilience of its people.

San Miguel Dueñas

After visiting the historic Ciudad Vieja, the tour now heads to San Miguel Dueñas. This quaint village is known for its abundant flower and vegetable crops. Visitors will have the opportunity to observe the local farmers tending to their fields and learn about the sustainable agricultural practices that are the backbone of this community.

Crop	Yield (per hectare)
Tomatoes	45 tonnes
Onions	28 tonnes
Carrots	35 tonnes
Lettuce	20 tonnes

The tour guide will provide insights into the importance of these crops to the local economy and the proud traditions that have been passed down through generations of San Miguel Dueñas residents.

Inclusions and Reviews

The tour includes a comprehensive package to ensure a memorable experience.

Travelers are provided with a bilingual guide who shares their knowledge and engages the group throughout the day. Complimentary bottled water and a snack are included, along with all necessary entrance fees.

Authentic chicken bus transportation takes visitors between the villages, immersing them in the local way of travel. Lunch is also provided, allowing participants to savor the flavors of the region.

With an overall rating of 4.8 out of 5 based on 27 reviews, the tour offers excellent value for money.

Travelers praise the knowledgeable guides and highlight the cultural insights and scenic views as tour standouts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Chicken Bus Air-Conditioned?

The chicken bus is not air-conditioned. These traditional buses are designed for local transportation and lack modern climate control features. Passengers should expect a lively, authentic experience riding in a open-air vehicle that provides a glimpse into the local culture.

Can I Bring My Own Food on the Tour?

According to the tour details, bringing your own food is not mentioned as an inclusion or a restriction. Participants are provided with bottled water and a snack, and lunch is included in the tour. It’s best to check with the tour operator for any specific food policy.

Is the Tour Wheelchair Accessible?

Unfortunately, the tour is not wheelchair accessible. The villages and terrain visited throughout the tour may have uneven surfaces, stairs, and other obstacles that would make it difficult for wheelchair users to fully participate in the experience.

Can I Get a Discount for Booking With a Group?

Yes, groups of 4 or more can receive a discounted rate of 10% off the per-person price. The tour operator offers this group discount to encourage larger bookings and support more visitors experiencing the cultural highlights together.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

There’s no strict dress code, but comfortable, closed-toe shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended. Avoid anything too formal or impractical for touring villages and participating in activities. Layers are advised to adjust to changing temperatures throughout the day.

Recap

The Antigua Guatemala Villages Tour on a Chicken Bus offers a unique opportunity to take in the vibrant local culture. Travelers will explore picturesque villages, learn about traditional artisanal chocolate-making and sustainable agriculture, and capture stunning views of the region’s iconic volcanoes. With personalized insights from bilingual guides and a small group size, this tour provides an unforgettable and enriching experience for travelers seeking to discover the authentic charm of Antigua Guatemala.

You can check if your dates are available here: