Visiting Antigua Guatemala’s colonial treasures is best done through its excellent city tours. The most worthwhile options include private walking tours of the city’s magnificent Baroque churches and well-preserved cobblestone streets. For food lovers, cooking classes and market visits offer authentic tastes of Guatemalan cuisine. The Santa Catalina Arch and surrounding colonial buildings are must-sees, easily covered in small group tours. I especially love the full-day excursions from Guatemala City – they’re well-organized and include comfortable transport. The Pacaya Volcano tours are unforgettable, offering close encounters with volcanic activity. Check out our carefully selected top tours below.
Key Points
- Private tours in Antigua offer a 6-hour experience with transportation, expert guidance, and optional stops at local factories and workshops, starting at $100 per person.
- Culinary experiences in Guatemala City provide a 5-hour cooking class tour led by a professional cook, teaching participants to prepare local dishes for $120 per person.
- Morning tours from Guatemala City offer a 4-hour small group activity to explore Antigua’s cultural heritage, including the Santa Catalina Arch and colonial architecture, priced at Kč 1,437 per person.
- Full-day tours from Guatemala City provide an 8-hour private tour with round-trip transportation, a local guide, and admission to key sites, starting from $80 per person.
- Adventure tours, such as the Pacaya Volcano Day Tour, offer a 6-hour experience with a 2.5-hour hike to the 2,500-meter volcano, costing €90.39 per person.
Antigua: Antigua Guatemala and Colonial City Private Tour
Embarking on a private tour of Antigua Guatemala and the Colonial City, travelers can enjoy the historical wonders of this picturesque destination.
The 6-hour tour, starting from 8 am at their hotel, provides a comprehensive exploration of the area’s colonial architecture and rich culture. Guided by an experienced expert, guests will visit the Colonial City and its surroundings, with optional stops at a Rum Factory, Macadamia Nut Factory, and Textile workshops.
Priced from $100 per person, the tour includes private transportation, knowledgeable guidance, and tips. Travelers can reserve their spot without upfront payment and enjoy flexible travel plans, as well as a full refund if canceled up to 24 hours in advance.
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From Guatemala City: Guatemala Cooking Class Tour
Travelers seeking an immersive Guatemalan culinary experience can join a 5-hour cooking class tour departing from Guatemala City.
The class takes place in Antigua, where a professional Guatemalan cook provides instruction in both Spanish and English. Participants will learn to prepare a local dish, taste exotic ingredients, and enjoy the unique flavors of Guatemalan cuisine.
The tour includes ground transportation, cooking equipment, ingredients, and printed recipes. Priced from $120 per person, the class offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Comfortable shoes are recommended, and gratuities or personal expenses aren’t included.
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Antigua Guatemala: Morning Tour From Guatemala City
For those seeking to explore the charming colonial city of Antigua Guatemala, a morning tour departing from Guatemala City offers a convenient and comprehensive introduction.
The Antigua Guatemala: Morning Tour From Guatemala City is a 4-hour small group activity that provides pickup and includes a guided exploration of the historic city’s key landmarks.
Priced at Kč 1,437 per person, the tour covers highlights like the iconic Santa Catalina Arch, the Central Park, and the city’s impressive colonial architecture.
With a new and highly-rated offering, this morning tour is an excellent way for visitors to get acquainted with the beauty and cultural heritage of Antigua Guatemala.
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From Guatemala City, Tour to Antigua Guatemala
Visitors seeking to explore the colonial charm of Antigua Guatemala can embark on an 8-hour tour departing from Guatemala City.
This private tour, priced from $80 per person, includes round-trip transportation, a local guide, and admission to key Antigua sites like the Church of La Merced, Santa Catalina Arch, and Capuchinas Convent.
Along the scenic route, travelers can enjoy views of volcanoes and mountains.
The tour is wheelchair accessible and available in English and Spanish.
Booking is flexible, with the option to reserve a spot without upfront payment and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Despite these offerings, the tour has received a 1-out-of-5 rating based on a single review.
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Antigua Guatemala: City Highlights Guided Walking Tour
Exploring Antigua Guatemala’s timeless charm is a captivating experience with the Antigua Guatemala: City Highlights Guided Walking Tour. This 2.5-hour small-group tour, limited to 8 participants, showcases the city’s key sites, including the Church of Mercy, Church of San Francisco, Central Park, and Nim Pot Craft Market.
Led by knowledgeable, engaging guides in English, German, and Spanish, the tour immerses visitors in Antigua’s rich culture, history, and legends. With an overall 5/5 rating from 121 reviews, this tour is highly recommended, with highlights praising the guide’s expertise and helpfulness.
Visitors can explore museums, restaurants, and markets after the tour. The tour includes a certified guide and has restrictions on prohibited items, with recommended items for a comfortable experience.
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From Guatemala City or Antigua: Pacaya Volcano Day Tour
Travelers seeking to experience one of Guatemala’s most active volcanoes can embark on the Pacaya Volcano Day Tour from either Guatemala City or Antigua.
The 6-hour tour costs €90.39 per person and includes transportation, an English/Spanish-speaking guide, and entrance fees.
The journey involves a 2.5-hour hike to the 2,500-meter volcano, where visitors can witness views of nearby volcanoes and potentially see lava or steam baths, weather permitting.
While the tour isn’t suitable for those with back problems, it offers an unforgettable opportunity to explore Guatemala’s stunning volcanic landscape.
Customer reviews praise the guides and the overall experience, though some note the difficulty level and additional costs.
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Set out on a captivating full-day shared tour from Guatemala City to the colonial gem of Antigua Guatemala. Priced at just $85 per person, this 7-hour excursion offers a comprehensive experience led by live, multilingual guides.
Highlights include iconic landmarks like the Cerro de la Cruz, La Merced Church, and the Santa Catalina Arch. Explore the history of Guatemalan chocolate at the ChocoMuseo, then relax in the vibrant Central Park.
Visit the San Jose Cathedral and Capuchinas Convent Ruins for insights into Antigua’s religious past. With hassle-free hotel pickups, bottled water, and all entrance fees covered, this tour provides an immersive and enjoyable way to explore the UNESCO-listed city.
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Recap
Antigua Guatemala offers a range of exciting city tours and activities. Visitors can explore the colonial architecture, participate in a cooking class, hike the Pacaya Volcano, and more. These tours provide an immersive experience into the history and culture of this picturesque city. Whether you’re interested in sightseeing, outdoor adventures, or culinary experiences, Antigua Guatemala has something to suit every traveler’s interests.