Guatemala City

Bus & Minivan Tours

Start the day with a trip from Antigua or Guatemala City to the Maya town of Panajachel. During the drive there will be a brief stop in Katok, a very famous restaurant where you can indulge in a hot drink. Once at Panajachel, it's time for a boat trip to cross Lake Atitlán and visit the Tzutuhil Village of Santiago de Atitlán. In this village you will visit the confraternity of the local saint named Maximon or Ri Laj Mam, visited by people all over the world who come to ask for health and prosperity in their lives. The lake itself owes its grandeur to its enormous size and spectacular volcanic setting. Three large volcanoes, Atitlán Tolimán and San Pedro, rise gracefully from its southern shore, creating breathtaking views around the area. You will experience these views and the traditional practices still carried out by the Maya-Tzutujil and Cakchiquel women who live around the lake. After a short transfer, we will have lunch at one of the most exquisite restaurants of Panajachel. While in town, guestes will also Santander Street and experience its vast, bustling handicraft market.

Antigua Guatemala, once the third largest city in all of Spanish Colonial America and for 200 years the capital of Guatemala, is today a peaceful, beautiful, and partially restored colonial city. Cobblestone streets wind through the city of majestic churches and monasteries. After pickup in Guatemala City, transfer to Antigua Guatemala to meet your local guide and begin your gentle 3-hour walking tour. Visit the Jade Factory and Museum to admire ancient Guatemalan carving traditions. Continue to the ruins of El Carmen church and browse for souvenirs at the craft market beside the ruined building. You will see La Merced Church of Guatemalan, which features an ultra-baroque style, as well as two bell towers. On the facade of the church in its upper part is a sculpture of San Pedro Nolasco, founder of the Mercedarian Order. You will also see Santa Catalina Arch, built to connect the nuns between cloisters to avoid being seen. After the earthquakes of 1773, the arch became important due to the alterations that were made. These alterations included the construction of a turret and the inclusion of a Lamy Amp Lacroix clock of French origin. You will then see Central Park, which is situated in the traditional grid pattern used frequently in urban planning in the Spanish colonies. The park is surrounded by the Palace of the General Captains, the Town Hall, the Cathedral of San Jose, and the Trade Portal. Here in the park, you will also find the Las Sirenas fountain. This fountain has a traditional folk story where the Count of La Gomera ordered the fountain to be built in memory of his daughters, who after giving birth, did not want to breastfeed their children. The count then ordered his daughters to be tied to a trunk in the center of a waterhole, where they died of thirst and hunger. Continue your way you will visit the La Unión tank, which is one of the most iconic laundries in this city (only the big houses had proper washing facilities). For this reason, most of the inhabitants (housewives) went to public laundries. This was inaugurated on February 3, 1853. At the end of the tour you’ll be transferred back to your hotel in Guatemala City.

Enjoy 2 full days learning about the ancient Mayan civilization through visits to 2 important archeological sites in Copan and Quirigua. During your 2 days, you will drive across the countries of Guatemala and Honduras and see the scenery and landscapes of these countries. Spend time walking among these well-preserved ruins and learning about the histories and beliefs of the Maya people, as well as the connection between Copan and Quirigua. Detailed Itinerary Day 1: Guatemala City – Copan 7:00: Depart from Guatemala City and make your way to Copan. 11:00: Arrive in Copan and visit the Mayan site of Copan, or the "Kingdom of the Sun," dating back to 300 to 900 AD. See the stone sculptures and ceremonial temples, as well as the residential areas. 16:00: Overnight accommodation at a selected hotel in Copán. Day 2: Copan – Quirigua – Guatemala City 8:00: After breakfast, transfer from Copan, in Honduras, to Quirigua, in Guatemalan territory 11:30: Visit the archaeological site of Quirigua, known for the tallest stelae in the Mayan world. The character that stands out is Kak Chan Tiliw Yopa, also known as Heaven Kawak. Learn about the histories and beliefs of the people, and the Mayan Calendar that predicts the end of the world on 21 December 2012. 14:00: Transfer to Guatemala City or Antigua for overnight accommodations (not included).

Visit Antigua, Guatemala, a town where time stands still. Once the third largest city in all of Spanish Colonial America and for 200 years the capital of Guatemala, it is today a peaceful, beautiful and partially restored colonial city. Cobblestone streets wind through the city of majestic churches and monasteries. You will be picked up at your hotel in Guatemala City before transferring to Antigua Guatemala to meet your local guide and begin your soft walking of approximately 3 hours. During your tour, visit the La Merced Church of Guatemalan with its ultra-baroque style. This temple has two bell towers and on the facade of the church in its upper part is a sculpture of San Pedro Nolasco, founder of the Mercedarian Order. Here, you will also see the Santa Catalina Arch. This was built to connect the nuns between cloisters to avoid being seen due to the votes that the religious order took. After the earthquakes of 1773, the arch became important due to the alterations that were made. These alterations included the construction of a turret and the inclusion of a Lamy Amp Lacroix clock of French origin. Next up on the tour is Central Park. Situated in the traditional grid pattern used frequently in urban planning in the Spanish colonies. The park is surrounded by the Palace of the General Captains, the Town Hall, the Cathedral of San Jose, and the Trade Portal. Here in the park, you will also find the Las Sirenas fountain. This fountain has a traditional folk story where the Count of La Gomera ordered the fountain to be built in memory of his daughters, who in giving birth did not want to breastfeed their children. The count then ordered his daughters to be tied to a trunk in the center of a waterhole, where they died of thirst and hunger. You will continue your tour with a visit the La Unión tank, which is one of the most iconic laundries in this city (only the big houses possessed laundry facilities). For this reason, most of the inhabitants (housewives) went to public laundries. This was inaugurated on February 3, 1853. You will then be given time for lunch (not included).  Then, you will continue on your tour to visit the surrounding villages, San Antonio, and the town of Aguas Calientes. This town is characterized by its elaborate weavings made in waist looms by women of the community. In your visit to the market you can see how they make these textiles, and you will continue with a visit to Ciudad Vieja to learn about its history. To end your tour, you will visit a Macadamia farm where you will learn about the cultivation of macadamia nuts, their agro-industrial process, and the reforestation project, before relaxing with a facial massage with macadamia oil. At end of the tour, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel in Guatemala City

Spend a day on Lake Atitlán, the deepest lake in Central America, on a full-day trip from Guatemala City. Enjoy a cruise along the waters, and visit nearby villages. Departing from Guatemala City in the morning, travel to Panajachel. Then take a public boat across Atitlán and visit Santiago Atitlán, where you will learn about the local saint; Maximon. Enjoy the vibrant colors and local flavor of this village as you experience the traditional Tz’utujil Mayan lifestyle. Santiago is the most popular lakeside settlement outside Panajachel, and many atitecos (as its people are known) cling to a traditional Tz’utujil Mayan lifestyle. Women weave and wear huipiles (tunics) embroidered with brilliantly-colored birds and flowers, and the cofradías towns maintain the ceremonies and rituals of tradition — the syncretic traditions and practices of Mayan Catholicism. There’s also a large arts and crafts scene here as well.  You'll then be given free time for lunch, after which you’ll be returned to Guatemala City via Antigua Guatemala.

Experience two of Guatemala's most celebrated points of interest: sparkling Lake Atitlan and the Chichicastenango Market on this 3-day tour from Antigua. Visit the highland town of Chichicastenango, world-famous for its open-air market. Here you'll find amazing handicrafts created by the indigenous Maya people as you witness an incessant exchange of fruits and vegetables. Next to the market stands the Church of Santo Tomas, a 16th-century church where you can observe age-old Mayan rituals being performed. Filling an enormous caldera and surrounded by volcanoes and traditional Mayan villages, Lake Atitlan has become renowned for its indescribable beauty and unique cultural history. Spend a day on a guided boat tour of the lake and surrounding towns, then experience the nightlife of Panajachel. Detailed Itinerary Day 1: Antigua ̶ Chichicastenango – Panajachel Travel from Antigua to Chichicastenango. Explore the open-air market, where a wide array of produce, finely woven textiles, and intricate handicrafts are for sale. Afterward, visit the Church of Santo Tomas. Evening transfer to Panajachel for overnight. Day 2: Lake Atitlan Boat Trip Board a private boat for a scenic trip across Lake Atitlan. Visit two traditional Maya villages that line the shores of the lake and admire views of the nearby volcanoes. Afterward, enjoy free time in Panajachel on your own. Day 3: Panajachel ̶ Antigua Have free time to further explore Panajachel. In the afternoon, transfer to Antigua Colonial City.

After being picked up from your hotel in Guatemala City, transfer to Pacaya Volcano National Park which contains Pacaya Volcano, the most active volcano in Guatemala which reaches 2500 meters above sea-level. Upon arrival at the park, you will be greeted by an expert local guide. Begin the adventure from the San Vicente de Pacaya village and hike for 60 minutes to the top of the volcano along the trails. On the way, appreciate the beautiful landscape and take in the views of the Agua Volcano and the Fuego Volcano. Learn about the local vegetation and animal species that live in the area from your guide. Halfway up the trail, visit the Lava Store, where you can purchase a beautiful handmade souvenir made from volcanic material which supports the work of local artisans in the community. At the top of the volcano, enjoy the opportunity to explore, roast marshmallows on volcanic rocks and take in the incredible views. After the hike, you will be transferred back to your hotel in Guatemala City.

Enjoy a day discovering the sights and sounds of Antigua. This program is part of Guatemala’s Traditional One Day Tours. You will have the chance to see some of the most important cultural and historic sights of Antigua on this full-day tour. The tour can begin from Antigua Guatemala or Guatemala City depending on where you are staying. You will begin your day with a visit to el Cerro de La Cruz where you will experience magnificent views of Antigua. Next you can enjoy Guatemala's rich culture by visiting some Antigua's cultural highlights. You will travel to the Plaza Central to see The Cathedral, San Francisco Church, La Merced, Calle del Arco, Museo del Jade, and Casa Santo Domingo. In the afternoon you will get the chance to see the coffeemaking process of one of the best coffee plantations in the world and even have the opportunity to taste this world renowned coffee. Detailed Itinerary 08:00: Transfer from Guatemala City to Antigua Guatemala. 09:00: Upon arrival, visit Cerro de la Cruz, where you can appreciate the beauty of this colonial city. Transfer to the main plaza of Antigua Guatemala. 10:15: Visit the most important and significant attractions of the city including Antigua’s most beautiful churches, monasteries and important monuments. 13:00: Have lunch in one of the exquisite restaurants of the city. 14:15: Coffee Tour where guests can learn about coffee processing and taste a cup of Guatemalan coffee. 17:00: Transfers back to your Hotel in Antigua or Guatemala City.

Your tour begins with the pick-up at the Guatemala City airport. First, visit Las Americas Avenue, a famous area of the city named after major reforms made in the late nineteenth century.  Continue to Berlin Plaza, here are three pieces of concrete brought from Germany, these are original sections of the Berlin Wall and from here you can view part of the city and the landscape of the volcanoes. Pass by La Reforma avenues, built inspired by the avenues of France. See also the Yurrita Church, a private chapel of mixed Baroque style, with Romanesque and Byzantine elements, built as a votive offering by Felipe Yurrita to the Virgin of Our Lady of Sorrows, patron of his native town. Continue to the Civic Center of the city, a set of buildings constructed between the 50s and 60s that includes: the Supreme Court of Justice, the Ministry of Public Finance, City Hall, the Social Security, the Bank of Guatemala, the National Mortgage Bank, and the Guatemalan Tourism Commission. The Bank of Guatemala is a particularly special sight as it is decorated with murals by Dagoberto Vasquez describing the history of the country, and also includes a mosaic by Carlos Mérida. Next, continue to the Major Plaza of the Constitution. This plaza is the heart of the historic center of the city. It is surrounded by important monuments such as the National Palace (now the Cultural National Palace and Museum), the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Portal of Commerce and Centenarian Park. A few steps away are the National Library and the General Archive of Central America. The tour includes a visit to the Central Market, which is located behind the Metropolitan Cathedral, in the basement of the Tabernacle Plaza. Visitors can buy a variety of art and handicrafts from all over the country here including ceramics, textiles, leather, wood, and silver. At the end of the tour transfer back to Guatemala City airport.

This day-long tour of Guatemala, beginning from Antigua or Guatemala City, covers market villages to picturesque lakes and is sure to give you a bar-none introduction to some of the country's loveliest sights! Start your day at the open market of Chichicastenango. Here, you can explore the indigenous market and witness the incessant exchange of fruits, vegetables and handicrafts between local people and foreigners. This charming local market really does offer just about everything—you can even shop for wood products, ceramics and the sorts of gifts that the Mayan priests offer on their pre-hispanic altars. We will then move on to visit Santo Tomás church, where the Popol Vuh (The sacred book of the Maya) was found. For the perfect end to the day we will spend the remainder of our time overlooking one of the world's most beautiful lakes.