Cerro de La Cruz, Antigua

Ride your ATV to three mountain tops with incredible views overlooking the city, valley, and volcanoes near and around Antigua. Meet your guide and set off for El Cerro de la Cruz, Antigua’s famous lookout point known as the Cross. After getting a close-up aerial view of the colonial city, hop back on your vehicle and head up El Hato Mountain towards our second stop. Arrive at the parking lot in El Hato, climb into the 4x4 pickup truck, and head to Hobbitenango. Marvel at this Lord of the Rings-themed eco-park and watch the sunset with some food, drinks, and games. Continue up the hill and sightsee; enjoy unforgettable views and various activities in this enchanted little forest. Finally, head back down the mountain, where you can grab some food and drinks at a Guatemalan restaurant located on the side of the mountain called El Tambor.

Our first stop on this tour is ¨El Cerro de la Cruz¨ this is one of the best known attractions sites in the city of Antigua, maybe even Guatemala. At the ¨Cross¨ we get a birds eye view of Antigua and the wonderful architecture of the city, not to mention the Volcanoes. Once finished taking pictures and walking around the park, we will get back on our ATVs and head up to ¨Hobbitenango¨ a lord of the rings themed Eco-Park to have some fun.  We will leave our ATVs parked in our parking lot in the mountain of El Hato and head up to Hobbitenango on a pick-up truck to sightsee, enjoy great views and other activities in this enchanted little forest.  Once finished at Hobbitenango we will take the pick up truck back to our ATVs in El Hato and go to the opposite side of the valley to a village called San Juan del Obispo.This village is located on the foothills of the Agua Volcano. In San Juan we visit a popular chocolate factory called Chocolateria Antigua, where they show us part of their chocolate making process, taste various flavors, and we have a chance to purchase the ones that we liked. Once finished we visit the main plaza of the village, where we can get a nice view of Antigua below us. After a few pictures, we will head to a local restaurant and be able to taste Guatemalan cuisine for some lunch before heading back to our office.

Visit a local coffee plantation located in the nearby town of Jocotenango. Starting from our office, you'll follow a local guide in off-road vehicles for a 15-minute journey to La Azotea coffee plantation. Once at La Azotea, you'll receive a bilingual tour from our guide, where you'll learn about the coffee and chocolate-making process while indulging in fine coffee and chocolate tastings. The tour lasts approximately 1 hour, and as it concludes, you'll have the option to explore the coffee plantations on a bicycle ride, courtesy of our friends at El Azote. You'll also have the opportunity to buy a meal and sample their craft beers. An adventure that will tantalize your senses! Once finished at the plantation you will hop back on the ATVs and head over to "El Cerro de la Cruz" to visit one of Antigua’s most well-known and visited landmarks. Since we are on bikes getting here is easier than taking the hundreds of steps and we enjoy a bird’s eye view of the colonial city.

This tour will take us all over the Panchoy Valley around Antigua. We start off going to San Juan del Obispo. It is one of the highest villages around Antigua located on the foothills of the Agua Volcano.. Here we will visit a local chocolate factory named “Chocolate Antigua” where they will show us the chocolate making process as well as get to taste the finished product. During this stop we will also visit a local wine shop which sells wines made out of a local fruit named “Nispero.” After visiting these two spots we will also head to the central plaza of the village and get a birds eye view of Antigua below us. Our next stop is the village of San Pedro de la Huertas. Here we park by the Plaza and visit a local jade shop. At the factory we are shown the processes it takes to turn raw Jade rocks and convert them into fine jewelry. A small shop is located at the factory where we can see a selection of finished products such as “Nahuales” made into necklaces, bracelets, and even keychains. After a little bit of shopping, we hop on our ATVs and head to the next stop on the tour, the first capital city of Guatemala, which is called “Ciudad Vieja” or in English it would be the “Old City”. We park by the central plaza and are able to walk over and visit the first cathedral built in Central America in the year 1534. After a small walk in the plaza we arrive at the local market and while we are there we are shown how to make tortillas like the locals. Once we finish at the market and taste our own tortillas we get on our vehicles and head over to San Antonio Aguas Calientes; in this village we visit a local and traditional textile museum and market where you can purchase local gifts,clothing, and textiles. This stop has some of the best views of the Fuego and Acatenango Volcano due to its vicinity to this small artisan town. Our last stop is the food stop, in this tour we visit a local restaurant in the village of San Pedro El Panorama that serves guatemalan dishes. When we arrive, we will be given a sample of a local dish called “Ceviche” and we are able to try their famous drinks called “Picositas”, Once finished with lunch we will head back to our office in Antigua.

This unique experience will take us to 3 mountain tops on the North side of Antigua, Guatemala. First stop is ¨El Cerro de La Cruz¨ at a height of about 5,000 ft. above sea level, this is one of Antigua´s most famous landmarks and attractions where we stop for a great aerial view of colonial Antigua and the villages, volcanoes, and nature located around the valley. After getting a close-up aerial view of the colonial city, we hop back on the vehicles and head up the El Hato Mountain towards our Second stop, where we stop to visit ¨Earth Lodge¨. This is an Avocado plantation and ECO-lodge found in the mountain village of El Hato. We will have some time for drinks and snacks, and you can also relax in one of the various hammocks. After visiting this marvelous place we will hop on a pick up truck towards our final stop which is ¨Alta Mira¨. This is a unique eco-park located in one of the highest mountains around Antigua at an elevation of about 7,600 ft. In Alta Mira, we take a short hike to enjoy more amazing views of the valley and volcanoes with lots of places to take some amazing pictures. Here we take some time to visit the famous “HANDS”, spend some time hiking in the woods, bicycle canopy, or take some pictures with the giants located around the park. We usually grab some food and drinks here or if you want something local just ask your guide. Once we are finished up at Alta Mira , we head back down to Antigua.

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.

This tour will take you up to the base of the “Volcan de Agua” at the indigenous town of Santa Maria de Jesus with an altitude of over 2,070mts above sea level. You will get to visit the local market at the town’s square. As you make your way back down to Antigua, we will stop in the town of San Juan del Obispo where we visit a local chocolate factory Chocolateria Antigua while here, we will be given a short demonstration of the chocolate making process. After our chocolate rush, we peak our heads next door to a local wine store. Here we can taste and purchase wines made from local fruits such as Nispero, Manzanilla, Mango, and the traditional grapes. Our last stop in this colorful town will be the plaza of San Juan where we are able to see most of the valley from the south side of town. Our next stop is San Pedro de las Huertas, where we visit a local jade factory and are able to see and learn about making these rocks into fine jewelry. Our next and final stop is the food stop. We visit a local restaurant where we are able to taste local food and some delicious drink

You will remember this city and this tour for many years to come! Discover the city accompanied by a seasoned tour guide expert in history, architecture, and everything related to Antigua. Hotel Pick-up: Begin your day with convenience as we pick you up from your hotel in Guatemala City or Antigua. Cerro de la Cruz: Start your journey with a panoramic view of Antigua from Cerro de la Cruz, offering a breathtaking vista of the city and its surroundings. This is the perfect place to spot in one single view the 3 volcanoes that surround Antigua: Agua, Fuego, and Acatenango. You will feel like you are standing back in time while admiring these beautiful volcanoes, in a recently remodeled place, full of gardens, and spectacular places to take pictures. La Merced Church: Immerse yourself in the intricate architecture and history of La Merced Church, a testament to Antigua's colonial past. This is the famous Antigua´s yellow church full of colonial baroque architecture style. Santa Catalina Arch: Walk beneath the iconic Santa Catalina Arch, a symbol of Antigua that graces countless postcards. Iglesia del Carmen: Experience the beauty and spirituality of Iglesia del Carmen, another architectural gem amidst the city's landscape. ChocoMuseo: Indulge your senses at ChocoMuseo, where you'll discover the rich history and production of Guatemala's famed chocolate. Central Park: Relax and soak in the ambiance of Central Park, surrounded by historical buildings, vibrant gardens, and local vendors. San Jose Cathedral and Ruins: Delve into the heart of Antigua's religious history with a visit to San Jose Cathedral, followed by an exploration of its mesmerizing ruins, revealing the city's storied past. Capuchinas Convent Ruins: Conclude your journey at Capuchinas Convent Ruins, an architectural marvel that offers a glimpse into the daily life of nuns during the colonial era. Hotel Drop-off: As the day concludes, enjoy a comfortable ride back to your hotel, reflecting on the beauty, history, and culture you've experienced, all while accompanied by our expert tour guide. Embark on this immersive journey through Antigua, where each stop promises a blend of history, culture, and unforgettable experiences, curated to offer you a comprehensive and enriching exploration of this captivating city.

Discover the colonial city of Antigua on a private half-day tour from Guatemala City. Admire the city's convents and churches, stately homes, and gardens that evoke the tranquility and splendor of past epochs. Be picked up from your hotel in Guatemala City to Sacatepequez department where Antigua Guatemala City is located. Sit back and relax on the 1.5-hour trip. Start your tour at Cerro de la Cruz, a hill offering a breathtaking view of the city surrounded by 3 stunning volcanoes. Continue to the Cathedral de Santiago, a Roman Catholic church in Antigua Guatemala. Admire the church's ruins outside and head to the Plaza Central Park. Feel like you've gone back in time as you observe the majesty of the Water Volcano looming in the background of the city, the old cobbled streets, and the 400+ years of architecture. Visit the Central Park of the Plaza de Antigua Guatemala, which is the center of the city, also surrounded by the most important buildings. Visit the Iglesia de La Merced, a beautiful yellow church that is the best example of Baroque Guatemalan architecture. Continue to the Palace of the General Captains, a colonial building that houses the offices of the Guatemalan Institute of Tourism, Guild of Tourism of Antigua, National Civil Police, and the Departmental Government, among others. Stop at ChocoMuseo La Antigua, where you can learn more about the history of chocolate and buy chocolates and many other cacao products. Next, visit the Iglesia del Carmen, a church that dates back to 1683. Finally, visit Casa Santo Domingo, the biggest monastery in Antigua Guatemala. Located on the grounds of the Santo Domingo Monastery, Casa Santo Domingo began life as the mainstay for one of the most important convents in the Americas. Its origins can be traced back to 1538, and during this time the monastery was a grand, two-towered, ten-belled building filled with riches and relics. Unfortunately, the monastery was partially destroyed in the 1773 Santa Marta earthquake, and what still stands has become a monument preserving the baroque architecture and treasures of the period. Today part of the ruins have been turned into Antigua’s only five-star hotel, which opened in 1989. Along with its reputation as one of the most unique and historic hotels in Guatemala, Hotel Casa Santo Domingo is known for having a deep respect and pride for its past. Finally, stop at the Arco de Santa Catalina, a saffron-yellow arch that has become the symbol of Antigua and the central image on most postcards.

To kick off this adventure, our meeting point will be the Union Tank, where we will await you at 9:00 a.m. in our transportation that offers panoramic views. Our first stop: Cerro de la Cruz. You'll have time to explore the area and take photos. We'll then head towards the northern part of the reserve, where you'll decide whether to go to Altamira or Hobitengo. You'll have 2 hours to enjoy the place of your choice. Our transportation will wait for you at the parking lot after the two hours, and we'll descend back to Antigua, returning to the same starting point.