But hang on a second - have you actually seen the REAL Guatemala? Take a Antigua Guatemala shore excursion tour with a local guide and get up close and personal with this centuries-old UNESCO World Heritage Colonial city.
The idyllic town of Antigua has been described as the best-preserved colonial city in Central America. Take a private Antigua tour up one of the three volcanic peaks that surround the city and gaze at the centuries-old buildings below. You can explore ruins, museums, art galleries, restaurants, shops and outdoor markets along the cobblestone streets of Guatemala's former capital.

You can choose from the Antigua Guatemala tours offered by ToursByLocals, but feel free to suggest alternative places and activities that strike your interest. Your guide wants you to have the ultimate Antigua Guatemala shore excursion experience. 

Antigua-Guatemala

Guatemala City's Highlights Tour with private transportation and private guide

From ancient Maya archaeological sites within the city limits, through the Historical Center and modern areas of the city, the capital of the country is a reflection of the biodiversity, cultures and conflicts that this part of the world has hosted.

La Nueva Guatemala de la Asuncion (complete name of the city) is often overlooked in favor of places with a larger tourism flow, with a private tour you can experience a different side of the city and avoid foreigner crowds.

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If you have specific transportation requirements, pricing inquiries or if your preferred start time isn't listed, please send me an email by clicking on the 'ASK A QUESTION' button that's listed on my tour page and profile. I will reply to you promptly. Thanks!

Mayan ceremony taking place in Kaminaljuyú

Explore Guatemala's capital & discover its must-see places

Visit the highlights of Guatemala, Panajachel and Tikal. Guatemala is one of the most impressive countries in Latin America. Then travel to Honduras to checkout Copan Ruins and Roatan in the Bay Islands. 

Antigua, Panajachel, Tikal, Copan Ruins, Roatan

Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras

Antigua's Highlights Private Guided Tour (from Puerto Quetzal)

Nestled in a beautiful valley surrounded by hills and 3 massive volcanoes, La Antigua is a charming colonial town that will make you feel time stopped some 300 years ago. It was once the capital of Guatemala before several earthquakes rocked the city in the 16th century, destroying buildings and leaving the city in ruins.

From its remarkable architecture, strolling through its cobblestone streets and enjoying its beautiful surroundings, you will learn about Guatemala's history during colonial times. Antigua is home to the largest Easter celebration in the world in which the Crucifix and the Resurrection of Jesus are commemorated. The procession was brought over by Spanish missionaries in the 16th Century. The entire city takes part in the event, accompanied by thousands of travelers coming to experience the energy of Holy Week. If you come around easter time, you can't miss this event!

This tour is for those arriving on a cruise ship at Puerto Quetzal. 4 persons maximum.

Entrance fee to 2 ruin in Antigua s and a fee needs to be paid to exit Puerto Quetzal 

Explore the colonial town & nearby villages

Hiking The Active Pacaya Volcano Private Tour

Pacaya volcano is one of the three active volcanoes in Guatemala, for that reason, this is a trip you can't miss while your trip to Guatemala.
The level of difficulty is easy, basically, we can do the hike in 3 hours, exploring and enjoying the beautiful landscape of the surrounding villages as well as the other volcanoes, such as; Agua, Fuego and Acatenango volcano.

Pacaya volcano is located one and a half hour far from Antigua Guatemala, the energy of this volcano will make you feel alive, during the road you will see how speciall is the place and its people. A community well organized to show guatemalans and foreiners what is to live with a volcano as a neighbour.

We love to take marshmallows or bringing our frying pan to prepare some eggs!

If you have specific requirements for a larger group, pricing inquiries or if your preferred start time isn't listed, please send me a message, I will be happy to arrange it for you.

Cooking eggs with the heat of the volcano. So we will be ready with the frying pan and eggs!

We don't guarantee see lava, but for sure you will feel the heat of the volcano.

If you feel tired, you can rent a horse to help you get up to the volcano. But, try to do it by yourself, the experience is memorable.!

The feeling of carrying your own equipment it is satisfactory!

Wonderful landscapes & roasting marshmallows on hot volcanic rock

We will embark on a tour to explore the city's most important and enchanting destinations. Our itinerary includes visits to the awe-inspiring churches of Antigua Guatemala, where we will uncover the intriguing remnants of different ruins, convents, and monuments. Of course, our adventure wouldn't be complete without immersing ourselves in the vibrancy of the city's most colorful artisan market.

Throughout the tour, you'll be treated to captivating insights into Guatemala's rich culture and history. Additionally, I'll gladly offer recommendations for other great places to explore during your stay in this beautiful city.

La Antigua Guatemala held the distinction of serving as the capital of Central America for an impressive span of 232 years. However, the city's resilience was put to the test by a series of devastating earthquakes, with the most severe striking during the 18th century.

Since 2018, I've had the honor of guiding travelers and friends, it will be a pleasure to show you the city.

Explore the heritage of humanity city

La Antigua Guatemala Walking Tour

Antigua Guatemala Highlights Walking Tour

Looking for a fun local experience in Antigua? We're going to experience a ride in the Guatemalan way by heading up in a tuk-tuk to Cerro de la Cruz, where we'll enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of this colonial city. Here we'll take fun pics with the Agua Volcano as the background!

Once we're back to the Centre, we'll explore the main streets by walking from Capuchina's Convent to the famous Santa Catalina's Arch and to the Mermaids Fountain in the Central Park! Along the way we'll see baroque style buildings an. Did you know this type of architecture made Antigua become a World Heritage city listed by UNESCO in 1979? At the Capitanes Generales Palace I'll tell you the legend of La Tatuana, a witch that escaped from prison by sailing on a boat she herself drew on the walls!

And as I do in all my tours, you'll also take Antigua in your mouth by tasting a cup of the recognized worldwide Antigua Region's coffee. You'll discover why Guatemalans drink coffee at least 5 times per day!

It includes the tuc tuc round trip and waiting time, Capuchina's convent and Cerro de la Cruz entrance fee

Fuente de las Sirenas (Mermaids' Fountain) in Antigua Guatemala's Central Park

View towards south Antigua Guatemala's Central Park, with the Saint Joseph's Church at the west (left)

Santa Catalina's Convent Arch with a XIX century clock tower

Capitanes Generales Royal Palace with double archery in its facade

Discover this wonderful colonial city on foot & on a tuk-tuk ride

If hiking an active volcano is part of your lifetime bucket list, I got you covered.

In 2004 this was the first volcano I ever hiked, and it's the one I visit with more frequency throughout a working season.

After being dormant for over 70 years, the Pacaya began erupting vigorously in 1961 and has been active since then. If you are visiting Guatemala at the right moment, you may even watch lava flowing on the surface.

This is a light-moderate hike, family-friendly and at the park's entrance its also possible to rent horses if you wish to ride them on the trail.

Pacaya volcano, main peak, before the eruption in May 2010

Ancient lava flows, before the eruption in May 2010

Recent years cooled lava flows, before the eruption in May 2010

view of the active cones after the eruption in May 2010

view of the recent dry lava flows covered with sand during the eruption in May 2010

Climb an active volcano with a private local guide

Pacaya Volcano One Day Trip

Lake Atitlan - Mayan Village Tour from Antigua

Full day trip takes you from one end of Lake Atitlan to the other. You travel by private boat to the villages of San Marcos, San Juan and Santiago, with time to explore each village.  Easy walking involved.
Your first stop is San Marcos, where we stop for a walking tour and optional cliff jumping. Then we depart the north shore for San Juan, the "Swiss village" of Lake Atitlan. You will spend approximately 2 hours on a guided walking tour where you visit art galleries, woman's weaving cooperatives, and a medicinal and curative plant garden. Lunch is at a restaurant of your choosing.
Your third stop is Santiago. The bay of Santiago is a photographer's dream. We take a tour along the shore of the bay before we start our walking tour. Your first stop is a visitor center that offers insight into the life of the Tzutujile Maya. There are interpretive displays on the history of the traje (traditional clothing), spiritual beliefs and Maximon. We we tour the local church, market, historical sites, & visit Maximon.

Ground transportation from Antigua to Lake Atitlan.

Amazing beauty will take your breath away

Tzutujile Mayan in full traditional clothes

Explore San Marcos, San Juan and Santiago

Antigua Historic Walking Tour (from Antigua)

Nestled in a beautiful valley surrounded by hills and 3 massive volcanoes, La Antigua is a charming colonial town that will make you feel time stopped some 300 years ago. It was once the capital of Guatemala before several earthquakes rocked the city in the 16th century, destroying buildings and leaving the city in ruins.

From its remarkable architecture, strolling through its cobblestone streets and enjoying its beautiful surroundings, you will learn about Guatemala's history during colonial times. Antigua is home to the largest Easter celebration in the world in which the Crucifix and the Resurrection of Jesus are commemorated. The procession was brought over by Spanish missionaries in the 16th Century. The entire city takes part in the event, accompanied by thousands of travelers coming to experience the energy of Holy Week. If you come around easter time, you can't miss this event!

This tour is for those already in Antigua. If your location is different, please request a customized tour

Admission tickets for 3 sites: La Merced Convent, Recoleccion Ruins and Sata Clara Convent. 

Discover the magic of Antigua by foot on a private guided tour

Pacaya Volcano and Marshmallows Full-Day Tour

Ascending a volcano is a unique experience, especially if it is an active one! The Pacaya Volcano offers this experience to people of all ages, as the hike is well-marked and requires a moderate level of physical fitness.

The first part of the ascent goes through a forest with lookout points, providing views of the Fuego, Agua, and Acatenango volcanoes. The final stretch will be over loose sand, which is one of the more challenging parts. we will admire the impressive Pacaya Volcano from a safe vantage point, as ascending to the crater is not allowed due to its volcanic activity. We will walk on petrified lava rivers, where some areas still maintain high temperatures, and take advantage of the natural heat to roast marshmallows. After the relaxing hike on the active volcano, we will descend with caution.

Relaxing hike on an active volcano!

Coffee Tour in Antigua Guatemala from Puerto Quetzal Private Tour

Let's enjoy Antigua through this sightseeing walking tour, in which history and baroque style buildings will take you back to the Spanish times. Did you know this type of architecture made Antigua become a World Heritage city listed by UNESCO in 1979?

But coffee is also in the menu! Can you believe there are 8 different coffee regions only in this small country? Guatemala produces a worldwide recognized coffee. We'll go exploring the plantations located at the skirts of the Agua Volcano to know the conditions and processes in which small-scale farmers produce this great quality coffee, later you'll get the chance to share time with the family at their own house, know the artisanal grinding process and taste this excellent beverage.

Coffee tour, which includes: visit to plantations at the skirt of the Agua Volcano, with small-scale farmers that export their product to USA; visit to farmer's house where explanation and demonstration of artisanal coffee grinding and toasting processes take place; and tasting of coffee beverage

Pepián: Demonstration of the cooking process and tasting of this traditional Guatemalan dish listed as National Heritage based on native ingredients mixed with Spanish ingredients), which consists of:
chicken in tomato and chili sauce (not spicy), rice, guisquil, potato and carrot, avocado and white maize tortillas.

Natural beverage (lemonade or hibiscus, you tell me your choice when booking).

Mermaids Fountain at the Central Park of Antigua

Group picture in front of El Carmen Church facade

Group pic with the Santa Catalina's Arch in the background

Don Jorge explaining the trees species they use to give shade to the coffee plants

At the kitchen with coffee farmer's family

Don Jorge explaining the history of the family cooperative in the coffee plantation

Don Jorge showing a plant of coffee and explaining its growing phases

Explore Antigua through history and coffee

Highlights of El Paredon Beach Full Day Tour - Shore Excursion

People say Guatemala isn't known for its beaches. They must have overlooked El Paredón, Guatemala's best beach and possibly one of its best kept secrets. A rural fishing village on a black sand beach with palm trees, hammocks, a few hotels and local restaurants located inside the Sipacate-El Naranjo National Park.

El Paredon is an off-the-beaten-path destination located only 1 hour away from Puerto Quetzal. With its lush mangroves, beautiful sandy beaches, and an amazing viewing spot for sea turtles and local hatcheries, this laid-back beach town is a destination that will show you a different side of Guatemala.

This tour is designed for those who want to spend a fun day at the beach, as well as for spotting wildlife in the mangrove's channels and doing other water activities. Thi visit to the marine turtle sanctuary only apply during turtle season. The nesting season runs from June through December, but peaks in August and September.

Mangrove & Artisan fishing tour (minimun 2 persons) 
Includes snacks, drinks and lunch 

Visit Guatemala's black sand beaches & enjoy nature's pleasures

Did you know that "Camionetas" are the public transportation vehicles throughout Guatemala? They originally come from the United States and/or Canada but, upon arriving in Guatemala, they are uniquely decorated.

During this tour, we will board a bus at a bus stop as locals do and depart to San Juan del Obispo. Upon arrival, we will visit a chocolate factory, where we will learn the process of turning chocolate from a plant into a consumable product. We will also visit an artisanal wine shop, where we can taste níspero wine made by the locals, and we will be explained the entire production process. Lastly we will go the museum, which was the residence of Guatemala's first bishop, and the central square.

Yes, you will be able to purchase chocolate or wine that you will love.

An original way to visit a town nearby La Antigua

Chicken Bus Experience Tour

Semana Santa in Antigua Guatemala Private Tour

This is one of the most memorable experiences in Guatemala formerly brought by Spaniards back in the XVI century and disperse along the country since then. But the cobbled stone streets, the baroque architectural style of the temples, residences and public buildings create a special scenario where processions, imagery, sandwood and flower carpets, martial bands and devotion takes place. So you're going to put your hands-on the making of a colorful carpet helping a local family, watch the departure of a significant procession for the Antigueños, visit altars in two churches (one of the altars is made with vegetables as offerings), and taste some traditional sweets of this purple season. Carpets will be along the route so you're not missing anything. You'll be surrounded by local people and entire families that are coming to Antigua to enjoy of this tradition from one generation to another. It's all about faith.

Turn all your senses on with this beautiful Guatemalan tradition

I can offer to pick you up at your hotel, give you a tour of Antigua, and return you to the hotel. The tour would include many historical colonial sights in Antigua, a UNESCO world heritage site.
We will explore some of the most interesting historic sights, and discuss its colonial history and economic development.
We will visit as many of the following sights as suit your interests; Central park, Palace of the General Arms, La Merced church, Santa Catarina arch and 5th avenue, Las Cappucinas convent, Museum Casa Santo Domingo, San Francisco church, Hermano Pedro hospital, La Union park and pilas, handicraft and main city market, coffee and macademia farms, and more.

your guide hard at work at his Antigua office.

See colonial architecture dating to the 1580

Antigua has over two dozen historical churches and cathedrals

Santa Catarina arch is the most famous landmark of La Antigua.

Colorful chicken buses at the Antigua terminal. The buses are great fun to photograph, and if you are up for an adventure we will take a short ride on one.

Eat like a local and enjoy the best food in Antigua

Learn about the Mayan textiles from local weavers

The temporary alfombras (sawdust carpets) can be found on the streets of Antigua starting Ash Wednesday and ending Easter Sunday.

One day driving/walking tour

Explore Antigua, its history and economy

This tour is for people staying in Guatemala city, willing to do a day tour of Antigua and then returning back to Guatemala city.

Antigua Guatemala is one of the three UNESCO World Heritage Sites recognized in the country. This town has preserved colonial architectural traits and many interesting ruins of buildings that served different purposes between the 16th and 18th centuries.

The city was the Capital of the General Captaincy of Guatemala during 234 years. Nowadays is one of the most developed tourism destinations in the country. Discover it!

Volcanoes Fuego and Acatenango in the background

San vicente pacaya tours

Explore with 29 tours and 7 guides.

Nestor

$ 250 (USD)

Fernando E.

$ 2,500 (USD)

Daniela F.

$ 635 (USD)

Yessika C.

$ 895 (USD)

Luis G.

$ 90 (USD)

Laura V.

$ 168 (USD)

Nestor

$ 400 (USD)

Lee B.

$ 475 (USD)

Daniela F.

$ 120 (USD)

Luis G.

$ 520 (USD)

Laura V.

$ 965 (USD)

Daniela F.

$ 585 (USD)

Luis G.

$ 115 (USD)

Laura V.

$ 290 (USD)

Lee B.

$ 845 (USD)

Nestor

$ 250 (USD)

Meet your local guides in San vicente pacaya

Customize your tour