Day Trips & Excursions in Central Highlands

Pacaya Volcano is one of the most active--and most popular--in all of Guatemala. Stationed some 2,500 meters above sea level, this destination is an ideal spot for travelers who want an easy hike, epic views and some memorable stories. This tour allows you the comfort and ease of pre-arranged transportation to ensure you get the most out of your hike.

Ascend to the fiery summit of the Santa Maria volcano on a full-day trip from Quetzaltenango. Accompanied by your guide, you'll trek to the top of Guatemala's fourth highest volcano to enjoy spectacular views of the lush country. After a challenging hike, you'll be rewarded with unrivalled views of the neighboring Santiaguito volcano's crater - one of the world's most active volcanoes - and the Guatemalan highlands. Receive personalized attention from your guide on this small-group tour, limited to 10 people.

Discover the mysteries of the ancient Maya civilization on this full-day tour to the archeological site of Mixco Viejo, including hotel pick-up and round-trip transport from Antigua. Follow your guide around the vast Mayan ruins and learn how the city was once the capital of the Poqomam Maya kingdom as you marvel over temples, palaces and ball courts. After lunch (own expense), you'll enjoy free time to explore independently, before heading back to Antigua.

Explore the fascinating Spanish and Mayan history of Guatemala on this family-friendly 8-hour tour to Iximch e and colonial Antigua. Wander the atmospheric archaeological site of Iximch e to discover the history of the Mayans. Then head to Antigua, former colonial capital, where you'll visit the San Francisco Church, Calle del Arco, La Merced Church and the central plaza. Your excursion also includes round-trip transportation from your hotel, a guide and all entrance fees.

Challenge yourself by climbing the Acatenango volcano. Your experienced bilingual guide will lead you on a roughly 6-hour climb, passing through cornfields and a cloud forest before reaching the ashy volcanic landscape. Acatenango is inactive but grants incredible views of Fuego, an active volcano nearby. Enjoy a picnic at the top before descending. Climbers are encouraged to bring good shoes, a fleece, raincoat, sunglasses, and sunblock.

Get up close and personal with a Guatemalan volcano during this 7-hour Pacaya Volcano hike, one of the country's most active. Travel through volcanic vegetation and surreal landscapes on your way to the top, enjoying impressive views of three nearby volcanic peaks, including Agua, Fuego and Acatenango at the summit. Your trip from Antigua to the volcano also includes round-trip transportation from your hotel and a guide.

Enjoy the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation on this 9-hour day trip, ascending Pacaya Volcano and then soaking your muscles at a thermal bath resort. Scale the 8,300-foot (2,500-meter) heights of Pacaya, one of the most active volcanoes in Guatemala. At the top you'll be able to peer down into the boiling lava of the crater and feel the earth's rumble. Descend back down from the summit to enjoy an included lunch and soak in the thermal waters of Kawilal Hot Springs, featuring 12 soaking pools, 25 steam baths and 3 hydrotherapy baths. Your Pacaya day trip also includes entrance fees, a guide and round-trip hotel transport.

Get acquainted with the colonial delights of Antigua on a full-day trip to Guatemala's prettiest city from San Salvador. After crossing the El Salvador and Guatemala border, you'll marvel at top Antigua attractions such as La Merced Cathedral, the Jade Museum (Museo del Jade) and Santa Catalina Arch. From the elevated lookout point of Cerro de la Cruz, you'll admire views of Pacaya Volcano and learn about Antigua's colonial history from your guide. On this small-group tour, limited to 15 people, round-trip transport from your San Salvador hotel is included.

Enjoy the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation on this 9-hour day trip, ascending Pacaya Volcano and then soaking your muscles at Kawilal Hot Springs. Scale the 8,300-foot (2,500-meter) heights of Pacaya, one of the most active volcanoes in Guatemala. At the top you'll be able to peer down into the boiling lava of the crater and feel the earth's rumble. Descend back down from the summit to enjoy an included lunch and soak in the thermal waters of Kawilal Hot Springs, including 12 soaking pools, 25 steam baths and 3 hydrotherapy baths. Your Pacaya day trip also includes entrance fees, a guide and round-trip hotel transport.

Immerse yourself in the colonial history of Antigua, plus the idyllic landscape of small villages and farms just outside of town, on this 8-hour excursion. Explore the centuries-old traditions of the tiny hamlets like San Antonio Aguas Calientes, Ciudad Vieja and San Juan del Obispo just outside of Antigua, where you'll also stop to visit a macadamia nut plantation. Then tread the cobblestone streets of Antigua on foot, visiting city landmarks including the Arch of Santa Catalina, Cathedral of San Jose and much more. This Antigua small villages and walking tour also covers a guide, and round-trip hotel transport.

Get a taste for the sublime scenery and fascinating indigenous markets of Guatemala during this day trip to Chichicastenango and Lake Atitlan from Guatemala City or Antigua. Check out the highland town of Chichicastenango, home to a community of indigenous residents, a colorful market and local shamans performing ancient Mayan rituals. You'll then explore the shores of Lake Atitlan, a one-of-a-kind lake ringed by a collection of magnificent volcanoes. This Chichicastenango and Lake Atitlan day trip includes a guide and round-trip hotel transport.

Immerse yourself in the colonial history of Antigua and the idyllic landscape of the small villages and farms just outside of town on this 10-hour excursion from Guatemala City. Explore the centuries-old traditions of tiny hamlets like San Antonio Aguas Calientes, Ciudad Vieja and San Juan del Obispo just outside of Antigua, where you'll also stop to visit a macadamia nut plantation. Then tread the cobblestone streets of Antigua on foot, visiting city landmarks including the Arch of Santa Catalina, Cathedral of San Jose and much more. This Antigua small villages and walking tour also covers lunch (optional), a guide, and round-trip hotel transport.

Explore the beautiful Spanish-colonial architecture and beautiful setting of Antigua during this 8-hour day trip. This UNESCO World Heritage-listed city offers a wealth of historic monasteries, churches and monuments to explore, all set among a landscape of towering volcanoes and cobblestone streets. During your trip you'll visit a number of town's most important buildings, check out some of the surrounding villages and have time to shop for souvenirs inspired by the ancient Maya. Your Antigua day trip also includes a guide and round-trip hotel transport.

Journey from Antigua to explore the fascinating market at Chichicastenango plus the town of Panjachel, along the shores of Lake Atitlán, on this 9-hour day trip. Take time to browse the ceramics and woodcrafts at the famous open-air market of Chichicastenango before visiting the city's religious structures, Iglesia de Santo Tomas and Calvary Church. Then head to Panjachel, where you'll take in views of Lake Atitlán as you explore the town's main thoroughfare, Santander Street. Your trip also includes a guide and round-trip transportation from your hotel in Antigua.

Discover the lively highland culture and beautiful scenery of Guatemala during this full-day visit to Chichicastenango and Lake Atitlan from Antigua. Start by checking out the colonial architecture and sprawling market of Chichicastenango, where vendors hawk everything from colorful handicrafts to candles, food and machetes. You'll then have a chance to explore the picturesque town of Panjachel on the volcano-rimmed shores of Lake Atitlan. Your Chichicastenango and Lake Atitlan trip includes a guide and round-trip hotel transport.

Explore the colorful towns of Panajachel and Chichicastenago on this exciting day trip from Guatemala City, complete with round-trip hotel service. You'll wander through open-air markets and comb through the unique handmade goods Guatemala is famous for on this popular day trip. Visit the Church of Santo Tomas and Calvary Church in Chichiscastenango's central plaza with your expert local guide, and make your way to the lakeside town of Panajachel, where you'll navigate the Santander Street towards incredible views of Lake Atitlan and check out handcrafted leather goods, pottery and fabrics along the way.

On your own, it's difficult to squeeze the the Chichicastenango Market and Lake Atitlan into a single day, but this guided tour makes it a breeze by handling all the transportation logistics from Guatemala City. Plus, going with a guide keeps you from getting lost in the crowds of one of the largest open-air markets in Central America and provides tons of insight into the rich cultures around Lake Atitlan.

Explore the old and new capitals of Guatemala on this full-day sightseeing adventure that combines both vehicle and walking tours of Guatemala City and Antigua. You'll see major highlights like the Civic Center, Metropolitan Cathedral and the Central Market in Guatemala City, before heading to the World-Heritage listed city of Antigua. Wander the historic streets of this picturesque colonial town and stop at La Merced Church, Central Park and other highlights before enjoying a traditional lunch.