10 Best Tours in Antigua, Guatemala for Fun and Adventure

Looking for the best tours in Antigua, Guatemala?

Antigua, Guatemala, is one of the most exciting places to visit in Central America. There are tons of adventurous things to do in the city.

It’s also the perfect home base for day trips around the region.

We spent a month living in, traveling around, and exploring Antigua Guatemala.

Our time was spent exploring the cobblestone streets, finding some fantastic things to do, eating delicious Guatemalan food, and making new friends at the local bars.

Trying to figure out the best tours in Antigua, Guatemala can be overwhelming, especially if you are short on time.

Luckily, after spending so many weeks exploring Antigua, we discovered the best tours and adventurous things to do so you don’t have to go searching.

By the end of this article, you’ll be ready to pack your bags and head out for the perfect vacation to Antigua, Guatemala!

Let’s roll.

Top 10 Best Tours in Antigua Guatemala for Adventure

In the list below, I will cover the best tours that take you deep into Guatemala’s natural beauty and give you a sense of adventure.

Including seeing volcanoes up close and personal, tiny villages, breathtaking thrills, and much more.

1. Tikal Ruins Trip

The Tikal Ruins is a challenging trip; it takes about 12 hours to get there by car. However, this fantastic tour includes round-trip flights to Flores, making your journey much easier.

This Antigua tour is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

The Tikal Ruins are the best-preserved Mayan ruins in Guatemala and some of the best in all of Central America.

They’re located in a remote jungle that the Mayan people held sacred.

When you visit Tikal, you’ll also get to see the tiny, colorful village of Flores. You will get to see one of the largest archaeological sites while visiting the ancient Mayan ruins of Tikal.

Experience pyramids and temples through a maze of courtyards on one of the best tours from Antigua, Guatemala.

2. Mixco Viejo Ruins

If Tikal is too far for your trip, consider visiting the Mixco Viejo Ruins outside the city of Mixco. It only takes about an hour to drive there from Antigua, Guatemala.

One of the most notable features of this site is the grand staircase, which is one of the best preserved of all the Mayan ruins.

There are also several temples and other structures to explore.

Be sure to check out the on-site museum! There are many fascinating artifacts. You can also learn about the Mayan people and the history of archaeology on the site.

3. El Hato and Hobbitenango

El Hato and Hobbitenango might be one of the most Instagram-able tours from Antigua, Guatemala.

That’s particularly true if you or anyone in your group loves The Lord of the Rings, though you don’t have to be a fan to enjoy it.

Part of this park is designed to look loosely like the Shire in the Peter Jackson film adaptation of the series. You’ll be able to pose near homes built into hillsides and fantastic combinations of color and design.

El Hato is also an eco-destination. They offer ecologically conscious hikes and tours, restaurants and food tastings, locally-brewed beers, artisans, and more.

There’s even a miniature golf course with handmade mallets. 

The entire park has a laid-back, idyllic atmosphere. You can easily spend a day taking in the activities or just come by for a meal and a stroll.

This tour is the ultimate unique experience adventure and one of the top things to see in the area.

4. Antigua ATV Villages Tour

Many small villages dating back hundreds of years surround the city of Antigua. You can visit several on a half-day or full-day Antigua ATV Villages Tour.

Board your ATV or motorcycle (helmet, fuel, and services included) and head out of town to visit some beautiful, less-populated small towns and villages, including  Ciudad Vieja.

You’ll also get to see the astounding Agua Volcano.

On an Antigua ATV Villages Tour, you’ll visit a unique textile market. Since Guatemala is known for its traditional textiles, this is the perfect place to grab a souvenir. 

We especially love the Antigua ATV Villages Tour for visitors with limited time.

Since you’re mobile, you’ll get to see much of the Guatemalan landscape as you zip from site to site.

5. Pacaya Volcano Trek

Seeing the Pacaya Volcano, an active volcano, is one of the most exciting guided tours in Antigua, Guatemala. This volcano is one of the most popular to tour since it’s easily accessible from Antigua. 

From the base of the trail, you’ll see the plumes of smoke rising into the clouds from the top of Pacaya. On your trek toward the top, you’ll also see freshly molten lava and centuries of volcanic rock.

The trails you’ll take on your Pacaya Volcano Trek are relatively easy, without steep slopes, so it’s appropriate for most tourists. Even kids can tackle this tour. 

The best part is roasting marshmallows in the lava vents to make s’mores!

Several businesses offer tours of Pacaya. Some take only a few hours, while others are full-day experiences.

6. Lake Atitlan Tour from Antigua

A Day Tour of Lake Atitlan is one of the best destinations to visit from Antigua.

Lake Atitlan is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s peaceful and relaxing, perfect for the day after a big hike. This is the most beautiful lake in the surrounding area and is well worth visiting

Alternatively, you can customize your tour of Lake Atitlan to include a boat ride, hiking, swimming, Mayan ruins, and more.

If you want to see one of Guatemala’s quaint towns, visit San Pedro La Laguna on the shores of Lake Atitlan. You’ll also see volcanoes and be surrounded by lush tropical vegetation.

The architecture and buildings reflect the color and vibrancy of the landscape. You can book tours with private transportation, on adventurous ATV rides, or as a simple day tour.

Choose the tour that best suits your travel style and timeframe!

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📍 Some visitors prefer to spend the night in San Pedro La Laguna, one of the surrounding villages around Lake Atitlan. There are a number of small, beautiful family-run inns and hotels.

You’ll get to see more of the breathtaking landscape by giving yourself more time to explore. If you want your fun day trip to last a little longer, consider booking a room near the lake.

7. Iximche Mayan Ruins

The Iximche Mayan Ruins are an astounding pre-Columbian site located only about 55 kilometers (about 80 minutes) from Antigua.

This tour includes private transportation to the ruins. 

There are two major things to see while you’re at the ruins: the large building structures and the museum.

The former includes pyramids and temples. In the latter, you can see hundreds of smaller objects collected at the site, as well as learn about the culture that once called this region home.

The tour guides will provide you with ample information and background knowledge of the history of the Mayan civilization.

Alternatively, you can choose a more rugged experience and see the ruins from a nearby hike or trek.

8. Chichicastenango

Guatemala isn’t just known for its farms; it’s also famous for gorgeous textiles, particularly those made traditionally by indigenous peoples. 

One of the largest textile markets is in Chichicastenango, about two and a half hours from Antigua (Chichicastenango distance is 106 kilometers) in the Guatemalan highlands.

Many companies offer tours of the town that provide transportation to and from Antigua. So you can customize your Chichicastenango trip to suit your travel preferences 

As you browse the textiles and other handmade goods in Chichicastenango’s marketplace, you’ll be struck by the vibrancy and range of colors on display. 

This startling brightness lifts everyone’s mood as you walk through the town and take in the beautiful Caribbean-inspired architecture.

One of the other popular sites in this town is Iglesia de Santo Tomas. Christian invaders built this church in 1545 on the ruins of a Mayan temple.

You can still climb the pre-Columbian steps to see the beautiful murals and architecture in the building.

There are various tours offered that give you a great chance to see local markets and all the best places so you can book according to what you like best.

9. Acatenango Volcano Trek

Guatemala is a part of the world with a lot of volcanic activity. Acatenango Volcano is nearby two other volcanoes, Fuego Volcano and Pacaya Volcano.

An Acatenango Volcano trek may be one of the most adventurous Antigua tours. Watching the sunrise over the plumes of smoke on the neighboring volcano is a once-in-lifetime opportunity.

The Acentenango Volcano trek is an advanced hike that takes at least a full day. Many travelers make this an overnight excursion. Which is honestly the best way to experience this volcano.

The tour includes all the equipment you need for an overnight trek plus 3 meals!

Just bring appropriate footwear and clothing, a camera, and a sense of adventure. The altitude on the trek can be challenging, so make sure you’re in shape to tackle it.

Hiking experts recommend that you acclimate to the altitude for a few days before embarking on this tour.

Spend some time checking out some of the other best tours in Antigua, Guatemala, see other sites, and experience the greater Antigua area. 

If you can’t get enough of volcanos, check out Agua Volcano as well. You can also do tours of different volcanoes throughout the country.

10. Guatemala City Tours

You’ll find Guatemala City about an hour away from Antigua, and it’s well worth the drive for an afternoon or even a full day.

The country’s capital has tons of things for travelers to do. There are museums, restaurants, shops, cultural sites, and more.

To make the most of your time, book this tour with a knowledgeable, experienced guide to make sure you don’t miss any of the sights.

The tour of Guatemala City highlights the city’s history, architecture, food culture, and landscape. Some also stress everything the city has to offer.

Be sure to visit the National Museum of Archaeology and Ethnography to learn more about Guatemala’s fascinating story.

This half-day tour covers all of the most interesting, historic parts of the beautiful city.

Final Thoughts: Best Tours In Antigua Guatemala

Antigua, Guatemala, has a ton to offer travelers looking for fun and adventure.

There’s even more once you venture outside the city to nearby villages and day tours. Antigua is an ideal place to see so much of Guatemala.

From an active volcano to a scenic hike to ancient ruins, there’s a perfect guided tour for everyone.

Use our comprehensive list of the best tours in Antigua, Guatemala above to plan your perfect vacation to Guatemala, using Antigua as your home base!