10 Sightseeing Tours in Guatemala City That You Shouldn't Miss

October 29, 2021 Kaleigh Reichenbach

Guatemala City draws visitors whose interests range from Maya history to contemporary culture. Two museums house Maya artifacts, some of which were discovered on a nearby archaeological site. Other museums exhibit indigenous and modern art. In Mercado Central, an underground market, shoppers bargain with vendors selling local handicrafts. Additional attractions include a botanical garden and a scale replica of the Eiffel Tower. A night out in bustling Zona Viva caps off a day of sightseeing.
Restaurants in Guatemala City

1. Antigua Guatemala , Day Tour from Guatemala City

Guat2Do
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5.0 based on 6 reviews

Antigua Guatemala is a city that once was the Capital of the Whole Central America. In this tour you'll travel back in time to the XV through XVII century, with its cobblestone streets, catholic churches and convents, unique monuments and gastronomy. Today we enjoy all that heritage, join us.

Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Professional Tour Guide for Antigua Guatemala Visit., Air-conditioned vehicle, Entrance to San Jose Cathedral Ruins, Visit fee to San Francisco Ruins & Gardens, Chocolate Factory express tour

Exclusions: Drinks, Gratuities, Food and Drinks.

Reviewed By famtravlove

It was an amazing trip to Lake Atitlan. Early in the morning, I was picked up from my hotel by a van with a tour guide who was very knowledgeable and kind. Once we arrived to the lake, we took a small boat to cross the lake to a small town. The lake, the volcanoes made an unforgettable view! The lake was still, and the reflection of the volcanoes made perfect Instagram pics. The tour guide offered me to take some pictures and videos, which I found very thoughtful. We toured San Juan la Laguna, a quaint town, and visited a chocolate, pottery, textile, and art shops. The tour guide was very flexible and adjusted the tour to my needs. Overall, it was a great day, a great tour. I strongly recommend the tour and the company.

2. Ipala Lagoon and Volcano Day Tour

Guat2Do
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Located in the middle of the subtropical forest, in the Southeast area of Guatemala, this is one of the easiest-to-climb volcanoes in the country. It will only take us 1 hour and a half to get to its emerald-blueish lagoon in its crater. This short hike will give you a breathtaking scenic route to the top, and when you think it cannot get better... you will feel at peace with the nice humid forest weather of the crater lagoon. If you like swimming, immerse yourself in the ravishing and refreshing waters. Are you ready?

Inclusions: Private transportation, Certified Tour Guide, Entrance fee to Ipala Volcano , Bottled Water, Lunch

Exclusions: Any other activities not metioned, Gratuities

Reviewed By farmerjohn1324

Everything was great. Ruben was a great and informative guide. Couldn't ask for more. Definitely worth it!

3. Private Full-Day Lake Atitlan Tour

Authentic Guatemala
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

You will explore Lake Atitlan with local people in a fun way who will be happy to share their lifestyle and traditions. The tour is private and flexible according to your tastes and preferences. The trip to the lake lasts 3 hours each way, upon arrival you will take a shared boat to explore the villages around the lake.

Inclusions: Shared boat transfers, Tuc Tuc rides, Admission fees , Private transportation

Exclusions: Gratuities, Lunch, Breakfast

Reviewed By Ghoza

A surprising great day thanks to our tour guide, Gustavo. He was very knowledgeable of Guatemala’s history and flexible with itinerary. He took us to a great spot with local cuisine for lunch. Highly recommend.

4. Private Day Tour in Antigua Guatemala and Colorful Towns

Guat2Do
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Founded on the 10th of March of 1543, Antigua Guatemala was declared Cultural Humanity Heritage by UNESCO in 1979. This beautiful and enchanted Colonial City holds almost 500 years of history. It has phenomenal spring-feeling weather and an exceptional view of the Volcanos around its territory. Get to know by first hand the true local culture of Antigua Guatemala and its colorful towns. The people of each town have specialized in distinctive handicrafts which differentiates them and highlights the importance of nowadays Mayan culture, the roots of Mayan textiles, syncretism, daily life, and its talented artisans. Not to mention the terrific photos you´ll take back home. So if you are looking to be part of an out of the ordinary Antigua Guatemala experience this is exactly for you.

Inclusions: Round Trip Transportation, Certified Tour Guide, Bottled water, Biosecurity Welcome Kit, Sustainable Tour at San Cristóbal el Alto, Lunch

Exclusions: Any other Activity or Visit besides those described in the itinerary., Gratuities

Reviewed By farmerjohn1324

Everything was great. Ruben was a great and informative guide. Couldn't ask for more. Definitely worth it!

5. Guatemala City Tour

Authentic Guatemala
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5.0 based on 48 reviews

The tour is guided by local people who want to share with you their knowledge and experiences of living in this great city. The route has been specially designed to show you the city in an authentic and fun way. You will discover a vibrant city, full of color, with people always ready to give you a smile. Book this tour with us!

Inclusions: Local taxes, Professional guide, Hotel/port pickup and drop-off, Transport by private vehicle, Parking Fees

Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified, Lunch, Gratuities

Reviewed By Ajuice

Fabio was fantastic! He was excellent with our last minute change of plans. Things we LOVED in no particular order: -Friendly, punctual, and safe drivers -They followed covid safety practices -Clean and sanitized vehicles -Our tours were private and fully customizable -Good mix of local culture with the lake towns, and nature activities (boating, kayaking & swimming). Literally something for everybody -Guides monitored our safety while doing different excursions -Great guides with good local food and shopping suggestions -They also took amazing pics of us with our personal devices -Definitely would do again!

6. Antigua Guatemala & Guatemala City Tour

Gray Line Guatemala
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4.9 based on 14 reviews

Explore Guatemala’s top two cities — Guatemala City and Antigua — in one full day of sightseeing that combines a vehicle tour and a walking tour. In the capital city, see major attractions like the Civic Center, Constitution Plaza, Metropolitan Cathedral and the Central Market. Then take a walking tour of the World Heritage-listed old city of Antigua to see its top landmarks, including Santa Catalina Arch, Central Park and La Merced Church.

Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off at select hotels, Professional guide, Transportation

Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified, Gratuities

Reviewed By lou_lou_fur

This was a great way to relieve our designated driver for a day and so glad we opted for this tour. A lovely little hike to see Pacaya Volcano close-up, we were the first party to ascend that day and glimpsed some lava. The views from the top were well worth it and taking El Arenal route on the descent was an adventure. After the hike, the Kawilal Spa was just the ticket! We even had the whole area to ourselves due to the pandemic, so all felt very safe. The smoothie and lunch there were also very delicious. Could have done with a tad more direction at times, but all part of the fun!

7. Guatemala City Complete Day Private Tour

Guatemala Native Tours
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4.7 based on 7 reviews

The Guatemala City Tour by a native travel guide is the safest way to know the city. Our travel guide drive you around all the highlights and historical points of the city, with a nice and comfortable vehicle. Your safety is our greatest concern. Immerse in the mystical Mayan civilization with a visit to The Archeological Museum with a unique explanation of all the magical pieces that conforms the History of Guatemala. Then we drive around the city most famous streets and zones only to stop in the Historical Center of Guatemala City, for a three-hour visit to the Market, Main Cathedral, The National Palace, Plaza la Constitution, the 6th avenue and more.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Bottled water, WiFi on board

Exclusions: Lunch can be incluided for an extra charge.

8. Lake Atitlán Sightseeing Cruise with Transport from Guatemala City

Guatemalan Adventure Day Tour
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4.5 based on 22 reviews

Spend a day on Lago de Atitlán (Lake Atitlan), one of Guatemala's most beautiful lakes, on this sightseeing cruise with transportation from Guatemala City. This relaxing 8-hour excursion allows you to experience the exceptional beauty of Lago de Atitlán, a large lake with three volcanos on its southern shore. Starting in the town of Panajachel, cruise across the lake and admire its stunning scenery as you travel across the lake to the Tzutujil village of Santiago de Atitlán. Then return to Panajachel, where you’ll have time in town to browse Santander Street’s handicraft stalls, shops and restaurants.

Inclusions: Professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Boat sightseeing tour

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities

Reviewed By roxyosuna

This company was very professional from beginning to end. They answered all my questions prior to booking, they were on time for pick up and the tour was as described. Excellent service

9. Antigua City Tour from Guatemala City

Guatemalan Adventure Day Tour
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4.5 based on 13 reviews

Discover the history and beauty of one of the Americas’ oldest cities on this sightseeing day tour from Guatemala City to Antigua! On this 8-hour tour, visit top attractions like the Museo del Jade (Jade Museum), La Merced Church, Calle del Arco, Santo Domingo Monastery, San Francisco Church and a coffee plantation. Enjoy fabulous views of Antigua from Cerro de la Cruz, and learn the history of this historical city from your expert guide.

Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, English- and Spanish-speaking guide, Coffee samples

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities

Reviewed By roxyosuna

This company was very professional from beginning to end. They answered all my questions prior to booking, they were on time for pick up and the tour was as described. Excellent service

10. Guatemala City Half Day Private Tour

Guatemala Native Tours
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4.5 based on 2 reviews

The Guatemala City Tour by a native tour guide is the safest way to know the city. Our tour guide drives you around all the highlights and historical points of the city, with a nice and comfortable vehicle. Immerse in the mystical Mayan civilization with a visit to The Archaeological Museum with a unique explanation of all the magical pieces that conform the History of Guatemala. Then we drive around the city most famous streets and zones only to stop in the Historical Center of Guatemala City, for a two-hour visit to the Market, Main Cathedral, The National Palace, Constitution Plaza and the 6th avenue.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Bottled water, WiFi on board

Exclusions: Lunch

Reviewed By IzziGirlAbroad

All of the logistics around the tour were perfect -- great communication, easy to book, they even offered a carseat for my daughter. The vehicle was comfortable, wifi worked great, and all of the stops were well-planned and interesting. I've been in Guate for a year, and I saw a ton of new and interesting things. Be prepared that is is a FULL day. We were exhausted by lunchtime. It's also not super kid-friendly, and I wish we'd made other arrangements for my 4 y/o. Usually, she loves this sort of thing, but the bouncing around and quick pace made it hard for her to get into anything. The guide was polite, knowledgeable, and very helpful during the tour. He was flexible when we requested changes to the schedule and could quickly and easily answer our questions about the places we visited. What really turned us off was all the political commentary -- about Guatemalan politics and US politics alike. The guide was very knowledgeable about the sites and their history, but would often diverge to talk about his personal opinions on capitalism, the Trump presidency, and why the Mayan people lack the ability to think logically due to deficiencies in their language (*eyeroll*). I am very liberal, and my sister who traveled with us is very conservative, and we both walked away offended -- no small feat! It made it hard to simply enjoy the history of the places we visited because we weren't sure what was being filtered. I also wish there was more of an emphasis on the STORIES behind the sites, not just the facts. It felt a little dry. It was a nice tour and I would recommend the company as a whole, but I hope the guide sticks to the facts next time.

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