Looking to book the best tours from Guatemala City? Then this article is for you!
In this post, we cover the 17 best tours and day trips from Guatemala City so you can experience all the top highlights of this beautiful country on your trip!
From hiking to the top of active volcanoes and exploring historic towns to going on a boat tour of the beautiful lake Atitlán, there is so much to love about traveling to Guatemala.
Don’t have time to read the entire post? Our pick for the best tour from Guatemala City is Tikal Day Trip By Air which will take you to explore historic Mayan ruins!
Guatemala City is the largest city in the entire country that also has its own international airport. This makes Guatemala City a great home base from which to explore nearby attractions on day trips.
All of the tours in this post provide experienced guides that have put together the best possible travel itineraries. This is especially handy if you’re visiting Guatemala on a short vacation and want to see all the top parts of the country without wasting any time.
Ready to get started? Keep reading for all the best Guatemala City day trips and how to book them!
Some of the links used in this blog may be affiliate links. At no extra cost to you, I may earn a small commission when you book through these links which helps support this blog! Thank you!
Best Tours From Guatemala City:
1. Tikal Day Trip By Air From Guatemala City With Lunch
Tour Highlights:
- Tour length: 15 hours
- Tour rating: 4.5/5 stars out of 120+ reviews
- What you’ll do: visit Tikal ruins
- Includes: transportation, guide, lunch
Looking for an epic experience in Guatemala? Then book this Tikal Day Trip by Air from Guatemala City!
Visiting Tikal ruins is hands down one of the best things to do in Guatemala. But driving to Tikal National Park from Guatemala City can take 10+ hours each way which means losing precious time on a vacation that you could be spending doing more fun things like sightseeing.
“It was a LONG day, but it was a GREAT day. This company will take care of you from start to finish. I highly recommend doing this day tour as it’s one of the best ruins I’ve seen yet.” -Review by Amber, Viator
This tour starts early at 4:15 am with a pickup from your hotel in Guatemala City. From there, you will hop on a plane and fly out to Tikal ruins situated deep within the Guatemala jungle. This tour company will arrange the flight, local guides, meals, and transportation for you so you don’t have to worry about a thing!
During this tour, you will visit some of the most important Tikal landmarks like Temple I, Temple II, and Temple IV, and learn about their significance.
After you explore this impressive Mayan city, you will head back to the Flores airport for a flight back to Guatemala City. If Tikal National Park is on your bucket list, this is one of the best tours to Tikal from Guatemala City!
2. Pacaya Volcano Tour And Hot Springs From Guatemala City
Tour Highlights:
- Tour length: 6 hours
- Tour rating: 4.5/5 stars out of 50+ reviews
- What you’ll do: hike Pacaya volcano, soak in Kawilal Hot Springs
- Includes: transportation, guide, lunch
Visiting the active Pacaya Volcano was one of the most memorable experiences from our trip to Guatemala. If you’re looking for a Pacaya volcano tour from Guatemala City, be sure to check out this Pacaya Volcano & Hot Springs Tour!
“I absolutely loved this! Would 100% recommend. The scenery was stunning, and our guide Giovanni was extremely helpful. The hot springs were exactly what I needed after the hike.” -Review from Viator
On this day tour, you’ll get to climb to the top of Pacaya Volcano and enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way. You’ll also see hot lava rushing down from the crater – not something you get to experience every day!
The hike to the top is a tough one, but the guides can provide horses to assist you with the ascend. After the hike, you’ll head over to the Kawilal Hot Springs resort where you’ll soak your sore muscles in thermal waters that flow from the underground of Pacaya volcano.
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3. Antigua Guatemala, Full-Day Tour From Guatemala City
Tour Highlights:
- Tour length: 7-8 hours
- Tour rating: 5/5 stars out of 30 reviews
- What you’ll do: tour Antigua & learn about its history
- Includes: transportation, guide, water
The beautiful Antigua City is another must-see location when planning a trip to Guatemala. Antigua City itself is quite small, but it’s packed full of cultural landmarks, churches, ancient ruins, and lots of interesting attractions earning it the title of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
To visit Antigua for the day, book this Antigua Guatemala Full-Day Tour from Guatemala City. The tour will arrange transportation and do all the planning for you so you can sit back, relax and enjoy the day!
“Had such a great time visiting Antigua Guatemala. It was absolutely amazing! Very colorful city with rich culture and tradition!” -Review by Stephen, Viator
During the Antigua day tour, you’ll roam around the charming cobblestone streets taking in the sights and learning about Antigua’s history. You’ll walk up to the Cerro de la Cruz viewpoint at the top of a hill for panoramic views overlooking the city and its surrounding volcanoes.
As you explore Antigua, you’ll stop by many notable buildings including:
- Iglesia de La Merced
- Arco de Santa Catalina
- Iglesia del Carmen
- ChocoMuseo
With friendly and knowledgeable guides, this excursion is a great option for those who want to explore Antigua City and immerse themselves in Guatemala’s culture!
Read Next: 12 Best Hotels In Antigua, Guatemala For a Luxurious Stay
4. Lake Atitlán Sightseeing Cruise With Transport From Guatemala City
Tour Highlights:
- Tour length: 10 hours
- Tour rating: 4.5/5 stars out of 30+ reviews
- What you’ll do: take a cruise of Lake Atitlan, visit local villages
- Includes: transportation, boat, guide
If you’re looking for an incredible day adventure, sign up for the Lake Atitlán day tour from Guatemala City! Lake Atitlan is one of the best places to visit in Guatemala for its relaxed atmosphere, charming towns, and friendly locals.
We loved Lake Atitlan so much that we ended up booking a vacation rental here and spending a couple of months at this beautiful lake! But if you don’t want to commit to a long-term stay, a tour from Guatemala City is the best way to visit it and see all the top attractions that make it so special.
“My tour guide Carmen was a magnificent tour guide. She knew so much about the Guatemalan and Mayan culture and was so friendly! This activity is worth every penny.” -Review by Rachade, Viator
On this guided tour, you’ll hop on a boat and visit a few of the local villages that surround Lake Atitlan. The tour includes a stop at Santiago Atitlan and Panajachel (where we stayed) which are known for their markets selling crafts, textile goods, and other souvenirs to bring back home.
During the excursion, you will be able to take in the sights of the three majestic volcanoes that surround Lake Atitlan:
- Volcán San Pedro
- Volcán Tolimán
- Volcán Atitlán
Overall, this is one of the best day tours from Guatemala City if you want to get away from the busy city crowds and enjoy the scenery at one of the most beautiful lakes in Guatemala!
5. Visit Hobbitenango Themed Park & Antigua Guatemala
Tour Highlights:
- Tour length: 6-8 hours
- Tour rating: 5/5 stars out of 15+ reviews
- What you’ll do: visit Hobbitenango and Antigua
- Includes: transportation, entrance fees, guide, lunch
For something a bit different, check out this tour to Hobbitenango Park & Antigua from Guatemala City!
“We only had 2 days in Guatemala City, this was the perfect experience for us! Highly recommend.” -Review by Judith, Viator
Hobbitenango is a small eco-park, restaurant, and hotel all combined into one quirky attraction.
At this location, you can see hobbit-style houses, enjoy views of the nearby volcanoes, and bring out your inner child by exploring 26 interesting areas built after fantasy genres. With fun swings that swing out into nowhere, unique hand sculptures, and stunning nature, this place is like no other!
After touring Hobbitenango, you will head over to Antigua and continue the adventure by visiting iconic city landmarks. In Antigua, the tour will stop at a local restaurant for a delicious meal before heading back to your hotel.
Tip: For this excursion, you can request a hotel pickup in Antigua or Guatemala City which is such a convenient option for travelers!
6. Guatemala City Tour
Tour Highlights:
- Tour length: 4-5 hours
- Tour rating: 5/5 stars out of 100+ ratings
- What you’ll do: explore Guatemala City
- Includes: transportation, guide
If you’re flying into Guatemala City, don’t just rush off into different parts of Guatemala as soon as you land! It’s worthwhile spending some time exploring this cultural hub as well.
Guatemala City is the most populated city in Guatemala and also serves as the capital city of the country. There is quite a bit to see & do within the historical center of Guatemala City, but this place can be very intimidating for tourists, first-time visitors, and those who don’t speak Spanish.
With this Guatemala City sightseeing tour, you will explore all the best parts of the city and learn more about its history from an expert guide.
“I am a female solo traveler from the US and had an absolutely wonderful time touring Guatemala City! Would highly recommend.” -Review by Colleen, Viator
During the walking tour, you will visit notable homes, churches, theatres, and many other landmarks within the historic center such as:
- Plaza España
- Centro Cultural Miguel Ángel Asturias
- Metropolitan Cathedral of Santiago of Guatemala
- Palacio Nacional de la Cultura
- Mercado Central
Previous travelers love how knowledgeable and accommodating the tour guides are. With this Guatemala City Tour, you’re sure to have a safe and enjoyable time!
7. Tikal From Guatemala
Tour Highlights:
- Tour length: 8 hours
- Tour rating: 5/5 stars out of 50+ reviews
- What you’ll do: visit Tikal National Park
- Includes: transportation, guides, lunch
The Tikal From Guatemala Tour is a 5-star tour that is led by Tikal Go, an agency experienced in arranging excursions specifically for visiting Tikal archeological site.
“Had an absolutely lovely trip with Roel as our guide! Very informative and helpful and a fantastic guide! Would definitely recommend to all my friends.” -Review from Viator
Tikal is famous for its impressive Mayan temples. On this Tikal day trip from Guatemala City, you’ll get to visit a few of the most famous pyramids including:
- Temple I
- Temple II
- Temple III
- Temple IV
The tour will start with an early flight to Flores International Airport where you will meet your guide and drive to Tikal National Park.
With an experienced guide, you will be able to navigate the dense jungle and explore all the best of the Tikal archeological site including temples, courtyards, and different palaces. If time allows, you might go on a quick trip to the charming Flores town situated on Lago Peten Itza.
Overall, this is one of the best tours for visiting the ancient Tikal ruins in Guatemala!
8. Climb Active Pacaya Volcano – Collective Tour
Tour Highlights:
- Tour length: 6 hours
- Tour rating: 5/5 stars out of 30+ reviews
- What you’ll do: climb Pacaya volcano
- Includes: transportation, guide, entrance fees
Many tours travel to Pacaya Volcano from Guatemala City, but this one is special in its own way! With 5-star reviews and an optional upgrade to a coffee farm tour or hot springs experience, you’re guaranteed to have an amazing trip from Guatemala City!
The Climb Active Pacaya Volcano – Collective Tour comes with a government-certified guide who will ensure safety is a top priority.
“Really enjoyed going up Pacaya Volcano. Planned to hike but took the horse up which was so much more fun! Great experience!” -Review by Stephen, Viator
If you’re not up for the strenuous hike itself but want to reach Pacaya Volcano summit, you can bring along extra cash and rent a horse for climb assistance. At the top, you’ll be able to roast marshmallows using the heat from the hot volcanic rocks.
For a great day trip to Pacaya Volcano, be sure to book this tour!
9. Full-Day Lake Atitlan Tour
Tour Highlights:
- Tour length: 12-13 hours
- Tour rating: 5/5 stars out of 15+ reviews
- What you’ll do: visit Lake Atitlan
- Includes: transportation, guide, breakfast
For an authentic, cultural experience in Guatemala consider booking the Full-Day Lake Atitlan Tour that departs from Guatemala City. This is a private day trip so it’s a great option for families, traveling friends, or those who want to avoid the big tourist crowds.
“Alvaro was a great guide and explained the history & culture of each stop we visited. We packed a lot of towns & activities into one day. 10/10 recommend.” – Review by Rafidel, Viator
This day tour starts early at 5:30 am from Guatemala City. On the way to Lake Atitlán, you can sit back, relax and enjoy the scenic drive.
The excursion focuses on Guatemala’s rich cultural heritage and history. After breakfast in Panajachel town, you’ll take a quick boat trip to San Juan la Laguna. In this town, you’ll visit a women’s cooperative where you can observe local women work together on trades like textiles, and arts and crafts.
From there you will take the boat to San Pedro La Laguna and see a local coffee roastery, a church, and a market where you can buy some goods to bring back home as souvenirs. Other stops include Santiago Atitlan and Tecpan for a hot chocolate ‘pick me up’.
Overall, this is one of the best private tours packed full of unique stops that are different from typical tourist attractions!
10. From Guatemala City: Chichicastenango And Lake Atitlan
Tour Highlights:
- Tour length: 12 hours
- Tour rating: 4.2/5 out of 10+ reviews
- What you’ll do: visit Chichicastenango and Lake Atitlan
- Includes: transportation, guide
If you’re looking to go off the beaten tourist path, check out the Chichicastenango and Lake Atitlan day tour from Guatemala City!
This tour travels to Guatemala’s highlands and Chichicastenango town that’s located 3 hours away from Guatemala City. As a bonus, you’ll also stop by Lake Atitlán so you’ll get a lot of bang for your buck!
“Our guides, Ramiro and Urbano, were terrific! Both were very knowledgeable, patient, and kind. It’s an extremely long day but a good value and a great activity.” -Review from Get Your Guide
Mercado de Chichicastenango is the largest market in Guatemala where you can find the best deals on colorful handicrafts, food, and authentic local goods. On this day tour you’ll explore the market and see local Guatemalan indigenous people and their beautiful, intricate outfits.
The market consists of maze-like pathways packed full of merchants selling anything from unique foods to flowers, blankets, clothing, carpets and so much more. Not many tourists and international visitors make it out to this region so this will be truly an authentic, local experience.
On the way back to Guatemala City, you’ll also stop by the town of Panajachel which is framed by three magnificent volcanoes.
This tour includes bilingual guides to accommodate both local and international travelers.
11. Coffee & Culture Full-Day Tour
Tour Highlights:
- Tour length: 9 hours
- Tour rating: 4.9/5 stars out of 5+ reviews
- What you’ll do: visit Antigua, tour a coffee plantation
- Includes: transportation, entrance fees, guide
Without a doubt, Guatemala grows some of the best coffee in the world. And for coffee enthusiasts, we have the right tour just for you!
This Coffee & Culture Full-Day Tour will spend the day in Antigua and visit a local coffee plantation where you can learn more about the coffee-making process in Guatemala. You will also taste fresh, locally grown coffee.
“Me and my sister loved this tour so much! Very informational and we learned a lot. We would recommend this tour to other tourists.” –Review by Jharyl, Get Your Guide
After being picked up from Guatemala City, you will head to Antigua and start the day by stopping at the Cerro de La Cruz overlook. From there you will spend a few hours roaming around Antigua’s cobblestone streets, observing colonial architecture and visiting historical landmarks such as:
- Iglesia de la Merced
- Iglesia de San Francisco, Antigua Guatemala
- Arch Street (Calle del Arco)
- Hotel Casa Santo Domingo and many more!
After lunch, the guides will take you on a coffee tour to a local plantation where you will learn about how coffee is grown and processed in Guatemala.
Don’t wait to book this tour as it’s likely to sell out quickly!
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12. Pacaya Volcano And Hot Springs Private Tour In ATV 4WD 4×4
Tour Highlights:
- Tour length: 6-8 hours
- Tour rating: 5/5 stars out of 25+ ratings
- What you’ll do: visit Pacaya Volcano & hot springs
- Includes: transportation, hot springs, food, water
If you’re looking for a bit of an adrenaline rush, you’ll love the Pacaya Volcano and Hot Springs Private Tour in ATV!
“This was definitely one unique and amazing experience. You get breakfast and lunch included and the experience is definitely one to rave about.” -Review by Genesis, Viator
The tour will start with a personalized pick-up from your hotel in Guatemala City at 6:00 am. After breakfast in Lake Amatitlán, you’ll go on a thrilling UTV ride up to Payaca Volcano while enjoying beautiful jungle scenery along the way!
Once the road ends, the guide will lead you along a narrow path to the summit of the volcano where you’ll be able to roast marshmallows in hot lava rocks. If you’re lucky, you might also see fresh lava flowing down from the top! (At a safe distance of course).
Be sure to pack a swimsuit so you can enjoy soaking in relaxing hot springs after. Overall, this is a well-rounded tour with lots of fun activities for a memorable day trip!
13. Combo Tour: Colonial Antigua & Guatemala City Explorer Tour
Tour Highlights:
- Tour length: 10 hours
- Tour rating: 4.6/5 out of 5+ ratings
- What you’ll do: tour Antigua & Guatemala City
- Includes: transportation, guide
If you want to visit both Guatemala City and Antigua, then be sure to sign up for this Colonial Antigua & Guatemala City Explorer Tour! This tour offers pickup in Guatemala City and transfer to Antigua and back along with experienced tour guides.
“The tour guide Edgar Alberto was excellent!!! He knew a lot of history and took us to many amazing places. I recommend this tour 100%.” -Review by Giuliana, Get Your Guide
The Antigua & Guatemala sightseeing tour is a long day excursion that will cover all the major highlights between both cities. This is especially helpful for travelers who are visiting Guatemala on a short trip and want to see as much as they can in one day.
As the former capital of Guatemala, Antigua has a lot of beautiful historical landmarks. A few of the main attractions that you’ll see on this day tour include:
- Iglesia de la Merced
- Santa Catalina Arch
- Antigua Guatemala Central Park
- Union Tank
After exploring Antigua for 3 hours, you’ll start making your way back to Guatemala City and go on a walking tour of the historic center.
14. Iximche And Antigua Day Tour
Tour Highlights:
- Tour length: 8 hours
- Tour rating: 4.9/5 out of 5+ ratings
- What you’ll do: visit Iximché, Ciudad Vieja, and Antigua
- Includes: transportation, entrance fees, guide
Another tour that combines a visit to multiple locations is this Iximche and Antigua Day Tour! This is one of the best Guatemala City excursions if you want to enjoy a personalized tour and discover places that are a bit off the radar.
“Carmen was my guide on this solo tour. Iximche was truly stunning, and we saw a Mayan ceremony, too.” -Review from Get Your Guide
The tour starts with a visit to Iximche archeological site. Here you’ll explore an ancient Mayan settlement that used to serve as the capital of the region. On certain days, you might see local indigenous people or catch a traditional Mayan performance!
As the oldest city in Guatemala, Antigua’s roots go back to the 15th century. On this day tour, you’ll discover what makes Antigua so special and explore a few of the most notable attractions within the historic center.
15. Private Tour At Copan Archeological Site From Guatemala City
Tour Highlights:
- Tour length: 12-14 hours
- Tour rating: 5-stars
- What you’ll do: visit Copan Ruins
- Includes: transportation, entrance fees, guides, food, water
Looking for something a bit more epic? Then check out this private tour to Copan Ruins from Guatemala City! While Copan archeological site is located in the neighboring country Honduras, you can cross the border and visit this ancient Mayan settlement on a day trip.
“The whole trip was an experience. We were very fortunate to have a highly qualified guide who had actually worked on many Mayan archeological digs and was well-acquainted with Mayan culture.” -Review by Mark, Trip Advisor
The Copan ruins are situated 5 hours from Guatemala City, just past the border crossing. Although the drive is quite long, the time will pass by quickly as you enjoy the scenery, learn about the region’s history from the driver and relax in the comfortable car.
Once you arrive at Copan, you will have several hours to roam around and explore various plazas, monuments, and ball courts. For the most epic views, you can climb to the top of a temple that overlooks the surrounding dense jungle!
16. Antigua Guatemala Morning Tour From Guatemala City
Tour Highlights:
- Tour length: 5 hours
- Tour rating: 4.9/5 stars out of 30+ reviews
- What you’ll do: visit Antigua
- Includes: transportation, guide
Want to visit Antigua but don’t want to spend the entire day doing so? Then you’ll enjoy this Antigua Guatemala Morning Tour from Guatemala City!
This is a half-day walking tour of Antigua City leaving you with plenty of time to do other activities or head out for dinner. In this short but packed 5 hour tour, you will visit some of the most significant colonial sights within Antigua and learn about its history.
During the excursion, you will see:
- El Carmen church
- Iglesia de la Merced
- Santa Catalina Arch
- Central Park
- Union Tank
Keep in mind: be sure to bring comfortable shoes as you’ll do quite a bit of walking within the 3 hours that you’ll spend in Antigua.
Read next: 8 Things To Do In Antigua, Guatemala For an Unforgettable Trip
17. Half-Day Guatemala City Explorer Tour
Tour Highlights:
- Tour length: 3 hours
- Tour rating: 4.3/5
- What you’ll do: explore Guatemala City
- Includes: transportation, guide
Looking for a half-day walking tour of Guatemala City instead? We are here to give you all the options so you can make the best out of your trip to Guatemala!
This 3-hour walking tour will visit all of the most notable historical & modern sights of Guatemala City in a small group setting.
“The guide was very knowledgeable and knew the history of all the different sites we toured very well.” -Review from Get Your Guide
During this tour, you will stop by statues, important city buildings, plazas, avenues, National Palace, markets and so much more!
Ready to book your tour and explore Guatemala? With these 17 top-rated tours you really can’t go wrong! All of these Guatemala tours and day trips offer a convenient way to see all the best that Guatemala has to offer, especially if you’re short on time.
To help you more with trip planning, here are some frequently asked questions about traveling to Guatemala:
What Are The Most Famous Features To Visit In Guatemala?
Want to know which locations to see on your trip to Guatemala? A few of the most famous attractions and features to visit in Guatemala include:
- Tikal National Park
- Antigua Guatemala City
- Lake Atitlán
- Semuc Champey Natural Monument
- Pacaya Volcano
- Fuentes Georginas Hot Springs
- Chichicastenango Market
- Flores Town
Read more here: 8 Epic Places To Visit In Guatemala
What Are The Best Tours From Guatemala City?
If you’re looking for the most popular tours to take from Guatemala City, we recommend booking the following:
Is Guatemala Worth Seeing?
If you’re wondering if Guatemala is worth visiting, the answer is an easy yes!
We loved Guatemala so much on our Central America road trip that we decided to book a vacation rental and spend a couple of months relaxing on Lake Atitlan before continuing our journey.
How Do You Get From Guatemala City To Tikal?
The best way to get to Tikal from Guatemala City is by taking an organized Tikal by Air tour like this one. The Guatemalan Adventure tour company will plan all the transportation logistics and guides for you so you don’t have to worry about a thing!
If you’d rather make the flight and car arrangements yourself, you will need to book a flight from Guatemala City Airport to Flores Airport. Keep in mind that you will also need to arrange transportation to the Guatemala City Airport, from Flores Airport to Tikal Ruins, and back.
Best Antigua Tours From Guatemala City
Want to visit Antigua from Guatemala City but not sure which tour to book? Here are the best Antigua tours to take from Guatemala City:
Best Lake Atitlan Tours From Guatemala City
Looking for the best Lake Atitlan Tours from Guatemala City? Here are some of the highest-rated tours to take for a fun day trip to Lake Atitlan:
How Many Days Do You Need In Guatemala?
For visiting Guatemala we recommend setting aside at least a week. We personally spent several months in Guatemala driving around the country, checking out various historic towns, landmarks, and fun outdoor activities.
If you’re planning a shorter vacation, 7-10 days is a good time frame to visit a few of the main Guatemala attractions. We recommend spending a few days in Guatemala City and going on day tours to nearby attractions like Antigua City, Pacaya Volcano, and Lake Atitlán.
What Is The Best Way To Get Around Guatemala?
The best way to get around Guatemala is by renting a car from Discover Cars so you can explore different parts of the country. Thankfully during our Pan-American road trip, we had our personal car which made getting around Guatemala very easy and convenient.
If you don’t want to drive yourself (because driving in Central America can be quite intimidating!), your best option is to sign up for a guided tour or book a private shuttle in Guatemala. With a private shuttle, you can sit back, take a nap or enjoy the scenery during the drive!
Is Guatemala City Walkable?
Guatemala City is the largest city in the entire country and not exactly ‘walkable’. Visiting it for the first time can be an intimidating experience, especially for international visitors.
There is an increased safety risk when going on a self-walking tour of Guatemala City vs taking a guided walking tour. We recommend signing up for this guided tour of Guatemala City that provides a tour guide who will take you to the best neighborhoods and avoid the sketchy parts of the town.
Looking for more travel inspiration? Here are a few other popular travel posts that you may enjoy:
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