Guatemala · City Tours

Antigua + Guatemala City Full Day Tour History Lovers Favorite

12 Hours Round trip from Pickup service provided in Guatemala City. Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Explore Antigua Guatemala and Guatemala City in one full-day tour
  • 02 Visit Casa Santo Domingo and learn about its colonial history
  • 03 Take in panoramic views from Cerro de la Cruz
  • 04 See landmarks including La Merced Church and Santa Catalina Arch
  • 05 Walk through Antigua’s Central Park and visit San José Cathedral
  • 06 Discover Guatemala City highlights such as Avenida Las Américas and Iglesia Yurrita
  • 07 Visit Plaza de la Constitución and enjoy free time at Ciudad Cayalá
  • 08 Travel with private transportation and a certified tour guide

Discover the rich heritage of Guatemala on a full-day journey through two of its most iconic cities. Begin in Antigua Guatemala, where cobbled streets, baroque churches, monastery ruins, and panoramic viewpoints reveal the story of the country’s colonial past.

Continue to Guatemala City to explore important landmarks, historic squares, and elegant avenues that showcase the capital’s cultural and architectural character. With visits to standout sites in both destinations, this tour is a great choice for travelers who want to experience Guatemala’s history, architecture, and local atmosphere in a single day.

Discover the rich heritage of Guatemala on a full-day journey through two of its most iconic cities.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 12 Hours
Tour type Private
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Not included
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Guatemala City, Antigua Guatemala
Languages English, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Guatemala City

We will start the tour by picking you up at the lobby of your hotel. We will head to Antigua Guatemala so sit back, relax, and enjoy the trip.

Hotel Casa Santo Domingo

Biggest Monastery in Antigua Guatemala. Located on the grounds of the Santo Domingo Monastery, Casa Santo Domingo began life as the mainstay for one of the most important convents in the Americas. Those who lived in this sanctuary followed the order of Santo Domingo de Guzmán, and the monastery acted as a shelter for them. Its origins can be traced back to 1538 when the first Dominicans arrived in Guatemala, and during this time the monastery was a grand, two-towered, ten-belled building filled with riches and relics.

Unfortunately, the monastery was partially destroyed in the 1773 Santa Marta earthquake, and what still stands has become a monument preserving the baroque architecture and treasures of the period. The ancient walls, brick archways, and tile corridors convey the history of the original Casa Santo Domingo, and today part of the ruins have been turned into Antigua’s only five-star hotel, which opened in 1989.

Cerro de la Cruz

Look out to see the city from above. Have the opportunity to see some woodpeckers be surrounded by nature and take some great pictures. This peaceful viewpoint will give you a moment to disconnect from your daily routine. You will find yourself enjoying the view of Antigua Guatemala and its 3 volcanoes. 

Iglesia La Merced

This is a beautiful yellow church and the best example of Baroque Guatemalan architecture. The church dating from the 18th century is one of the most beautiful in Antigua Guatemala. It is surrounded by a beautiful garden, handicraft sales, and great cafes that offer authentic "Antigüeño" coffee (coffee from Antigua Guatemala) that has chocolate notes due to its roasting process.

Arco de Santa Catalina

We will move on to the most famous point in Antigua Guatemala: The Arch Street, where the Santa Catalina Arch is located. This place has become the symbol of Antigua and the central image on most postcards. In its origins, this arch was built by the Santa Catarina Mártir Convent in 1693. It has a secret that you will discover in this first-class tour. Get ready to take jaw-dropping photos!

Parque Central Antigua Guatemala

Two blocks away from the Santa Catalina Arch we´ll start taking the first steps in Antigua´s Central Park, best known by the locals as Plaza Central. This place holds a lot of history throughout its years of existence. This park feels like a time machine. Here, you´ll be surrounded by the first national palace, the first Cathedral of Guatemala, and in the center of the park the mermaid´s fountain. Get enchanted by this lovely place.

Catedral San José - Antigua Guatemala

Is a Roman Catholic church in Antigua Guatemala. The original church was built around 1541 but suffered several earthquakes throughout its history, and the first church building was demolished in 1669. The cathedral was rebuilt and consecrated in 1680. By 1743 the cathedral was one of the largest in Central America. However, the devastating 1773 Guatemala earthquake seriously damaged much of the building, though the two towers at the front remained largely intact. These have undergone restoration work, and the cathedral has been partly rebuilt.

Guatemala City

After knowing all the colonial history of Guatemala, we will return to the city and we will give you a break so you can have your lunch. Then we will tour the city around and visit the most iconic and historically relevant points. Get ready to continue enjoying!

Avenida Las Américas

You´ll experience “Americas Avenue”, a place that has different monuments and plazas dedicated to different countries in America´s continent. The countries are represented by different characters that were important in their history and other monuments are artistic manifestations. If that´s not enough you'll be able to appreciate all the contemporary buildings and the most expensive residential zone of Guatemala City.

Iglesia Yurrita

The Yurrita Church, also known as Iglesia Nuestra Señora de las Angustias, is an old and iconic construction that is located within Guatemala City. What stands out most of this architectural work is its facade.

2
Day 02

Plaza de la Constitución

Finally, we will arrive at the Plaza de la Constitución, which is the center of the city. Here you will appreciate the fountain located in the center of the Plaza and around it, you will see the metropolitan cathedral and the national palace. You will love the history behind these beautiful buildings.

Ciudad Cayalá

Finally, we will take you to the most exclusive place in the city, we are talking about Cayalá. Here you can shop, relax and enjoy some free time.

Guatemala City

To end the tour, we will take you back to your hotel. Thank you for traveling with us and living an incredible experience in Guatemala!

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Pickup service provided in Guatemala City. 2 cities · 12 Hours

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Private transportation
  • Certified Tour Guide
  • Guided tour in Antigua and Guatemala City
  • Bottled water

What's Not Included

  • Gratuities
  • Lunch

Know before you go

  • INFANT SEATS AVAILABLE
  • WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE
  • STROLLER OR PRAM ACCESSIBLE
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • Not suitable for pets
  • No public transportation nearby
  • Infants must not sit on laps
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • A current valid passport is required on the day of travel

    The duration of transfers are approximate, the exact duration will depend on the time of day and traffic conditions (7 hours per day)

  • We pick up all travelers at the motor lobby of their hotel or accommodation in Guatemala City

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Pickup service provided in Guatemala City.
Tour start
Pickup service provided in Guatemala City.
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 12 hours finish where they began, in Pickup service provided in Guatemala City..

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