Antigua + Guatemala City Full Day Tour - History Lovers Favorite

4.7 (6 reviews) 11–12 hours Free cancellation Private tour

out of 5

6 reviews

4.7

Antigua + Guatemala City Full Day Tour - History Lovers Favorite — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Antigua + Guatemala City Full Day Tour - History Lovers Favorite, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Get ready to explore two of Guatemala’s most historic and iconic cities in one unforgettable day! We’ll start by taking you to the enchanting colonial city of Antigua Guatemala, where you’ll discover the country’s vibrant history through must-see landmarks like Casa Santo Domingo, Cerro de la Cruz, La Merced Church, and the Santa Catalina Arch. Then, we’ll head back to Guatemala City to experience its bustling charm, visiting Avenida Las Américas, Reforma Avenue, the stunning Yurrita Church, and Plaza de la Constitución, with a stop at the stylish Ciudad Cayalá. Capture every moment as we journey through the heart and soul of Guatemala’s past and present!

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At a glance

Duration: 11–12 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–15
Guide: English, Spanish
Operated by: Guat2do Travel Experiences

Ages: Adults (12–99 years)

What is included

Included

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

Not included

Not included: Gratuities
Not included: Lunch

Itinerary

Guatemala City

1 h 30 min

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.
Casa Santo Domingo

30 min Admission not included

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

20 min Admission not included

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 de La Merced

10 min Admission not included

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

10 min

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!
The Plaza Central Park

15 min

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.
Stop 7

10 min Admission not included

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

2 hours

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!
Stop 9

15 min

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.
Avenida La Reforma

15 min

At the end of “Americas Avenue,” you will find the Obelisco, which also connects with “Reforma Avenue” which is considered one of the main boulevards of Guatemala City. Today many of the residential homes have been replaced by modern buildings and it is now considered a business and commercial district. Throughout the 20th century, more sculptures were added, honoring diverse people such as Henry Dunant, founder of the Red Cross; Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla and Benito Juárez, Mexican leaders; José Joaquín Palma and Rafael Álvarez Ovalle, creators of the national anthem of Guatemala; and Miguel Ángel Asturias, winner of the 1967 Nobel Prize in Literature.
Iglesia Yurrita

20 min Admission not included

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.
Plaza de la Constitucion

30 min

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.
Paseo Cayala

one hour

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

30 min

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!

Meeting point and pickup

The operator picks every participant up from their accommodation or the points below.

Pickup points

Hostal 17-52
Holiday Inn Guatemala By IHG
Vista Quince Hotel
Hotel Casa Veranda
Hotel Royal Palace
Casa del Viajero Colonial
Hilton Garden Inn Guatemala City
Casa Serena Apart - Hotel
Hotel Villa Espanola
Hotel Sinaloa 2
Residencial Reforma La Casa Grande
Dai Nonni Hotel

and 83 more pickup points

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

Using your ticket

Contact:

Javier Calvinisti

Tel. (502)4645-7620

[email protected]

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)