GUIDED ANTIGUA CULTURAL WALKING TOUR
By far the best tour of Antigua. Many worldwide traveler’s have called Elizabeth Bell one of the best tour guides in the world.
Meet at the fountain in the Main Square for the best walking of this colonial capital. Focus on cultural tends, city history, and restoration efforts. This comprehensive three-hour tour brings to life the rich history and detailed workings behind life and culture in Antigua Guatemala. We visit the Palace of City Hall, Palace of the Captains’ General, the Cathedral with its majestic ruins, focusing then on houses, Maya archeology through jade, and the best museums in town at Paseo de los Museos.
“Your tour was one of the best tours I have ever taken. And I have been traveling the world since I was 17. The information you conveyed was direct, succinct, interesting, complete and informative… obviously you were able to answer any question thoroughly. I think everyone felt they could have asked anything. And we got cultural, political information to take away and ponder. The tour was perfectly paced. Just enough rest, just enough sitting, just enough break-time, just enough walking and standing and listening. And it all felt effortless. Your enthusiasm and fresh manner were wonderful. More so considering you have been leading tours for so many days a week for so many years. I was blown away.” Nancy
Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday
9:30 am to 12:30 pm with Elizabeth Bell
Monday and Thursday
2pm to 5pm with Roberto Spillari
$20 per person includes all entrance fees
and refreshments
Tickets are available at the Antigua Tours offices located on the main square (5a Avenida Norte #6) and next door to the Hotel Casa Santo Domingo (3a Calle Oriente #22), Antigua.
GUIDED VILLAGE TOUR OUTSIDE ANTIGUA
Enjoy a tour of Antigua's surrounding villages where you will find the old Bishop's Palace in San Juan del Obispo, where we will Focus on the differences between colonial Renaissance and colonial Baroque architecture and then continue to the near by village of San Pedro las Huertas where you appreciate the day-to-day life of Guatemalans. You will then get a detailed explanation of one of Guatemala’s greatest treasures: its weavings. This millenary tradition is rich in culture, spirituality and craftsmanship. In San Antonio Aguas Calientes you will be surrounded by the Mayan people and learn how these handmade masterpieces are made in great detail.
Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday
2pm to 5pm
$35 per person includes guided tour in English and transportation. Pre-paid tickets required at least one day in advance.
GUIDED MAXIMON TOUR
Drive from Antigua to the near-by town of San Andres Itzapa to see the Mayan god-figure, Maximon (Laj Mam/the grand grandfather) at his temple. This Maya “personage” is a central theme for the Mayas and not allowed in Catholic or Protestant churches.. Learn about the Maya people and the history behind Maximon and its importance in the Maya culture.Experience first hand ceremonies in the temple for further insight into the wooden life-like figure, followed by a tranquil drive back to Antigua.
Tuesday and Thursday
Pending availability 9am to 12noon
$40 per person includes guided tour and transportation from Antigua. Pre-paid tickets required at least one day in advance.
GUIDED PACAYA TOUR
Daily - any time
Guided private transportation and tour from your hotel in Antigua to the Pacaya volcano National Park (1 ½ hr). Begin a 1½ hr climb to the base of the volcano to watch newly forming lava rivers and eruptions. Climb down and then drive back to Antigua.
$150 for one to eight people + $5 per person entrance fee.
Pack water and a snack. (Difficulty is 4 out of 10.) Pre-paid tickets required one day in advance.
(Also see our shuttle section for shuttles from Antigua to Pacaya)
Antigua: Behind the Walls Benefit Slide Presentation
Elizabeth Bell, a long-time resident of Antigua and expert on the city and its culture and historic preservation, explores the city’s history, architecture, restoration and fiestas through her personal slide collection that she has taken over the last thirty years.
Tuesday
6pm to 7 pm
CSA (6a Avenida Norte #15)
Q30 ($4) benefits Antigua’s educational program (libraries & schoolbooks).
No reservations required.
PRIVATE MAYAN CEREMONY
Private Maya Ceremony with an Introduction to Maya Culture and Spirituality
Calixta Gabriel, a Maya Ajq’ij (Mayan spiritual guide), presents the Maya spiritual calendar and cosmovision (worldview). Calixta’s native language is Maya Kaqchikel she is from San Jose Poaquil located in the Guatemala highlands. She focuses on spiritual and material health, holistic life, and environment. Experience a Maya ceremony with a sacred fire this way opening the connection with the Maya ancestors and much more. This activity is a true cultural experience.
By appointment
$150 location and material included. Any number of guests may attend.
GUATEMALA DEAF TOURS AND SERVICES
Contact Luis and Analu Rendon at guatemaladeaftours@yahoo.com for any special assistance you might need.