10 Top Day Trips from Antigua + 4 Tours to Avoid

Discover the best day trips from Antigua, Guatemala, from outdoor adventures and self-guided activities to top tours and guided excursions.

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Most first-time visitors to Guatemala end up in Antigua, but very few people know of the adventures hiding in its surrounding region. This was a mistake we made on our first visit, staying only for a few days and exploring the town’s winding streets. We rectified this on our second trip to Guatemala, staying longer and exploring the best day trips in Antigua, from the famous activities you’ve probably heard of to lesser-known hidden gems in the highlands. Discover the best ways to spend your days, from the top excursions to the best tours in Antigua, in this complete guide.

The best day trips from Antigua

Antigua is more than just a charming colonial city with colourful streets and crumbling convents – it’s one of the best places to base yourself for some of Guatemala’s best days out. Beyond the cosy coffee shops, leafy courtyards, and tiny galleries, you’ll find authentic Maya villages with bustling artisanal markets, epic volcano hikes with world-class views, and working coffee farms and plantations that give a real insight into the true Guatemala.

While there are plenty of great things to do in Antigua, you have to leave the town on a day trip at least once. Many tours can be arranged easily through your hotel or a local agency, while a lot of options can be booked online. Most include round-trip transportation, so everything’s arranged for you, and some add on meals or snacks, too.

Here are some of the best day trips and tours you won’t want to miss off your Antigua itinerary.

Map of day trips from Antigua

Antigua’s central location makes it a perfect base for exploring some of Guatemala’s most incredible landscapes and cultural sites. Within just a few hours, you can hike active volcanoes, visit Mayan ruins, or wander colourful mountain markets.

We’ve pinned all the top day trips from Antigua and in the surrounding region on the interactive map below.

1. Climb Acatenango Volcano and see Fuego erupt

Probably the most famous day trip from Antigua is the Acatenango Volcano overnight hike. It’s not for everyone, but if you’re up for an adventure, you can embark on this hike, which is one of the most famous treks in Central America and one of the top things to do in Guatemala.

The climb takes about 5–6 hours to reach base camp, where most hikers spend the night in cosy cabins. There are additional hike options for sunset and sunrise, providing a front-row seat to the spectacular eruptions of neighbouring Volcán de Fuego and stunning panoramic views of Antigua and Volcán de Agua. It’s a challenging hike, rising over 3,900 metres (12,800 ft), but the experience is worth every step (even if you feel a bit of altitude sickness).

While Fuego Volcano has been frequently spitting lava and ash into the sky for over 20 years, its eruptions have become less predictable, but the views are still no less impressive.

To have this epic experience, you can join a guided Acatenango overnight tour that provides gear, food, and transportation from Antigua.

Get ready for this epic adventure with our Acatenango travel guides:

2. Toast marshmallows on Pacaya Volcano

For a shorter and more accessible volcano adventure, head to Pacaya Volcano. Located about an hour and a half from Antigua, this active volcano regularly emits smoke and heat, and you can literally toast marshmallows over the warm lava vents.

The hike to the top takes around 1.5 to 2 hours each way, with stunning views of the surrounding highlands – if you don’t get cloud! Visit on a morning Pacaya Volcano tour for the best visibility.

You’ll be led by a local guide through lava fields to viewpoints, and some tours even swap marshmallows for pizza making, cooking your dinner via volcanic heat.

3. Step into Middle-earth in Hobbitenango

No, it’s not New Zealand’s Hobbiton, it’s the Guatemalan Shire! Just a 20-minute drive from Antigua, Hobbitenango is a whimsical eco-village inspired by The Lord of the Rings. Perched high in the hills, this unique themed park feels like stepping into a fairytale world, complete with round Hobbit-style homes, panoramic viewpoints, and volcano views that look straight out of Middle-earth.

You can spend the day exploring the attractions, which include a huge swing, carnival games, and photo spots like the iconic giant hand. There are also bars and restaurants on site, with themed meals and drinks. You can even stay overnight in a hobbit hole, which was something I booked immediately, knowing it would be the perfect surprise birthday present for Dan, who’s a huge The Lord of the Rings fan.

Hobbitenango run an official shuttle from Antigua throughout the day (free to overnight guests), or you could opt for an Uber, but you might struggle to get one to take you back to town.

4. Visit ancient Mayan ruins at Iximcheʼ

History lovers shouldn’t miss a visit to Iximchéʼ, a fascinating archaeological site about 1.5 hours from Antigua. Once the capital of the Kaqchikel Mayan kingdom, it dates back to the 15th century and features impressive ruins of temples, ball courts, and ceremonial plazas.

You can wander through the quiet site and learn about the region’s pre-Columbian history, including its role in early Spanish encounters. It’s nowhere near as extensive as the famous Tikal, but it’s a good introduction to Mayan history if you’re in Antigua and won’t be visiting any of Central America’s more popular Mayan sites.

You can take a guided tour to Iximchéʼ to learn more about the site, Mayan culture, and ongoing spiritual traditions – some ceremonies are still performed here today. Alternatively, you can take a chicken bus to Tecpán, which is the closest town, or rent a car and drive yourself.

5. Shop for artisanal souvenirs at Chichicastenango Market

Chichicastenango Market is one of the most colourful and famous markets in Central America. Held every Thursday and Sunday, it’s full of handwoven textiles, wooden masks, pottery, and traditional clothing, and offers some of the best sustainable shopping near Antigua.

You could spend hours wandering the narrow lanes of the town, which is filled with the market, browsing artisan handicrafts, and photographing the rainbow of colours. Don’t miss visiting the nearby Santo Tomás Church, where Mayan rituals blend with Catholic practices in a unique cultural crossover.

You can make the journey by chicken bus with several changes, or opt for a guided tour to Chichicastenango Market. Markets can be quite an overwhelming experience, especially if it’s your first time in Guatemala, so taking a tour is a great introduction to the chaos.

At about 2.5 hours from Antigua, it’s a fairly long day, but worth it for an unforgettable shopping experience. If you have the time, stay in Lake Atitlán, which is closer, and explore the lake’s towns, which are also packed with artisan shops and markets.

6. Explore Mayan villages by chicken bus

Antigua is surrounded by smaller, authentic Mayan villages, and it’s a popular tour option to visit a couple on a day trip. For a really unique experience, you can hop on a local chicken bus and explore towns like Ciudad Vieja and San Miguel Dueñas. But this is no normal public transportation experience – your tour will have its own custom-built, private chicken bus, one of Guatemala’s famously colourful repurposed school buses.

You’ll explore the surrounding villages, which are known for their weaving cooperatives and traditional crafts. You can watch artisans at work, learn about local culture, and pick up authentic souvenirs straight from the makers. It’s a really unique day out.

7. Tour a coffee farm and sample roasts

Antigua’s volcanic soil and high altitude make it one of the best coffee-growing regions in the world, and you can’t visit without trying the local coffee. While the town itself is filled with local, Antiguian cafés and coffee shops, the best way to learn about the process from bean to cup is to visit a coffee farm.

You can tour a working plantation to see how beans are grown, harvested, roasted, and brewed, before sampling a variety of flavour profiles.

Popular options include Finca Filadelfia, Finca La Azotea, and De La Gente, each offering hands-on tours and tastings. Finca Filadelfia and La Azotea are long-standing, family-run estates that showcase Guatemala’s coffee heritage through guided walks and cuppings, while De La Gente, a community-based non-profit, partners directly with local farmers to create a fairer and more transparent coffee industry – here, you can even roast your own batch alongside a grower and take it home.

Some coffee tours from Antigua have a creative spin, combining tastings with cycling or riding an ATV in the hills. The farms are just a short drive from town, making them a great day trip from Antigua, and you’ll get beautiful views of the mountains, too.

8. Join a chocolate-making workshop

This one’s for the sweet tooths. In town, you can join a chocolate-making workshop at places like the ChocoMuseo (Chocolate Museum) and Ek Chuah, but for a fun day out, you can actually visit a Cacao Farm. Several tour operators in Antigua offer full-day excursions to the warmer lowlands or to communities near Lake Atitlán, where cacao trees thrive. You’ll walk through lush plantations, learn how pods are harvested and fermented, and taste cacao in its raw and roasted forms.

Many tours also include a visit to a small-scale producer, giving you the chance to meet local farmers and sample artisanal chocolate made on-site. Along the way, you’ll hear about the ancient Mayan origins of cacao, which was once used as currency and in ceremonial drinks. The classes are fun, interactive, and great for families or couples, plus, you get to sample plenty of rich Guatemalan chocolate.

9. Visit Valhalla Macademia Farm

Just a 15-minute drive from Antigua, Valhalla Macadamia Farm is a small, sustainable plantation dedicated to eco-friendly farming. The owners are passionate about reforestation and community projects, showcasing the cultivation and processing of macadamia nuts.

You can take a free tour to learn about the macadamia-growing process, from seedling to harvest. The farm also has a spa offering natural macadamia oil facials and a café serving pancakes drizzled with macadamia butter, an indulgent treat. It’s a peaceful spot surrounded by trees and mountain views, perfect for a day out from Antigua.

10. Adventure on an ATV Tour

If you’re an adrenaline junkie, you have to book an Antigua ATV tour. Guided trips take you up mountain trails to scenic viewpoints like Cerro de la Cruz, Hobbitenango, and to local villages where few tourists venture. You can ride solo or tandem, and tours typically last 5-6 hours.

Simon S.A. (previously Simoon Rentals & Tours) is a popular tour operator in Antigua with a range of experiences on offer. You can combine the journey with a variety of experiences, including:

Along the way, you’ll pass coffee plantations, farmland, and panoramic volcano viewpoints, making it a fun day trip from Antigua.

Day trips from Antigua that we don’t recommend

There are some day trips from Antigua that require really long travel times, meaning you won’t get to fully experience the best of a location in one day. There are some tours which might appeal to you if you’re short on time, but we’ve also offered some alternatives to make the most of your time in Antigua.

11. Lake Atitlán from Antigua

A popular (but long) day trip from Antigua, Lake Atitlán is a huge volcanic crater lake located in Guatemala’s northern highlands. Known for its traditional Mayan villages, towering volcanoes, and speedy lanchas (boats), Lake Atitlán is one of the top unmissable places to visit in Guatemala.

Lots of people wonder if you can take a tour from Antigua to Lake Atitlán, and while the answer is yes, you can, we don’t recommend it. It’s about a 2.5-hour drive from Antigua, so you’ll spend as much time in transit as you will sightseeing. It’s better to actually spend at least a few days hopping your way around the Lake Atitlán towns.

Once there, you can take a boat to visit towns like San Juan La Laguna, known for its art and coffee cooperatives, San Pedro La Laguna (the backpacker hub), or San Marcos La Laguna, famous for its yoga and wellness retreats. Each village has its own character, from the lively markets of Panajachel to the traditional textiles of Santiago Atitlán, so you’ll barely scratch the surface in one day.

Where to go instead – Lake Amatitlán

Located just over an hour’s drive from Antigua, Lake Amatitlán is a volcanic crater lake that sits beneath the imposing Pacaya Volcano, giving it a dramatic backdrop. While it’s not as polished or touristy as Atitlán, it still makes for a great day out if you have your own car.

You can take a boat trip across the lake, hike the forest trails of Naciones Unidas National Park, or relax in the thermal springs at Kawilal Hot Springs. Foodies can enjoy lakeside dining in the nearby town of Amatitlán or stop by Château Defay Winery for tastings of Guatemalan-made wines in a peaceful garden setting. It’s more of a local experience, but a good alternative to Lake Atitlán, which really does require more than one day to visit.

12. Tikal from Antigua

Tikal is one of Guatemala’s most famous destinations – an ancient Mayan city hidden deep in the jungles of Petén. However, it’s located around 310 miles (500 km) from Antigua, meaning it’s not realistic as a day trip. Some Tikal tour operators do offer tours to Tikal, which require round-trip flights in the morning and evening, but you’ll miss so much of the site when you’re there and will spend most of the day in transportation.

Most travellers fly or take an overnight bus to Flores, the gateway to Tikal, and spend at least two days exploring the ruins and the surrounding jungle. The site itself is massive, with towering temples rising above the treetops and howler monkeys echoing through the forest canopy, and it’s worth spending at least a day there exploring.

Where to go instead – Iximcheʼ or Mixco Viejo

For something closer to Antigua, you can instead visit the Mayan ruins of Iximchéʼ, which we mentioned earlier, or head to Mixco Viejo. While they’re much smaller, these sites still provide fascinating insights into ancient Mayan civilisations and can be easily done in a half-day trip.

13. El Paredón from Antigua

El Paredón is a laidback surf town on Guatemala’s Pacific coast, about 2.5 hours from Antigua. Known for its black volcanic sand and powerful waves, it’s become a favourite weekend getaway for locals and backpackers looking for beach time after exploring the highlands. There’s not much to do other than swinging in a hammock, tucking into smoothie bowls in local restaurants, and taking a surf lesson at sunrise, but with the 5-hour round trip, it’s a pretty long journey for a day trip.

We’d recommend staying at least 1 night in El Paredón to really soak up the vibes. While accommodation is mostly boutique hostels and beach bungalows, there are now also some stylish eco-hotels offering yoga, poolside cocktails, and ocean views, as well as budget beachfront hostels.

Alternatively, you could visit Monterrico, another coastal town that’s a little more developed but equally known for its surfing, nature reserves, and turtle conservation programs. It’s no closer to Antigua, so it requires at least a night’s stay, too.

14. Semuc Champey from Antigua

Let’s clear this up – anyone telling you that Semuc Champey is a day trip from Antigua is either mistaken or misleading you. It’s one of Guatemala’s most remote attractions, located deep in the mountains near Lanquín, and getting there involves a full day of travel (8-9 hours one-way) on winding roads.

That said, if you have the time, it’s absolutely worth the effort to go for at least one night. The limestone pools are a stunning turquoise, stacked like natural infinity baths surrounded by dense jungle. You can hike up to the mirador (viewpoint) for panoramic views or swim in the cool, crystal-clear water below.

Most people stay in an eco-lodge by the river or near Lanquín village. We’d recommend trying to tie Semuc Champey into your Guatemala itinerary, between Flores/Tikal, or even Belize, and Antigua if you can, rather than making it a round-trip.

Planning a trip to Antigua?

Prepare for your trip to Antigua with our comprehensive travel guides! They include lots of handy tips like how to get to the city and get around, as well as the best things to do, tours, accommodation, restaurants, and more.

Read next:

A Practical Guide to the Acatenango Overnight Hike to See Fuego Volcano

How to Visit Pacaya Volcano + Is it Even Worth it?

A Complete Guide to Visiting Hobbitenango

18 Churches, Convents, Colonial Landmarks & Ruins in Antigua

10 Fascinating Museums in Antigua to Visit

How to Hike to Cerro de la Cruz in Antigua

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