Top Pacific Highlands Day Trips

Once the capital of the conquistadors, Antigua is one of Guatemala’s most-visited destinations; its cobbled streets home to ornate churches, earthquake-damaged architecture, and colorful Mayan street markets. This full-day small-group shore excursion from Puerto Quetzal offers history and culture lovers the opportunity to delve deeper into the stories of the city and squeeze in plenty of sightseeing without having to worry about a busload of fellow shipmates.

Make the most of your time on dry land with a private tour of Antigua. Your excursion to the UNESCO-listed city includes a guided tour of the central plaza, along with a visits to a jade factory and the Santo Domingo Monastery. Beginning and ending at the Puerto Quetzal cruise terminal, comfortable round-trip transportation ensures that you return to your ship in time for departure. 

Head to shore and experience the beauty and wonder of colonial Antigua on a tour of this historic city. Your friendly guide will lead you on a memorable shore excursion walking tour that includes visits to some of the city’s most famous highlights, like La Merced Church, as well as expert commentary and local insights.

When your cruise ship sails into Puerto Quezal, maximize your time with a full-day shore excursion to Antigua. Alongside by your guide, you’ll absorb the colonial charm of Antigua City while listening to history-rich commentary. Marvel at landmarks like Santo Domingo Convent and the Church of La Merced and then browse stalls brimming with colorful souvenirs. Visit a rural coffee plantation to observe traditional production processes and sample aromatic cups of coffee with a local farmer.

Discover Guatemala’s rich history, culture, and natural beauty on this full-day small-group shore excursion from Puerto Quetzal. A great way to squeeze as much sightseeing as possible into one day without having to worry about organizing anything for yourself, this guided trip includes a visit to a traditional Mayan village and the historic capital of Antigua, known for its beautiful Baroque-style architecture and earthquake-damaged churches.

Take a break from the noisy crowds on your cruise ship and set off on a leisurely bird watching excursion. After pickup from Puerto Quetzal, enjoy a 1-hour drive through the Guatemalan countryside to El Paredon. Hop on a boat and float through the impressive mangroves. With the help of your guide, spot a variety of endemic and migratory birds. After the tour, receive an emailed checklist for your sightings.

Join this group guided tour of La Antigua to keep costs down, and still get a scenic drive through Guatemala's Pacific Plains, stopping at several landmarks along the way. Your guide and driver will take care of the logistics, so you just need to find your guide at the visitor center, and get comfortable in your vehicle. You’ll also have lunch provided to keep you energized.

Enjoy a day exploring the colonial confines of Antigua, one of Guatemala’s most historic cities, and visiting a relaxing hot springs spa during this 8-hour shore excursion. Spend the morning exploring the UNESCO World Heritage-listed city of Antigua, discovering its wealth of Spanish baroque architecture, cathedral ruins and colorful facades during a walking tour. Then transfer to Kawilal Hot Springs, a spa resort with 12 soaking pools, 25 steam baths and 3 hydrotherapy baths heated by fiery Pacaya Volcano. This Guatemala shore excursion includes lunch, a guide and round-trip port transport.

Ringed by three towering volcanoes in Guatemala’s central highlands, the 16th-century colonial city of Antigua is a cultural jewel in modern day Guatemala. On this day trip from Puerto Quetzal, you’ll explore UNESCO World Heritage-listed cobbled streets, crumbling churches, ornate palaces, and beautiful buildings, and discover how Mayan traditions and Spanish architecture sit side by side in this historic ex-capital. You’ll also enjoy the city’s gastronomical delights (at own cost) before returning to the coast.

Nice car and nice walking tour seen the highlights of Antigua, fullfilled with many history about the city plus in and outs of the country. Pick you up and safe return on time port call.

Discover the nuances of coffee production in one of the world's biggest coffee exporters during this private shore excursion from Puerto Quetzal in Guatemala. Visit a coffee plantation with over a hundred years of tradition and learn about the entire process—from bean to cup—on a guided tour. At the end of your tour, visit the cupping lab to sample various coffees from the plantation and enjoy a delicious lunch.

Spend the day learning about the ancient Maya people, their history and culture at the mystical Iximche ruins, the last capital city of the Mayas. Enjoy views of the indigenous western highlands of Guatemala. Once you arrive you'll be amazed at this tranquil site. Iximche, which means "place of the sacred trees of corn," is lush and vibrant. During your tour your expert guide will walk you through the site and explain the many myths, legends and facts surrounding the Maya. Feel free to ask your guide any questions. Your tour should permit you to see a number of pyramid temples, palaces, a small altar, and two ball courts.Founded by the Kaqchikel Maya in 1470, the city served as the region's capital and welcomed the Spanish who arrived in 1542. .After your tour, you'll return to your transportation and head to a restaurant where you can indulge in a delicious lunch . At the end of the day, you'll head back to port.