Explore the fascinating Spanish and Mayan history of Guatemala on this family-friendly 8-hour tour to Iximché and colonial Antigua. Wander the atmospheric archaeological site of Iximché to discover the history of the Mayans. Then head to Antigua, former colonial capital, where you’ll visit the San Francisco Church, Calle del Arco, La Merced Church and the central plaza. Your excursion also includes round-trip transportation from your hotel, a guide and all entrance fees.

Full day tour of Iximché and Antigua
Visit the archeological site of Iximché, the first capital of Guatemala
Explore the colonial city of Antigua on a sightseeing tour
Learn the history of the city from your expert guide as you visit La Merced Church, Calle del Arco, Central Plaza, San Francisco Church and more
Hotel pickup and drop-off and all entrance fees included

What's Included

Professional guide
Hotel pickup and drop-off

Food and drinks
Gratuities

Meeting And Pickup

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

Start time

08:00 am

Pickup details

Pick up time will be within 15 minutes of the established departure time in your confirmation.

What To Expect

Take a deep dive into two of the most fascinating periods of Guatemalan history as you explore the Mayan ruins at Iximché, followed by a trip through the colonial city of Antigua. This family-friendly tour is the perfect introduction to the history and architecture of this fascinating region.

Start your morning with pickup at 9am from your Antigua hotel, continuing to the archaeological site of Iximché, located about an hour northwest of town, with your guide. This unique site was once the capital of the Kaqchiquel Maya, offering a great introduction to the Mayan customs and culture. Check out the site’s four ceremonial plazas, flanked by ball courts and its taller temple buildings. The plazas are believed to have been locations for residents' housing and special events, while the ball courts were dedicated to an intriguing sport played by the Mayans that dates to 1400 BC.

After spending two hours at Iximché, continue back to Antigua for a city tour. Stop for lunch at a centrally located restaurant (at your own expense) before heading to the Central Plaza to visit San Francisco Church. Inside the church, take a look at the shrine of Peter of St. Joseph Betancur. Then continue on to the ruins of Santo Domingo Monastery, formerly one of the grandest in all of Central America. Proceed next to the arch of Santa Catalina, one of Antigua’s most iconic landmarks and once the home of Santa Catalina Convent.

Wrap up your tour with a visit to the beautiful baroque-style La Merced Church and with a stop at the Jade Museum, where you’ll view the property’s unique jewelry collection and see artisans as they create one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces. Finish with a drop off back at your Antigua hotel.

Iximche

1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

The Plaza Central Park

1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible
Near public transportation

Infants must sit on laps
Most travellers can participate
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travellers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.

Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

Traveller Photos

Reviews

4.5

12 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Reviews by Viator travellers.

Showing 1-9 of 12 reviews

A beautiful exploring ancient civilization

Elizabeth_P, Jan 2023

I thoroughly enjoyed my day of adventure with Jose. We were lucky enough to to get to see some Mayan rituals at Iximche. It was a great treat to have a private tour of such a special place.

Amazing Trip

Romelita_V, Mar 2022

We had a wonderful trip! Our guide, Gustavo is so knowledgeable and ensured a very interesting trip. We were very lucky to also see and participate in a Mayan ceremony at iximche. Best meal at a restaurant called Katok as per guide recommedation. Highly recommend Gustavo - best guide ever!

AMAZING!!

Taneal_C, Nov 2021

I loved loved loved (!!!) this tour. Honestly, this was probably the most incredible highlight of my trip. Belisario was a great guide and so full of knowledge. He truly made the tour an unforgettable experience! I would recommend this tour to any and every one. Please take note that there is A LOT of walking, but it is soooo worth it. You will not regret booking this tour. Amazing!

The ruins

Natebowser625, Feb 2020

I left my phone and credit card in the van after my excursion to the ruins. I was understandably freaked-out. But the next day they drive from Guatemala City to my hotel in Antigua and dropped off my belongings. Without my phone and credit card my vacation could have been ruined, but they handled my crisis with prompt professionalism. My guide, Mirko, was great.

Great experience

John_B, Feb 2020

Beautiful experience with a very knowledgeable guide. Learned alot about the Maya cultures and had the opportunity to take some amazing photos of Antigua!

Well organised, knowledgeable guide

Rachel_v, May 2019

Belisario was very kind and easy to talk to. Excellent English, entry fees for attractions were included. Felt very safe and we asked many questions about Guatemala and the sites. Would highly recommend, this was a highlight of the trip!

Great day, made even better by our...

Carlos S, Aug 2016

Great day, made even better by our outstanding guide Miguel who was friendly, informative and even went out of his way to bring us to a store when my wife needed some items.

The Iximche tour was fun.. the guide...

Snita M, July 2016

The Iximche tour was fun.. the guide had a lot of interesting things to tell us about the tour.. the city tour was meh.... the churches were closed in the afternoon.. most of the places we saw from outside.. and took pics.. we were able to spend 3 hrs.. but i am not sure if we needed a guide.

Miguel was our Guide for this...

Judith M, June 2016

Miguel was our Guide for this excursion. He has a world of information about the Mayan culture. His knowledge about Iximche helped bring the site alive. The stops that were made in Antigua City were wonderful to see. It was great walking through the city and seeing the people as they go about their daily lives.