Towns Around Antigua
This tour explores some of the towns, farms, factories, and markets that surround Antigua. It provides travelers with a well-rounded experience in the Antigua area.
- Duration:
- 4 hrs
- Available Days:
- Every day
- Schedule:
- 8:00 AM, 2:00 PM
- Inquire for Transportation
- Mobile Ticket Included
- Offered in English, Spanish
This tour visits some of the most interesting towns and plantations that surround Antigua. As such, it allows travelers to gain a fuller understanding of the culture, history, and economics of the region.
The first stop on the tour is San Juan del Obispo, where you'll visit the monastery of Francisco Marroquín, the first bishop of Guatemala. Marroquín played a large role in the early years of Spanish colonialism. The monastery is lovely and contains original furniture.
Next, you'll head to Ciudad Vieja. Here you'll learn about the sad history of this town, which was the second city founded by the Spanish in Guatemala. The town was destroyed in 1541 by mudflows from the Agua Volcano.
The next stop is at an experimental organic macadamia nut farm. While here you'll learn about the medicinal uses of macadamia nuts, as well as their role in sustainable agriculture. You might even get to sample macadamia chocolates and macadamia oil skin-care products.
Afterwards the tour visits a local cooperative market in the town of San Antonio Aguas Calientes. Aguas Calientes is well known for its intricate handicrafts.
The tour ends in a jade factory where you'll see how jade was used in the past and how it is used in the present.
What to Bring
Comfortable shoes, sunscreen, camera, and money for food, water, and personal expenses.
What's included
Transportation, guide, and entrance fees.
Transportation
Many of our tours and activities offer transportation pick up & drop off options from several locations and destinations. Options vary by tour, see “BOOKING REQUEST” for full details.
Similar things to do
Acatenango is a twin-peaked stratovolcano. The volcano erupted between 1924 and 1927 and again in 1972. Volcanic ash from these explosions traveled as far as 15 miles away. Larger eruptions also occurred some 2,000 and 5,000 years ago.
This tour brings travelers to the Postclassic Mayan site of Iximché. Iximché was once a Kaqchikel capital and today it’s still used in many Mayan ceremonies.
During this tour, you’ll visit carpenters in Ciudad Vieja, weavers in San Antonio Aguas Calientes, and farmers at an experimental macademia nut plantation. It’s a great way to experience some of Guatemala’s best culture.
