The Antigua Villages Tour offers a captivating glimpse into the region’s rich history and vibrant culture. This 4.5-star rated excursion whisks travelers through four picturesque villages, where they can explore colonial churches, vibrant plazas, and local artisan crafts. With comfortable transportation and a knowledgeable guide, the tour promises an immersive experience. Visitors can expect to gain insights into the area’s Spanish and Mayan heritage, making it a must-do activity for anyone seeking to uncover the essence of this captivating destination. What intrigues you most about the tour’s offerings?
Good To Know
- Explore four villages near Antigua, including San Juan del Obispo, San Pedro las Huertas, Ciudad Vieja, and San Antonio Aguas Calientes.
- Experience colonial architecture, local arts and crafts, such as chocolate-making and jade carving, with insights into Spanish and Mayan history.
- Tour includes air-conditioned minivan transportation and a professional guide who provides cultural and historical context.
- Bottled water is included, and a 10% tip for the guide is recommended based on satisfaction.
- The tour has an overall rating of 4.5 stars and a 93% traveler recommendation, with some isolated incidents of poor guide behavior reported.
It's also worth checking out some other tours and experiences nearby.
Tour Overview
The Antigua Villages Tour is a day trip that allows visitors to explore four charming villages in the Antigua region of Guatemala. Rated 4.5 stars, the tour includes stops at San Juan del Obispo, San Pedro las Huertas, Ciudad Vieja, and San Antonio Aguas Calientes.
Highlights include visiting colonial churches and plazas, learning about local arts and crafts like chocolate-making and jade carving, and gaining insights into Spanish and Mayan history.
Transportation is provided via air-conditioned minivan, and a professional guide accompanies the group, offering cultural and historical context throughout the journey.
The tour lasts the full day and comes recommended by 93% of travelers.
Tour Details
The tour provides air-conditioned minivan transportation throughout the day to ensure a comfortable experience.
A professional guide accompanies the group, providing cultural and historical context about the villages visited. Bottled water is included, and a 10% tip based on satisfaction is recommended for the guide.
Personal expenses like meals and souvenirs aren’t covered. Travelers have the option to meet the group directly at the designated meeting point or request pickup, allowing for flexibility.
The pickup process allows for a 10-15 minute wait time for the transport. The tour details cater to a seamless and informative cultural exploration of Antigua’s villages.
Meeting and Pickup
Travelers have the option to meet the group directly at the designated meeting point or request pickup, allowing for flexibility.
The meeting point is at Hotel Eterna Primavera Antigua, located at 4 Calle Oriente No.17. Guests choosing pickup will need to allow for a 10-15 minute wait time for the air-conditioned minivan transport.
The tour guide, a professional providing cultural and historical context, will greet participants at the meeting point or pickup location.
Bottled water is included, and tips of 10% are recommended based on satisfaction with the overall tour experience.
San Juan Del Obispo
Visitors explore the colonial palace museum in San Juan del Obispo, where they learn about the village’s artisanal traditions in wine and chocolate making.
The museum provides insights into the Spanish and Mayan history that shaped the area. Travelers have the opportunity to witness local artisans at work, crafting quality wines and chocolates.
This village offers a glimpse into the blend of colonial and indigenous influences that characterize much of Antigua’s cultural heritage.
With its picturesque colonial architecture and lively artisan community, San Juan del Obispo enchants visitors seeking an authentic Guatemalan experience beyond the city center.
San Pedro Las Huertas
Situated just a short distance from San Juan del Obispo, San Pedro Las Huertas offers visitors a chance to explore the colonial church and observe local customs.
The village is known for its jade carving tradition, which holds deep significance in Mayan culture. Visitors can witness artisans at work, learning about the intricate process and the importance of jade in the region.
The colonial church, with its distinctive architectural features, provides a glimpse into the area’s rich history.
Exploring the village allows travelers to enjoy the local way of life, offering a memorable and authentic experience.
Additional Stops
Along With the highlights in San Juan del Obispo and San Pedro Las Huertas, the Antigua Villages Tour also includes visits to the historic towns of Ciudad Vieja and San Antonio Aguas Calientes.
In Ciudad Vieja, travelers can learn about the area’s Spanish and Mayan history, while in San Antonio Aguas Calientes, they’ll gain insights into the importance of traditional Mayan culture and art.
Throughout these additional stops, the knowledgeable guide provides cultural context, allowing visitors to better understand the rich heritage of the region.
These varied experiences offer a well-rounded glimpse into the diverse communities surrounding Antigua, Guatemala.
Reviews and Feedback
The tour’s overall rating of 4.5 stars based on reviews from Viator and Tripadvisor reflects the positive experiences shared by many travelers.
Guides were particularly praised for their knowledge and engaging presentations, with memorable experiences highlighted.
However, isolated incidents of poor guide behavior and unmet expectations were reported by some travelers.
The tour operator has responded with a commitment to addressing feedback and improving tour experiences.
Highlights from the reviews include:
- Knowledgeable and informative guides
- Immersive cultural experiences in the villages
- Opportunity to learn about local crafts and traditions
- Well-organized and efficiently paced tour
- Issues with guide communication or behavior in a few cases
Tour Highlights
The Antigua Villages Tour takes visitors on a captivating journey through four distinct villages, each offering a unique glimpse into the region’s rich Spanish and Mayan heritage.
In San Juan del Obispo, guests explore a colonial palace museum and learn about the artisanal crafts of wine and chocolate making.
The tour then ventures to San Pedro Las Huertas, where travelers visit a colonial church, observe local customs, and discover the importance of jade carving in Mayan culture.
Additional stops in Ciudad Vieja and San Antonio Aguas Calientes provide further cultural insights, creating a well-rounded exploration of Antigua’s vibrant villages.
Here's a few more nearby tours and experiences we think you'll like.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Age Requirement for the Tour?
The tour doesn’t specify an age requirement. It’s suitable for travelers of all ages, from children to seniors, who can comfortably participate in the day trip and walking activities across the four villages.
Can I Bring My Own Food on the Tour?
Yes, guests are welcome to bring their own snacks and non-alcoholic beverages on the tour. The tour includes bottled water, but additional personal food and drinks can be carried during the day’s activities.
Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?
The tour company offers discounts for students and seniors, typically around 10-15% off the regular price. Travelers should inquire about these discounts when booking the tour to receive the applicable savings.
How Often Do the Tours Run Throughout the Week?
The tour runs daily with multiple departure times throughout the week. The exact schedule may vary, so it’s best to check with the tour operator for the most up-to-date information on tour times and availability.
Is Photography Allowed at All the Village Stops?
Photography is generally permitted at the village stops, though visitors should be mindful of any restrictions or local customs. It’s best to ask the guide about photo policies before taking pictures at each location.
Not for you? Here's more of our most recent tour reviews happening neaby
- Sip N Cycle Coffee and Mountain Bike Tour
- Panajachel / Lake Atitlan Tour
- Pacaya Volcano and Thermal Pools
- Private Taxi – Between Antigua and Panajachel
- Antigua Motorcycle Adventure
- Adventure Tour Climbing the Pacaya Volcano With Pickup
- Shuttle Pacaya Volcano From Antigua
- Walking Tour of the Wonders of La Antigua Guatemala
- Two Hours Private Backstrap Weaving Workshop in Antigua
- Pacaya Volcano Sunset Tour From Antigua
- Lake Atitlan off the Beaten Path: a Day Full of Adventure From Antigua
- Make Your Own Mayan Pepian – Cooking Class
- Antigua City Sightseeing Tour
- Chichicastenango and Iximche Pyramids Private Day Tour From Antigua
- Coffee Tour in Sacatepéquez With Tasting
The Sum Up
The Antigua Villages Tour offers a captivating cultural experience, showcasing the region’s rich Spanish and Mayan heritage. Travelers can explore colonial churches, vibrant plazas, and local artisan crafts, all while enjoying comfortable transportation and an informative guide. With its 4.5-star rating, this tour promises an immersive journey through the charming villages of Antigua, Guatemala.