The 7 Best One-Day Tours in Guatemala

1.Lake Atitlan One Day Tour from Antigua

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 288 reviews · 12 to 14 hours (approx.) · from $92Our pick

From Antigua, you’ll ride to Panajachel, cross Lake Atitlan by shared boat, and visit San Juan la Laguna, San Pedro, and Santiago Atitlan. Expect Maya craft demonstrations, volcano views, a local guide, and a very long day. Guides such as Elena, Azucena, Maria, and Yael have earned especially warm praise.

“It was well organized and enriching to learn more about specific influences around the Lake. Transportation was punctual and everyone was kind! This was a day trip booked to celebrate my birthday and the people who joined really added to the experience.”

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2.Pacaya Volcano Day Trip from Guatemala City

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 63 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $94

Start with hotel pickup at 7:00 am and hike Pacaya with a bilingual guide such as Luis, Alan, Davis, or Marvin. Expect a dusty, steep trail, volcano views, optional horseback riding, and marshmallows toasted over volcanic heat. Visible lava is possible but never guaranteed.

“Marvin was a very good tour guide through the volcano, and was very knowledgeable and informative. He made sure we were comfortable and allowed us plenty of rest stops while going up the volcano. The hike up is pretty hard but the hike down is easy and it is 100% worth it once you get to the top, and he even brought us marshmallows to roast in the volcano.”

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3.From Guatemala City Semuc Champey in one day.

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 26 reviews · 11 hours · from $150

Travel by private vehicle from Guatemala City to Semuc Champey, with an English or Spanish guide, a restaurant stop, time in Alta Verapaz and Cobán, a 4x4 ride, the Cahabón River, Kamba caves, and four hours at the pools. Guides have included Mervin and Ludwin, but confirm exactly what guiding and entrance fees cover.

“Our guide mervin made the trip such a memorable one! We couldn’t enjoy Semuc Champey much due to the crowds during the Easter weekend, but definitely a good cultural experience and a nice place to visit!”

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4.Chichicastenango and Iximché One Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 21 reviews · 12 hours · from $108

Travel from Antigua Guatemala or Guatemala City to Iximché and Chichicastenango with an English or Spanish-speaking guide. See Maya ruins, a working market, and Santo Tomás Church, with a chance of witnessing a Maya ceremony. Lunch and purchases cost extra.

“Fue un tour muy lindo, conocimos mucho sobre historia Maya y sus culturas, sus rituales, etc, en cuanto a Chichicastenango habían muchas personas, por ende es difícil movilizarse, sin embargo fue interesante entrar a la iglesia e ir al cementerio colorido”

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5.1 Day Acatenango Volcano Hike from Antigua

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 12 reviews · from $170Top rated

Hike Acatenango from Antigua with a bilingual local guide, passing cornfields, cloud forest, pine forest, and loose volcanic scree before reaching the summit. You may watch Fuego erupt from 4 kilometers away. Guides Gerson and Andrés are singled out by name, and the route includes transport, park fees, and a picnic meal.

“Great excursion, contact with nature and the best views. Ask for Gerson, the best and patient tour guide! Highly recommended! Note: you should be in a great physical condition!”

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6.From Guatemala City Chichicastenango in 1 day.

★★★★★★★★★★3.3 · 8 reviews · 10 hours · from $95

Travel by private vehicle from Guatemala City or Antigua with an English or Spanish-speaking guide. Stop for breakfast in Tecpán, then spend six hours around Chichicastenango Market, Santo Tomás Church, Pascual Abaj, the craft stalls, and Gucumatz Arch.

“Ludwin was a great guide! He drove us (he is a very good driver!) to Chichicastenango and answered all our questions. We had a very nice trip. Chichicastenango is worth a visit, even for people with much experience in traditional markets, and that especially with Ludwin!”

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7.From Guatemala City to Semuc Champey in one day.

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 8 reviews · 11 hours · from $150

You’ll leave Guatemala City for Semuc Champey with private transport, a bilingual guide, and 4x4 access. Expect a long road day, a viewpoint over the turquoise pools, the Cahabón River, Kamba Caves, and time in Cobán. Guide Ludwin has earned praise for his care and strong knowledge of Guatemala.

“El lugar es hermoso . El guía muy bueno ( Ludwin ) . Esta actividad saliendo de cd. de Guatemala no alcanza para hacerla en un día . El trayecto de carretera es larguísimo ( 6 horas solo de ida ) No alcanzamos a ver las cuevas . Recomendaría hacerla en dos días , quedándose a dormir en Semuc .”

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