Day Trips from Antigua Guatemala: Complete Guide
Explore volcanoes, markets, ruins, and more from your Antigua base
Antigua Guatemala's central location in the highlands makes it the perfect base for exploring some of Guatemala's most spectacular destinations. Within 1-3 hours, you can hike active volcanoes, visit indigenous markets, explore ancient Mayan ruins, tour world-class coffee plantations, and experience stunning natural beauty.
Whether you have just a few hours or a full day, these day trips offer incredible diversity—from easy cultural experiences to challenging volcano hikes. Most tours depart early morning and return by evening, making it easy to maximize your time in Guatemala.
This guide covers the best day trips from Antigua for US travelers, including what to expect, how to choose, and which ones are truly worth your time.
Best Day Trips from Antigua Guatemala
Here are the top day trips from Antigua, organized by experience type and difficulty level.
Pacaya Volcano
Hike to active lava flows on this accessible volcano. Perfect for families and those short on time.
Lake Atitlán
Visit Guatemala's stunning volcanic lake surrounded by traditional villages and dramatic scenery.
Chichicastenango Market
Experience Guatemala's most famous indigenous market. Colorful textiles, handicrafts, and authentic culture.
Acatenango Overnight Hike
Camp overnight with views of erupting Fuego volcano. Guatemala's most epic hiking experience.
Coffee Plantation Tour
Tour world-class coffee farms, learn about production, and taste some of Guatemala's finest beans.
Iximché Ruins
Explore ancient Mayan ruins with fewer crowds than Tikal. Important historical site with ceremonial platforms.
Hobbitenango
Whimsical hobbit village with giant hand sculptures, mountain views, and Instagram-worthy photo ops.
Tikal from Antigua
Guatemala's most famous Mayan ruins. Massive temples rising from the jungle. Long journey but iconic.
Volcano Day Trips from Antigua
Antigua is surrounded by volcanoes, and hiking them is one of Guatemala's most iconic experiences. Here's how to choose between the two main options.
Pacaya Volcano
Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
Duration: 4-5 hours
Highlight: Active lava flows
Best for: First-timers, families
Acatenango Volcano
Difficulty: Challenging
Duration: 2 days/1 night
Highlight: Fuego eruptions, summit sunrise
Best for: Fit hikers, adventure seekers
Which Volcano Should You Choose?
- Choose Pacaya if: You want an easier hike, have limited time (half day), traveling with family, or want guaranteed lava sightings without camping.
- Choose Acatenango if: You're fit, want an epic adventure, can handle cold and altitude, and want to witness Fuego's eruptions from a front-row seat.
- Do both if you can: They're completely different experiences. Pacaya is accessible and fun; Acatenango is challenging and unforgettable.
Cultural & Market Day Trips
Experience authentic Guatemalan culture, indigenous traditions, and ancient history with these cultural day trips.
Chichicastenango Market
Guatemala's most famous indigenous market operates Thursday and Sunday. Vibrant textiles, handicrafts, and authentic Maya K'iche' culture. The market fills the entire town center with hundreds of vendors.
Best for: Shoppers, photographers, cultural immersion
Full Guide →Iximché Ruins
Ancient Maya capital with ceremonial platforms and pyramids. Less crowded than Tikal but still historically significant. The site is peaceful and you can often see traditional Maya ceremonies being performed.
Best for: History enthusiasts, families, quieter experiences
Full Guide →Coffee Plantation Tours
Tour world-renowned coffee farms in the Antigua valley. Learn about cultivation, processing, roasting, and taste exceptional beans. Most tours are half-day and include transportation from Antigua.
Best for: Coffee lovers, morning activities, educational experiences
Full Guide →Nature & Scenic Day Trips
Discover Guatemala's stunning natural beauty with these scenic day trips featuring lakes, mountains, and unique attractions.
Lake Atitlán
Often called the most beautiful lake in the world, Lake Atitlán is surrounded by three volcanoes and traditional Maya villages. Day trips typically visit 2-3 villages by boat, including San Juan La Laguna (art cooperatives), Santiago Atitlán (largest village), and Panajachel (tourist hub).
The journey takes 2.5-3 hours each way through stunning highland scenery. You'll have 4-5 hours at the lake to explore, shop for handicrafts, and enjoy lakeside restaurants.
Duration: Full day (10-12 hours)
Distance: 2.5-3 hours from Antigua
Best for: Nature lovers, photographers, cultural explorers
Hobbitenango
A whimsical theme park featuring hobbit houses, giant hand sculptures, and panoramic mountain views. It's become one of Guatemala's most Instagram-famous spots, especially the giant hand reaching out over the valley.
The park includes restaurants, zip lines, and plenty of photo opportunities. It's a lighter, more relaxed day trip perfect for families or those wanting a break from intense hiking.
Duration: 4-6 hours
Distance: 45 minutes from Antigua
Best for: Families, Instagram photos, relaxed outings
Ready to Book Your Day Trips?
Get personalized recommendations and help planning your perfect Antigua itinerary with day trips included.
Plan My Antigua TripHow to Choose the Best Day Trip
Consider Your Time Available
Half day (4-5 hours): Pacaya Volcano, Coffee Tours, Hobbitenango
Full day (8-12 hours): Lake Atitlán, Chichicastenango, Iximché
Overnight: Acatenango Volcano, Tikal (better as 2-day trip)
Match Your Fitness Level
Easy: Lake Atitlán, Chichicastenango, Coffee Tours, Hobbitenango, Iximché
Moderate: Pacaya Volcano (some steep sections but manageable)
Challenging: Acatenango (high altitude, steep terrain, cold temperatures)
Budget Considerations
Budget-friendly ($25-50): Coffee Tours, Chichicastenango, Hobbitenango
Mid-range ($50-70): Pacaya, Lake Atitlán, Iximché
Premium ($70-100+): Acatenango overnight, Tikal flights
Travel Style Preferences
Adventure seekers: Acatenango, Pacaya, ATV tours
Culture enthusiasts: Chichicastenango, Iximché, Coffee Tours
Nature lovers: Lake Atitlán, volcano hikes, scenic drives
Families: Pacaya (older kids), Hobbitenango, Coffee Tours
Best Time of Year for Day Trips
Dry Season (November - April)
Best for: All day trips, especially volcano hikes and Lake Atitlán
- Clear skies and excellent visibility for volcano views
- Minimal rain means safer hiking conditions
- Lake Atitlán is stunning with blue skies
- Peak season means more tour availability but also more crowds
Rainy Season (May - October)
Best for: Cultural trips (markets, coffee tours, ruins)
- Afternoon rain is common—volcano views may be obscured
- Acatenango can be cold, wet, and muddy (less recommended)
- Fewer tourists and lower prices
- Mornings are usually clear—book early departures
Special Considerations
Chichicastenango Market: Only operates Thursday and Sunday—plan accordingly
Semana Santa (Easter Week): Extremely crowded in Antigua; day trips are a good escape
Volcano visibility: December-February typically offers the clearest views
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best day trip from Antigua Guatemala?
For most travelers, Pacaya Volcano is the best day trip—it's accessible, affordable ($50-60), and offers guaranteed active lava sightings in just 4-5 hours. If you have a full day and want stunning scenery, Lake Atitlán is incredible. For culture, visit Chichicastenango Market on Thursday or Sunday.
Can you visit Lake Atitlán in one day from Antigua?
Yes, but it's a long day (10-12 hours total). The drive takes 2.5-3 hours each way. You'll have 4-5 hours at the lake to visit 2-3 villages by boat. It's worth it if you can't stay overnight, but two days at the lake is ideal to fully experience it.
Is Pacaya Volcano worth it?
Absolutely. Pacaya is one of the best value activities in Guatemala. For $50-60, you get to hike an active volcano, see glowing lava flows, and roast marshmallows over volcanic heat. It's accessible for most fitness levels and takes just half a day from Antigua.
Are day trips from Antigua safe?
Yes, day trips with reputable tour companies are very safe. Tours use experienced guides, reliable transportation, and follow established routes. Pacaya, Lake Atitlán, and Chichicastenango are all safe with organized tours. Always book through established agencies and avoid traveling alone to remote areas.
How much do day tours from Antigua cost?
Prices vary by destination: Pacaya Volcano ($50-60), Acatenango overnight ($65-100), Lake Atitlán ($40-60), Chichicastenango Market ($35-50), Coffee Tours ($25-40), Hobbitenango ($30-45), Iximché Ruins ($40-55). Prices typically include transportation, guide, and entrance fees.
Do I need a guide for day trips from Antigua?
For volcano hikes (Pacaya, Acatenango), a guide is mandatory for safety and navigation. For Lake Atitlán and Chichicastenango, you can go independently via shuttle, but tours provide better logistics and local insight. Coffee tours and Iximché are easier with guides but can be done independently.
What is the closest volcano to Antigua?
Pacaya Volcano is the closest active volcano, about 1.5 hours from Antigua. You can also see Volcán de Agua (inactive) from Antigua—it's the massive volcano directly south of the city. Acatenango and Fuego are about 1.5 hours away as well.
Can you do Tikal as a day trip from Antigua?
Technically yes, but it's not recommended. The journey takes 8-9 hours each way by bus or 1 hour by flight (expensive). You'll spend more time traveling than exploring. It's much better to do Tikal as an overnight trip from Flores or skip it if you're short on time.
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Written by the La Antigua Guatemala travel team |Editorial Policy