Tour Details

Iximché Ruins and Antigua City Tour from Guatemala City

From: £47.83

Duration: 8 hours

Category: Sightseeing

See Guatemala’s mixture of Mayan and Spanish influences on this 8-hour tour from Guatemala City to the Iximché ruins and the city of Antigua. Learn about Mayan history from your expert guide as you explore the archeological site of Iximché. Then, move on to the Spanish colonial city of Antigua, where you’ll see some of its most famous sites, including San Francisco Church, Calle del Arco, La Merced Church and Plaza Central. This historical day trip is perfect for the whole family!

Discover the beauty and history of Guatemala on this full-day historical tour of the Mayan ruins of Iximché and the colonial city of Antigua.

After pickup from your Guatemala City hotel, venture northwest approximately an hour to the dusty town of Tecpán, the location of the Mayan ruins of Iximché. With your knowledgeable guide, explore these ruins, which were once the site of the Kaqchiquel Maya capital. When you enter the site, you'll see four ceremonial plazas surrounded by tall temple structures and two ball courts. The plazas were used for things such as housing and special ceremonies, and the ball courts were used to play the Mesoamerican ballgame, a sport that dates back to 1400 BC. As you walk around, your guide will provide historical commentary.

Spend about two hours at Iximché, and then be driven to the city of Antigua, about an hour away. Have lunch at a local restaurant (own expense), and then visit the Central Plaza with your guide. Here, visit San Francisco Church, home to the shrine of Peter of St Joseph Betancur. Explore the ruins of the Santo Domingo Monastery, which was once the largest and wealthiest monastery in Antigua. And admire the arch of Santa Catalina, one of Antigua's most recognizable landmarks; built in the 17th century, the building connected to the arch was once home to Santa Catalina Convent.

Next, visit the beautiful and Baroque-style La Merced Church before entering the Museo del Jade (Jade Museum), where you can witness craftsmen making unique jewels out of stones and see an impressive jade collection. You’ll then be taken back to Guatemala City.

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Culture Shock Rating

We have a wide range of tours designed to give you an insight into the destination you're travelling in and there is something for everybody. The culture shock ratings considers the destination visited, transport used, activities undertaken and that "Wow, I'm really not at home now!" factor. While generalisations are always tricky, a summary of our gradings is as follows…

20%

This is the least confronting of our tour range. Transport used on the trip is either private or a very comfortable public option, the activities included are usually iconic sites and locations that are not all too confronting.

40%

The tour can include a mix of private and public transport providing a level of comfort that is slightly below what you would experience at home. Sites visited are usually iconic sites, tours can also include market visits, visits to communities etc that provide the traveller with a fantastic insight into destination.

60%

Expect to rough it for parts of this tour, whether it's a packed public bus where you are forced to stand, a visit to a local market, a local community, you are sure to have an experience that is very different from what you're used to at home.

80%

The comforts of your home town and the environment you are used to are more of a rarity. Expect some challenging transport options, visits to local sites and areas that don't resemble anything at home.

100%

You're out there in the global community! You are likely to be exposed to the elements, travel in whatever means of transport is available and basically take it as it comes, whatever comes! It can be tough.

Physical Rating

Our physical rating gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the tour. While generalisations are always tricky, a summary of our gradings is as follows…

20%

These tours have very limited physical activity. Usually climbing in and out of the transport provided, walking through sites, markets etc included in the itinerary.

40%

These tours have a bit of physical activity but nothing that should challenge you too much. This could be climbing on and off public transport through to a walk through the destination you're travelling in, they can include walking only tours or a combination of walking and transport.

60%

These tours involve a bit of physical activity from walking up and down hills in the destination you're travelling in or the surrounding areas. Climbing on and off local transport or riding a bike up to 30 kms along predominantly flat terrain or jumping in a kayak for a gentle paddle on flat water.

80%

These Tours will provide you with some solid physical activity. Whether its bike riding, walking, trekking, kayaking or riding on public transport you will need to have a good level of fitness to enjoy this tour.

100%

Be prepared for some serious physical activity. These tours are our most challenging and involve some serious walking, hiking or bike riding. Can involve step climbs by foot or pedal and some challenging public transport options in the destination you are travelling.

Luxury Rating

Some trips are like a stroll on the beach, while others have you trekking alpine passes. Some of you thrive on camping out on the savannah, while others may prefer a hot shower and a comfortable bed in a lodge. Follow the grading systems below to find the right trip for you.

To help you choose the trip that's right for you, we've broken all of our trips down into four service levels. Measuring the comfort level of the accommodation and transport. So whether you're travelling on a budget and want to save money by using public transport, or prefer upgraded accommodation and are happy to pay a little more, then we have a level for you.

25%

This is grassroots travel at its most interesting

50%

Authentic experiences with some of the comforts of home

75%

For those who like to travel in comfort

100%

All the unique experiences wrapped up with a gold ribbon