Antigua Guatemala Shore Excursion: Casa Santo Domingo

Colonial churches, monastery museums and a 16th-century convent turned resort in one morning from the port

This six-hour shore excursion departs Puerto Quetzal and travels 1 hour 15 minutes inland to Antigua Guatemala, a UNESCO World Heritage city founded in 1543. You visit Casa Santo Domingo, a partially restored Dominican convent now operating as a resort, where museums display colonial glass, art and silver alongside crypts and catacombs; then walk Central Park to see the Palace of the Captains General and Cathedral; and stop at La Merced Church, whose baroque facade was carved by Mayan artisans during colonial times. A local guide in English or Spanish leads the group, which stays under 15 people, with port pickup, transport by minivan and bottled water included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Casa Santo Domingo45m
2. Central Park Antigua30m
3. La Merced Church30m

Explore Antigua Guatemala highlights

• Travel from Puerto Quetzal to Antigua
• Visit Casa Santo Domingo museums and crypts
• See Central Park and historic buildings
• Explore La Merced Church facade

The experience

Casa Santo Domingo anchors this tour. The complex occupies a 16th-century convent that has been partially restored and now operates as a five-star resort, but visitors access the old facilities (museums of glass, art and silver, crypts, catacombs and colonial murals) without paying resort rates. A local guide walks you through the layout and explains what each space held during Antigua's time as the Spanish colonial capital of Central America.

From there the tour moves to Central Park, the heart of the city, where you see the Palace of the Captains General, the City Hall Palace and the Cathedral. The final stop is La Merced Church, whose original baroque facade was elaborated by native Mayan artisans during the colonial period: a detail visible in the carved stone itself. The whole route covers Antigua's main sights without requiring a car or independent navigation from the port.

Port pickup and drop-off are included, as is transport by air-conditioned minivan. The tour runs six hours total, which accounts for the 1 hour 15 minute drive each way plus time at each site. A minimum of four people per booking applies. Groups max out at 15.

What’s included

• Local guide in English or Spanish.
• bottled water.
• port pickup and drop-off.
• transport by air-conditioned minivan.
• local taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:30

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (18 to 64 years) · Senior (65 and older) · Youth (13 to 17 years) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Infant (under 3)

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 3 pickup points.Operator's directions: “Our staff will have a sign with your name on.”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical level

Operated by GT Negocios y Viajes

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you're arriving at Puerto Quetzal without a rental car or staying at the port. Port pickup and return timing tied to your ship means you don't arrange transport separately, and the six-hour window fits comfortably inside a port call.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 17 years); Child (3 to 12 years); Infant (under 3).

How far is Antigua Guatemala from Puerto Quetzal?

Antigua Guatemala sits 1 hour 15 minutes inland from Puerto Quetzal by road.

What is Casa Santo Domingo and what can you see inside?

Casa Santo Domingo is a 16th-century Dominican convent that has been partially restored and now operates as a resort. Visitors tour the old facilities, which include museums of colonial glass, art and silver, crypts, catacombs and murals.

Does the tour include lunch?

Lunch is not included in this excursion. The tour provides bottled water and covers the main sites in six hours.

What is La Merced Church known for?

La Merced Church displays an original baroque facade that was carved by native Mayan artisans during colonial times, visible in the elaborate stonework.

Is pickup from the ship included?

Yes, port pickup and drop-off are included. At booking, you'll need to provide your ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time so the operator can time the return.