Antigua Guatemala Tour: Colonial Churches & Markets

Walk colonial Antigua's baroque churches and photograph the iconic arch without arranging transport.

A private shore tour from Puerto Quetzal to Antigua Guatemala with certified guide, port pickup and drop-off, and lunch at a local restaurant. You'll spend a couple of hours exploring the city's colonial landmarks (La Merced Church, Santa Catalina Arch, Casa Santo Domingo, and the Main Square) with time to photograph and shop at the handicraft market before returning to your ship.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Casa Santo Domingo30m
2. Santa Catalina Arch15m
3. La Merced Church20m

Explore Antigua Guatemala from Puerto Quetzal

• Meet at Puerto Quetzal
• Drive to Antigua Guatemala
• Tour colonial city and take photos
• Visit Casa Santo Domingo monastery ruins
• Explore Main Square and Cathedral
• See Santa Catalina Arch
• Visit La Merced Church
• Explore El Carmen Church and handicraft market
• Lunch at local restaurant
• Return to cruise ship

The experience

The tour departs as soon as you leave the cruise ship, with pickup and drop-off at Puerto Quetzal included. The drive to Antigua Guatemala takes about an hour and a half, giving you time to settle in before arriving at the heritage city. A certified tour guide specializing in history leads the group and speaks English or Spanish, sharing information about the colonial architecture and the city's nearly 500 years of history while you walk through the streets.

You'll visit La Merced Church, one of the finest examples of Guatemalan Baroque style from the 17th century, then move to the Santa Catalina Arch: the symbol of Antigua that appears on most postcards. The arch was built in 1693 by the Santa Catalina Mártir Convent as a bridge so the nuns could cross the street unseen. It's the most photographed spot in the city. The tour also includes Casa Santo Domingo, the largest monastery in Antigua, whose baroque architecture and ancient walls survive from 1538, and the Main Square with its cathedral and mermaid fountain. You'll have time to walk through El Carmen Church and browse the handicraft market beside it, where vendors sell textiles, indigenous fabrics, jade, ceramics, and leather goods.

After exploring the monuments, you'll have lunch at a local restaurant with a choice of traditional dishes, then spend about an hour and a half returning to your ship. The tour is suitable for all fitness levels, and children are welcome from age 3. Bottled water is provided throughout the day.

What’s included

• Bottled water throughout the day.
• certified tour guide in English or Spanish.
• private transportation for your group.
• port pickup and drop-off at Puerto Quetzal.
• lunch at a local restaurant.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Under 3: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 3 pickup points.

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

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effort

Operated by Guat2do Travel Experiences

Is this one for you?Pickup at Puerto Quetzal is included, so you don't need to arrange a car or find your way from the port. The guide meets you as you leave the ship and handles the full route to Antigua and back, which matters if you're traveling without a rental or staying elsewhere in the region.

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 12 years). Children under 3 can't be included in the booking.

How long does the drive take from Puerto Quetzal to Antigua Guatemala?

The drive is about an hour and a half each way, so you spend roughly two hours walking and exploring the city itself before heading back to the ship.

What is the Santa Catalina Arch and why is it famous?

The Santa Catalina Arch was built in 1693 by the Santa Catalina Mártir Convent as a bridge connecting both sides of the street so the nuns could cross without being seen. It has become the symbol of Antigua Guatemala and appears on most postcards of the city.

Can I buy souvenirs on this tour?

Yes, the tour includes a stop at the handicraft market next to El Carmen Church, where you can buy textiles, indigenous fabrics, jade, ceramics, leather, and other handmade goods made by local artisans.

Is lunch included, and what kind of food will we eat?

Lunch is at a local restaurant with a variety of options including traditional Guatemalan dishes. You'll spend about an hour there before returning to your ship.