ATV Riding in Antigua: Colonial Sites and Cerro de la Cruz

Baroque churches, cobblestone streets, and a hilltop view of three volcanoes on one afternoon

A guided tour of Antigua's colonial landmarks by ATV, mule, bike or private car, starting with hotel pickup and ending at Cerro de la Cruz. You ride through the city center visiting La Merced Church, Arco de Santa Catalina, Central Park, Church of El Calvario, and Ermita de Candelaria before ascending to the viewpoint for panoramic vistas of the surrounding volcanoes. A certified guide in English or Spanish leads the route. Safety equipment and entrance fees are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. La Merced Church10m
2. Central Park Antigua20m
3. Hill of the Cross20m · entry included

Explore Antigua's historic sites and viewpoints

• Pick up from hotel lobby
• Choose adventure vehicle at headquarters
• Visit La Merced Church
• See Arco de Santa Catalina
• Explore Central Park Antigua
• Visit Church of El Calvario
• Visit Ermita de Candelaria chapel
• Ascend to Hill of the Cross viewpoint
• Return to headquarters and hotel drop-off

The experience

Hotel pickup gets you to the headquarters in Antigua, where you choose your vehicle: ATV, mountain bike, buggie or private car. Each option covers the same route and stops, so the choice depends on how you want to move through the city. Once you're geared up with safety equipment, the guide leads you out to La Merced Church, a 17th-century Baroque landmark with a vibrant yellow façade that has become the symbol of Antigua itself.

From there the route threads through the colonial center, stopping at Arco de Santa Catalina. The arch built so nuns could cross the street unseen, now framed by cobblestone streets and the silhouette of Volcán de Agua. Central Park sits at the heart of the city, ringed by colonial buildings where you can feel the weight of the place's history. The Church of El Calvario and the smaller Ermita de Candelaria, both survivors of the earthquakes that reshaped the city, show the range of colonial architecture that still stands. Each stop has its own story. The guide shares them as you move between sites.

The day ends at Cerro de la Cruz, the hilltop viewpoint where the panorama opens up: the city below, and beyond it the three volcanoes (Agua, Fuego, and Acatenango) rising against the sky. This is where most visitors come to photograph Antigua, and the vantage point makes clear why the city sits where it does. After time at the top, the route descends back to headquarters and then to your hotel.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Antigua.
• choice of ATV, mountain bike, buggie or private car.
• safety equipment.
• certified tour guide in English or Spanish.
• entrance fee to Cerro de la Cruz.

Options for this experience

2 options

Choose between an ATV, a bicycle, or a scooterGuide in English or Spanish · 08:00 and 13:00Separate vehicles: one vehicle for each person. Pickup is included

Mule Vehicle OptionGuide in English or Spanish · 08:00 and 13:00Cost per vehicle: the mule can take up to 2 passengers. Includes pickup

You pick the guide language when booking.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:00 and 13:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (18 to 75 years) · Under 18: can't be included in the booking

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

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

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for back problems

Operated by Guat2do Travel Experiences

Is this one for you?Choose the ATV or bike if you want the thrill of riding through the colonial streets yourself. Pick the private car if you prefer to sit back and let the guide handle the route while you focus on the sights and the stories. Either way, the 2-hour loop fits a free afternoon and gets you to the viewpoint before the light fades.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

What is La Merced Church and why is it so recognizable?

La Merced Church is a 17th-century Baroque landmark with a distinctive bright yellow façade that has become internationally recognized as the symbol of Antigua. Built during the colonial period, it stands as one of the most emblematic churches in the city and is the first major stop on the tour.

Can I choose which vehicle to ride on this tour?

Yes. At the headquarters in Antigua, you select between an ATV, mountain bike, buggie, or private car. All options follow the same route and visit the same sites. The choice is yours depending on how you prefer to experience the ride through the city.

What is Cerro de la Cruz and what can you see from there?

Cerro de la Cruz is a hilltop viewpoint at the end of the tour offering panoramic views of Antigua and the surrounding landscape. From the top you can see three volcanoes: Volcán de Agua, Volcán de Fuego, and Volcán Acatenango. It's a popular spot for photography and gives a sense of the city's geography and scale.

What does the tour include?

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Antigua, your choice of vehicle (ATV, bike, buggie or car), safety equipment, a certified guide in English or Spanish, and entrance fees to Cerro de la Cruz. Gratuities are not included.

How long is the tour?

The tour runs for 2 hours from pickup at your hotel through all the stops and back to your hotel.