Chichicastenango and Iximché private tour from Antigua

A 1540 church stands on the foundations of a pre-Hispanic temple in the market square.

This eight-hour private tour from Antigua visits Chichicastenango's market and the Mayan ruins of Iximché in the western highlands. You walk through the colorful market, enter the Church of Santo Tomás built on a pre-Hispanic archaeological base, and explore the peaceful ruins where a guide explains Mayan history and legends. Private transportation and a professional guide in English or Spanish are included. Pickup from your hotel is arranged.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Chichicastenango40m
2. Iximché2h

Visit Chichicastenango and Iximché ruins

• Travel from Antigua to Chichicastenango
• Explore Chichicastenango colorful market
• Visit Church of Santo Tomás
• Travel to Iximché ruins
• Tour Iximché archaeological site
• Enjoy views of western highlands

The experience

Eight hours gives you time to move through two very different sites without rushing. The route starts in Antigua and climbs into the highlands, passing wooded areas and valleys where local farmers grow vegetables and fruits. Chichicastenango's market fills with color and local crafts, the main draw for most visitors, but the real architecture lies in the Church of Santo Tomás, which was built in 1540 directly on top of a pre-Hispanic temple foundation, a visible collision of Colonial and Mayan building.

After the market, you head to Iximché, the last capital of the Mayans. The name means "place of the sacred corn trees," and the site sits in a peaceful clearing in the highlands. Your guide walks you through the ruins and explains the myths, legends and facts surrounding Mayan civilization. The views across the western highlands frame the experience. This is not a crowded tourist site, but a quieter archaeological space where the landscape itself is part of what you see.

The tour runs in an air-conditioned vehicle with a professional guide who speaks either English or Spanish. Pickup from your Antigua hotel is included, so you don't need to arrange transport or navigate the mountain roads yourself. A moderate level of fitness helps, since the market walk and the ruins involve standing and some uneven ground, but the pace is set by the group.

What’s included

• Private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle.
• professional guide in English or Spanish.
• hotel pickup from Antigua.

Before you book

Days and timesThursday and SundayDeparts at 07:00

AgesAdult (18 to 88 years) · Senior (89 and older) · Youth (13 to 17 years) · Child (4 to 12 years) · Infant (1 to 3 years)

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.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical level

Operated by MB Guatemaya Travel

Is this one for you?Pickup from your Antigua hotel means you don't need a rental car or local transport to reach the highlands. The guide handles the drive and the route, so you can focus on the market and the ruins without navigating mountain roads yourself.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

12 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

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 (4 to 12 years); Infant (1 to 3 years).

What is the Church of Santo Tomás in Chichicastenango?

The Church of Santo Tomás was built in 1540 on the base of a pre-Hispanic archaeological temple, making it a visible example of Colonial architecture layered directly over Mayan foundations. It sits in the market square.

What does the name Iximché mean?

Iximché means "place of the sacred corn trees." It was the last capital of the Mayans and is now a peaceful archaeological site where your guide explains the history and legends of the civilization.

Is lunch included in this tour?

Lunch is not included in the tour price, so you'll want to budget for a meal or bring food with you during the day.

How does pickup work from my hotel in Antigua?

Hotel pickup from Antigua is included in the tour price. Your guide will arrange the time when you book, and the air-conditioned vehicle will collect you before heading into the highlands.