Full-Day Tour: Colonial Antigua, Jade Factory and Textile Experience

Antigua , Guatemala

Full-Day Tour: Colonial Antigua, Jade Factory and Textile Experience

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(5 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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About this experience

Starting in the same city, Antigua Guatemala, we begin to explore this fascinating city and learn about its history during colonial times. You will learn about the many wonders of this city, once considered the third most important Spanish colony in the America, and also explore the villages surrounding Antigua, observing their colorful textiles made in waist looms by women, learning their history and visiting a Macadamia Farm.

Available options

Antigua FD Surrounding Village

Enjoy and learn about it’s history during colonial times of this city, explore the surrounding villages and visit a Macadamia Plantation

What's included

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Bilingual guide Spanish-English

Detailed itinerary

You will be pick up in our meeting point to start a day full of history, beautiful landscapes and walk on cobblestone streets, We will also enjoy an afternoon tour of the towns around Antigua and a macadamia farm.

Antigua Guatemala, Once the third largest city in all of Spanish Colonial America and for 200 years the capital of Guatemala, it is today a peaceful, beautiful and partially restored colonial city. Cobblestone streets wind through the city of majestic churches and monasteries.

Stop 2

La Merced Church of Guatemalan Ultrabaroque style, this temple has two bell towers. On the facade of the church, in its upper part is a sculpture of San Pedro Nolasco, founder of the Mercedarian Order.

Stop 3

Santa Catalina Arch, built to connect the nuns between cloisters to avoid being seen due to the votes that the religious who belonged to that Order took, After the earthquakes of 1773, the arch became important due to the arrangements that were made. These arrangements included the construction of a turret and the inclusion of a Lamy Amp Lacroix watch of French origin.

Stop 4

Central Park surrounded by the traditional grid pattern used frequently in urban planning in the Spanish colonies. The park is surrounded by the Palace of the General Captains, the Town Hall, the Cathedral of San Jose and the Trade Portal.

Here in the park, we will also find the Las Sirenas fountain. This fountain has a traditional oral where the Count of La Gomera ordered to build the fountain in memory of his daughters, who in giving birth did not want to breastfeed their children for what the count ordered To tie his daughters to a trunk in the center of a waterhole, where they died of thirst and hunger.

Continue our way we will visit the La Unión tank, which is one of the most representative laundries in this city, only the big houses had a place where they could be washed. For this reason, most of the inhabitants - housewives - went to public laundries. This was inaugurated on February 3, 1853.

We will continue visiting the surrounding villages, San Antonio Aguas Calientes town that is characterized by its elaborate weavings made in waist looms by women of the community in our visit to the market we can see how they make these textiles.

We visit the towns of San Miguel Dueñas and Ciudad Vieja to learn about its history.

To end our tour we will visit a Macadamia farm where we will learn about the cultivation of macadamia nuts, their agroindustrial process and the reforestation project and relax with a facial massage with macadamia oil.

At end of the tour, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel in Antigua.

What's not included

Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)

Food and drinks, unless specified

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

EN ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.3

4 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

1 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Child rate applies only when sharing with 2 paying adults

May be operated by a multi-lingual guide

Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required

It is recommended that you bring walking shoes, hat, sunglasses, and a camera.

Please contact local provider if you need a guide in any other language. French, German and Italian in private services, subject to additional costs and guide availability.

For groups of 10 persons or more, please contact local provider to arrange.

Minimum of 2 passengers (adults) is required for the tour to run. If the minimum size is not reached, the tour is subject to cancellation and all tickets are refunded or rescheduled.

To find pictures of our experiences, search us on Instagram as @graylinetoursgt

Meeting point

These are our pick up points for our excursion. Please select your pick up point and be 15 minutes prior the starting time.

Important notes

Please, email us at reserve@graylineguatemala.com or call (502) 54586888 at least 48 hours prior to the departure date of the tour to reconfirm date of travel, hotel, pickup time, and location for your tour. On the day of your tour, please present your printed voucher to the driver/guide upon pick up

Hotel pickups commence prior to this time, you must contact the local service provider to verify your exact pickup time.

About Antigua

Antigua, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is renowned for its well-preserved Spanish Baroque architecture and vibrant culture. Nestled in the Central Highlands of Guatemala, it offers a unique blend of history, natural beauty, and colonial charm.

Top Attractions

Arco de Santa Catalina

This iconic archway is a symbol of Antigua. Built in the 17th century, it was originally part of a convent and was used by nuns to cross the street without being seen. Today, it offers stunning views of the city and the surrounding volcanoes.

Historical/Architecture 30 minutes Free

Cerro de la Cruz

A short hike up this hill rewards visitors with breathtaking views of Antigua and the surrounding volcanoes. The cross at the top is a popular spot for sunrise and sunset.

Nature/Historical 1-2 hours Free

Volcán Pacaya

One of the most active volcanoes in Guatemala, Pacaya offers exciting hiking and the opportunity to see lava flows up close. Guided tours typically include a visit to a local farm for a traditional meal.

Nature/Adventure Full day Moderate to expensive, depending on the tour

Museo de Arte Precolombino y Vidrio Moderno

Housed in the beautiful Casa Popenoe, this museum showcases a collection of pre-Columbian artifacts and contemporary glass art. The museum's courtyard and gardens are also worth exploring.

Museum 1-2 hours Moderate

Café Sky

A popular café and cultural center, Café Sky offers a variety of coffee drinks, live music, and art exhibitions. It's a great place to relax and soak up the local atmosphere.

Cultural 1-2 hours Moderate

Must-Try Local Dishes

Pepián

A rich and flavorful stew made with meat (usually chicken or pork), vegetables, and a complex blend of spices. It's often considered the national dish of Guatemala.

Main dish Contains meat, can be made vegetarian

Tamales

Steamed corn dough filled with various ingredients such as meat, vegetables, or cheese, wrapped in banana leaves. Guatemalan tamales are unique and delicious.

Snack/Street food Contains meat, vegetarian options available

Rellenitos de Plátano

Sweet fried dough made from ripe plantains, filled with sweetened black beans. A popular dessert or snack in Guatemala.

Dessert Vegetarian, vegan options available

Atol de Elote

A sweet and creamy drink made from fresh corn, milk, and sugar. It's a popular breakfast or snack, often enjoyed with tamales.

Drink/Dessert Vegetarian, vegan options available

Popular Activities

Volcano hiking (Pacaya, Acatenango, Fuego) Mountain biking Zip-lining and canopy tours Coffee tasting at local cafes Spa and wellness treatments Strolling through the historic center and parks Visiting museums and historical sites Attending local festivals and events

Best Time to Visit

December to April (Dry season)

This is the most popular time to visit Antigua due to the dry weather and pleasant temperatures. It's ideal for exploring the city's outdoor attractions and nearby volcanoes.

15-26°C 59-79°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Spanish
Widely spoken: English (in tourist areas)
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere

Currency

Guatemalan Quetzal (GTQ)

Time Zone

CST (UTC -6)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Antigua is generally safe for tourists, with a low crime rate and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any destination, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Be aware of your surroundings and keep valuables secure
• Use reputable tour operators and agree on prices beforehand
• Avoid walking alone late at night, especially in poorly lit areas

Getting there

By air

La Aurora International Airport • 45 km (28 miles)

By bus

Terminal de Occidente (San Cristóbal Totonicapán)

Getting around

Public transport

Chicken buses are the most common and affordable way to get around. They are colorful, shared minibuses that follow specific routes.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, InDriver

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Centro Histórico Jardín del Paseo Barrio de la Mercado

Day trips

Lake Atitlán

90 km (56 miles) • Full day

Lake Atitlán is a stunning highland lake surrounded by volcanoes and traditional Mayan villages. It's known for its natural beauty, cultural experiences, and outdoor activities.

Chichicastenango Market

80 km (50 miles) • Half day to full day

One of the largest and most colorful markets in Central America, Chichicastenango offers a vibrant mix of traditional crafts, textiles, and local produce. It's a great place to experience the local culture and find unique souvenirs.

Volcán Acatenango

40 km (25 miles) • Overnight

One of the highest volcanoes in Central America, Acatenango offers challenging hikes and stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The summit offers panoramic views of nearby volcanoes, including the active Fuego.