Full-Day Private Tour to the 4 Capitals of Guatemala
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 2 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Full-Day Private Tour to the 4 Capitals of Guatemala worth booking?
Full-Day Private Tour to the 4 Capitals of Guatemala is a 10-hour experience in Guatemala City, Guatemala, from $275 per person. It scores 54 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 2 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 54 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (2)
- Duration
- 10 hours
- From
- $275 per person
We have created a wonderful tour for you to know the history of Guatemala differently. You will go from being in a Mayan archaeological site to 2 colonial cities, and the current capital of Guatemala, all combined in this tour. Guatemala, before the arrival of the Spanish conquerors, was divided into kingdoms of different ethnicities. In 1524 when the conquerors set foot in Guatemalan for the first time, they did so in the Kaqchiquel City of Iximché and founded the first Spanish capital there. A few years later, they moved to Ciudad Vieja and established their second capital. Still, due to a natural disaster in 1541, they moved for the third time to what we now know as Antigua Guatemala. Finally, after an earthquake in 1773, they moved their capital for the fourth time, and they did it to where it is located today. This is a specialized tour for history lovers and the entire family. You will be accompanied at all times by an expert guide.
What you get
About this experience
We have created a wonderful tour for you to know the history of Guatemala differently. You will go from being in a Mayan archaeological site to 2 colonial cities, and the current capital of Guatemala, all combined in this tour. Guatemala, before the arrival of the Spanish conquerors, was divided into kingdoms of different ethnicities. In 1524 when the conquerors set foot in Guatemalan for the first time, they did so in the Kaqchiquel City of Iximché and founded the first Spanish capital there. A few years later, they moved to Ciudad Vieja and established their second capital. Still, due to a natural disaster in 1541, they moved for the third time to what we now know as Antigua Guatemala. Finally, after an earthquake in 1773, they moved their capital for the fourth time, and they did it to where it is located today. This is a specialized tour for history lovers and the entire family. You will be accompanied at all times by an expert guide.
What's included
Included
- Private transportation
- Bottled water
- Entrance Fee to Iximche Archeological Site
- Hotel Pick Up & Drop Off
- Guided tour in Iximche + Ciudad Vieja + Antigua Guatemala + Guatemala City
- Certified Tour Guide
Not included
- Gratuities
- Lunch
What you'll see and do
Guatemala City
We will start this tour by picking you up at the lobby of your hotel in Guatemala City. While we go on the road until reaching the Mayan City of Iximché, our expert guide in history will tell you all the interesting facts about Guatemala City, which today is the fourth capital of Guatemala founded in 1777 and with a lot of history since it was in this site where the independence act was signed in 1821 but we will tell you how that happened later in the tour.
120 minutes here
Once we get to Iximche, you will find the ruins of the last Mayan city. Iximche was conquered by the Spanish when they came to Guatemalan lands and became the first Spanish city. After 3 years here, the Spanish moved to what we now know as Ciudad Vieja, near Antigua Guatemala. Iximche was a Kaqchichel capital, one of the Mayan ethnic groups that still exist in Guatemala nowadays. The architectural vestiges that we see today are the remains of Mayan palaces, plazas, and ball courts that in their time were colorfully decorated and were galas of the kingdom. Much of the structures were destroyed during the conquest and the rock buildings were dismantled to use their stones in the Spanish constructions of Tecpán. Get to know these and more facts on your visit. During your time here in Iximche, you might see Mayan priests performing religious ceremonies, we ask for respect and discretion.
120 minutes here · Admission included
Ciudad Vieja
Ciudad Vieja is the second capital of Guatemala after the coming of the Spanish conquerors. This city was founded in 1527. During your visit, you will appreciate the town's church, the central park, and the house of Beatriz de la Cueva, who was the wife of the Spanish conqueror, Pedro de Alvarado. Ciudad Vieja was destroyed a few years later, in 1541 by an avalanche from the Agua Volcano that is very close to the city. It tells the story that it rained for 40 days and 40 nights, and when the volcano's crater filled with water, a part of it collapsed, taking the city and its inhabitants with it. The only people who were saved were those who managed to take refuge in the church. Get to know these curious facts and more on our visit.
30 minutes here
Antigua
After lunchtime, we will have a tour of Antigua Guatemala. We will visit the Arch of Santa Catalina, Central Park, some convents, and churches. You will be enchanted by the history of this colonial city that seems to have been frozen in time. The last stop on our tour will be to take you safely to your hotel in Guatemala City. If you have any questions, feel free to ask your guide, he will be happy to help you.
180 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Guat2do Travel Experiences
Know before you go
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
Traveler reviews
2 verified traveler reviews for Full-Day Private Tour to the 4 Capitals of Guatemala. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Comfortable tour with knowledge tour guide
Comfortable car with driver and tour guide. Easy itinerary to follow through. Very convenient as we got picked up and dropped off at the airport. Tour guide is very knowledgeable and speak English clearly.
via Tripadvisor
Explore the history of Guatemala
I worked with Guat2Do to book their day tour to 4 capitals of Guatemala. This tour is well worth you time to learn about the history of the area. We started with Guatemala City, which I found to be an unexpected gem. The city is located in the highlands so the climate was perfect. I saw amazing parks along with the government buildings and cathedral. I didn't stay in Guatemala City for this trip overnight, but I definitely will next time. The second capital visited was Iximche which is a Mayan archeological site about 1.5 hours from Guatemala City. This is a very impressive site and reminded me of similar sites in the Yucatan. You can see Mayan priests conducting traditional ceremonies. The third capital is Ciudad Vieja which is on the slopes of a dormant volcano. The colonial city was destroyed by a landslide but you can see some ruins from that period and experience the views of the valley and the volcanoes. Finally, Antigua, the fourth capital. This city is full of tourists and has an infrastructure to go along with that. You can see colonial architecture and churches and pick from 100s of restaurants for amazing food and ambiance. I stayed here for 3 nights and would definitely recommend for anyone's first trip to Guatemala.
Response from the operator: Hello! Thank you for taking the time to leave such a thoughtful and detailed review of your recent experience with our Full-Day Private Tour of the 4 Capitals of Guatemala. We are thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the tour and found it to be a valuable opportunity to learn about the history of our country. We appreciate your positive comments about Guatemala City, which is often overlooked by tourists but offers a rich cultural experience. We are glad that you were able to visit the government buildings, cathedral, and parks and appreciate the perfect climate in the highlands. We hope that you can come again soon and stay overnight as there is much more to discover in the city. We are also pleased to hear that you enjoyed the Mayan archeological site at Iximche, its beautiful scenery, and edifications, and that you had the chance to see a traditional Mayan ceremony taking place during your visit. We are also glad that you could visit Ciudad Vieja to see some ruins from that period and experience the beautiful views of the valley and volcanoes. And we are delighted that you enjoyed your stay in Antigua, which is a popular tourist destination for its colonial architecture, churches, and restaurants. We are confident that you enjoyed your stay in the colonial city. At Guat2Do, we are dedicated to providing our customers with high-quality experiences that showcase the best of Guatemala's culture and history. We hope you can return soon. We will be happy to be at your side for future adventures and destinations here. Take care!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 10 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $275 to $535
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 1
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Guat2do Travel Experiences, who run 76 experiences we rank across 5 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 48.8.
See everything Guat2do Travel Experiences runsWhy this scores 54
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Full-Day Private Tour to the 4 Capitals of Guatemala: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Guatemala City.
How much does Full-Day Private Tour to the 4 Capitals of Guatemala cost?
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Prices start at $275 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Guatemala City usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Full-Day Private Tour to the 4 Capitals of Guatemala take?
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Plan for about 10 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Guatemala City is not rushed.
Is Full-Day Private Tour to the 4 Capitals of Guatemala worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 54 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 2 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Guatemala City, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Full-Day Private Tour to the 4 Capitals of Guatemala?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Full-Day Private Tour to the 4 Capitals of Guatemala suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 10-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Full-Day Private Tour to the 4 Capitals of Guatemala?
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Around 1 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Guatemala City can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Guatemala City and add a light layer if any part of the 10-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Full-Day Private Tour to the 4 Capitals of Guatemala start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Guatemala City within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Guatemala City?
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On Outty we rank every Guatemala City experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Private Shuttle in Guatemala, Guatemala City Tour, Private Ground Transfer Airport - Antigua Guatemala. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Guatemala City?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Guatemala City?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Full-Day Private Tour to the 4 Capitals of Guatemala?
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Included: Private transportation; Bottled water; Entrance Fee to Iximche Archeological Site; Hotel Pick Up & Drop Off; and Guided tour in Iximche + Ciudad Vieja + Antigua Guatemala + Guatemala City. Not included: Gratuities; and Lunch. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Full-Day Private Tour to the 4 Capitals of Guatemala include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 96 listed pickup locations in and around Guatemala City. Be ready about 15 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Full-Day Private Tour to the 4 Capitals of Guatemala offered in?
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It is offered in English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Full-Day Private Tour to the 4 Capitals of Guatemala?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Full-Day Private Tour to the 4 Capitals of Guatemala wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Specialized infant seats are available; and Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Full-Day Private Tour to the 4 Capitals of Guatemala if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Guatemala City. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
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