Excursions
Thursday, November 18
Both tours will meet in Antigua for lunch
Thursday, November 18 Both tours will meet in Antigua for lunch
Pacaya Volcano Day Trip
90-minute drive from Guatemala City
In this outing you will climb Pacaya, one of Guatemala’s three active volcanoes. The hike is a popular experience and is of medium difficulty. Pacaya rises to an altitude of 2,552 meters (8,373 feet) above sea level. You will enjoy views of nearby Lake Amatitlan and neighboring volcanoes, Agua and Fuego. Hiking close to the lava flowing from the crater is very impressive and definitely memorable!
Antigua Walking Day
One-hour drive from Guatemala City
On this excursion you will visit the small village of San Juan del Obispo, where Francisco Marroquín, the first bishop of Guatemala, lived. We will tour a traditional coffee farm and museum. Lunch will be served at Casa Popenoe, the first colonial house restored following archaeological principles in Antigua. In the afternoon, participants will have the chance to explore the streets of Antigua, shop, and visit ruins.
Social Program
Antigua Walking Tour
& Workshop
Full day with lunch
We will go to Antigua for a walking tour. Two options are available: one will tour several homes and the other will focus on the city’s history. Some of Antigua’s homes have beautifully decorated interiors using many Guatemalan textiles, ceramics, antiques, and other artifacts, creating a distinct decor style. We will be hosted by the owners, who will greet us and show us their homes and gardens. The second walking tour group will visit colonial ruins of churches and learn of the history of Antigua.
At noon, both groups will meet at Casa Popenoe for a craft workshop followed by lunch. The afternoon is free for shopping and roaming.
For dinner, you will join the rest of the participants for a casual dinner at Universidad Francisco Marroquín.
Kaminaljuyu Archaeological Site and Museums
Full day with lunch
We will visit the archaeological site called Kaminaljuyu, located in Guatemala City. This was a pre-Columbian site of the Mayan civilization. Most of it is now hidden by urban developments; the central acropolis remains under a mound of soil, some of which has been uncovered and can be explored.
Lunch will be at the Universidad Francisco Marroquín’s central garden. In the afternoon, we will tour Museo Popol Vuh, known for its collection of pre-Columbian and colonial art of the Mayan culture, as well as Museo Ixchel, which explores the Guatemalan traditions of indigenous dress throughout the country. Both museums are located on UFM’s campus.
Explore Guatemala City
Full day with lunch
This driving tour starts at the southernmost point of the city and highlights important sites and avenues as we head north. We will pass city landmarks, churches, and monuments until we reach the Relief Map, an impressive 1904 replica of the country’s remarkable terrain, complete with water flowing in its lakes and rivers.
Lunch will be held in a 19th century home that was recently renovated into Guatemala's famous San Martin bakery. It is located in a pedestrian area, close to the central park and the cathedral. We will then visit a baroque-style church, La Merced, with colonial paintings, sculptures, and relics.