We wanted to express our gratitude for the wonderful tour Eduardo gave us in Antigua Guatemala. You showed us the most interesting and beautiful areas of the city, and you were very knowledgeable and informative about the history and culture of Antigua. You also had a great sense of humor and made the tour very enjoyable and fun. Your recommendation for lunch at Guatelaria was fantastic. We loved the authentic Guatemalan food and the atmosphere of the restaurant. You were very organized and kind, and you made sure we were comfortable and safe throughout the tour. Transportation was clean, cool and modern. Osman, our driver, was great, and he maintained meeting our schedule needs perfectly. Edwardo, you are a great guide and a good person, and we hope to see you again in the future.
Thank you Eduardo and Osman for an amazing tour in Antigua.
The Smith’s and Miller’s
Kristengordon1
05 Apr 2024
When we booked a day in Puerto Quetzal, we had no idea what to expect. The internet didn't seem to have much information about this port or the area, and the information we did read was inaccurate.
Our cruise ship offered an excursion to the ancient city of Antigua, but it was sold out. We booked this private tour instead, and it surpassed any expectation we could possibly imagine. (it also was more cost effective)
When we got off the ship, Moses our guide was waiting with our name on a sign. He guided us to a waiting air-conditioned van where a private driver also was. Our guide Moses and the driver Tim were very friendly, spoke perfect Spanish and English, and made great highway time bringing us to Antigua ahead of the crowds and to a very special celebration on Palm Sunday. Having the driver stay with the van all day was key, since there are no cars allowed in the ancient city, and parking was impossible on this special day.
Moses our guide shared so many interesting stories and history with us. He lived in the Antigua area, and introduced us to many local acquaintances, shop owners, restaurant owners and the like. We saw many beautiful buildings from before the earthquake, churches, the museum, historical hotels and had an amazing day.
Palm Sunday is celebrated by the local church with floral street carpets, a procession that lasts from 10am to midnight, 1200 men carry on this procession in obedience, along with music and floats. We knew that we were very lucky to experience this with the local people.
Many visitors are interested in Guatemalan jade, both purple, black and green. Moses took us to the famous jade factory, and then per our request, brought us to an indigenous shop where we purchased some beautiful pieces for much less.
At the end of our day, we asked Moses to take us to lunch where he would normally eat. We were thrilled with the mom and pa restaurant we were guided to, and where many locals, not used to tourists at their neighborhood, were happy we shared an afternoon meal, and asked us after if we had enjoyed it, which of course we LOVED it.
You can't plan or purchase an authentic adventure like we experienced. I recommend this company, tour guide, drivers 100% and thank them for making a special memory for us.