Antigua Guatemala
The colonial city of Antigua Guatemala, or just Antigua, is the best preserved Colonial City in the western hemisphere. It is a special destination with cobblestone streets, colonial houses, churches and many beautiful traditions. You discover something different in every corner. You could stay here for a week and take different day trips to the surrounding areas each day. You can go hiking, horseback riding, biking, visit museums, learn how jade jewelry or chocolate is made, visit a coffee plantation, hike a volcano, or just enjoy the views of the surrounding volcanoes with a coffee or a glass of wine.
A lot can be said of Antigua and you can experience everything in your upcoming visit. Don’t forget to visit the ruins of the churches and convents in Antigua and learn more about the history of this colonial town. Religion is a big part of the local history and culture of Guatemala and Antigua is full of it.
Discover Antigua Guatemala
Antigua Guatemala was founded in the early 16th century as the Captaincy-General of Guatemala. It was partially destroyed by an earthquake in 1773 but the churches, monasteries and other important monuments are still preserved as ruins. The buildings are inspired by the Italian Renaissance and Baroque style of the 18th century and during the three centuries the city was built it acquired a number of superb monuments.
During the colonial times, Antigua served as the economic, religious, political and educational Captial for the entire region. After it was eventually moved to Guatemala City Antigua was abandoned for almost a century. People started to come back in the mid-1800s when increased agricultural production, especially coffee and grain, brought new investment to the region. Now it is one of the major tourist attractions in Central America. Among the historic buildings you will find the Palace of the Captains General, the Casa de la Moneda (House of coins), the Cathedral, the San Carlos University, Las Capuchinas convent, La Merced and Santa Clara convents, among many others.
Other places of interest to visit in Antigua include the Santiago de los Caballeros Museum of Arms, Museum of the Antique Books, Museum of Colonial Art, Casa K’ojom (La Azotea Cultural Center), the house of Culture of La Antigua Guatemala, Municipal Library, art galleries, and some of the towns near Antigua.
The local tourist office (INGUAT) has free Antigua city maps, bus information and bilingual staff: 5th East Street, Antigua Guatemala
Tourist assistance phone number: 1500
Public Transportation
Antigua is small enough to walk but if you do not feel like walking you can take a Tuk Tuk (three wheeled moto taxi).
Highlights
Just strolling around in Antigua Guatemala is a highlight - the cobblestone streets, the antique houses with its big wooden doors. The highlights of Antigua are San Francisco church, Santiago de los Caballeros Museum of Arms, Museum of the Antique Books, Museum of Colonial Art, Casa K’ojom (La Azotea Cultural Center), the house of Culture of La Antigua Guatemala, Municipal Library, art galleries, Philadelphia Coffee Resort and tour, Tenedor del Cerro and Casa Santo Domingo Museum; between the towns near Antigua you can visit are: San Felipe, San Juan del Obispo, Santa Maria de Jesus, San Antonio Aguas Calientes, Ciudad Vieja (Second capital of Guatemala) and Santa Catarina Barahona.
The essentials of Antigua Guatemala:
1) Casa Santo Domingo Hotel Museum
2) Museums
3) Ruins of churches and convents
4) Art Galleries
5) Surrounding towns
6) Cerro de la Cruz
Casa Santo Domingo Museum
The Museums Promenade is a cultural route created by an agreement between San Carlos de Guatemala University and Hotel Casa Santo Domingo. It is a route that makes it possible to visit the museums installed in what was the church and convent of Santo Domingo and Santo Tomás de Aquino (Saint Thomas Aquinas) College. During the time of the Spanish domination these places constituted one single unit.
Museums in Antigua
Santiago de los Caballeros Museum of Arms is located in the first floor of the city council building and offers a collection of arms, paintings, sculpture and colonial furniture. Open every day from 9:00am to 12:00pm and from 2:00pm to 6:00pm.
Museum of the Antique Book located in the first floor of the city Council building and offers a valuable collection of books and original documents edited during the colonial period (1660-1821). Open from Thursday to Sunday from 9:00am to 12:00pm and from 2:00pm to 6:00pm.
Museum of Colonial Art has artistic treasures of the colonial period, including a painting of Pedro de Alvarado, Spanish conquer of Guatemala. Open every day from 9:00am to 12:00pm and from 2:00pm to 6:00pm.
The house of Culture of La Antigua Guatemala located in 4th North Avenue and 4th East street works as social and cultural activities center.
Municipal Library located next to the House of Culture of La Antigua Guatemala and contains antique books and documents of great historic value.
Ruins of churches and convents
There are several ruins of churches and convents: the ones that are open to the public are: Ruins of La Merced Convent, the Cathedral ruins, San Francisco Convent, Santa Clara Church and Convent, Las Capuchinas Church and Convent and La
Recoleccion Church and Convent. Between the ruins that are close to the public are: Inmaculada Concepcion de Maria convent, Santa Catalina Martir Convent, Nuestra Señora del Carmen Church, Compañia de Jesus Church and Convent and San Sebastian Church.
Art Galleries
Antigua Guatemala has important art galleries located in 3rd North Avenue between 3rd and 4th street.
Surrounding towns
San Felipe, San Juan del Obispo, Santa Maria de Jesus, San Antonio Aguas Calientes, Ciudad Vieja and Santa Catarina Barahona are some of the indigenous towns around Antigua dedicated to produce traditional fabrics and handmade crafts .
Full-day excursions
Complete Guatemala City Tour
The best way to get to know Guatemala City is taking this 8 hours tour that will take you to the Historical Center, the Relief Map, National Palace of Culture, National Archeology and Ethnology museum, Modern Art museum and Natural History Museum. If you do not have one day free you can also take the Half Day City tour.
Antigua Guatemala full day Tour
Antigua Guatemala is one of the main tourist destinations in Guatemala. Antigua is a colonial city surrounded by hills and the Agua Volcano and has a well-preserved Spanish Baroque influenced architecture and several ruins of colonial churches. Even though there are other colonial cities in America, you will not find another one like Antigua. Walk through its cobblestone streets and enjoy the architectural beauty. A lot can be said about Antigua but, is better if you see it yourself, you will want to return.
Pacaya Volcano Tour
The only active volcano that can be hiked up to the very top! And if you are lucky you can see lava as close as you dare. It is an hour and a half hike up and it is not a big challenge. However you should be in shape since you also have to walk down again. Or if you prefer you can take a “taxi” (gentle horses) which are offered throughout the hike and will help you get to the top.
Copan one day Tour
One of the places you can visit from the city is Copan, an archeological site located in Honduras, near the border of Guatemala. It is a 5 hour drive from Guatemala City so you will be a lot of time on the road and can be tiring but worth it, Copan has the best preserved Mayan cities, declared Word Heritage by UNESCO.
Chichcastenango one day tour
If you are in Guatemala city a Thursday or Sunday you can visit the Market, the biggest one in Central America. You can buy souvenirs from the locals and all the indigenous people that gather from different towns of the area. You can also visit the 400-hundred years old church, where you will see Catholic and Mayan rites come together. Just the ride there is worth the visit, the Highlands of Guatemala have the best views.
Panajachel one day Tour
Panajachel, or “Pana” as it is called by most Guatemalan, it is the busiest and biggest town surrounding Lake Atitlan. It is located on the shores of Lake Atitlan and with perfect views of the three volcanos and the lake. With this tour you will take a boat and visit also Santiago, here most of the habitants are Indigenous. Lake Atitlan is not the largest lake but it is the deepest lake in Central America and it is called “the most beautiful lake of the world”.
Panajachel and Chichicastenango one day Tour
It is also possible to visit Chichicastenango and Panajachel in one day (Thursdays or Sundays), you can witness the view of the most beautiful lake of the world and buy souvenirs in the largest indigenous market in Guatemala.
Splendid Tikal Tour
A most see in Guatemala is Tikal, this is one of the largest archeological sites and urban centers of the pre-Columbian Mayan civilization. Tikal was declared World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1979. The ruins are surrounded by lush vegetation and monkeys and other animals can be seen in the park.
Entertainment in Antigua Guatemala
You will find bars and restaurants all around Antigua. Some of the most popular are Reilly’s, Monoloco, Café Sky, La Sala, and Circus Bar. For dancing there are two places where most people go: La Cashbah (a two level disco) and La Sin Ventura where you can dance to salsa and merengue. Some of the restaurants you can find in Antigua: La Fonda de la Calle Real, La Cuevita de los Urquizu (to try some of the traditional food of Guatemala), Café Condesa (try the pies and cakes), Meson Panza Verde, Hotel Casa Santo Domingo, Quesos y Vino and Tenedor del Cerro (with great views of La Antigua).
Events in Antigua Guatemala
Holy Week is the most important week for Antigua. It is then when processions are held and beautiful carpets of sawdust are made. During December you can find several activities related to Christmas, like concerts, dances, etc. Antigua is a cultural center and you can find activities all year long. Ask at your hotel if there are activities going on during your visit.