As one of the oldest cities in Guatemala, Antigua is brimming with history, legends, and plenty of sightseeing. This guided tour of Antigua gives you a taste of all the city has to offer—wander through the cobbled colonial streets with your guide to get the local perspective on key sights and attractions like La Merced, plus get recommendations on great restaurants and fun activities to check out while you’re in town.
Stop At: The Plaza Central Park, Plaza Mayor City Center, Antigua 03001 Guatemala
The Plaza Mayor was the commercial, civil, religious and civic center for the city since its foundation. Many major activities have been hosted there— religious processions, bullfights, horse races and courting—over the years. Water was introduced in 1555 in the fountain. Today visitors enjoy a majestic view of the cathedral, City´s main palaces and the arcade of commerce.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Arco de Santa Catalina, 5a Avenida Norte 28, Antigua Guatemala
The Santa Catalina Arch is one of the distinguishable landmarks in Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala, located on 5th Avenue North and is one of the walks visitors must do. Built in the 17th century, it originally connected the convent to a school, allowing the cloistered nuns to pass from one building to the other without going out on the street. A clock on top was added in the era of the Central American Federation, in the 1830s.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Centro de Formacion de la Cooperacion Espanola en La Antigua Guatemala, 6a. Av. Norte Entre 3a. y 4a. Calle Poniente Calle Poniente, Antigua 03001 Guatemala
The Church and convent of the Society of Jesus in Antigua Guatemala is a religious complex built between 1690 and 1698. Located 1 block west from Central Plaza, once belonged to the family of the city chronicler Bernal Díaz del Castillo. It held three monastery areas and a church. There were only a maximum of 13 Jesuit priest. Today the building is part of the Spanish Cooperation Agency and with amazing gardens, corridors and galleries, it is definitely worth visiting
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Casa Santo Domingo, 3a Calle Oriente 28 A Centro Histórico, Antigua 03001 Guatemala
Santo Domingo Church and Monastery are partially restored. It is located in the east side of the city and its history can be traced back to 1538 when the Dominicans arrived in Guatemala. It had two towers with ten bells and the monastery was filled with treasures. The entire building was destroyed in the 1773 Santa Marta earthquake. Today part of the complex have been transformed into a fine hotel and its museums exhibit exquisite colonial art pieces.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Jade Maya – The original Jade factory, museum & showroom, 4a. Calle Oriente No. 34, Antigua 03001 Guatemala
Jade is the ancient treasure of the Maya. At this attraction you will be able to interact at their museums and explore their workshops while craftsmen are working this hard precious stone.
Duration: 30 minutes
