Tanque La Unión: A Colonial Oasis
A historic public washbasin in Antigua Guatemala, Tanque La Unión offers a tranquil glimpse into colonial life and enduring cultural heritage.
Tanque La Unión, located on 6a Calle Oriente, is one of Antigua's most iconic landmarks. Constructed in 1853, it originally served as a communal laundry area, where local women gathered to wash clothes and socialize. The site provided a practical utility and a social hub during colonial times. The structure features a large, rectangular water tank with stone basins, set against the backdrop of Antigua's colonial streets and nearby volcanoes. The architecture, with its yellow and red tones, adds to the charm of the area. Today, Tanque La Unión is a symbol of daily life in colonial Guatemala. Although no longer used for laundry, it remains a beloved historical site where locals and tourists gather to take photos and enjoy the atmosphere. The surrounding park offers a tranquil escape from the bustling city. The site is especially scenic during Semana Santa (Holy Week) processions. The tank was initially known as Plaza de San José, but its name was changed to Tanque de la Unión in honor of the Federation of United Provinces of Central America after the Guatemalan victory in the Battle of La Arada in 1853. Although the earthquake of 1976 caused severe damage to the Tanque de la Unión, efforts to restore it preserved its original neoclassical style, and it was reopened in 1979.
Local tips
- Visit in the early morning or late afternoon for the best light and fewer crowds.
- Take a stroll around the surrounding park to enjoy the serene atmosphere.
- Bring your camera to capture the picturesque setting and the reflections in the water.
A brief summary to Tanque La Unión
- 6a Calle Oriente, Antigua Guatemala, GT
- Visit website
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Getting There
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Walking
Tanque La Unión is located on 6a Calle Oriente. From the Antigua Guatemala Cathedral, walk south on 5a Avenida Sur for about 7 minutes until you reach 6a Calle Oriente. Turn right and walk for 2 minutes. Tanque La Unión will be on your left, just after the intersection with 7a Avenida Norte. Walking is the best way to explore Antigua.
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Tuk-Tuk
Tuk-tuks are readily available throughout Antigua and offer a quick way to get around. Negotiate the fare before starting your trip; a short ride within the city center typically costs around Q10-Q20. From the Parque Central, a tuk-tuk ride to Tanque La Unión takes about 5 minutes.
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Taxi
Taxis can be found at strategic spots in Antigua. A taxi ride from the city center to Tanque La Unión is a short trip. Taxi fares in Antigua start at Q27.5, with each kilometer costing around Q5. A 5km ride would cost about Q76. Confirm the fare with the driver before starting your journey.
