Paseo de los Museos: A Cultural Journey Through Antigua
Discover Antigua's rich heritage through art, history, and culture at Paseo de los Museos, a captivating journey through Guatemala's past and present.
The Paseo de los Museos, or 'Museum Walk,' is a cultural complex located within the archaeological vestiges of the Ex Convento de Santo Domingo in Antigua Guatemala. Through formal agreements, it integrates a visit to the museums and art galleries founded by the Hotel Museo Casa Santo Domingo, Vical company, and the Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala. The museums include the Museo Arqueológico, Museo de Arte Colonial, Museo de la Platería, Museo Vical de Arte Precolombino y Vidrio Moderno (VICAL), Museo de la Farmacia, and Museo de Arte y Artesanías de Sacatepéquez (USAC). There is also an extension located in Santo Domingo del Cerro, where the Museo dedicado al Papa Juan Pablo II, the Museo Efraín Recinos, and an art gallery for temporary exhibitions are located. The museums reflect Guatemalan culture, with colonial art, the Antique Book Museum, and cultural centers. The Santo Domingo Museum at the Convent – Hotel Casa Santo Domingo is an ancient convent turned into an important museum and hotel in Antigua Guatemala. Visitors can explore a range of collections, including pre-Hispanic ceramics, colonial paintings, sculptures, silverware, and modern and contemporary art. The cultural center El Sitio works towards cultural diversity and sustainable human development.
Local tips
- Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of walking between the museums and exploring the grounds.
- Check the opening hours of each museum in advance, as they may vary.
- Consider visiting during the week to avoid larger crowds.
- Take advantage of the guided tours to learn more about the history and significance of the collections.
- Allocate at least 3-4 hours to fully experience all the museums and exhibits.
A brief summary to Paseo de los Museos
- 5 Avenida Sur 25, Antigua Guatemala, GT
Getting There
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Walking
Paseo de los Museos is located at 5 Avenida Sur 25 in Antigua Guatemala. From Parque Central, walk south on 5 Avenida Sur. The museum will be on your right. The walk is approximately 5-10 minutes. No costs are involved.
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Tuk-Tuk
From anywhere in central Antigua, a tuk-tuk can take you to Paseo de los Museos. Negotiate the fare before hopping on; a typical short ride within the city costs around 15-20 GTQ.
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Taxi
Taxis are available in Antigua, though less common than tuk-tuks. A short taxi ride to Paseo de los Museos from a central location will likely cost around 53 GTQ. Confirm the fare with the driver before starting your journey.
