Half Day Experience in Antigua Guatemala

We are going to pick you up at your hotel in Guatemala City and then we are going to drive though the city on the way to Sacatepequez department where Antigua Guatemala City is located. It is an 1 hour trip, so sit and get comfortable. Feel free to ask to your driver or tourist guide if you need something.

This hill is the perfect spot to start our tour in Antigua Guatemala. We'll walk through the forest of the hill for approximately 3 minutes until we get to the breathtaking viewpoint a great birds-eye view of the city surrounded by 3 stunning volcanoes.

Is a Roman Catholic church in Antigua Guatemala. The original church was built around 1541 but suffered several earthquakes throughout its history, and the first church building was demolished in 1669. The cathedral was rebuilt and consecrated in 1680. By 1743 the cathedral was one of the largest in Central America. However, the devastating 1773 Guatemala earthquake seriously damaged much of the building, though the two towers at the front remained largely intact. These have undergone restoration work, and the cathedral has been partly rebuilt. Visiting the church´s ruins is not included. Note: We only visit outside. Entry to the Cathedral de Santiago is optional.

In Antigua Guatemala, you will feel that you go back in time, observe and contemplate the magestuosity of the Water Volcano looming in the background of the city, and the old cobbled streets and the more than 500 years architecture. We begin our walking tour from the Central Park of the Plaza de Antigua Guatemala, which is the center of the city, also surrounded by the most important buildings.

This beautiful yellow church is the best example of Baroque Guatemalan architecture. The church dating from the 18th century is one of the most beautiful in Antigua Guatemala. It is surrounded by a beautiful garden, handicraft sales, and great cafes that offer authentic "Antigüeño" coffee (coffee from Antigua Guatemala) with chocolate notes due to its roasting process. If you want to enter the church, you will be asked not to wear shorts and sleeveless shirts, and for women, no mini skirts are allowed.

The Palace of the General Captains, or Royal Palace, is a colonial building located in the city of Antigua Guatemala. It houses the offices of the Guatemalan Institute of Tourism, Guild of Tourism of Antigua, National Civil Police and the Departmental Government, among others.

Visitors will learn more about the Chocolate history, and will be able to buy chocolates and many other Cacao products.

The history of El Carmen Church dates back to 1683 when the city council granted authorization for the construction of a temple under the invocation of Our Lady of Carmen. This church suffered heavy damage after the earthquakes of 1717, 1728 and 1773. Finally the building was ruined, so it had to be abandoned.

Biggest Monastery in Antigua Guatemala Located on the grounds of the Santo Domingo Monastery, Casa Santo Domingo began life as the mainstay for one of the most important convents in the Americas. Its origins can be traced back to 1538, and during this time the monastery was a grand, two-towered, ten-belled building filled with riches and relics. Unfortunately, the monastery was partially destroyed in the 1773 Santa Marta earthquake, and what still stands has become a monument preserving the baroque architecture and treasures of the period. Today part of the ruins have been turned into Antigua’s only five-star hotel, which opened in 1989. Along with its reputation as one of the most unique and historic hotels in Guatemala, Hotel Casa Santo Domingo is known for having a deep respect and pride for its past. The visit to this location includes the free-access areas. Museums are not included.

Standing above the cobbled streets and in front of the hulking Volcán de Agua, this saffron-yellow arch has become the symbol of Antigua and the central image on most postcards.