
- 3 nights in Antigua (Guatemala)
- 1 night in Peten
- 1 night in Guatemala City
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Antigua is among the world’s best conserved colonial cities, it is a magic and captivating small town that makes you feel time might have stopped some 300 years ago. From its colonial architecture to its beautiful surroundings, strolling through town on the cobblestone streets, you will experience the splendors of ancient times! The city was once the third most important Spanish colony in the Americas. More than 30 monastic orders called Antigua home, leaving stunning monasteries, convents and cathedrals in the town. Its setting is breathtaking, nestled between three dramatic volcanoes: Agua, Fuego and Acatenango!
There is something eternally seductive about Spanish colonial towns, and Antigua is the perfect example. It is among the world’s best conserved colonial cities in the world, it is a magic and captivating small town that makes you feel time might have stopped some 300 years ago. From its colonial architecture to its beautiful surroundings, strolling through town on the cobblestone streets you will experience the splendors of ancient times! There is much to marvel at in Antigua... monuments, cathedrals, culture, Indian markets, nature hikes, tours, cafés, bars, great assortment of restaurants, night life, etc... For information and photos on main attractions in Antigua, please click below.
Antigua Guatemala is a fascinating place to visit today. Founded in 1543, as a Spanish colonial capital of what is now Central America, it was abandoned in 1773, leaving us most of the buildings from the 17th and 18th centuries. It is truly a jewel of the Americas offering something for all travel tastes. Colonial history that is always present offering an array of cultural activities including many art galleries and exhibits, performing arts, popular arts, films, forums, markets and cultural tourism in general.
Antigua is located in the center of Guatemala, in the department of Sacatepéquez. Although it is the smallest department in the country covering only 465 square kilometers, it is also the most densely populated. This department, and particularly its regional capital, Antigua, is one of the main tourist attractions in the country.
Antigua Guatemala is 45 kilometers distant from Guatemala City. It was the third capital established by the Spaniards. Founded in 1543, it was named Ciudad de Santiago de los Caballeros de Guatemala in 1566.
After enduring plagues, earthquakes, and floods, the earthquake of 1773 finally destroyed it. In spite of being abandoned when the new capital was built, its inhabitants gradually returned to give it life once again, and today it is one of the country's main attractions. This urban jewel of colonial architecture conserves its original characteristics as if time had stopped. Due to its immense historical and cultural value, the UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site in 1979.
At the heart of this city is the Main Plaza, which has the traditional layout used during the Spanish colonial era. Surrounding the plaza are the Palace of the Captain Generals, the Town hall, the former Cathedral and today the church of San José, the Archbishop's Palace, and the Portal de las Panaderas.
At the plaza's center is the so-called Mermaid Fountain, built by the count of La Gomera in remembrance of a popular legend about a king whose daughters gave birth but refused to nurse their babies, so he had them tied to a post at the center of a spring, where they died of thirst and hunger. Today, four mermaids hold their breasts to provide the city with water. Built in 1749 by Diego de Porres, it has become Antigua's emblem.
Guatemala's former cathedral was built between 1543 and 1680 and had an elaborate baroque façade constructed of white mortar in the characteristic style of Antigua's churches. It has smooth columns and a belfry that had to be rebuilt after the Santa Marta earthquake of 1773. The majestic construction of this building granted it the category of "Metropolitan" in 1743 by Pope Benedict the XIV. Splendid stucco figures constructed in the 17th century adorn the main entrance. Toward the back of the edifice are the ruins of the cathedral, wherein the dome's columns and pendentives are decorated with angels; other remains of the building still evidence its great beauty.
Several handicrafts markets are located in Antigua, the main one being on La Calzada near the bus terminal, and the other on 3rd Street. They are open throughout the year and are a meeting place for Antigua's visitors who come to admire their explosive display of colors and to buy handicrafts, textiles, sculptures, toys, and leather goods.
Being nestled between three volcanoes, an hour from the Pacific coast, two from breathtaking Lake Atitlan, and dozens of authentic Mayan villages, Antigua is an ideal city from which to partake in all sorts of exciting adventure and cultural experiences without having venture to far off. Please see below a list of activities we highly recommend, segmented by Culture and Adventure type activities. All day tours can may be booked prior to departure or ordered a la carte from our office in Antigua once in the country. Please choose from:
* Please inquire for recent details & pricing on each day tour...
* Please note: Information on this page is believed to be correct but not guaranteed
D' Leyenda Hotel is located in the center of town, a few steps away from the Main Plaza of La Antigua, Guatemala. It was designed using details taken from Antigua's colonial architecture.
Hotel Convento Santa Catalina is perfectly located in the heart of Antigua at the base one of the most famous historic monuments of Antigua Guatemala, the Arch. The Hotel was an old convent build in the early 1600s, whose legacy is visible thought the Hotel.
Located in the ancient city of Antigua this elegant little hotel features nine individually decorated guest rooms and a magnificent rooftop suite.
People often ask about our name. Panza Verde (green belly) is what generations of Antigüeños have called themselves. No one is quite certain of the true story, but it is said the people who remained here after the Capital was moved to Guatemala City were so poor they had to subsist on avocados. Being a Panza Verde is mentioned with great pride.
El Mesón de María provides a relaxed and refined atmosphere; located in the heart of la Antigua Guatemala.
Hotel Posada de Don Rodrigo is a place where beauty encounters elegance, service, and great taste, right in the heart of beautiful Antigua Guatemala.
The hotel Palacio de Doña Leonor is located in an old colonial house in the heart of this magical city, just a few meters away from the cathedral and Antigua's Central Park.
The most important goal of the Hotel Lo De Bernal in Antigua is to provide the guest a pleasant and comfortable stay.
Located minutes from Antigua’s Parque Central and steps from the Cathedral’s bustling craft market, Hotel Soleil La Antigua offers an intimate retreat.
Boutique Hotel Casa Santa Rosa is one of the most luxurious Hotel in Antigua Guatemala, offering our guests the comfort, tranquility, security, in an exclusive environment. Two beautiful gardens contribute to the natural environment which will make you feel right at home.
For over 50 years the conveniently located Porta Hotel Antigua has been one of the best hotels in Antigua.
"El Convento Boutique Hotel" is a fusion of Colonial style and Guatemalan tradition, with elements of modern society, antiques and folklore and an ideal option for those looking for the attention and comfort of an international level for their travels.
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