Things to Do in Antigua Guatemala
This tour takes you to visit La Antigua Guatemala, this colonial gem was the capital of the Spanish kingdom that once stretched from Chiapas Mexico to Costa Rica. The city was built at the foot of the majestic Agua Volcano and was abandoned after the massive earthquakes of 1776. Years later the city was re-inhabited and today you can still enjoy the colonial charm of a protected city frozen in time, with vestiges of the earthquakes that nearly destroyed it and the innovation that has turned many of these ruins into some of the most amazing hotels, restaurants and parks in the world. Your guide will provide you with information about the country, its people, history and customs in Antigua.
Once you meet your tour guide at Central Park, you will enjoy a free tour of the city that you will visit:
- Central Park
- Palace of the Captains General
- Santiago Cathedral
- Arch of Santa Catarina
- Church of Our Lady of Mercy
- Facade of Saint Teresa of Jesus
- Facade of the Carmen Church
- Jade Factory ( optional )
- union tank
- Come and discover the origin of the name of Guatemala and its Mayan history included!!!
I look forward to seeing you all to discover what this wonderful and surprising city hides. The free tour will last approximately 90 minutes.
A guruwalk is a free-pay tour, meaning that booking is completely free, but the guru expects to be rewarded with the desired amount at the end. Some tour guides give €10 per person, others $50, you decide the price.
For organisational reasons, it is mandatory to register in advance to participate. Booking is very easy, fast and completely free. Book this guru walk now!
The tour I offer is based on my 26 years of experience offering guided tours. I will visit my small town of La Antigua Guatemala on foot to learn more about its baroque style, the history of its churches, convents, public buildings and even museums. 😀
During the walking tour we will see the city with different roofs and terraces where we will be able to appreciate the 3 volcanoes and the beautiful surrounding landscapes. 😀
I will recommend the best premium coffees in town and we will be in touch with the locals. 😀
I will also give general recommendations about La Antigua and all of Guatemala. The goal is for everyone to enjoy my city and all of Guatemala. 😀
The tour begins and ends at the Plaza de Armas. During the 2 hours of your visit to La Antigua Guatemala.
I hope to see you soon so you can take home a unique souvenir of my city.
Our tour will begin at 9:00 am in Antigua Guatemala's central park. We will visit the royal palace, the city hall, then the cathedral, then the first university in Guatemala, then head to the Santa Clara Convent. We will then walk to learn about the history of Casa Popenoe and after a pleasant walk, we will visit the Jade Museum, where we will learn more about the mystical and profound Mayan culture of Guatemala. We will end in the central plaza. This is a historical tour where you will learn the history and the most fascinating facts about this beautiful city. Every visitor who takes a tour with Víctor Antonio will take away a wonderful experience of this city, which is part of UNESCO's "World Heritage Site."
Hello! Come an join us in this exciting tour where you will discover the magic of Antigua Guatemala on a unique journey.
Immerse yourself in its rich history, marvel at its colonial architecture, and experience authentic Guatemalan culture. Estación Mexico is committed to work with a small community of Local tour guides who are raised and born in Antigua (Antigueños) So from now and on get to explore the City with a proper Antigueño!
Welcome to Antigua Guatemala, the colonial jewel of Central America! We invite you on a journey through its cobblestone streets, surrounded by colorful buildings and majestic volcanoes.
Our tour begins at the Central Square, where you will discover the Cathedral, the City Hall Palace, and the Palace of the Captains General. Then, we will walk along the famous Calle del Arco, home to the iconic Santa Catalina Arch, ideal for exploring markets and restaurants.
We will visit the Church of La Merced, famous for its impressive façade, and the Casa Santo Domingo, a former monastery that combines history and modernity with its collection of colonial art.
If time permits, we will explore the Tanque de La Unión, the Jade Museum, and other fascinating corners. At the end of the tour, we will recommend places to enjoy the local cuisine and the unique atmosphere of this city.
Join us on this adventure through Antigua Guatemala, where every step reveals the history, culture and warmth of its people. It will be an unforgettable experience!
During this incredible experience , get to know the colorful towns of Antigua Guatemala and visit the chocolate and wine workshop, where you'll learn how to make chocolate in the colorful city of San Juan del Obispo. You'll also enjoy a tasting of various artisanal wines and cacao. In both places, it's essential to leave a tip to help the artisans of these picturesque places and the growth of the community, encouraging them to continue and contribute to their economy. In both places, there's a shop where you can buy wine and cacao. Crafting isn't mandatory, but it's suggested to give tips to the small artisans! Thank you 🙂
The towns to visit around are "SAN JUAN DE OBISPO AND SAN PEDRO LAS HUERTAS, PLEASE READ CAREFULLY!!!!! THANK YOU 🙂
Just to clarify my tour is totally independent of other tours and gurus, please read carefully the description of the tour and the schedule, and the activities to be done to avoid confusion or inconvenience my tour is at 1:15 pm and has no relation to the other tours offered on the platform. During my tour no market or museum is visited, I clarify, if you book a tour "similar" to mine and it is canceled, please do not relate or link my tour with other gurus, since some people have complained to me thinking that it is the "same" tour when it is not, Each guru works in a
independent.
DURING THE TOUR, PARTICIPANTS ARE NOT PERMITTED TO ARRIVE IN AN INTHICULAR STATE, USE DRUGS, OR SMOKE IN FRONT OF THE GUIDE AND OTHER PARTICIPANTS. 🚭🚭🚭
GUESTS ARE URGED TO DISPLAY GOOD BEHAVIOR AND EDUCATION DURING THE TOUR. IF YOU NEED TO LEAVE FOR ANY REASON, PLEASE NOTIFY THE GUIDE IN ADVANCE AND ACKNOWLEDGE THE PROPER GRATUITY.
NO BILLS IN POOR CONDITION ARE ACCEPTED, I ONLY ACCEPT DOLLARS OR QUETZALES
Check-out time is 1:15 PM. Please note that check-out time is 1:15 PM.
DURING THE TOUR IT IS NOT ALLOWED TO USE THE PHONE 📵 WHILE THE GUIDE IS GIVING HIS EXPLANATIONS OR TALK TO THE OTHER TOUR PARTICIPANTS AND IGNORE HIM.
We will then visit the colorful town of San Pedro Las Huertas, known for its 16th-century ultra-Baroque church and its water tank, the largest in Antigua Guatemala. You will also visit a jade workshop where an expert will give you all the information about jade, which was very important to the Mayan civilization. During the tour, we will travel by "Chicken Bus," so we will have to take public transportation from the bus terminal to reach these towns. This tour is truly worth taking because you will live a unique and unforgettable experience.
DURING THE TOUR, A BRIEF HISTORICAL REVIEW OF ANTIGUA'S HISTORY IS MADE ON THE "CHICKEN" BUS AND IMPORTANT POINTS ALONG THE WAY ARE DISCUSSED AS WELL AS INFORMATION ABOUT GUATEMALA IN GENERAL BEFORE ARRIVING AT THE VILLAGES.......
Places to visit during our village tour:
1) San Juan del Obispo , its church, its chapels, the Francisco Marroquín Palace, the Wine and Chocolate workshop.
2) San Pedro las Huertas , its church, its enormous water tank and a wonderful jade tour where an expert explains the entire jade working process.
IT'S A TOUR that's truly worth it . It's truly a unique, beautiful experience that you'll never forget! And you'll appreciate it. The only thing I need from you is your time and the will to do it!
- Important! Enter your correct phone number so I can easily recognize you, for example, your area code (your country) + your phone number. I can send you a WhatsApp message.
- It is necessary that you confirm your participation in the tour in advance. This is a tour on the outskirts of Antigua.
THIS IS A VISIT OF HOW THE ARTISANAL PREPARATION OF COCOA, WINE AND JADE IS, AND AT THE SAME TIME THE ARTISANS OFFER YOU THEIR PRODUCTS AND IT IS UP TO YOU TO BUY THEM, IT IS NOT MANDATORY!!
THIS IS NOT A "SHOPPING TOUR" AS MANY SAY. IF I TAKE YOU TO THOSE PLACES IT IS TO LEARN THE WORK OF THE ARTISANS, IT IS NOT TO BUY OR BENEFIT ANYONE... PLEASE READ CAREFULLY WHAT THE TOUR IS ABOUT AND ITS CONCEPT... TO AVOID MISUNDERSTANDINGS.
Meeting point: ✅ in front of McDonald's Restaurant in Antigua Guatemala. I'm wearing a green jade necklace, a cap, and my guide license. I'll be out and about. Please confirm your participation in advance. Thank you very much.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/nq6MLsvf7C1iL23VA
Most Guatemalans, with a few exceptions, are very friendly and wish to receive the same treatment from tourists.
DEPARTURE IS AT 1:15 PM PLEASE I NEED PRIOR CONFIRMATION FROM THE WALKER IN ADVANCE!!!!
JUST TO CLARIFY THE DEPARTURE TIME IS AT 1:15 PM AND NOT AT 1:30 PM
WALKERS ARE RECOMMENDED TO EAT SOMETHING HOURS BEFORE THE TOUR, BRING ENOUGH WATER, AND A MOSQUITO REPELLENT, AND MOST IMPORTANTLY BRING COINS OR SMALL BILLS TO PAY FOR THE "CHICKEN" BUS AND BRING A COAT AGAINST THE RAIN ⛈️ THANK YOU
DEPARTURE 1:15 PM IF YOU CAN'T COME ON TIME IT'S BETTER TO POSTPONE IT OR DO IT ANOTHER DAY SINCE OUT OF RESPECT FOR THOSE WHO ARRIVE ON TIME I CAN'T START LATE, SINCE IT DELAYS THE REST OF THE GROUP
I NEED A PRE-CONFIRMATION HOURS BEFORE THE TOUR MY NUMBER IS +50252106956 SINCE IF NOT THE TOUR WILL BE CANCELED
THE TOUR LASTS 4 HOURS BUT IF YOU NEED TO LEAVE EARLIER YOU CAN DO SO,
SMOKING 🚭 DURING THE TOUR OR DRINKING IS NOT ALLOWED AS IT DISTURBS THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE TOUR
SHOW GOOD BEHAVIOR DURING THE TOUR THANK YOU!!
REMINDER: DEPARTURE IS AT 1:15 PM TRY TO BE PUNCTUAL, SO AS NOT TO HARM THE REST OF THE GROUP THANK YOU!
If you are unable to make it, please cancel the tour in advance and inform me via the app or WhatsApp.
WALKERS ARE ASKED TO RECONFIRM THEIR PARTICIPATION AS MANY WALKERS BOOK AND DO NOT ARRIVE AT THE MEETING POINT AND DO NOT RESPOND TO MESSAGES EITHER IN THE APP OR BY WHATSAPP
PUNCTUALITY PLEASE REQUEST
General orientation and familiarization tour in Antigua Guatemala
A tour where you will discover UNESCO's criteria
The City's Neighborhoods and the most beautiful streets for your photographs.
A tour through the city streets where you will find your way around and learn important details such as houses, doors, fountains, courtyards, and gardens.
You will discover the amazing history of Antigua Guatemala and the collection of old photographs to recreate a before and after during our tour.
Our tours are led by professional tour guides, and booking and joining the group is completely free. However, since these tours are our guides' full-time job to earn a living, we recommend rewarding them with a minimum of $10 or $15 per person.
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Want to truly experience Antigua? Book now!
And you will discover it,
You will learn:
Central Plaza
Cathedral.
University.
Franciscan Quarter.
Ruins of El Carmen.
Arch of Saint Catherine.
La Merced.
There are no extra fees, and the tour costs between Q75 and Q100 local currency. You choose how much to give the guide as a thank you.
We'll be waiting for you.
Specific tour of high level and impact
Our meeting point is the cathedral atrium. Look for our orange shirt and umbrella.
We'll take you on a fun and historical tour, discovering how the city began in the 16th century and exploring the cathedral crypts. Then we'll visit 17th-century buildings in the Franciscan quarter, continue through the Plaza de San Pedro, with its public washhouse, hospital, and parish for convalescents, and finish in the Santo Domingo quarter, exploring the crypts, funerary practices, and answering any questions you may have about the tunnels that once connected convents and monasteries.
You will learn about Pedro de Alvarado.
Brother Peter.
Cathedral crypts
Crypts of Santo Domingo.
Doña Luisa.
The palace of Doña Leonor.
It's not just a walk, it's a real historical experience of modern-day Antigua.
An exceptional tour led by a guide specializing in historical heritage interpretation.
Tickets to the Cathedral are $3 and to Santo Domingo are $7. Keep this in mind, otherwise the tour won't have the desired impact.
We'll be waiting for you.
"A Day in La Antigua"
Visiting La Antigua Guatemala and exploring every corner becomes an unforgettable experience, especially when you do it with a Guatemalan who loves to share, learn, and make new friends.
The City of Santiago de Los Caballeros de Guatemala, now called "La Antigua Guatemala," has been the scene of various political, economic, religious, and sociocultural changes. It was declared a "World Heritage Site" by UNESCO in 1979 and is considered one of the most important cities in the country.
I like to create a pleasant and interesting experience. Therefore, the tour I offer is based on the most emblematic sites of the city, and to see them, our itinerary is as follows:
Itinerary:
Central Plaza where you can appreciate the buildings that were constructed during the city's formation and are still valued today for their function, historical, and cultural significance.
Santa Catalina Arch. The most famous avenue in the city, where you can find various options for food, drink, and nightlife, as well as several markets showcasing local crafts.
La Merced Church. This monument represents the art and architecture of the city at its finest, with a unique and unrepeatable design that shows the cultural clash of our country.
Other sites of interest that our tour may include:
Santo Domingo
La Unión Tank
Central Market
Viewpoint. "Cerro de La Cruz"
Jade Factory and Museum.
Craft Market
Additionally, our walk can include places that cater to the interests of our visitors. At the end of the walk, I can suggest some places to enjoy local food and drink.
Attention! “Free booking & cancellation!
The tour is free of booking and cancellation, however, it is not a free tour as the website announces, we constantly train and invest in the platform so that you can be part of our event.
《Every contribution is per person》.
The minimum rate according to GURUWALK is from € 15 to € 50.
Your miles are as valuable as our knowledge, enjoy and keep learning like us!
What should you bring to the Tour? A lot of positive attitude and eagerness to learn about the history of this City, as well as a strong desire to explore alongside your Guru the best that this beautiful place has to offer. If you are tired because your previous trip was long, but you still want to join our tour, you are welcome; the only thing we ask is that you always be respectful at all times and be willing to learn about our culture in this beautiful country.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
OUR TOUR IS BASED ON RELEVANT HISTORICAL DATA OF THE CITY. ALSO, GENERAL DATA OF THE COUNTRY THAT RELATES TO SOME EVENTS THROUGHOUT HISTORY, IF YOU BOOK YOUR TOUR IT IS BECAUSE YOU ARE INTERESTED IN DISCOVERING AND EXPLORING THE BEST OF ANTIGUA, IF YOU BOOK IT IS BECAUSE YOU HAVE READ THE COMPLETE DESCRIPTION OF THE TOUR.
"IF FOR ANY REASON YOU HAVE TO LEAVE, NOTIFY YOUR GURU AND DO NOT JUST LEAVE THE TOUR".
IF YOU LEAVE THE TOUR WITHOUT NOTIFYING, WE WILL TAKE IT AS A SIGN OF DISRESPECT TOWARDS YOUR GURU AND ALSO TO THE REST OF THE WALKERS, WE WILL ALSO REPORT ANY INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR.
WE DO NOT ALLOW PEOPLE UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL OR DRUGS.
WE ASK YOU, OUT OF RESPECT FOR ALL WALKERS, NOT TO MAKE TASTELESS JOKES OR CHAT WITH PEOPLE DURING THE EXPLANATION AS IT INTERRUPTS THE TOUR.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR UNDERSTANDING.
From now on, Welcome to the City of Perpetual Roses! It will be a pleasure to be part of your experience in Guatemala.
We will only conduct a tour with prior reservation, (If you come in a group, please contact the Guru before taking the tour) do not expect a Guru to be at the meeting point if you have not made your reservation. “Every contribution is per person”.
Thank you very much!.
Meeting point: In front of Choco Museo located opposite the Central Plaza. I will be wearing a white t-shirt and carrying my Tourist Guide identification.
Santiago de Guatemala (Antigua Guatemala) is a small city but very special in several ways. For me, as someone who was born here, it's like an open-air museum: clean, safe, with very friendly and helpful people, and easy to navigate on foot.
What makes this city special is its people, its cobbled streets, its gastronomy, its traditions, its history, museums, etc. In addition to having been declared a cultural heritage of humanity by UNESCO, it has been declared a Monument City of America , a National Monument and in the 16th century King Philip II of Spain gave it the title of the Very Noble and Very Loyal City of Santiago de Los Caballeros de Guatemala.
You'll get to know this city with an enthusiastic local expert who's passionate about what he does. He's already got 12 years of experience as a guide, with many more years to come.
During this tour you will be able to visit sites of special interest such as:
- The Street of the Arch
- The Church of La Merced
- The Casa del Jade Archaeological Museum
- The former monastery of the Dominican friars (now a hotel and restaurant)
- The Santo Domingo Convent House
- Union Tank Plaza
- Finally Central Park.
The tour lasts approximately 2 to 3 hours maximum.
Our work as guides allows us to teach travelers about traditions, culture, legends, cuisine, and more. To do so, we must constantly train and pay for credential renewals. If you enjoyed the tour, your contribution will always be welcome and appreciated, so we can continue this wonderful work. We typically receive contributions of $15.00 or more per person, depending on the level of satisfaction after the tour.
Antigua Guatemala reflects a very colonial yet new city, walking through its beautiful streets, transported long ago to the 3rd capital of our Guatemala, a place you cannot miss for anything.
The historian and its history, its beginning and foundation in the colonial era, and learn about its relocation, its attractions, the religious aspect in its fullness, Lent in color, and you can learn about syncretism.
The first church to visit would be Nuestra Señora De La Merced (Catholic Church) dating back to the year 1749 in an ultra-baroque style, its history, description, its ruins where we find the largest fountain in all of Antigua Guatemala.
We continue with the experience, passing by the famous Arco de Santa Catalina Virgen y Mártir from the year 1870 and declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. We head to the Central Plaza or Central Park where we can see its impressive Cathedral of San José and its ruins, the Town Hall, the Municipality of Antigua Guatemala, the fountain of the sirens, and learn about its past and recent history.
The Jade Museum introduces us to our symbolic stone, at the same time we can visit the Tanque Unión and the Church of Brother Pedro, and finally, we will visit one of the most important churches in the city, the Church of San Francisco El Grande from the year 1565, its history, and the Museum and ruins of Brother Pedro.
Dare to live a local adventure and discover what our roots are, you will have a better way to see and feel this tour in Antigua Guatemala, join us.
Exclusive 2-Hour Tour of Antigua Guatemala: History, Culture, and Local Charm
This 2-hour tour of the colonial city of Antigua Guatemala offers a unique experience, combining the city's deep history with lesser-known secrets that only a local guide can reveal.
Places to visit:
- The Plaza Mayor : The heart of Antigua, surrounded by the Cathedral, the Captains' Palace and other colonial buildings.
- Santiago Cathedral : Impressive colonial-era structure, with a fascinating history behind its ruins and reconstruction.
- Santa Catalina Arch : One of Antigua's most photographed icons, with a spectacular view of the Agua Volcano.
- La Merced Church : With its Baroque architecture, this church is one of the most beautiful in the city and a symbol of local faith and culture.
- Capuchin Convent : A peaceful place of retreat and reflection, with a unique history that will take you to the heart of colonial life.
- Calle del Arco : One of the most picturesque and oldest streets in the city, ideal for a relaxed stroll among local craft shops.
Este tour te lleva a visitar La Antigua Guatemala, esta joya colonial fue la capital del reino español que en su momento se extendió desde Chiapas México hasta Costa Rica. La ciudad fue construida al pie del majestuoso Volcán de Agua y fue abandonada después de los terremotos masivos de 1776. Años después la ciudad fue habitada nuevamente y hoy aún puedes disfrutar del encanto colonial de una ciudad protegida congelada en el tiempo, con vestigios de los terremotos que casi la destruyeron y la innovación que ha convertido muchas de estas ruinas en algunos de los hoteles, restaurantes y parques más asombrosos del mundo. Tu guía te brindará información sobre el país, su gente, historia y costumbres en Antigua.
Una vez que se encuentre con su guía turístico en el Parque Central, disfrutará de un free tour por la ciudad que visitará:
- Parque Central
- Palacio de los Capitanes Generales
- Catedral de Santiago
- Arco de Santa Catarina
- Fábrica de Jade ( opcional )
- tanque de la unión
- ¡Ven y descubre el origen del nombre de Guatemala y su historia maya incluida!!!
Os espero a todos para descubrir lo que esconde esta maravillosa y sorprendente ciudad. El free tour tendrá una duración aproximada de 2 horas.
Un guruwalk es un tour de pago gratuito, lo que significa que la reserva es completamente gratuita, pero el gurú espera ser recompensado con la cantidad deseada al final. Algunos excursionistas dan 10 € por persona, otros 50 $, tú decides el precio.
Por motivos organizativos, es obligatorio inscribirse previamente para participar. Reservar es muy fácil, rápido y totalmente gratuito. ¡Reserva ya este paseo de gurús!
A great experience in the towns around Antigua, something different and with good content.
A Maya town with the most colorful and well-crafted textiles with natural tones, handmade on the backstrap loom. Decorated streets and colorful murals, a presentation of the best costumes of Guatemala.
You can dress in the colors of the town and learn about the most beautiful traditional costume in all of Guatemala. Viewpoints and a very pleasant experience like San Antonio Aguas Calientes.
Ciudad Vieja, the first capital of Guatemala, founded in 1527 and destroyed in 1541 by the Agua volcano.
We will walk through the San Antonio valley and its traditional houses to observe their daily life.
You will get to know:
San Antonio Aguas Calientes.
Ciudad Vieja.
This experience involves traveling by local bus commonly called Chicken bus. You should bring Q20 to pay for the bus.
Our tours are conducted by professional tour guides, booking and joining the group is completely free. However, since these tours are the full-time work of our guides to make a living, we recommend rewarding them with a minimum of €10 or $15 per person.
We look forward to seeing you