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!
TOUR THEM
Welcome. Please Read The intruction Carefull Before The Tour To Avoid Misunderstanding.
Please Respectfully Ask You Read The Tours Introducción To Avoid Confusion And Misunderstanding And this Avoid Bad Riviews And Damage My Reputation And My Work, The Tour Is Disigned For People Who Love History, Art And Colonial Architeture.
Notice, Participants From All Nationalities Come to The Tour; Please Be Respectfully Of One Another.
Please be Punctual, it's important to arrive 10 minutes Before 9 am or 12 pm. So As Not To Delay Those Who Have Arrived On Time. iIf you cannot Make It; Please cancel The Tour Vía The APP WhatsApp.
IF YOU WOULD LIKE YO ACKNOWLEDGE MY WOK AS A PROFESSIONAL GUIDE AND DONT KONW HOW MUCH TO CONTRIBUTEA MINIMUM OF $ 15 USD OR 100 QUETZALES IS EXPECTED YOUR GUIDETHANKS YOU, AS MY JOB.
THANK YOU.
Antigua Guatemala: Where history comes alive… and envelops you
Walk where time stood still… but the stories live on.
This is not just any tour. It's an experience that takes you beyond the visible, to the deep essence of Antigua Guatemala: a city where every stone holds secrets, every street whispers legends, and every corner reveals a unique fusion between the Mayan world and the colonial heritage.
In just two hours, you'll experience an intense, immersive, and meticulously designed tour for those seeking authenticity. Small groups, a genuine connection with the environment, and access to details most travelers never discover.
You will feel the energy of its temples, understand its historical transformation, and discover how a civilization redefined life in this valley surrounded by volcanoes.
You won't just see Antigua... you'll feel it.
What you will discover in this experience
From the majesty of La Merced , passing through the iconic Calle del Arco , to the vibrant heart of the Plaza Central , every step reveals a story.
You will explore:
- The hidden symbolism in Mayan Jade
- The mysteries and grandeur of Santo Domingo
- The authenticity of San Francisco and its living traditions
- The historic tranquility of the La Unión Tank
- Less explored corners like Plazuela San Pedro
Tour details
Duration: 2 intense and memorable hours
Format: Guided cultural walk
Groups: Small for a better experience
Level: Easy
At the end, you can reward the guide according to the quality of your experience.
Are you ready to see Antigua with new eyes?
This journey cannot be explained… it must be experienced.
Book now and discover the city like never before.
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
A good experience in the towns around Antigua, something different and with good content.
A Mayan village with the most colorful and exquisitely crafted textiles, made with natural hues and woven by hand on backstrap looms. Decorated streets and vibrant murals showcase the finest traditional clothing in Guatemala.
You can dress in the town's colors and learn about the most beautiful traditional costume in all of Guatemala. Enjoy scenic viewpoints and a truly pleasant experience in 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 Almolonga valley and its traditional houses to observe their daily life.
You will learn:
San Antonio Aguas Calientes.
Old town.
This experience involves taking a local bus, commonly called a "Chicken bus." You should bring Q20 to pay for the bus.
We'll be waiting for you.
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.
In this tour with A HISTORICAL ANTHROPOLOGICAL APPROACH, the untold history of Antigua Guatemala, we visit the essential buildings of old Guatemala, full of history, architecture, and local customs, as well as practical information, including environmental, demographic, social, and political aspects of Guatemala, without overlooking the current situation we live in. If you are just arriving in the city and want to have an overview of the area where we are, do not hesitate to join us, as by the end of the tour, the city will be very familiar to you.
Focusing on the explanation of the city's design, the most important buildings, and the characters who inhabited old Guatemala, as well as the iconography on the facades of the churches that have a mix of the religious symbolism of the indigenous Mayan peoples with Catholic traditions.
Exterior tour of:
Meeting point in front of the mermaid fountain, in Central Park, I have a red circular sign
- Main square and the buildings representing the four powers of Goathemala
- Mermaid Fountain, a fountain from 1738 crafted by the chief architect Diego de Porres, inspired by the Fountain of the Mermaids in Bologna, Italy.
- Cathedral; a visit to the two remaining chapels out of the total 18 chapels
- Old University of San Carlos de Borromeo: currently the Museum of Colonial Art, but represents university education, one of the Royal and pontifical universities in America.
- Company of Jesus: former Jesuit convent, who introduced coffee and regulated education, expelled in 1767
- Church of La Merced: we talk about the baroque facade and the architectural elements of Mayan influence and religious syncretism.
- Santa Catarina Arch: we share about the Roman grid design of the streets of old Guatemala, as well as the history of the convent of Santa Catalina Martir and the function of the Arch
- Jade Museum, where we have an explanation of the importance of the Mayan stone, see the process of stone carving work, and visit the jewelry to see high-quality and original craftsmanship representative of Guatemala.
Additionally, I focus on explaining the grid design of the city.
The history of the beginnings and development of coffee in Guatemala
It is a pleasure to share the cultural historical elements of our region.
Recommendations and information
1. Pets are not allowed. They are not permitted in several places.
2. If you think you won't arrive on time, please cancel as we cannot wait long out of respect for our other clients.
3. Since the Guru is attending and explaining to the group, they are not available to answer the phone, so it will be very frustrating for you not to be able to communicate with the GURU.
4. These walks are collective and not private.
5. This walk is oriented towards the culture, daily life, and history of the city.
6. All free tours do not have a fixed price, they are based on an economic recognition to the GURU, according to the experience of the walkers.
7. People in a state of intoxication or under the influence of drugs are not allowed.
8. These walks require a minimum of 4 participants to take place. If we do not reach the minimum, you will be informed one hour before.
Important Note:
For better understanding, if the group is larger than 10 people, we use speakers on all tours.
Tour in native Spanish
And 80% English
$$$ we do not require a fixed fee
A guruwalk is a paid free tour, which means the reservation is completely free, but the guru expects to be rewarded for their professional guide work with the desired amount at the end.
To avoid bad reports and understand each other, some hikers give us$15 or Q.100 per person, others $50, in the end, if you are satisfied with the work, you decide the contribution to give.
Exclusive 2-Hour Tour in Antigua Guatemala: History, Culture, and Local Charm
This 2-hour tour of the colonial city of Antigua Guatemala offers you a unique experience, combining the deep history of the city with the lesser-known secrets that only a local guide can reveal.
Places to visit:
- The Main Square: The heart of Antigua, surrounded by the Cathedral, the Palace of the Captains, and other colonial buildings.
- Cathedral of Santiago: An impressive structure from the colonial era, with a fascinating history behind its ruins and reconstruction.
- Santa Catalina Arch: One of the most photographed icons of Antigua, with a spectacular view of the Agua volcano.
- Church of La Merced: With its baroque architecture, this church is one of the most beautiful in the city and a symbol of local faith and culture.
- Convent of the Capuchins: A tranquil place for retreat and reflection, with a unique history that will take you to the heart of colonial life.
- Arch Street: One of the most picturesque and oldest streets in the city, ideal for a leisurely walk among local craft shops.