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.
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.
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
Come and join us to discover a city marked by the strength of its colonial ruins and the imposing presence of the surrounding volcanoes. From the very first moment, its streets invite you to uncover centuries of history and scenes of everyday life that continue to thrive today.
In this experience, we will explore some of the city's most emblematic places, starting with the iconic Santa Catalina Arch, one of the most photographed symbols and one of the most recognizable views of the volcanic landscape. We will continue to San José Cathedral and La Merced Church, whose walls, facades, and remnants allow us to glimpse into the colonial past and the religious significance of the era.
Along the way, we will discover ancient convent complexes transformed over time, where gardens, museums, and ruins coexist and tell different stages of history. We will also visit community spaces, such as the old public washhouses, which offer a close look at everyday life from centuries past.
The experience is guided by locals who share not only historical facts but also stories, traditions, and recommendations for further exploring the city. At the end, you can discover more about the local cuisine and the unique atmosphere that makes Antigua such a special place.
Join us on this adventure where every step reveals the history, culture, and warmth of its people. It will be an unforgettable experience!👣
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.
General Tour Discovering the City of Antigua Guatemala.
Our option has historical and traditional value.
A walk with small or medium-sized groups will give you better access to discovering little-known places.
Hidden stories and extraordinary photographic spots, that natural composition of Architecture and Nature that you will enjoy on this walk of a maximum of 2 hours.
Architecture blended with European and Mayan culture.
A beautiful city in a beautiful valley.
And how an ancient civilization arrives and changes the lifestyle.
At the end of the tour you will be able to distinguish the heritage gems of the city.
At the end of the tour you can tip the guide; the amount depends on your experience.
It doesn't matter how many of you there are. Welcome.
Want to truly experience Antigua? Book now!
And you will discover it,
La Merced
The Arch
The Central Plaza
San Pedro Square
Union Tank
San Francisco
Santo Domingo
Mayan Jade.
"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.
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.
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.