La guía de Ana Cristina
where to eat
Places where you can have a good time and a good meal not so expensive
Visit Paseo Cayala for a relaxed boutique shopping experience or meal in one of many high class restaurants. This pedestrian, newly built, gated community houses a cinema, gym and many international and Guatemalan retailers. A canopy tour on site boasts fantastic views of the city and allows you to glide through the air among the treetops. The 14 hectare (34 acre) expanse can take some time to explore, so rent a bicycle at the site. Parking for vehicles is available. Using our international travel planner, Guatemala City attractions like Paseo Cayala can form part of a personalized travel itinerary.
more: https://www.inspirock.com/guatemala/guatemala-city/paseo-cayala-a1130837953
15 locals recommend
Ciudad Cayalá
Visit Paseo Cayala for a relaxed boutique shopping experience or meal in one of many high class restaurants. This pedestrian, newly built, gated community houses a cinema, gym and many international and Guatemalan retailers. A canopy tour on site boasts fantastic views of the city and allows you to glide through the air among the treetops. The 14 hectare (34 acre) expanse can take some time to explore, so rent a bicycle at the site. Parking for vehicles is available. Using our international travel planner, Guatemala City attractions like Paseo Cayala can form part of a personalized travel itinerary.
more: https://www.inspirock.com/guatemala/guatemala-city/paseo-cayala-a1130837953
Nice foodcourt where you will find many types of interesting plates. Is very near from ADAMANT
9 locals recommend
CAYIBEL
16 Blvd. AustriacoNice foodcourt where you will find many types of interesting plates. Is very near from ADAMANT
Many nice restaurants where you will find from Greek food (EL GRIEGO), french, asian, Italian, steak house, ice creams, and a nice bookshop to wonder around
105 locals recommend
Plaza Fontabella
12-59 4A AvenidaMany nice restaurants where you will find from Greek food (EL GRIEGO), french, asian, Italian, steak house, ice creams, and a nice bookshop to wonder around
nice things to do
Ecological and Sports Park Cayalá
02-00 Calzada la PazFlowboarding action club featuring a FlowRider, restaurant, bar, retail and unique innercity beachclub environment. Descripción AKUA - Great Food, Insane Action
more https://ra.co/clubs/92031
6 locals recommend
Akua Flowboarding
Boulevard AustriacoFlowboarding action club featuring a FlowRider, restaurant, bar, retail and unique innercity beachclub environment. Descripción AKUA - Great Food, Insane Action
more https://ra.co/clubs/92031
Mapa en Relieve
Venture through Parque Minerva (just a quick walk from Parque Central) to catch a glimpse of this gigantic open-air topographical map of Guatemala. It is at a staggering 1:10,000 scale, with exaggerated vertical volcanic peaks and mountaintops to appear dramatically higher and precipitous than they truly are. Constructed in 1905 under Fransisco Vela, the map was fully repainted and restored in 1999 and viewing towers were constructed to provide panoramic observation. Although a small fee is requested, the public claims it’s worth the price especially to play “spot Belize”, as the map still represents it as a part of the country. A great spot for kids, or a good place to start your Guatemalan adventure, the relief map is a fascinating site to help give you the lay of the land, and especially recommended for those interested in cartography of any sort.
Ave. Simeon Canas Final, Hipodromo Del Norte, Zona 2,Guatemala City, Guatemala +56325708
40 locals recommend
Relief Map
Avenida Simeón CañasMapa en Relieve
Venture through Parque Minerva (just a quick walk from Parque Central) to catch a glimpse of this gigantic open-air topographical map of Guatemala. It is at a staggering 1:10,000 scale, with exaggerated vertical volcanic peaks and mountaintops to appear dramatically higher and precipitous than they truly are. Constructed in 1905 under Fransisco Vela, the map was fully repainted and restored in 1999 and viewing towers were constructed to provide panoramic observation. Although a small fee is requested, the public claims it’s worth the price especially to play “spot Belize”, as the map still represents it as a part of the country. A great spot for kids, or a good place to start your Guatemalan adventure, the relief map is a fascinating site to help give you the lay of the land, and especially recommended for those interested in cartography of any sort.
Ave. Simeon Canas Final, Hipodromo Del Norte, Zona 2,Guatemala City, Guatemala +56325708
Plan your day at the Aurora Zoo in Guatemala City by booking your tickets in advance. Pick up your tickets from the zoo office when you arrive—a great choice for visitors making the most of a layover or coming directly from the nearby airport. Or, opt to have the tickets dropped off at your Guatemala City or Antigua hotel so that you can squeeze in more time with the animals.
The zoo is divided into three main areas: African Region, Asian and South American Region. It also has sections dedicated to other farm animals, snakes and Australian wildlife.
The African Region is represented by a lion, a giraffe and a zebra, among other animals.
The Asian region is represented by a tiger and the reticulated python snake and Bearcats. It also includes an elephant and a bear. Finally, the American Region shows, among others, the largest mammal of Guatemala, the tapir and the world's smallest monkey, the marmoset, besides the American crocodile, and other specimens of fauna.
Learn about the habitats of the animals and see them interact with one another! Visit the farm section of the zoo, where you'll see sheep, pigs, donkeys and goats.
90 locals recommend
La Aurora Zoo
Plan your day at the Aurora Zoo in Guatemala City by booking your tickets in advance. Pick up your tickets from the zoo office when you arrive—a great choice for visitors making the most of a layover or coming directly from the nearby airport. Or, opt to have the tickets dropped off at your Guatemala City or Antigua hotel so that you can squeeze in more time with the animals.
The zoo is divided into three main areas: African Region, Asian and South American Region. It also has sections dedicated to other farm animals, snakes and Australian wildlife.
The African Region is represented by a lion, a giraffe and a zebra, among other animals.
The Asian region is represented by a tiger and the reticulated python snake and Bearcats. It also includes an elephant and a bear. Finally, the American Region shows, among others, the largest mammal of Guatemala, the tapir and the world's smallest monkey, the marmoset, besides the American crocodile, and other specimens of fauna.
Learn about the habitats of the animals and see them interact with one another! Visit the farm section of the zoo, where you'll see sheep, pigs, donkeys and goats.
Museo Popol Vuh
A beautiful modern museum encompassing a series of thematic rooms that document stages of Guatemalan culture and history, Museo Popol Vuh exists within the Fransisco Marroquin University. Its small size still manages to house intricate displays showcasing pre-Hispanic figurines, incense burners, carved wooden masks, burial urns, traditional textiles, and other archaeological Mayan artifacts. The museum also contains colonial paintings, gilded wood, and silver artifacts that belie the country’s religious history. It sits across from the Ixchel Native Costume Museum, so if you plan to have a culture packed morning or afternoon, hit both. But before you head over to Ixchel, be sure to check out the painting of the Guatemalan conquest in the downstairs of this cultural gem (which also has well-lit, bilingual displays).
Museo Popol Vuh, 6a calle Final, Zona 10, Guatemala City,Guatemala, +502 2338 7896
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sat 9 a.m.-1 p.m. (price: adult/child Q35/10)
22 locals recommend
Museo Popol Vuh
Final Diagonal 6Museo Popol Vuh
A beautiful modern museum encompassing a series of thematic rooms that document stages of Guatemalan culture and history, Museo Popol Vuh exists within the Fransisco Marroquin University. Its small size still manages to house intricate displays showcasing pre-Hispanic figurines, incense burners, carved wooden masks, burial urns, traditional textiles, and other archaeological Mayan artifacts. The museum also contains colonial paintings, gilded wood, and silver artifacts that belie the country’s religious history. It sits across from the Ixchel Native Costume Museum, so if you plan to have a culture packed morning or afternoon, hit both. But before you head over to Ixchel, be sure to check out the painting of the Guatemalan conquest in the downstairs of this cultural gem (which also has well-lit, bilingual displays).
Museo Popol Vuh, 6a calle Final, Zona 10, Guatemala City,Guatemala, +502 2338 7896
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sat 9 a.m.-1 p.m. (price: adult/child Q35/10)
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Top 10 Things To Do And See In Guatemala City


Ilana Herzig
9 February 2017
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Guatemala City teems with colorful colonial architecture, flavorful food, and an amazing selection of locations behind its winding streets and historic ruins. Guatemala boasts stunning wildlife and rich culture, from various museums showcasing Mayan history to gourmet restaurants and nightclubs of Zona Viva and bustling mercados.

ballet Coppelia en el Teatro Nacional de Guatemala l | © Antonio Lederer/Flickr
Guatemalan National Theatre and Miguel Ángel Asturias Cultural Centre
A re-appropriated military fortress turned into a cultural wonderland in 1987, in the shape of the volcanoes which surround it, Teatro Nacional lies in the heart of the city and contains five complexes, an amazing view of the city and Civic Center, excellent acoustics and everything under the sun from plays to ballets to concerts. In the vision of its architect, Efrain Recions, the masterpiece is inspired by Mayan culture and offers an outdoor, chamber and main theater, as well as a Museum of Old Fort of San José which accommodates a small military museum home to a replica of the first fortified Mayan city of Mesoamerica: Punta de Chiminios. The National School of Art and The National Cultural Radio also operate from the confines of this complex.
24 Calle 3 – 81,Zona 1, Guatemala City, Guatemala, +502 2232 4041

Museo Popol Vuh l | © Andre GR/Flickr
Museo Popol Vuh
A beautiful modern museum encompassing a series of thematic rooms that document stages of Guatemalan culture and history, Museo Popol Vuh exists within the Fransisco Marroquin University. Its small size still manages to house intricate displays showcasing pre-Hispanic figurines, incense burners, carved wooden masks, burial urns, traditional textiles, and other archaeological Mayan artifacts. The museum also contains colonial paintings, gilded wood, and silver artifacts that belie the country’s religious history. It sits across from the Ixchel Native Costume Museum, so if you plan to have a culture packed morning or afternoon, hit both. But before you head over to Ixchel, be sure to check out the painting of the Guatemalan conquest in the downstairs of this cultural gem (which also has well-lit, bilingual displays).
Museo Popol Vuh, 6a calle Final, Zona 10, Guatemala City,Guatemala, +502 2338 7896
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sat 9 a.m.-1 p.m. (price: adult/child Q35/10)
Museo Ixchel de Traje Indigena l © Clau Mrossal/WikiCommons
Museo Ixchel de Traje Indigena
Across from Popol Vuh, Museo Ixchel de Traje Indigena has an incredible collection of Guatemalan textiles and is aptly named after the Mayan Goddess of the moon, women, reproduction, and textiles. The museum exhibits a huge variety of indigenous dress, crafts and photographs of the richness of traditional Mayan culture and highland towns. The museum also has amenities for travelers with disabilities, a children’s section, a café, library, and a shop that supports the weavers from around the country who continue to make native textiles. The museum informs visitors of the history of the clothing, trends and production as well as delineating Mayan and foreign influence on the country’s history. This well-designed museum also features an art gallery downstairs, and guided tours are also available upstairs in English or Spanish.
6a Calle Final, Zona 10, Guatemala City, Guatemala, +502 2361 8081
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 9am-1pm (Price: Q35)
37 locals recommend
Museo Ixchel del Traje Indigena
6A CalleInstall
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Top 10 Things To Do And See In Guatemala City


Ilana Herzig
9 February 2017
Add to Plan
Guatemala City teems with colorful colonial architecture, flavorful food, and an amazing selection of locations behind its winding streets and historic ruins. Guatemala boasts stunning wildlife and rich culture, from various museums showcasing Mayan history to gourmet restaurants and nightclubs of Zona Viva and bustling mercados.

ballet Coppelia en el Teatro Nacional de Guatemala l | © Antonio Lederer/Flickr
Guatemalan National Theatre and Miguel Ángel Asturias Cultural Centre
A re-appropriated military fortress turned into a cultural wonderland in 1987, in the shape of the volcanoes which surround it, Teatro Nacional lies in the heart of the city and contains five complexes, an amazing view of the city and Civic Center, excellent acoustics and everything under the sun from plays to ballets to concerts. In the vision of its architect, Efrain Recions, the masterpiece is inspired by Mayan culture and offers an outdoor, chamber and main theater, as well as a Museum of Old Fort of San José which accommodates a small military museum home to a replica of the first fortified Mayan city of Mesoamerica: Punta de Chiminios. The National School of Art and The National Cultural Radio also operate from the confines of this complex.
24 Calle 3 – 81,Zona 1, Guatemala City, Guatemala, +502 2232 4041

Museo Popol Vuh l | © Andre GR/Flickr
Museo Popol Vuh
A beautiful modern museum encompassing a series of thematic rooms that document stages of Guatemalan culture and history, Museo Popol Vuh exists within the Fransisco Marroquin University. Its small size still manages to house intricate displays showcasing pre-Hispanic figurines, incense burners, carved wooden masks, burial urns, traditional textiles, and other archaeological Mayan artifacts. The museum also contains colonial paintings, gilded wood, and silver artifacts that belie the country’s religious history. It sits across from the Ixchel Native Costume Museum, so if you plan to have a culture packed morning or afternoon, hit both. But before you head over to Ixchel, be sure to check out the painting of the Guatemalan conquest in the downstairs of this cultural gem (which also has well-lit, bilingual displays).
Museo Popol Vuh, 6a calle Final, Zona 10, Guatemala City,Guatemala, +502 2338 7896
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sat 9 a.m.-1 p.m. (price: adult/child Q35/10)
Museo Ixchel de Traje Indigena l © Clau Mrossal/WikiCommons
Museo Ixchel de Traje Indigena
Across from Popol Vuh, Museo Ixchel de Traje Indigena has an incredible collection of Guatemalan textiles and is aptly named after the Mayan Goddess of the moon, women, reproduction, and textiles. The museum exhibits a huge variety of indigenous dress, crafts and photographs of the richness of traditional Mayan culture and highland towns. The museum also has amenities for travelers with disabilities, a children’s section, a café, library, and a shop that supports the weavers from around the country who continue to make native textiles. The museum informs visitors of the history of the clothing, trends and production as well as delineating Mayan and foreign influence on the country’s history. This well-designed museum also features an art gallery downstairs, and guided tours are also available upstairs in English or Spanish.
6a Calle Final, Zona 10, Guatemala City, Guatemala, +502 2361 8081
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 9am-1pm (Price: Q35)
This excellent modern museum is inauspiciously jammed between two shopping malls a few kilometers out of town. Downstairs focuses on objects found at Kaminaljuyú, with fascinating trade-route maps showing the site's importance. Upstairs there are displays on textiles and indigenous clothing, separated by region, from around the country.
17 locals recommend
Miraflores Museum
21-55 7 CalleThis excellent modern museum is inauspiciously jammed between two shopping malls a few kilometers out of town. Downstairs focuses on objects found at Kaminaljuyú, with fascinating trade-route maps showing the site's importance. Upstairs there are displays on textiles and indigenous clothing, separated by region, from around the country.
Sightseeing
Located in relatively safe and historic Zona 1 (easily walkable from Parque Central, Palacio Nacional de la Cultura and Catedral Metropolitana), this huge, multilevel indoor market is the place to buy souvenirs.
While you can hardly turn around in Antigua without street vendors pressuring you to buy something, this underground market in Guatemala City is cool in two ways: out of the heat and no pressure. Still, be sure and talk vendors down. They expect it. The prices here are slashed from Antigua and Atitlan, and you can choose from an abundance of singular Guatemalan artistry.
more https://www.familyvacationcritic.com/attraction/mercado-central/guatemala/
65 locals recommend
Mercado Central
Located in relatively safe and historic Zona 1 (easily walkable from Parque Central, Palacio Nacional de la Cultura and Catedral Metropolitana), this huge, multilevel indoor market is the place to buy souvenirs.
While you can hardly turn around in Antigua without street vendors pressuring you to buy something, this underground market in Guatemala City is cool in two ways: out of the heat and no pressure. Still, be sure and talk vendors down. They expect it. The prices here are slashed from Antigua and Atitlan, and you can choose from an abundance of singular Guatemalan artistry.
more https://www.familyvacationcritic.com/attraction/mercado-central/guatemala/
4 Grados Norte - El Directorio
Palacio Nacional de la Cultura
Located on the north side of Parque Central sits the architectural and historic tribute that is the Presidential Palace. Built between 1936 and 1943, with its intermix of Spanish styles (from Renaissance to neoclassical), Palacio Nacional is in fact the third palace to sit in this location. Commissioned by the infamous dictator General Jorge Ubico, who forced prisoners to build this site, it now stands bereft of its governmental offices as a museum open to the public and a destination of ceremonial events. The stain-glass banquet hall, adorned with stained-glass panels, ironically represents the virtues of good government. Be sure to find the presidential balcony and the Patio de la Paz in the western courtyard, in which a monument of two enormous brass hands signify the signing of the Guatemalan Peace Accords of 1996. If you happen to be there at 11 a.m., the military guard changes the rose held in the hands daily and the previous is tossed to a female spectator.
Cnr 6a Av & 6a Calle,Zona 1, Guatemala City, Guatemala, +502 2253 0748
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 9-11:45 a.m. & 2-4:45 p.m. (Price: Q30)
87 locals recommend
National Palace of Culture
6A CallePalacio Nacional de la Cultura
Located on the north side of Parque Central sits the architectural and historic tribute that is the Presidential Palace. Built between 1936 and 1943, with its intermix of Spanish styles (from Renaissance to neoclassical), Palacio Nacional is in fact the third palace to sit in this location. Commissioned by the infamous dictator General Jorge Ubico, who forced prisoners to build this site, it now stands bereft of its governmental offices as a museum open to the public and a destination of ceremonial events. The stain-glass banquet hall, adorned with stained-glass panels, ironically represents the virtues of good government. Be sure to find the presidential balcony and the Patio de la Paz in the western courtyard, in which a monument of two enormous brass hands signify the signing of the Guatemalan Peace Accords of 1996. If you happen to be there at 11 a.m., the military guard changes the rose held in the hands daily and the previous is tossed to a female spectator.
Cnr 6a Av & 6a Calle,Zona 1, Guatemala City, Guatemala, +502 2253 0748
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 9-11:45 a.m. & 2-4:45 p.m. (Price: Q30)
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Top 10 Things To Do And See In Guatemala City


Ilana Herzig
9 February 2017
Add to Plan
Guatemala City teems with colorful colonial architecture, flavorful food, and an amazing selection of locations behind its winding streets and historic ruins. Guatemala boasts stunning wildlife and rich culture, from various museums showcasing Mayan history to gourmet restaurants and nightclubs of Zona Viva and bustling mercados.

ballet Coppelia en el Teatro Nacional de Guatemala l | © Antonio Lederer/Flickr
Guatemalan National Theatre and Miguel Ángel Asturias Cultural Centre
A re-appropriated military fortress turned into a cultural wonderland in 1987, in the shape of the volcanoes which surround it, Teatro Nacional lies in the heart of the city and contains five complexes, an amazing view of the city and Civic Center, excellent acoustics and everything under the sun from plays to ballets to concerts. In the vision of its architect, Efrain Recions, the masterpiece is inspired by Mayan culture and offers an outdoor, chamber and main theater, as well as a Museum of Old Fort of San José which accommodates a small military museum home to a replica of the first fortified Mayan city of Mesoamerica: Punta de Chiminios. The National School of Art and The National Cultural Radio also operate from the confines of this complex.
24 Calle 3 – 81,Zona 1, Guatemala City, Guatemala, +502 2232 4041

Museo Popol Vuh l | © Andre GR/Flickr
Museo Popol Vuh
A beautiful modern museum encompassing a series of thematic rooms that document stages of Guatemalan culture and history, Museo Popol Vuh exists within the Fransisco Marroquin University. Its small size still manages to house intricate displays showcasing pre-Hispanic figurines, incense burners, carved wooden masks, burial urns, traditional textiles, and other archaeological Mayan artifacts. The museum also contains colonial paintings, gilded wood, and silver artifacts that belie the country’s religious history. It sits across from the Ixchel Native Costume Museum, so if you plan to have a culture packed morning or afternoon, hit both. But before you head over to Ixchel, be sure to check out the painting of the Guatemalan conquest in the downstairs of this cultural gem (which also has well-lit, bilingual displays).
Museo Popol Vuh, 6a calle Final, Zona 10, Guatemala City,Guatemala, +502 2338 7896
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sat 9 a.m.-1 p.m. (price: adult/child Q35/10)
Museo Ixchel de Traje Indigena l © Clau Mrossal/WikiCommons
Museo Ixchel de Traje Indigena
Across from Popol Vuh, Museo Ixchel de Traje Indigena has an incredible collection of Guatemalan textiles and is aptly named after the Mayan Goddess of the moon, women, reproduction, and textiles. The museum exhibits a huge variety of indigenous dress, crafts and photographs of the richness of traditional Mayan culture and highland towns. The museum also has amenities for travelers with disabilities, a children’s section, a café, library, and a shop that supports the weavers from around the country who continue to make native textiles. The museum informs visitors of the history of the clothing, trends and production as well as delineating Mayan and foreign influence on the country’s history. This well-designed museum also features an art gallery downstairs, and guided tours are also available upstairs in English or Spanish.
6a Calle Final, Zona 10, Guatemala City, Guatemala, +502 2361 8081
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 9am-1pm (Price: Q35)
Palacio Nacional l © Fernando Reyes Palencia/Flickr
Palacio Nacional de la Cultura
Located on the north side of Parque Central sits the architectural and historic tribute that is the Presidential Palace. Built between 1936 and 1943, with its intermix of Spanish styles (from Renaissance to neoclassical), Palacio Nacional is in fact the third palace to sit in this location. Commissioned by the infamous dictator General Jorge Ubico, who forced prisoners to build this site, it now stands bereft of its governmental offices as a museum open to the public and a destination of ceremonial events. The stain-glass banquet hall, adorned with stained-glass panels, ironically represents the virtues of good government. Be sure to find the presidential balcony and the Patio de la Paz in the western courtyard, in which a monument of two enormous brass hands signify the signing of the Guatemalan Peace Accords of 1996. If you happen to be there at 11 a.m., the military guard changes the rose held in the hands daily and the previous is tossed to a female spectator.
Cnr 6a Av & 6a Calle,Zona 1, Guatemala City, Guatemala, +502 2253 0748
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 9-11:45 a.m. & 2-4:45 p.m. (Price: Q30)

La Merced Church in Antigua, Guatemala l | © Rambling Traveler/WikiCommons
Iglesia La Merced
Iglesia La Merced, a lime-based yellow painted church and convent constructed in 1918 in neoclassical style, contains gold-plated Baroque altars from the original church in Antigua, Guatemala. La Merced also features San Judsas Tadeo’s altarpiece with beautifully embossed silver. When Justo Rufino Barrios nationalized this church it transformed into the headquarters of the National Police; however it was restored in 1999 and now exists as a four room museum with elaborate paintings, religious statues and sculptures, and an organ quoted as the most sonorous in all of Guatemala, all of which date from the 17th and 19th century. A feat of colonial workmanship, this stunning church is a must see.
5a Calle and 11a Av., Zona 1, Guatemala City, Guatemala, +502 2232 0631
Cathedral of Guatemala City l © Fernandez Reyez Palencia/WikiCommons
Metropolitan Cathedral
Also known as the Cathedral of Guatemala City and a landmark of Guatemalan religiosity, The Metropolitan Cathedral is located in the heart of the city. The interior design consists mainly of colonial art from the ancient capital of Santiago de los Caballeros (Antigua) after the city fell to an earthquake. It was rebuilt between 1782 and 1815 in Guatemala, after which the completion of the towers and blue dome took 50 years. The interior mirrors the form of the Latin cross with five naves and two main shrines. Along the central nave sit fourteen paintings by 17th century Mexican artist Pedro Ramirez, along with statues of saints such as Saint Fernando King of Spain and San Louis King of France preserved (along with altars) from the original church in Antigua. The 12 pillars directly in front of the cathedral, double as a tribute to the murders and disappearances of thousands of people during the civil war between 1960-1966.
5aCalle Oriente, Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala, +502 7832 0909
Museo Nacional de Arqueología y Etnología l © ProtoplasmKid/Wikicommons
Museo Nacional de Arqueología y Etnología
Home to the country’s largest collection of ancient Maya artifacts, Museo Nacional de Arqueología y Ethnología contains wooden lintels from temples at Tikal and El Zots, jade jewelry and masks, as well as monumental stone sculptures including a throne and animal representations from Preclassical Kaminalijuyú. The archaeology section holds a large-scale model of Tikal, the ethnography section consists of language, consume, dance, mask, and home displays of the indigenous peoples of Guatemala. Outside of the museum there are carved pillars surrounding a beautiful fountain in a covered arcade. It’s in close proximity to the Modern Art and Science museums as well if you’re looking for further culturing, but be sure to get the local discount: the tourist price is a good amount heftier, but pictures are allowed and free (unlike many other Guatemalan museums in the area).
Sala 5, Finca La Aurora, Guatemala City, Guatemala, +502 2475 4399
Opening Hours: Tue-Fri 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Sat-Sun 9 a.m.-noon & 1:30-4 p.m. (price: Q60)
31 locals recommend
National Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology
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Top 10 Things To Do And See In Guatemala City


Ilana Herzig
9 February 2017
Add to Plan
Guatemala City teems with colorful colonial architecture, flavorful food, and an amazing selection of locations behind its winding streets and historic ruins. Guatemala boasts stunning wildlife and rich culture, from various museums showcasing Mayan history to gourmet restaurants and nightclubs of Zona Viva and bustling mercados.

ballet Coppelia en el Teatro Nacional de Guatemala l | © Antonio Lederer/Flickr
Guatemalan National Theatre and Miguel Ángel Asturias Cultural Centre
A re-appropriated military fortress turned into a cultural wonderland in 1987, in the shape of the volcanoes which surround it, Teatro Nacional lies in the heart of the city and contains five complexes, an amazing view of the city and Civic Center, excellent acoustics and everything under the sun from plays to ballets to concerts. In the vision of its architect, Efrain Recions, the masterpiece is inspired by Mayan culture and offers an outdoor, chamber and main theater, as well as a Museum of Old Fort of San José which accommodates a small military museum home to a replica of the first fortified Mayan city of Mesoamerica: Punta de Chiminios. The National School of Art and The National Cultural Radio also operate from the confines of this complex.
24 Calle 3 – 81,Zona 1, Guatemala City, Guatemala, +502 2232 4041

Museo Popol Vuh l | © Andre GR/Flickr
Museo Popol Vuh
A beautiful modern museum encompassing a series of thematic rooms that document stages of Guatemalan culture and history, Museo Popol Vuh exists within the Fransisco Marroquin University. Its small size still manages to house intricate displays showcasing pre-Hispanic figurines, incense burners, carved wooden masks, burial urns, traditional textiles, and other archaeological Mayan artifacts. The museum also contains colonial paintings, gilded wood, and silver artifacts that belie the country’s religious history. It sits across from the Ixchel Native Costume Museum, so if you plan to have a culture packed morning or afternoon, hit both. But before you head over to Ixchel, be sure to check out the painting of the Guatemalan conquest in the downstairs of this cultural gem (which also has well-lit, bilingual displays).
Museo Popol Vuh, 6a calle Final, Zona 10, Guatemala City,Guatemala, +502 2338 7896
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sat 9 a.m.-1 p.m. (price: adult/child Q35/10)
Museo Ixchel de Traje Indigena l © Clau Mrossal/WikiCommons
Museo Ixchel de Traje Indigena
Across from Popol Vuh, Museo Ixchel de Traje Indigena has an incredible collection of Guatemalan textiles and is aptly named after the Mayan Goddess of the moon, women, reproduction, and textiles. The museum exhibits a huge variety of indigenous dress, crafts and photographs of the richness of traditional Mayan culture and highland towns. The museum also has amenities for travelers with disabilities, a children’s section, a café, library, and a shop that supports the weavers from around the country who continue to make native textiles. The museum informs visitors of the history of the clothing, trends and production as well as delineating Mayan and foreign influence on the country’s history. This well-designed museum also features an art gallery downstairs, and guided tours are also available upstairs in English or Spanish.
6a Calle Final, Zona 10, Guatemala City, Guatemala, +502 2361 8081
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 9am-1pm (Price: Q35)
Palacio Nacional l © Fernando Reyes Palencia/Flickr
Palacio Nacional de la Cultura
Located on the north side of Parque Central sits the architectural and historic tribute that is the Presidential Palace. Built between 1936 and 1943, with its intermix of Spanish styles (from Renaissance to neoclassical), Palacio Nacional is in fact the third palace to sit in this location. Commissioned by the infamous dictator General Jorge Ubico, who forced prisoners to build this site, it now stands bereft of its governmental offices as a museum open to the public and a destination of ceremonial events. The stain-glass banquet hall, adorned with stained-glass panels, ironically represents the virtues of good government. Be sure to find the presidential balcony and the Patio de la Paz in the western courtyard, in which a monument of two enormous brass hands signify the signing of the Guatemalan Peace Accords of 1996. If you happen to be there at 11 a.m., the military guard changes the rose held in the hands daily and the previous is tossed to a female spectator.
Cnr 6a Av & 6a Calle,Zona 1, Guatemala City, Guatemala, +502 2253 0748
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 9-11:45 a.m. & 2-4:45 p.m. (Price: Q30)

La Merced Church in Antigua, Guatemala l | © Rambling Traveler/WikiCommons
Iglesia La Merced
Iglesia La Merced, a lime-based yellow painted church and convent constructed in 1918 in neoclassical style, contains gold-plated Baroque altars from the original church in Antigua, Guatemala. La Merced also features San Judsas Tadeo’s altarpiece with beautifully embossed silver. When Justo Rufino Barrios nationalized this church it transformed into the headquarters of the National Police; however it was restored in 1999 and now exists as a four room museum with elaborate paintings, religious statues and sculptures, and an organ quoted as the most sonorous in all of Guatemala, all of which date from the 17th and 19th century. A feat of colonial workmanship, this stunning church is a must see.
5a Calle and 11a Av., Zona 1, Guatemala City, Guatemala, +502 2232 0631
Cathedral of Guatemala City l © Fernandez Reyez Palencia/WikiCommons
Metropolitan Cathedral
Also known as the Cathedral of Guatemala City and a landmark of Guatemalan religiosity, The Metropolitan Cathedral is located in the heart of the city. The interior design consists mainly of colonial art from the ancient capital of Santiago de los Caballeros (Antigua) after the city fell to an earthquake. It was rebuilt between 1782 and 1815 in Guatemala, after which the completion of the towers and blue dome took 50 years. The interior mirrors the form of the Latin cross with five naves and two main shrines. Along the central nave sit fourteen paintings by 17th century Mexican artist Pedro Ramirez, along with statues of saints such as Saint Fernando King of Spain and San Louis King of France preserved (along with altars) from the original church in Antigua. The 12 pillars directly in front of the cathedral, double as a tribute to the murders and disappearances of thousands of people during the civil war between 1960-1966.
5aCalle Oriente, Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala, +502 7832 0909
Museo Nacional de Arqueología y Etnología l © ProtoplasmKid/Wikicommons
Museo Nacional de Arqueología y Etnología
Home to the country’s largest collection of ancient Maya artifacts, Museo Nacional de Arqueología y Ethnología contains wooden lintels from temples at Tikal and El Zots, jade jewelry and masks, as well as monumental stone sculptures including a throne and animal representations from Preclassical Kaminalijuyú. The archaeology section holds a large-scale model of Tikal, the ethnography section consists of language, consume, dance, mask, and home displays of the indigenous peoples of Guatemala. Outside of the museum there are carved pillars surrounding a beautiful fountain in a covered arcade. It’s in close proximity to the Modern Art and Science museums as well if you’re looking for further culturing, but be sure to get the local discount: the tourist price is a good amount heftier, but pictures are allowed and free (unlike many other Guatemalan museums in the area).
Sala 5, Finca La Aurora, Guatemala City, Guatemala, +502 2475 4399
Opening Hours: Tue-Fri 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Sat-Sun 9 a.m.-noon & 1:30-4 p.m. (price: Q60)
A historical place where demonstrations took place en 2015, year that the president and vicepresident resigned due corruption cases.
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Things to do in Guatemala
Things to do in Central Highlands
Things to do in Guatemala City
Plaza de la Constitución (Parque Central)
Learn more about our Covid-19 response.

Plaza de la Constitución (Parque Central) Tours and Activities
61 reviews
Located in the Centro Historico (Zona 1) district of Guatemala City, the Plaza de la Constitución (Parque Central), is considered the best place to kick off a tour of Guatemala City. (You can translate the names as Constitution Square, Constitution Plaza, or Central Park.)
A number of important sites are located around and the Parque Central, as locals refer to it, which follows the standard colonial urban-planning scheme found in the New World. The plaza's concrete “park” is always bustling with activity, especially on public holidays and Sundays. Plaza de la Constitución is also surrounded by important structures like the National Plaza of Culture, the Metropolitan Cathedral, the underground Central Market, the Portal of Commerce and Centenarian Park. The National Library and Periodicals Library and General Archive of Central America are found here too.
Near the Parque Central is the pedestrian-only area of Paseo Sexta Avenida (Sixth Avenue Passage), a beloved shopping and entertainment area that is a great introduction to Guatemalan culture and habits.
Learn more
Plaza de la Constitución (Parque Central)
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Located in the Centro Historico (Zona 1) district of Guatemala City, the Plaza de la Constitución (Parque Central), is considered the best place to kick off a tour of Guatemala City. (You can translate the names as Constitution Square, Constitution Plaza, or Central Park.)
A number of important sites are located around and the Parque Central, as locals refer to it, which follows the standard colonial urban-planning scheme found in the New World. The plaza's concrete “park” is always bustling with activity, especially on public holidays and Sundays. Plaza de la Constitución is also surrounded by important structures like the National Plaza of Culture, the Metropolitan Cathedral, the underground Central Market, the Portal of Commerce and Centenarian Park. The National Library and Periodicals Library and General Archive of Central America are found here too.
Near the Parque Central is the pedestrian-only area of Paseo Sexta Avenida (Sixth Avenue Passage), a beloved shopping and entertainment area that is a great introduction to Guatemalan culture and habits
46 locals recommend
Plaza de la Constitución
A historical place where demonstrations took place en 2015, year that the president and vicepresident resigned due corruption cases.
me
Things to do in Guatemala
Things to do in Central Highlands
Things to do in Guatemala City
Plaza de la Constitución (Parque Central)
Learn more about our Covid-19 response.

Plaza de la Constitución (Parque Central) Tours and Activities
61 reviews
Located in the Centro Historico (Zona 1) district of Guatemala City, the Plaza de la Constitución (Parque Central), is considered the best place to kick off a tour of Guatemala City. (You can translate the names as Constitution Square, Constitution Plaza, or Central Park.)
A number of important sites are located around and the Parque Central, as locals refer to it, which follows the standard colonial urban-planning scheme found in the New World. The plaza's concrete “park” is always bustling with activity, especially on public holidays and Sundays. Plaza de la Constitución is also surrounded by important structures like the National Plaza of Culture, the Metropolitan Cathedral, the underground Central Market, the Portal of Commerce and Centenarian Park. The National Library and Periodicals Library and General Archive of Central America are found here too.
Near the Parque Central is the pedestrian-only area of Paseo Sexta Avenida (Sixth Avenue Passage), a beloved shopping and entertainment area that is a great introduction to Guatemalan culture and habits.
Learn more
Plaza de la Constitución (Parque Central)
Close
Located in the Centro Historico (Zona 1) district of Guatemala City, the Plaza de la Constitución (Parque Central), is considered the best place to kick off a tour of Guatemala City. (You can translate the names as Constitution Square, Constitution Plaza, or Central Park.)
A number of important sites are located around and the Parque Central, as locals refer to it, which follows the standard colonial urban-planning scheme found in the New World. The plaza's concrete “park” is always bustling with activity, especially on public holidays and Sundays. Plaza de la Constitución is also surrounded by important structures like the National Plaza of Culture, the Metropolitan Cathedral, the underground Central Market, the Portal of Commerce and Centenarian Park. The National Library and Periodicals Library and General Archive of Central America are found here too.
Near the Parque Central is the pedestrian-only area of Paseo Sexta Avenida (Sixth Avenue Passage), a beloved shopping and entertainment area that is a great introduction to Guatemalan culture and habits
Cathedral of Guatemala City
6-73 7a AvenidaShort trips 1-4 days
Here you will find very exotic places that are worth taking the time to visit. maximum drive 3 hours.
Volcán Pacaya is pretty near from the city. About one hour drive. This would be a nice trip to get to know our beautiful country. It takes around 1 hour or 2 to climb it, it depends on your pace. Always ask for a guide to join you.
59 locals recommend
Pacaya
Volcán Pacaya is pretty near from the city. About one hour drive. This would be a nice trip to get to know our beautiful country. It takes around 1 hour or 2 to climb it, it depends on your pace. Always ask for a guide to join you.
This park is on the way to Pacaya.
Great views, not a lot of transit or people as expected but great and quiet...
Zipline (over 200ft ride), swing rope and kayak package for $20 a person with great view and long ride
NOTE...
Make sure to drive in from Amatitlan side as safest and best roads...
DO NOT come in from Antigua area unless driving an all terrain 4x4 truck (loose gravel and very bad roads) to get down
Calderas Natural Park
This park is on the way to Pacaya.
Great views, not a lot of transit or people as expected but great and quiet...
Zipline (over 200ft ride), swing rope and kayak package for $20 a person with great view and long ride
NOTE...
Make sure to drive in from Amatitlan side as safest and best roads...
DO NOT come in from Antigua area unless driving an all terrain 4x4 truck (loose gravel and very bad roads) to get down
Antigua is 1 to 1.5 hour drive from the city.
If you are looking to stay in a nice Airbnb NO TENGAS PENA HOUSE
https://abnb.me/TGv3PeYGpeb
Here you will find
17 Best Things to Do in Antigua, Guatemala
https://www.twowanderingsoles.com/blog/things-to-do-in-antigua-guatemala
238 locals recommend
Antigua Guatemala
Antigua is 1 to 1.5 hour drive from the city.
If you are looking to stay in a nice Airbnb NO TENGAS PENA HOUSE
https://abnb.me/TGv3PeYGpeb
Here you will find
17 Best Things to Do in Antigua, Guatemala
https://www.twowanderingsoles.com/blog/things-to-do-in-antigua-guatemala
Earth Lodge is an eco-friendly lodge, restaurant, avocado farm and yoga destination. We are located 7km outside of Antigua and 6000 feet into the mountains above Antigua, Guatemala. Earth Lodge is a unique and wonderful natural retreat, we are famous for our volcano views, delicious home cooked meals, comfortable and private accommodations and friendly staff. Spend the night or come up just for the day and enjoy the restaurant, yoga classes and unbeatable views.
more:
https://www.earthlodgeguatemala.com/
26 locals recommend
Earth Lodge
Earth Lodge is an eco-friendly lodge, restaurant, avocado farm and yoga destination. We are located 7km outside of Antigua and 6000 feet into the mountains above Antigua, Guatemala. Earth Lodge is a unique and wonderful natural retreat, we are famous for our volcano views, delicious home cooked meals, comfortable and private accommodations and friendly staff. Spend the night or come up just for the day and enjoy the restaurant, yoga classes and unbeatable views.
more:
https://www.earthlodgeguatemala.com/
Guatemala’s Lake Atitlan is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. Encircled by volcanoes and valleys and with authentic Mayan towns dotted around the perimeter, Lake Atitlan will stun visitors with its dramatic and mysterious beauty. It would be easy to spend your time here just sitting in a café and gazing out at the views, but there’s so much more to this area than that. Here are the top 10 things to do in and around Lake Atitlan.
The Top 10 Things to See and Do in and Around Lake Atitlan
The Top 10 Things to See and Do in and Around Lake Atitlan
https://theculturetrip.com/central-america/guatemala/articles/the-top-10-things-to-see-and-do-in-and-around-lake-atitlan/
49 locals recommend
Lake Atitlan
405 Calle SantanderGuatemala’s Lake Atitlan is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. Encircled by volcanoes and valleys and with authentic Mayan towns dotted around the perimeter, Lake Atitlan will stun visitors with its dramatic and mysterious beauty. It would be easy to spend your time here just sitting in a café and gazing out at the views, but there’s so much more to this area than that. Here are the top 10 things to do in and around Lake Atitlan.
The Top 10 Things to See and Do in and Around Lake Atitlan
The Top 10 Things to See and Do in and Around Lake Atitlan
https://theculturetrip.com/central-america/guatemala/articles/the-top-10-things-to-see-and-do-in-and-around-lake-atitlan/