Immerse yourself in the beauty and history of Antigua Guatemala with this half-day private tour. Explore the colonial city, visit stunning churches and convents, and enjoy the breathtaking views from Cerro de la Cruz.
Immerse yourself in the beauty and history of Antigua Guatemala with this half-day private tour. Explore the colonial city, visit stunning churches and convents, and enjoy the breathtaking views from Cerro de la Cruz.
- Guatemala City - Guests will be picked up from their hotel in Guatemala City and driven through the city en route to the Sacatepequez department, where Antigua Guatemala City is situated. The journey takes about an hour, so relax and get comfortable. Feel free to ask the driver or tour guide if you need anything.
- Cerro de la Cruz - This hill…
- Guatemala City - Guests will be picked up from their hotel in Guatemala City and driven through the city en route to the Sacatepequez department, where Antigua Guatemala City is situated. The journey takes about an hour, so relax and get comfortable. Feel free to ask the driver or tour guide if you need anything.
- Cerro de la Cruz - This hill is the ideal starting point for the tour in Antigua Guatemala.
Visitors will walk through the forest on the hill for about 3 minutes to reach the stunning viewpoint, offering a magnificent birds-eye view of the city surrounded by three impressive volcanoes.
- Casa Santo Domingo - Largest Monastery in Antigua Guatemala
Situated on the grounds of the Santo Domingo Monastery, Casa Santo Domingo originally served as the mainstay for one of the most significant convents in the Americas. Its history dates back to 1538, and during that time, the monastery was a grand, two-towered, ten-belled structure filled with riches and relics.
Unfortunately, the monastery was partially destroyed in the 1773 Santa Marta earthquake, and what remains has become a monument preserving the baroque architecture and treasures of the era. Today, part of the ruins has been transformed into Antigua’s only five-star hotel, which opened in 1989.
Renowned as one of the most unique and historic hotels in Guatemala, Hotel Casa Santo Domingo is celebrated for its deep respect and pride for its heritage.
The visit to this location includes access to free areas. Museums are not included.
- The Plaza Central Park - In Antigua Guatemala, visitors will feel as if they have traveled back in time, observing and admiring the majesty of the Water Volcano looming in the city’s background, along with the ancient cobbled streets and over 500 years of architecture. The walking tour begins from the Central Park of the Plaza de Antigua Guatemala, which is the city’s center, also surrounded by the most important buildings.
- Cathedral de Santiago - This Roman Catholic church in Antigua Guatemala was originally built around 1541 but suffered several earthquakes throughout its history, leading to the demolition of the first church building in 1669. The cathedral was rebuilt and consecrated in 1680. By 1743, it was one of the largest in Central America. However, the devastating 1773 Guatemala earthquake severely damaged much of the building, though the two towers at the front remained largely intact. These have undergone restoration work, and the cathedral has been partly rebuilt.
Visiting the church’s ruins is not included.
Note:
Only the exterior is visited. Entry to the Cathedral de Santiago is optional.
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Real Palacio - The Palace of the General Captains, or Royal Palace, is a colonial building located in Antigua Guatemala. It houses the offices of the Guatemalan Institute of Tourism, Guild of Tourism of Antigua, National Civil Police, and the Departmental Government, among others.
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ChocoMuseo La Antigua - Visitors can learn more about the history of chocolate and purchase chocolates and various other cacao products.
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Arco de Santa Catalina - Standing above the cobbled streets and in front of the imposing Volcán de Agua, this saffron-yellow arch has become the symbol of Antigua and the central image on most postcards.
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Iglesia de La Merced - This beautiful yellow church is the finest example of Baroque Guatemalan architecture. Dating from the 18th century, it is one of the most beautiful in Antigua Guatemala. It is surrounded by a lovely garden, handicraft stalls, and excellent cafes offering authentic “Antigüeño” coffee (coffee from Antigua Guatemala) with chocolate notes due to its roasting process.
Visitors wishing to enter the church are asked not to wear shorts and sleeveless shirts, and for women, mini skirts are not allowed.
- Iglesia del Carmen - The history of El Carmen Church dates back to 1683 when the city council granted permission for the construction of a temple under the invocation of Our Lady of Carmen.
This church suffered significant damage after the earthquakes of 1717, 1728, and 1773. Eventually, the building was ruined, leading to its abandonment.
- Bottled water
- Certified Tour Guide
- Private Transportation
- Bottled water
- Certified Tour Guide
- Private Transportation
- Lunch
- Cathedral de Santiago entrance cost is $3 per person
- Gratuities
- Lunch
- Cathedral de Santiago entrance cost is $3 per person
- Gratuities
Youtube Video Experience: https://youtu.be/tpSymGu6yf8
Visit this magnificent colonial city of over 400 years old, and just one hour from Guatemala City. Beautifully preserved with its convents and churches, stately homes and gardens that evoke the tranquility and splendor of past epochs.
Antigua is today a center of much activity. It hosts many cultural…
Youtube Video Experience: https://youtu.be/tpSymGu6yf8
Visit this magnificent colonial city of over 400 years old, and just one hour from Guatemala City. Beautifully preserved with its convents and churches, stately homes and gardens that evoke the tranquility and splendor of past epochs.
Antigua is today a center of much activity. It hosts many cultural gatherings, seminars, congresses, weddings and also the center where crafts from all over the country meet. Cerro de la cruz is a must do in this experience.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.