Walk Antigua Like a Local

Overview

Let’s immerse ourselves in the diversity of local Antigua culture. The nearly 500-year-old city is cradled by three volcanoes and accented with the colorful facades of 16th-century mansions. Visit ancient buildings that once served as convents, monasteries, and churches, becoming this a beautiful introduction to Guatemalan lifestyle and culture. As we walk along the cobblestone streets, each historical point reveals a magical postcard moment to remember forever, from San Francisco Church, Santo Domingo, and La Merced Church to the famous Santa Catalina Arch and the iconic buildings around the Main Square (Municipality, Palace of the Captains General, and Cathedral). Along the way, we’ll enjoy a drink or two during our walk, such as locally brewed artisanal beer, ancestral Mayan chocolate, or handcrafted Guatemalan coffee. Be ready to fall in love with our little city. We will be walking at a relaxed pace, making stops, stepping into a few historic buildings.

Itinerary

1. The Plaza (Centraal park)

   IThis central park or "town square" is the heart of Antigua. It is surrounded by the Municipal building, Palace, important religious building, and The Cathedral. During the colonial Spanish time, it became the principal meeting point and place of reference. It is the center of activity day or night. It has lots of venders and people all day long. On the weekends it livens up even more. Great place for people watching or to grab a cup of coffee or juice.

   · 20 min

2. Kerk van San Francisco

   After being abandoned, it was damaged by the earthquakes of 1874 and 1917. The church was rebuilt during the second half of the twentieth century, after the Guatemalan state allowed the regular orders to have property in the country again. The church was returned to Franciscan friars in 1960, who began a controversial restoration process, as they focused on rebuilding a structurally healthy church. Our visit is particularly taken to discover the tomb of Pedro de San José de Betancur, the only Saint of Guatemala, a Franciscan monk who founded a hospital for the poor in Antigua. San Francisco Church is one of the biggest attractions in the city and is an opportunity see a restored colonial church.

   · 25 min· Admission not included

3. Casa Santo Domingo

   In the seventeenth century, the Convent of Santo Domingo was one of the largest in America, and in 1773, the Santa Marta earthquake destroyed it almost entirely. Progressively, Hotel Museo Spa Casa Santo Domingo emerged where each corner is a page lost in time that joins others to form a beautiful chapter of the great book of our history.

   · 20 min

4. La Merced

   La Iglesia de la Merced is a historic Catholic church located in the heart of Antigua Guatemala. Renowned for its stunning Baroque architecture, this church is especially notable for the unusually low height of its two bell towers, an intentional design feature to withstand the frequent earthquakes that affect the region.

   · Non-stop passage

5. Arco de Santa Catalina

   "The Santa Catalina Arch, one of Antigua Guatemala’s most iconic landmarks. Built in the 17th century to connect the Santa Catalina Convent to a school, allowing cloistered nuns to pass between buildings without going outside. Together with the cloister and church nave, it forms the Antiguo Convento de Santa Catalina Virgen y Mártir. On clear days, Volcán de Agua creates a stunning backdrop, making this yellow arch a perfect spot for a memorable photo.

   · Non-stop passage

6. チョコ博物館

   OPTIONAL DEPENDING GROUP PREFERENCES At the Chocolate Museum, we will learn about the history of cacao, the cacao tree, and its significance in Guatemala. Choco Museo features its own artisanal chocolate factory that produces chocolate from organic Guatemalan cacao beans, we will sample a variety of chocolates, from pure dark chocolate to blend infused with local flavors like cardamom, cinnamon, and coffee. This stop immerses ourselves in Guatemala's cultural richness, exploring the characteristics of cacao, its global impact and how it has evolved over time.

   · Non-stop passage

7. Casa Del Jade

   OPTIONAL DEPENDING GROUP PREFERENCES Jade has been used for over 5,000 years in both China and Mesoamerica to create a wide variety of objects, from ornaments and utensils to weapons and tolos, thanks to its exceptional hardness and resistance. It has earned a reputation as a good luck charm and is recognized as the stone of eternal life, abundance, and hope. In our culture, jade has long been admired for its strength and symbolism, making it an ideal material for decorating, defending, or hunting. Guatemala is proud to be one of only four countries in the world with deposits of Jadeite jade.

   · Non-stop passage

How to use your ticket

Meeting point

What to know before you go

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Travelers

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

• From 1 days before : 100% refunded
• From 0 days before : 0% refunded

This activity can be canceled in case of bad weather or if there aren't enough participants.

Reviews

Product code: 73669P2

Activity offered by Columbus Guatemala Travel S.A. via Viator.