Things to Do in Guatemala City

The stark and silent beauty of the ruins of Catedral de Santiago offers visitors one of only a few quiet and contemplative escapes in the 500-year-old city of Antigua. Once a towering homage to religion and faith, this European-inspired white stone wonder was devastated during a massive earthquake in 1717 and never repaired. Today, travelers can explore what remains of this unique structure, whose exterior tells a story of triumph and perseverance. It’s only when visitors pass by the reconstructed façade that they find what can only be described as broken beauty.

Covered hallways and altars now exist under open skies, since ceilings and rooftops that crumbled during natural disasters were never replaced. Delicate white engravings and vast ivory archways are tinged and darkened with dirt after so many years of being exposed to the elements. Visitors can explore the grounds, climb crumbling staircases and bear witness to exquisite views of the church and the charming streets of surrounding Antigua.

This authentic Mayan town is located on the shores of picturesque Lake Atitlan in Guatemala's Western Highlands. Visitors in search of old world Guatemala will find plenty to explore amid the streets of this quiet village that is a far cry from touristy, and instead offers a true slice of the local daily life. 

Known for its handmade pottery and brightly colored traditional dresses, travelers can loop through the steep, uneven streets of San Antonio and visit the iconic church of Saint Anthony of Padua. In addition to its stunning colonial architecture and beautifully white-draped interior, the hilltop offers breathtaking views of the lake and town.

Built during the 1540s upon the ancient foundation of a Maya temple site, this Roman Catholic church in Chichicastenango, Guatemala remains a venerated holy site for people of both Catholic and Maya faiths and blends of the two. The stone stairs leading to the gleaming white Dominican church are reminiscent of those at ancient temple sites, and the steps have turned black from prayer sessions in which shamans waft copal incense and set purification fires. Inside, the church is adorned with offerings, everything from maize to liquor, and numerous candles, which have colors and patterns that correspond with those they've been lit for.

This stoic structure in the heart of Guatemala's capital city was built in 1939 entirely by local hands and using only local materials. As a result, the National Palace offers up an homage to Guatemalan heritage and is ranks tops among the buildings prized by locals. Its green-tinged exterior is a nod to the favorite color of the former dictator's wife, and the result of concrete and copper used to cover the exterior to avoid painting. As a result, it's affectionately known by some locals as 'The Big Guacamole.'

An impressive bronze plate at the entrance to the Palace marks a spot known as 'Kilometer 0.' According to residents, this is the official starting point of all roads in Guatemala. Travelers will find a beautiful courtyard at the center of the five-story building, which is surrounded by five archways on every side. A touching Monument to Peace is located in the center of the palace to commemorate the end to the nation's most recent civil war. Because the National Palace is also home to a national museum, travelers will find unique and historically significant artifacts like the first switchboard and hand painted murals depicting scenes from the nation's past. Be sure to check out the stained-glass windows along the presidential balcony and the palace salon, used only for ceremonial events. 

Located in the Centro Historico (Zona 1) district of Guatemala City, the Plaza de la Constitución, or Constitution Plaza, is considered the best place to kick off a tour of Guatemala City.

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. Constitution Plaza 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. 

With its glistening blue waters framed by a trio of volcanic peaks and a fringe of lush greenery, Lake Atitlán is surely one of Guatemala’s most stunning natural wonders. The deepest lake in Central America lies in an ancient caldera amid the mountainous landscapes of the Guatemalan Highlands.

Whether setting sail on a boat tour, exploring lakeside Maya villages, or hiking through Atitlán Natural Reserve, there are plenty of options for discovering Lake Atitlán. On the northeast shore, the lively village of Panajachel is the starting point for most visitors, but Lake Atitlán tours also run from Antigua and Guatemala City. In addition to taking in views of the beautiful lake, adventure tours offer a more active experience, including kayaking excursions, sunset bike tours, hiking, rock climbing, and even paragliding over the lake.  

Lake Atitlán is a 3- to 4-hour drive from Guatemala City. Shuttle buses connect Panajachel with the city center and La Aurora International Airport. 

The most popular time to visit Lake Atitlán is during the summer season (November–April), but visiting in winter (May–October) offers cooler weather for hiking. 

 

The liveliest place to stay is Panajachel, while tranquil San Marcos is known for its yoga resorts and laid-back atmosphere, and San Pedro is the party hub for backpackers and international travelers. To experience local Maya culture, head to San Juan, known for its traditional handicrafts; visit Santiago Atitlán to learn about Maya traditions; or browse the market stalls in Chichicastenango or Sololá. If you really want to escape the tourist trail, visit the tiny villages of Tzununa or Jaibalito.

There are two ways to experience Mayan treasures when traveling across Guatemala: Either traipse through the jungles, down bumpy dirt roads, to ancient village sites and temples, or visit the National Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology in Guatemala City. Here inside this exceptional museum, visitors will find over 20,000 pieces of ancient Guatemalan treasures, from Mayan pottery, artwork, and crafts to traditional textiles and dress. With thousands of years of human history have taken place in these hills, Guatemala is comprised of a fascinating mosaic of different cultural identities. From the first settlers who built villages to thriving days of the Maya, all the epochs are represented inside the national museum, with relics from archeological sites having made their way to these halls. Learn how people first settled Guatemala as they migrated through Central America, and formed different languages, farming techniques, and ways to honor their dead. And, with so many discoveries still being made in Guatemala today, this museum that’s been open since 1898 continues to grow and improve.

Irtra Mundo Petapa is more than just another theme park; it’s the largest theme park in Central America, and also features botanical gardens, Guatemalan history, and a zoo. Exceptionally clean and well maintained, the park even features an Olympic sized swimming pool for beating the midday heat, and a towering, 175 ft. “skyscraper” with a thrilling vertical drop. Parts of the park are devoted toward preserving a slice of Guatemalan history, and quieter parts of the sprawling park are built in an old, 1950s style of small Guatemalan villages. You’ll also find a zoo on site with dozens of species of mammals, as well as 60 species of birds that flit and squawk in the aviary. Before you leave the park for the day, be sure to ride the ferris wheel that towers above the park, where the view looks out over Guatemala City and the surrounding volcanoes beyond. Even the grandiose rainbow archway is an entertaining sight, and the Irtra Mundo Petapa is a guaranteed day of family fun.

The Palace of the City Council (Town Hall), or El Palacio del Ayuntamiento, was constructed in 1743 and once served as the Spanish colonial government seat and an 80-person jail during the 

colonial era. Today, it is home to Antigua’s municipalidad, or city government, the Museo del Libro and the Museo de Santiago. One of the most impressive elements of the Palacio del Ayuntamiento is its two-story façade.

The double layer of stone archways with columns was done in a Tuscan style, which contributes to the building’s striking appearance. A portion of the carved-stone exterior of the east-facing 

wall managed to survive the 18th century, though centuries of earthquakes contributed to the need for restoration efforts at the palace.

Palacio del Ayuntamiento was heavily damaged in a 1773 earthquake, and the capital seat was then transferred to Guatemala City. The Museo de Armas de Santiago, an arms and weapons museum, is housed in the section that once served as the jail. The Old Book Museum, or Museo del Libro Antiguo, is in the same area where the first Central American printing press once stood and includes a replica of the printing press, along with copies of works produced by it.

Be sure to head upstairs and check out the scenic views from the second-floor balcony, where you can see the Central Plaza, Metropolitan Cathedral and the three volcanoes surrounding the 

city. 

Looking for the best spot to get wet in Guatemala? Check out Xocomil Water Park, located in the Retalhuleu Department of the country. Together with nearby Xetulul Theme Park, both parks welcome over one million visitors each year. 

Xocomil is the largest and most visited water park in Guatemala and covers an area of 77,300 m3 and is designed around the recreation of a Mayan pyramid. In 1998, the World Water Park Association awarded Xocomil the best water park in the world for “innovation” and in 2008, it was awarded the Park of the Year award by Amusement Today Magazine. 

The park has four different pools and two wave pools, one for adults, and one designed for children. Aguajal II is the wave pool designed for adults, where you can experience six different varieties of waves. 

Rio Tumala is a great spot to float and the current will let you go for over 540 meters. Pass by the “Cannon Maya” where you will find replicas of five Mayan masks with spring water jets to give you a massage as you pass “The Mound”, which represents a traditional Mayan tomb surrounded by its riches. 

Xocomil Water Park is home to 14 different water slides that can easily keep you busy for an entire day.  El Chaparron, or “The Shower”, is a new attraction featuring slides, keys, jets, and more in the tallest tower, which routinely fills with water, creating a feeling of heavy rain, known as a “cloudburst” in Guatemala. 

Other popular slides include El Caracol, El Regreson, El Samala, and the Xocomil Rapids, the largest slide in Central America, with five lanes and a launch platform 21 meters high. Don’t miss Xibalba, featuring two slides with fast high-speed free falls for adventure seekers.

Located in the Retalhuleu Department of Guatemala, Xetulul Theme Park is one of the largest amusement parks in Latin America. Together with the nearby Xocomil Waterpark, it is estimated that both parks welcome over one million visitors each year. Xetulul is capable of handling up to 12,000 visitors per day. 

Xetulul Theme Park has been awarded both national and international prizes, helping it become one of the most-visited attractions for Guatemala and other Central America residents. 

Opened in 2002, Xetulul is divided into various plazas and features architecture from countries that have influenced Guatemalan culture, including Guatemala, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, and Switzerland. Each plaza features themed attractions, shows, and related restaurants. 

Wander through Spain’s Square and take in the park’s representation of notable cities like Seville, Barcelona, Granada, and more. Jump on rides like El Galeon (Galleon) or Sillas Voladoras (Flying Chairs).  Afterward, sit and sip on authentic Spanish “churros y chocolate.” Or take a leisurely stroll through France to La Gare de France and hop on the train to take a tour around the park. Enjoy European crepes and waffles, with perhaps the best cup of coffee you will find. 

Those looking for live entertainment will be impressed with the number of live shows at Xetulul Theme Park. From street characters wandering the plazas to Flamenco dancers, magicians, and musicians, Xetulul offers numerous live shows to keep you occupied for an entire day.  

Notable replicated landmarks at Xetulul include Tikal, Moulin Rouge, and the Trevi Fountain. In addition to the themed plazas, the park features two roller coasters. Avalancha is Central America’s largest roller coaster. It’s a steel coaster with eight inversions, making it one of the only roller coasters in the world with eight or more inversions. Choconoy is the second coaster and is more a family style roller coaster. Xetulul is also home to the only double-decker carousel in Central America.