“Colonial Jewel” Tour: Antigua 1 Day

Come discover the timeless colonial city of Antigua Guatemala, nestled in a valley surrounded by the peaks of three towering volcanoes.  Established as a colonial city in 1543, Antigua was the seat of the Spanish Colonial government for the Kingdom of Guatemala, which spanned from present-day Southern Mexico to Panama.  Over time it became the most important city in Central America, adorned with monasteries, churches and other monuments built in the Spanish Colonial architectural style.  By 1773, the city could boast of over 30 churches, 18 convents and monasteries, 15 hermitages, 10 chapels, the University of San Carlos and five hospitals.  Over the centuries the city was hit by many earthquakes and then carefully rebuilt each time to restore the beautiful colonial structures to their original glory.  In 1979, Antigua UNESCO declared Antigua to be a World Cultural Heritage site. 

While in Antigua you will explore both the restored colonial buildings as well as those left as ruins throughout the city.  Among the intricate colonial buildings and interesting museums you will visit on our tour, you will explore the ornate La Merced church, the ruins of the Capuchinas convent and the San Francisco Cathedral, where pilgrims go to see the tomb of Saint Hermano Pedro.  Wandering down the cobblestone streets of this magical city or through the central plaza to view the mermaid fountain, you will quickly realize why people call Antigua “the colonial jewel of the Americas” and why most vow to return. 

8:00 a.m.: 
We will pick you up in Guatemala City or meet you at your hotel in Antigua

and start the “Colonial Jewel” tour from the Central Plaza of Antigua.

1:00 p.m.:
You will stop for lunch in one of the many restaurants in the city.  Your guide will happily advise you on where to eat. (Note: the cost of lunch is not included in this tour).

2:00 p.m.:
The tour will continue through the cobblestone streets of Antigua.

5:00 p.m.: We will take you back to Guatemala City or to your hotel in Antigua.

The price of this tour includes: round-trip transportation from Guatemala City to Antigua, a guided tour, all entrance fees and taxes.