Our Guatemala City Tours

Many a Guatemala vacation begins or ends in Guatemala City, home to the country’s largest airport. Located in the south-central part of Guatemala in a mountain valley called Valle de la Ermita, Guatemala City serves as the country’s capital and is the largest city in Central America.

Guatemala City History

Although discovered by Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century, the western part of modern Guatemala City was once Kaminaljuyú, an ancient Maya city that was one of the first and most important areas in the Maya region. The people of Kaminaljuyú first occupied the area between 1200-1000 BC and continued to inhabit it for 2,000 years before abandoning it. 

When the Spanish arrived, all that remained of the once great city were overgrown mounds. After an earthquake in 1773 caused considerable damage to the colonial capital Antigua, the king of Spain signed a royal charter thus establishing Nueva Guatemala de la Asunción as the new capital. In 1821, Guatemala City was the scene of Central America’s declaration of independence from Spain.

Today, Guatemala City serves as the main point of entry into the country for most Guatemala vacations and all transportation routes travel through the city. The National Palace of Culture was the most important building in Guatemala and, at one time, the headquarters of the President of Guatemala. It is now a museum and is also used for important government occasions. It is very much cultural capital and is home to many writers, artists and thinkers as well as various art galleries, theatres and museums. Despite being a modern destination with modern facilities, Guatemala City hosts interesting old sections and ruins as well as colourful markets that add a historic feel.

Today, Guatemala City serves as the main point of entry into the country on Guatemala vacations and all transportation routes travel through the city. It is very much cultural capital and is home to many writers, artists and thinkers as well as various art galleries, theatres and museums. Despite being a modern destination with modern facilities, Guatemala City hosts interesting old sections and ruins as well as colourful markets that add a historic feel.

Things to do in Guatemala City

Metropolitan Cathedral

The Metropolitan Cathedral contains colonial art transported from the ancient capital of Guatemala, now Antigua. In the central nave are fourteen works of art painted by the 17th Century Mexican artist Pedro Ramirez. There are also statues of European saints and Kings. One interesting aspect is the 12 pillars in front of the cathedral, they are a tribute to the murders and the disappearance of thousands of victims during the civil war which took place between 1960 and 1966.

Guatemalan National Theatre

The Guatemalan National Theatre was designed in the shape of the volcanoes which surround Guatemala City. It has excellent acoustics and offers a wide range of concerts and events. The design and architecture of the theatre were inspired by the Mayan culture. 

Museo Popol Vuh

The Museo Popol Vuh is a modern museum which documents different stages of Guatemalan culture and history. Although small, it still houses intricate displays of pre-Hispanic figurines, carved wooden masks, burial urns, traditional textiles, and other archaeological Mayan artefacts. The museum also contains colonial paintings. 

Ixchel Museum of Indigenous Textiles and Clothing

The Ixchel Museum of Indigenous Textiles and Clothing has an outstanding collection of Guatemalan textiles. The exhibits include a varied collection of indigenous dresses, crafts and photographs reflecting the richness of traditional Mayan culture. This well-designed museum also features an art gallery. 

"Globetrotting with Goway" blog articles

For some additional reading, the following articles are from our blog “Globetrotting with Goway”….. a great source of information for those people who are, or who want to be, world travellers!

Guatemala Unmasked: The Centrepiece of Central America Tours

A Different Kind of Experience in South America

Guatemala Travel Information

At Goway we believe that a well-informed traveller is a safer traveller. With this in mind, we have compiled an easy-to-navigate travel information section dedicated to a Guatemala vacation.

Learn about the history and culture of Guatemala, the must-try food and drink, and what to pack in your suitcase. Read about Guatemala's nature and wildlife, weather and geography, along with 'Country Quickfacts' compiled by our travel experts. Our globetrotting tips and our visa and health information will help ensure you're properly prepared for a safe and enjoyable trip. The only way you could possibly learn more is by embarking on your journey and discovering Guatemala for yourself. Start exploring… book one of our Guatemala tours today!

Extend Your Trip

After your Guatemala Tour, why not consider another of Goway's Latin America tours? These include a large selection of other exciting countries in Central and South America. We offer Chile vacation packages and Easter Island tours, Ecuador vacation packages which include Galapagos cruises, Peru vacation packages which include Machu Picchu tours and Brazil tours including Iguassu Falls tours among many others.