Antigua + Guatemala City Full Day Tour – History Lovers Favorite

Biggest Monastery in Antigua Guatemala. Located on the grounds of the Santo Domingo Monastery, Casa Santo Domingo began life as the mainstay for one of the most important convents in the Americas. Those who lived in this sanctuary followed the order of Santo Domingo de Guzmán, and the monastery acted as a shelter for them. Its origins can be traced back to 1538 when the first Dominicans arrived in Guatemala, and during this time the monastery was a grand, two-towered, ten-belled building filled with riches and relics. Unfortunately, the monastery was partially destroyed in the 1773 Santa Marta earthquake, and what still stands has become a monument preserving the baroque architecture and treasures of the period. The ancient walls, brick archways, and tile corridors convey the history of the original Casa Santo Domingo, and today part of the ruins have been turned into Antigua’s only five-star hotel, which opened in 1989.

Look out to see the city from above. Have the opportunity to see some woodpeckers be surrounded by nature and take some great pictures. This peaceful viewpoint will give you a moment to disconnect from your daily routine. You will find yourself enjoying the view of Antigua Guatemala and its 3 volcanoes.

This is a beautiful yellow church and the best example of Baroque Guatemalan architecture. The church dating from the 18th century is one of the most beautiful in Antigua Guatemala. It is surrounded by a beautiful garden, handicraft sales, and great cafes that offer authentic "Antigüeño" coffee (coffee from Antigua Guatemala) that has chocolate notes due to its roasting process.

We will move on to the most famous point in Antigua Guatemala: The Arch Street, where the Santa Catalina Arch is located. This place has become the symbol of Antigua and the central image on most postcards. In its origins, this arch was built by the Santa Catarina Mártir Convent in 1693. It has a secret that you will discover in this first-class tour. Get ready to take jaw-dropping photos!

Two blocks away from the Santa Catalina Arch we´ll start taking the first steps in Antigua´s Central Park, best known by the locals as Plaza Central. This place holds a lot of history throughout its years of existence. This park feels like a time machine. Here, you´ll be surrounded by the first national palace, the first Cathedral of Guatemala, and in the center of the park the mermaid´s fountain. Get enchanted by this lovely place.

Is a Roman Catholic church in Antigua Guatemala. The original church was built around 1541 but suffered several earthquakes throughout its history, and the first church building was demolished in 1669. The cathedral was rebuilt and consecrated in 1680. By 1743 the cathedral was one of the largest in Central America. However, the devastating 1773 Guatemala earthquake seriously 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.

After knowing all the colonial history of Guatemala, we will return to the city and we will give you a break so you can have your lunch. Then we will tour the city around and visit the most iconic and historically relevant points. Get ready to continue enjoying!

You´ll experience “Americas Avenue”, a place that has different monuments and plazas dedicated to different countries in America´s continent. The countries are represented by different characters that were important in their history and other monuments are artistic manifestations. If that´s not enough, you'll be able to appreciate all the contemporary buildings and the most expensive residential zone of Guatemala City.

At the end of “Americas Avenue,” you will find the Obelisco, which also connects with “Reforma Avenue” which is considered one of the main boulevards of Guatemala City. Today many of the residential homes have been replaced by modern buildings and it is now considered a business and commercial district. Throughout the 20th century, more sculptures were added, honoring diverse people such as Henry Dunant, founder of the Red Cross; Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla and Benito Juárez, Mexican leaders; José Joaquín Palma and Rafael Álvarez Ovalle, creators of the national anthem of Guatemala; and Miguel Ángel Asturias, winner of the 1967 Nobel Prize in Literature.

The Yurrita Church, also known as Iglesia Nuestra Señora de las Angustias, is an old and iconic construction that is located within Guatemala City. What stands out most of this architectural work is its facade.

Finally, we will arrive at the Plaza de la Constitution, which is the center of the city. Here you will appreciate the fountain located in the center of the Plaza and around it, you will see the metropolitan cathedral and the national palace. You will love the history behind these beautiful buildings.

Finally, we will take you to the most exclusive place in the city, we are talking about Cayalá. Here you can shop, relax and enjoy some free time.

To end the tour, we will take you back to your hotel. Thank you for traveling with us and living an incredible experience in Guatemala!