It is the 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 1773 by the 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.

This is our second stop. Heading the cross monument you will be enjoying the breeze surrounded by trees, doves, and some woodpeckers. 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. Save this moment not only in your mind but also in your camera so make sure to keep it handy. Show those you love the great time you´re having!

Heading back from Cerro de la Cruz we will take a small ride in our bus until heading of La Iglesia de la Merced. Visualize yourself in front of this breathtaking yellow and white church built in 1749, the best example of Guatemalan baroque architecture. We´re sure that you will take great pictures of this exceptional location.

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. The construction of the first Cathedral started in 1545 but after an earthquake, it was finally inaugurated in 1680. The range of Cathedral was given in 1743 and it was the most luxurious Cathedral in all Central America by that time. After the tremendous earthquake of Santa Marta in 1773, the Cathedral was left in ruins. The facade was restored and the ruins can be visited nowadays. Are you ready to live this remarkable experience?

Our next stop is Jade Maya, the best place to know about the 3000 years of history of jade in Guatemala. The Mayans are a millenary culture full of charm and wisdom. For them, jade represented life, fertility, and power. It was more valuable than gold. Get immersed in the fascinating history of the “eternal life rock”.

Centro Cultural La Azotea is a museum complex set in a 150-year-old coffee mill and plantation just 5 mins out of the town of Antigua. The attractions include a didactic Coffee Museum with a fully operational 19th-century coffee mill, a coffee plantation tour, an industrial coffee mill in full operation (Dec-Mar). It also includes a Museum of Mayan Music and Instruments, an exhibit of Mayan textiles and customs, and a recreation of a Mayan village highlighting its architecture and construction materials as well as the regions' botanicals.