Guatemala City Travel Guide
Guatemala City
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Vibrant, cosmopolitan and fast paced, Guatemala City is a distinct blend of old and new combined with Latin charm. The city is a maze of streets full of fascinating historical treasures like the National Palace, the Presidential Palace, the Holy Cathedral and the Plaza Mayor. Its wide variety of art galleries and museums offer the traveller an abundance of cultural activities as well as a chance to experience the Latin way of life and sample the bars and restaurants in the city’s Zona Viva!
The Mayan civilization dominated throughout much of Guatemala and the surrounding region until they were invaded by the Spanish in 1523-24. Guatemala City became the 3rd colonial capital in 1776 after an earthquake destroyed the former capital, Antigua. Although the capital was founded at the end of the colonial era, it kept its design of a Spanish colonial city. Its architecture was dominated by neo-classicism with the ecclesiastical buildings built around the Plaza Mayor and the church taking possession of 60% of the city's central sector. Limited by lack of money and workers, many of the new buildings were built with materials salvaged from old Antigua.
The Conservative Government came to power in 1855, and during its reign, many church buildings were constructed, as were two military forts, for use during the Central American civil wars. The city was given a facelift by the liberal Government, with the President Jose María Reyna Barrios taking Paris as his model and creating 21 zones, with zone 1 being the historical centre. In the 1950s, many of the modern buildings were constructed and over the years new architectural styles have appeared.
Attractions in Guatemala City
The Popol Vuh Archaeological Museum holds a valuable collection of Mayan art and is the only museum in the world with a Mayan sarcophagus. A colonial art and a folklore section exhibits over 400 masks and costumes.
The Ixchel Textile Museum has a vast collection of Mayan costumes and textiles dating to the end of the 19th century and originating from 120 Guatemalan communities.
The Palacio Nacional, houses an art gallery featuring the works of the best artists in Guatemala such as Alfredo Galvez Suarez, Julio Urruela, Rodolfo Galiotti Torres and Carlos Rigalt.
Central Market, split into two levels, is a lively and colourful place to shop for arts, crafts and fresh local produce.
If you prefer to take a walk through the city, a good starting place is the Plaza Mayor. Here you will see the neo-classical Metropolitan Cathedral, founded in 1782 but not completed until 1867.
Activities in Guatemala City
Spend a couple of days in the city, exploring the cultural sites, art galleries and immerse yourself in the local culture.
Relaxing
Zona Viva is the best place for restaurants and bars where you can sample the local specialities such as pepián, jocón, suban-lek.
Getting Around
The most common way to get around the city is by bus or taxi. Buses run from early morning until about 8pm, however it is not advisable to take a bus after dark. There are two types of taxi in the city, those which are metered and those which you have to agree a price before your journey. Of the metered ones, Taxis Amarillo (Yellow Cabs) offer the best service but you have to call them to arrange a pick up and its therefore best to do this from a bar or restaurant. The other type, white taxis, you can pick up in the street but always negotiate the fare first.
Guatemala City Reviews
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