Guatemala City, or Guate as it is known for short, is busy reinventing itself as a tourist-friendly city, and it’s making a fine job of it! There are a profusion of new bars, cafes and restaurants in Zona 1, complementing the more upscale options out in Zona 9 and 10. The capital of Guatemala is the place where the best museums and galleries can be found for those looking to gain a deeper understanding of Guatemala’s culture past and present. Needless to say, Guate also makes a fantastic springboard to arrange trips to Guatemala’s other sites and activities.
Areas In & Trips from Guatemala City
The Old City – The old city is based in Zona 1, and has recently undergone a great deal of rejuvenation making it an attractive spot to wine and dine.
The New City – This is where you can find the finest restaurants in the city, largely centred on Zona 9 and 10. In the campus of the University Francisco Marroquínn are two fantastic museums devoted to Mayan culture and history: Museo Ixchel and the Popul Vuh Archaeological Museum.
Trips to Antigua – From Guate you can organise tours that take in the beauty of the colonial city of Antigua, the Mayan market town of Chichicastenango and the serene scenery of Lago de Atitlán.
Trips to Mayan Ruins – You can also book to visit the impressive ancient Mayan sites that Guatemala is most famous for. The sprawling ancient city of Tikal sits in the middle of the Petén rainforest and its majestic pyramid structures at its centre can be scaled by those with strong legs and a head for heights. Other Mayan ruins that can be visited include Yaxha and Copán.
Trips to Pacaya – Now you have tested your legs climbing those stone temples, you may like to take a guided hike to Pacaya, one of Guatemala’s most active volcanoes? After your ascent you will trek back down through forests to enjoy a relaxing dip in the Kawilal hot springs.
Things to See in Guatemala City
The impressive museums and galleries of the capital contain the best collections of antiquities and archaeological remains in the country. Further afield trips to the serene beauty of Lago de Atitlán can be arranged to see the volcanic lake that is fringed by attractive settlements and verdant hills. The main Mayan sites of Tikal, Yaxha and Copán are all in striking distance as well, offering the remains of settlements that continue to baffle historians today.
Things to Do in Guatemala City
A day tour of the city can introduce you to its best sights, museums and areas. The trendy bars and restaurants of Zona 1 can be found in a delightfully rejuvenated area of the old city. There are upmarket cafes and glitzy dining areas to be found in Zona 9 and 10 as well. For the energetic there are treks that can be arranged through the Petén jungle and plenty of volcano ascents to test your stamina. A trip to the colourful Mayan market town of Chichicastenango will show you how the contemporary Maya live and, of course, there are plenty of abandoned historic Mayan cities to explore too.
