The 12 things to do in Guatemala City

Are you coming to Guatemala for a few days? Plan a step to visit Guatemala City! This poorly known city deserves to be addressed.

Guatemala City is often forgotten by tourists who come to stay in Guatemala. Too big, too dirty, too dangerous, the capital of Guatemala has a bad reputation. Yet, if she doesn’t have as much hiding as her older sister Antigua , it contains many assets. Only those who chose not to be impressed by the "one says" will discover and appreciate Guatemala City.

Located in the Hermitage Valley, about 1,500 m above sea level, south of Guatemala, the Guatemalan city became the capital of the country in the 18th century. An earthquake partially destroyed Antigua, the former capital of the country. With a few four million inhabitants, Guatemala City is a lively and vibrant city.

The capital intrigue you? You're right! You know what to do in Guatemala City? Then discover the twelve must-sees of this city.

1. La Plaza de la Constitucion

How to visit a Latin American country without crossing its Plaza de Armas? You can see on this Central Parque or zocalo , some of the city's most beautiful monuments such as the National Palace of Culture, the Cathedral and the National Library.

2. Casa Museo MIMA

This visit will offer you the opportunity to make a good in time and to lead the life of a Guatemalan bourgeois of the late nineteenth century, in this house which belonged to the Escobar Vega family. You will appreciate the elegance of furniture and discover the objects of everyday life of the time.

3. Local gastronomy

What to do in Guatemala City? Eat! How to visit Guatemala and not bend to this delicious ritual of discovering a traditional local dish. That you chose her tapado , fiambre or jocon , don't pass by rellenitos . This Guatemalan dessert will not conquer all the palaces, but has the merit of travelling. Based on plantain banana and sweet bean purée, this little ball of love and calories is fried, then covered with sugar!

4. The theatre

Visiting Guatemala City is also relaxing. Whether you choose the Teatro Abril, dating from the late 19th century, or the most recent Teatro Las Mascaras, you will spend a pleasant evening.

5. L’Avenida de la Reforma

When you know what to do in Guatemala City, you go back to the Avenida de la Reforma! Created more than a hundred years ago, this artery houses some of the most beautiful statues of the capital: the Monument to Michelangelo des Asturias, the bust of Henri Dunant, etc. The Avenida de la Reforma is also pleasant to walk, simply, taking advantage of the trees that give another hiding place to the city.

6. Local beer

Visiting Guatemala City is a unique opportunity. Why don't you water that, discovering as brewing a local beer? Discover the Guatemalan techniques at the Cerveceria Centroamericana, from the production to the bottle!

7. The Mercado de Artesanias

Ah! Latin American markets! We don’t get tired of it. Are you still wondering what to do in Guetamala City? Losing yourself in his market! Hundred colors, a maze of alleys where the lanes intertwine, smiles and singular encounters... It is undoubtedly a step not to be missed for those who seek to exchange with the Guatemalan population and taste traditional local dishes.

8. Museums

The National Museum of Architecture and Ethnology allows you to have a taste of what you can discover in Guatemala and choose what you really care about. Take a coupled tour of the Museo Popol Vuh and the Museo Ixchel. The first is home to a vast collection of archaeological pieces, while the second is centred on the life and craftsmanship of Guatemalan indigenous populations.

9. Jazz

You spent your day visiting Guatemala City and would like to give you a well-deserved break? Café Esquina Jazz is the place all indicated. Whether you love jazz or you just want to finish the day smoothly and smoothly, Café Esquina will convince you. Both bohemian and romantic, this place is a great opportunity to discover the capital from another angle.

10. Ecovilla La Armonia

If you want to cut off a time of the boiling of the capital, relax in the Ecovilla La Armonia. Breathe a clean air away from the traffic in the city centre. Enjoy a walk in the forest and bird singing, just 30 minutes from Guatemala City.

11. El Tular

Visiting Guatemala City is also enjoying the strengths of its periphery. Twenty-six kilometers from the capital, you can swim in the natural pools, lunch in a superb setting, cycling or yoga. The peace inspired by this place offers a pleasant break with the city's growing.

12. Surroundings of Guatemala City

What to do in Guatemala City? Discover the beauties of the country from the capital! Guatemala City is indeed an interesting starting point to enjoy Guatemala's cultural and natural treasures.

Do not miss on any pretext the visit of Antigua, which is only forty kilometers from the capital and which does not betray its reputation as a pearl of Guatemala! It is also possible to visit the Pacaya volcano and its hot springs, in just one day. If you want to combine effort and comfort, this tour will fill you. First of all, you can hike on the sides of the Pacaya volcano and see its crater, if you are lucky. Everything will depend on recent volcanic activity.

To relax, you will then go to the hot springs of Kawilal Hot Springs, naturally heated by the heat of the volcano. Lake Atitlan is also accessible throughout the day from the capital.

How to get to Guatemala City?

The flight Paris-Guatemala City

There is no direct flight to Guatemala from France, so the stopover is essential. As a general rule, the most common is to go through Madrid, flying with Iberia : this is the only way to reach Guatemala in direct flight from Europe. Central America is also accessible from France, with one or more stopovers in the United States, flying with American Air Lines . Concerning Air France , the company offers stopovers in Munich, Costa Rica in Atlanta or Panama. On average, count between 15 and 20 hours of flight.

With regard to prices, our advice is a great classic: don't take it at the last moment. Start by jaugering prices on a comparison of flights like Ulysses , this same platform that, depending on your departure dates, will select flights at the best price. Depending on the seasons, prices to go to Guatemala City can very quickly swell, like the summer or school holidays.

Once on site

Located six kilometres from La Aurora Airport in Guatemala City, the city centre is served by the bus:

• Private Turansa and Atitlan Tours;
• The public : Transmetro (1 quetzal), the Transurbano (Siga card function).

If the bus is the most economical way to reach the centre of Guatemala City, it can be safer and more comfortable take a taxi . The price of a race remains quite affordable.

Finally, many agencies car rental are also present at La Aurora Airport (Hertz, Reviews, DOllar...) : the opportunity to travel independently during your stay.

How to move to Guatemala City?

To visit Guatemala City, it is important to be able to move easily. The means of transport are the same as to get there from the airport:

• The bus : the bus lines are numerous and the ticket is very cheap. The Transmetro allows to move faster than traditional buses;
• Taxi : it is more expensive to go through the services of a taxi. This, however, allows access to places that are not served by bus or to ask the driver to make a personal circuit;
• The rental car : it is easier to rent your car directly to the airport and to return it at the end of your stay.
• On foot : it is always the best way to discover a city!

Where to stay in Guatemala City?

Before visiting Guatemala City, it is important to stay well. If the hostels are still unpopulated, you should find a hotel room with no problem.

In terms of neighborhoods, the city is cut into areas (you are allowed, the names of the neighborhoods have nothing poetic, but you must not stay at this first impression). Located fifteen minutes by car from the airport, Zona 10 is the "business district" of the capital and the most cosmopolitan. If you are looking for trendy establishments, in a frame bathed in street-art , choose the Zona 4 . For amateur and culture lovers looking for museums, churches and historic buildings, the Zona 1 , who is centro historico Guatemala City is all indicated.

In any event, we advise you to avoid leaving these three areas, especially at night.

In terms of rates, you will find everything at very accessible prices. To consult the different offers and take advantage of the most advantageous rates, consider consulting a Compare hotels . This is especially where you can refine your housing search, preferential dates with more advanced options.