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Best of Antigua
Tikal
It is without doubt the most important archaeological place in Guatemala and one of the most important samples of the Maya Empire. This archaeological complex is composed by over 4000 structures; some of them are more 2800 years old. Being the most impressive the famous Jaguar Temple, this is a pyramid of 170 feet high (around 54 meters) which was the tomb of an important religious leader. Besides, there are many others amazing buildings like the Temple of Masks. Tikal is surrounded by the jungle which has a very impressive variety of wildlife; since there, it can find many monkeys, parrots, macaws, etc. Therefore Tikal and the zones that surround it were declared UNESCO World Heritage in 1979.
There is also an interesting museum whose collection is composed by a great number of ceramics, jewels of jade and wood carvings. There is also a good scale model of the ruins near the gate entrance which gives the hiker a chance to map out the day's wanderings to the most interesting sites.
Pacaya Volcano
Antigua is a city surrounded by volcanoes and Pacaya is one of the most famous and the most active in the country. Walking to this volcano is one of best tours that you can do if you are in Antigua. You must walk 3 Km through a very difficult path amongst lava rocks (until 200m) which are absolutely wonderful but they are also very dangerous. The hike lasts between 2 and 3 hours and it finish when it reaches a point with great views over the valley and the volcanic crater. The view is incredible and if you are lucky you will see lava coming down from the Volcano. Usually you should pay between $7 and $10, if you want to do this trip. Some travel agencies in Antigua offer this trip at night, the experience is absolutely amazing.
Central Park
This is the oldest and most important square in Antigua city, since it exists since the colonial foundation of the city by the Spanish. During whole colonial period the central Park was the main point of Antigua. This place was scenario for public floggings, parades and bullfights, besides, it served as market from Monday to Friday. The square is surrounded by the main buildings of the city like the Cathedral (at east), the City Hall (at north) and the ancient palace of the General Captains (at south). Now at center of the square is the “Fuente de las Sirenas” (Sirens Font), which was designed by the main architect of the city Diego Porres in 1737 who inspired in the Neptune Font from Bologna. Now the square is a popular place amongst locals and tourists who comes here to spend a peaceful evening.
The Cathedral
This former church is one of the oldest buildings in Guatemala, it was constructed in 1542. Nevertheless it was destroyed and restored several times because of the earthquakes and the volcanic eruptions. The actual building was inaugurated in XIX century; since the church was abandoned in 1773 when this same year another earthquake destroyed the structure. The temple saves important pieces of art like the Virgin of “La Asunción”, “Santiago Apostle” (Patron of the city), “Eternal Father” amongst others.
City Hall
It was constructed in the XVII century by the architects Luis Diez de Navarro, Juan de Dios Aristond y Diego de Porres. It has a beautiful façade which owns a harmonious double arched whose columns have a Tuscan style and they made of stone.
This ancient building has been destroyed and restored several times because of the frequent earthquakes that affect the area. Besides, the building hosts the museum of Santiago and the Museum of former armaments.
Las Capuchinas Ruins
La Capuchinas was the most important religious convent in the zone in the XVIII century. This building was built by the Spanish in 1736. The women who lived here during that time had not any contact with the outside world. Now this place is a museum dedicated to the religious “modus vivendi” in the colonial period of Guatemala. If you come here, you can visit the cells, the gardens and the rest of domestic rooms, where, the nuns lived. The museum opens from Tuesday to Saturday from 9:00 to 16:00 and admission costs Q30 (around $4).
Royal and Pontificial University of San Carlos of Guatemala
It is the most ancient university in Guatemala and was founded in 1676 in the former building which was occupied by the school “Santo Tomas de Aquino”. Nevertheless in 1773 because of an earthquake, the university was moved to another location next to the Cathedral. This building has a very refined design with Mudejar influence and now houses the Colonial Art Museum.
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