Attractions in Guatemala (133 total · 6 regions)
Showing 133 attractions · Sorted by importance
Catedral de San José Ruins
📍 Antigua Guatemala
🏰 CastleThe dramatic open-air ruins of the original 16th-century cathedral, showcasing massive fallen pillars and atmospheric brick arches.
Cerro de la Cruz
📍 Antigua Guatemala
🏛 LandmarkA popular hilltop park and viewpoint featuring a large stone cross with the definitive panoramic view of the colonial city and the Agua Volcano.
Convent of Capuchinas
📍 Antigua Guatemala
🏰 CastleA well-preserved colonial convent ruins featuring a unique circular courtyard with small rooms that children enjoy exploring.
Holy Week (Semana Santa)
📍 Antigua Guatemala
🎭 EventMarch or April (dates vary based on the liturgical calendar), 7-day religious and cultural event, attracting over 500,000 annual visitors. The festival is world-famous for its elaborate hand-crafted sawdust carpets (alfombras) and massive solemn processions through the cobblestone streets. It is highly family-friendly, offering a vibrant display of traditional art, music, and street food.
Palace of the Captain Generals
📍 Antigua Guatemala
🏰 CastleA grand colonial palace on the main plaza that served as the Spanish colonial headquarters and now houses a museum and tourism office.
Santa Catalina Arch
📍 Antigua Guatemala
🏰 CastleThe city's most iconic landmark, this 17th-century yellow arch offers a perfect framing of the Agua Volcano for a family photo.
Volcán Acatenango Trail
📍 La Soledad
🥾 Hiking & Cycling14km round-trip challenging trek, typically completed as a 2-day overnight expedition with 1,500m elevation gain. Offers views of the active Fuego volcano. Equipment rental: Old Town Outfitters (adventureguatemala.com) or OX Expeditions (oxexpeditions.com).
Church and Convent of San Francisco
📍 Antigua Guatemala
🏘 Town / VillageVisit the final resting place of Saint Peter of Saint Joseph Betancur in this active church and its atmospheric ruins.
Iglesia de la Merced
📍 Antigua Guatemala
🏘 Town / VillageAdmire one of the finest examples of ultra-Baroque architecture with its intricate yellow and white stucco facade.
Museo de Arte Colonial
📍 Antigua Guatemala
🖼 Art GalleryHoused in the stunning 18th-century former University of San Carlos building, this museum features a world-class collection of colonial-era religious paintings and sculptures.
Parque Central
📍 Antigua Guatemala
🏘 Town / VillageRelax in the city's vibrant main plaza, surrounded by colonial government buildings and the historic cathedral ruins.
Paseo de los Museos (Casa Santo Domingo)
📍 Antigua Guatemala
🖼 Art GalleryA remarkable complex within monastery ruins that offers six specialized museums featuring pre-Columbian archaeology, colonial silver, and modern glass art.
Santo Domingo del Cerro
📍 Antigua Guatemala
🌿 GardenA sprawling hilltop cultural park featuring meticulously manicured formal gardens, contemporary outdoor sculpture galleries, and panoramic volcano views.
Centro de Formación de la Cooperación Española (CFCE)
📍 Antigua Guatemala
🖼 Art GallerySet in a beautifully restored Jesuit convent, this cultural center features permanent and temporary art galleries focused on contemporary Ibero-American creativity.
Volcán de Agua
📍 Santa María de Jesús
🌲 NatureAn iconic extinct volcano providing a scenic backdrop to Antigua and offering steep hiking trails through varied ecological zones.
Convento de Santa Clara
📍 Antigua Guatemala
🏛 LandmarkA beautifully preserved ruin with lush central gardens and grand stone arches, ideal for a peaceful family walk through historical architecture.
Finca Filadelfia
📍 Antigua Guatemala
🧗 AdventureA historic coffee estate offering adrenaline-filled canopy ziplining tours and mule rides through lush mountain plantations.
Finca La Azotea
📍 Jocotenango
🐄 FarmA historic coffee estate that blends agricultural heritage with culture, featuring coffee processing museums, lush gardens, and bicycle trails.
Jade Maya - The Jade Museum
📍 Antigua Guatemala
🔬 ScienceFamilies can explore the geological origins of jadeite through educational exhibits and watch skilled artisans carving the precious stone.
La Nueva Fábrica
📍 Antigua Guatemala
🖼 Art GalleryA vibrant contemporary art space in the Santa Ana neighborhood hosting rotating exhibitions, artist residencies, and a significant collection of historic photography.
Museo de Farmacia
📍 Antigua Guatemala
🔬 ScienceThis historic pharmacy museum fascinates families with its unique collection of 18th-century medical equipment and beautifully decorated apothecary jars.
Palace of San Juan del Obispo
📍 San Juan del Obispo
🏰 CastleA restored 16th-century palace built for the first bishop of Guatemala, offering sweeping views of the Panchoy Valley.
Ruta de los Pueblos
📍 Circular
🚗 Road Trip25km paved loop (3-4 hours) through the Sacatepéquez highlands. This route connects the historic villages surrounding Antigua, including San Juan del Obispo, San Pedro Las Huertas, and Ciudad Vieja. Highlights include the 16th-century Bishop's Palace, traditional weaving centers in San Antonio Aguas Calientes, and close-up views of the Agua Volcano.
Ruta del Café
📍 Circular
🚗 Road Trip30km paved circuit (4-6 hours) focusing on the agricultural heritage of the Antigua Valley. The route passes through lush coffee plantations in San Miguel Dueñas and Alotenango. Key stops include historic estates such as Finca Filadelfia and La Azotea, offering panoramic views of the Acatenango and Fuego volcanoes.
Valhalla Macadamia Farm
📍 San Miguel Dueñas
🐄 FarmAn eco-friendly macadamia nut plantation offering educational tours, nut-based skin treatments, and a farm-to-table dining experience.
