Boasting a rich Mayan history, Guatemala City is the high-altitude capital of Guatemala and is surrounded by towering volcanoes. It’s home to striking architectural landmarks and cultural museums and is near Pacaya Volcano.
Things to do in Guatemala City
Get a broader look at Guatemala in Parque Minerva where the huge, open-air Mapa en Relieve relief map recreates the country at a scale of 1:10,000. Climb to the top of its towers for a bird’s-eye view of this feat of engineering and art created in 1905.
If you’re interested in Guatemala’s cultural traditions, visit the Ixchel Museum of Indigenous Textiles and Clothing on the campus of Francisco Marroquin University. It includes an impressive collection of traditional costumes from across Guatemala, together with indigenous jewellery, handcrafted textiles and ceramics.
Admire the neoclassical architecture of the Metropolitan Cathedral, which overlooks Plaza Mayor in the centre of Guatemala City. Its interior features decorative altars and colonial paintings, while the exterior is dominated by a series of 12 pillars remembering those impacted by the Guatemalan Civil War.
Escape the bustle of Guatemala City and head to the slopes of Pacaya Volcano, which is one of the liveliest and most accessible volcanoes in Central America. Trek across its moon-like lava landscapes to take in the sweeping views of Guatemala, with the fuming crater of Pacaya visible from the summit on a clear day.
Getting around Guatemala City
La Aurora International Airport is a 15-minute drive south of Guatemala City and there are regular bus connections to Antigua. A subway network serves the city centre, while buses are also available.