Free tour of the beautiful old colonial city: history, tradition, and culture
Hello, I have been a tour guide for 27 years, with studies in history, sociology, environmental legislation and above all Anthropology. I am passionate about showing the city and telling about its history, secrets and traditions. I am widely knowledgeable about the Mayan culture in its worldview and its ancestral medicine.
Pickup
In front of the Sirens Fountain in Central Park on 5th Avenue, the guide will have a sign that says Walking Tour in a red circle.
Description
On this tour, with a historical and anthropological focus, we explore the untold story of Antigua Guatemala. We visit key buildings of Antigua Guatemala, filled with history, architecture, and local customs. We also provide practical information on the environment, demographics, society, and politics of Guatemala, while also providing a glimpse into the current situation. Or, if you're just arriving in the city and would like a general overview of the area, feel free to join us; by the end of the tour, the city will be very familiar to you.
Focusing on the explanation of the city's layout, the most important buildings and the people who inhabited ancient Guatemala, as well as the iconography on the facades of the churches that has a mixture of the religious symbolism of the indigenous Mayan peoples with Catholic traditions.
Exterior route of:
We are located in front of Café Condesa on the park side of 5th Avenue.
- main square and buildings representing four powers of Goathemala
- Fountain of the Sirens, a 1738 fountain designed by the chief architect Diego de Porres, inspired by the Fountain of the Sirens in Bologna, Italy.
- Cathedral; a visit to the two remaining chapels of the 18 chapels in total
- Former University of San Carlos de Borromeo: currently the Museum of Colonial Art, but representing university education, one of the Royal and Pontifical universities in America.
- Union Tank, which was a public laundry
- Former convent of the Poor Clares, with its phenomenal façade (exterior only)
- Church of San Francisco el Grande, where the tomb of the holy brother Pedro de Betancourt is located
- Facade of the Popenoe House Museum
- Front of the former Capuchin convent
- La Merced Church: we talk about the Baroque façade and the architectural elements of Mayan influence and religious syncretism.
- Arch of Santa Catarina: We share information about the Roman grid layout of the streets of ancient Guatemala, as well as the history of the convent of Santa Catalina Martir and the function of the Arch.
- Jade Museum, where we have an explanation of the importance of Mayan stone, see the stone carving process, and visit the jewelry store to see high-quality and original craftsmanship representative of Guatemala.
I also focus on explaining the grid layout of the city.
The history of the beginnings and development of coffee in Guatemala
It is a pleasure to share the historical and cultural elements of our region.
Recommendations and information
1. Pets are not allowed. They are not allowed in several places.
2. If you think you won't arrive on time, please cancel. We can't wait too long out of respect for our other customers.
3. Because the Guru is attending and explaining to the group, he is not available to answer the phone, so it will be very frustrating for you not to be able to communicate with the GURU.
4. These walks are collective and not private.
5. This walk is oriented towards the culture, daily life and history of the city.
6. All free tours do not have a fixed price, they are based on financial recognition to the GURU, according to the walkers' experience.
7. People who are intoxicated or under the influence of drugs are not allowed.
8. These walks have a minimum number of four participants. If we don't meet the minimum, you will be notified one hour beforehand.
Important Note:
For better understanding we use speakers on all tours.
You'll love the tour, don't miss it.
Tour in native Spanish language
And 80% English
$$$ we do not require a fixed fee
A guruwalk is a paid free tour, meaning booking is completely free, but the guru expects to be rewarded with whatever amount they desire at the end. Some hikers offer €10 per person, others $50; you decide the price.