Walking through the essentials of Colonial Antigua Guatemala
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 mermaid fountain in Centra Park, there the guide will have a sign that says Walking tour and a button on the shirt with the logo
Description
On this tour with a HISTORICAL ANTHROPOLOGICAL APPROACH, the untold history of Antigua Guatemala, we visit the essential buildings of ancient Guatemala, full of history, architecture and local customs, as well as practical information, both environmental, demographic, social and political of Guatemala, without leaving aside the current situation in which we live.
Focusing on the explanation of the city's layout, the most important buildings and the characters who inhabited ancient Guatemala, as well as the iconography on the facades of the churches that has a mix of the religious symbolism of the indigenous Mayan peoples with Catholic traditions.
Exterior route of:
- Church of La Merced: we talk about the baroque façade and the architectural elements of Mayan influence and religious syncretism.
- Santa Catarina Arch: We share information about the Roman grid design of the streets of ancient Guatemala, as well as the history of the convent of Santa Catalina Martir and the function of the Arch
- Former Convent and former school of the Society of Jesus: we address the topic of the introduction of coffee in Guatemala, and Jesuit work and their expulsion in 1767
- main square and buildings representing four powers of Goathemala
- Fountain of the Sirens, fountain from 1738 designed by the chief architect Diego de Porres, inspired by the Fountain of the Sirens in Bologna, Italy.
- Cathedral; a visit to the two chapels still existing out of the 18 chapels in total
- Former University of San Carlos de Borromeo: current museum of Colonial Art, but represents university education, one of the Royal and Pontifical universities in America
- Jade Museum, where we have an explanation of the importance of the Mayan stone, see the stone carving work process, and visit the jewelry store to see high quality and original crafts representative of 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 to enter several places with them.
2. If you think you will not arrive on time, please cancel. We cannot wait long out of respect for our other customers.
3. Because the Guru is answering 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 under the influence of alcohol or drugs are not allowed.
8. These walks have a minimum of 4 participants. If we do not reach the minimum, you will be informed one hour beforehand.
Important Note:
For better understanding we use speakers on all tours.
You will like 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 free paid tour, meaning that booking is completely free, but the guru expects to be rewarded with the desired amount at the end. Some tour guides give 10€ per person, others 50$, you decide the price.