La Antigua Guatemala is one of Guatemala's oldest and culturally and historically richest cities. Founded in 1543 after both of the preceding capital cities were destroyed (the first by constant raids by the Cackchiquel Mayas, and the second by a massive flood that buried most of the city), La Antigua Guatemala was constantly victim to earthquakes and tremors which led to the city's solid and robust architectural style, which can still be appreciated today. Because of these constant earthquakes, Antigua was in a permanent state of reconstruction. In 1773, a major earthquake destroyed most of the city, forcing the Spanish Crown to strip the city of its capital status. This city is home to almost 500 years of Central American history. Thanks to its amazing history and its architectural beauty, Guatemala's former capital city was named a patrimony to humanity in 1979.

The city has many architectural masterpieces, and is host to many important museums in Guatemala, such as the Municipal museum, the museum of Colonial Art, and K'ojom house (dedicated to traditional music). Aside from this, there are ruins of the old city that are still open to the public—Las capuchinas, the San Jeronimo ruins, and the Ruins of the Santa Clara convent, to name a few. For those looking for a more adventurous trip, there are volcanoes near Antigua that are open for climbing, and some of them are even active! From the city you can reach the Pacaya, one of Guatemala's most active volcanoes, and Volcan de Agua, whose crater has been flooded from storms and rain. Antigua Guatemala is truly a city filled with cultural, historical, and architectural riches.

¿How do I get there?

By car: From Guatemala City, you must take the CA-1 highway and reach San Lucas Village. From there take RN-10 road until you reach Antigua.
By bus: There are companies that offer private bus service to Antigua. You can contact the following tour operators:

¿What can I do in Antigua? * Sight-seeing around the city
* Travel by Tuk-Tuk
* Visit colonial ruins
* Visit colonial cathedrals
* Visit museums
* Volcano-climbing
* Enjoy traditional and gourmet cuisine
* Buy souvenirs and local crafts
* Visit the local marketplace

¿Did you know…?

* La Antigua Guatemala was originally named Santiago de los Caballeros, and later King Phillip II of Spain renamed it “Most noble and Most loyal city of Santiago de los Caballeros de Guatemala”
* La Antigua Guatemala was the third Capital city established by the Spanish crown before moving the capital to its actual location *
Although it withstood earthquakes for most of its 200 year life, according to some historians the earthquake of 1773 destroyed most of the city
* La Antigua was the center of the Court of Guatemala, which in colonial times consisted of modern-day Mexican regions Chiapas and Soconusco, Costa Rica, el Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala, and Nicaragua

The tourism business center is located at 7a calle poniente, No. 14 Antigua Guatemala, and they will gladly provide you with more information.