Antigua Guatemala, Sacatepéquez
Antigua Guatemala
Sacatepéquez
Population (Sacatepéquez)
248,019 habitants
Postcode
03001 (Antigua Guatemala)
03000 (Sacatepéquez)
Location
90 Km. of capital city
Altitude
1,530 msnm
Languages
Español y kaqchikel
Territorial Extension
(Sacatepéquez) 465 km²
Weather
Mild
Major ruins and other tourist attractions
Iglesia y Convento de Capuchinas
Catedral de San José
Museo de Armas Antiguas
Ermita de la Santa Cruz
Iglesia de San Francisco
Museos de Santo Domingo
Museo del Jade
Museo del Traje Indígena
Antigua Guatemala, the “old” city of Guatemala, will carry you back in time with its cobblestone treets, colonial homes, and breathtaking ruins. Brimming with history, Spanish schools, restaurants, and cafes Antigua will charm travelers of all budgets.
Aside from its unique feel, Antigua’s close proximity to Guatemala City, 25 miles (40km), makes it an ideal first and last destination for your travels. Within three hours of surrounding attractions such as Lake Atitlan, Xela, Monterrico, Chichicastenango, as well as several hikeable volcanoes, Antigua is an ideal epicenter from which to base your travels. Brush up on your Spanish skills in this quaint yet international old capital.
Antigua Guatemala History
Founded in 1543, Antigua was the first capital of Guatemala. Named, Santiago de Guatemala, the site was chosen for its ideal year round climate, ample water supply and fertile soil.
After numerous devastating earthquakes which led to the destruction and reconstruction of the city, forced city officials to ask the king of Spain for approval to relocate the capital to present day Guatemala City.
By 1776 the transfer had been completed and Guatemala City took on the role as the new capital of the Country. Luckily, during the 17th and 18th century little expense was spared in the construction and reconstruction of buildings and homes in Antigua. As a result the magnificent architecture created during this period is still easily viewed by simply walking down the streets of Antigua.
When to visit Antigua Guatemala
The most exciting, but also the most crowded, is the wonderful celebration of Semana Santa (Easter Week). During this special time of year, hotels are reserved many weeks in advance. If Semana Santa is included in your travel plans, make sure you have concrete reservations before heading to Antigua to enjoy the events.
Low season occurs through the months of May, June, September and October. During this time Antigua is calm during the week, only filling up on the weekend with a flow of Guatemalans coming from the Capital.
Climate Antigua Guatemala
Temperatures do not vary much during the day, and tend to stay in the 22-25C range. Around 6PM, as the sun begins to set, temperatures will drop about 5 degrees. A light jacket or sweater is usually sufficient to fend off the chill of the night.
The Rainy season affects all destinations of Guatemala. From mid May to mid October. You can expect to experience rainfalls starting in the late afternoon to early evening lasting a couple hours, rarely lasting all day. Many people believe the rainy season can be the ideal time to travel in Guatemala as the whole countryside turns a lush green color.
General information / Overview Antigua Guatemala
Emergency Phone
Volunteer Firefighters. +(502) 7832.0234
Health Centre. +(502) 7832.0483
National Hospital. +(502) 7832.1319
Municipality. +(502) 7832.0532
Police Tourism. +(502) 7832.7290
National Civil Police. +(502) 7832.0251
Inguat in Antigua
Located within the Palacio de Los Capitanes Parque Central, Inguat provides bus schedules, event listings, city maps, and related travel information.
INGUAT
5ª calle y 4ª avenida sur
Palacio de los Capitanes Generales
Fax: +(502) 7832-0763
info-antigua@inguat.gob.gt
www.visitguatemala.com
