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Guatemala
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Sacatepéquez Department
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Antigua Guatemala
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Tours & Activities
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LA ANTIGUA SIGHTSEEING TOUR from Puerto Quetzal
1 day
Instant confirmation
About this activity
This tour is designed for guests with limited mobility, who are able to walk short distances to board the transportation. Upon arrival you will be welcomed by your friendly and knowledgeable tour guide to board your air-conditioned transportation for the guided 90-minute country side drive through sugar and coffee plantations as we make our way to this colonial jewel known as Antigua.
The first stop of your tour is the popular Jade Museum and Factory. On this visit you will see displays of the best sculptures made in Jade. Discover the intricate relation between the Mayans and this precious stone. Step into the factory to see how this stone is cut and polished by Guatemalan artisans who follow the carving traditions of their ancestors. At the end you can explore the shop for exquisite jade pieces available for purchase.
Continue from your comfortable vehicle on this slow-paced, easy tour that involves minimal walking on this city founded in 1543 by Spanish conquistadors, and played the role of capital and seat of the Spanish colonial government of Central America for over two centuries. In 1773 an earthquake devastated most of the city and caused it to be destroyed and abandoned. Ride along cobblestone streets, past vibrant colonial architecture restored to host a charming city today full of churches, convents and mansions - makes it apparent why it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.
Have your camera ready as you'll enjoy a photo stop at Antigua's Plaza Mayor, this central park, though small, is the heart of the city.
Among the most important monuments is the Cathedral, built in 1669 and finished in 1680. Majestic and elegant, this cathedral preserves the beautiful colonial details of its Spanish heritage. The Palace of the Captains, featuring a row of 27 arches along each floor, the Palacio del Noble Ayuntamiento which houses the city's municipal offices, and Museo del Libro Antiguo or Antique Book Museum are also in the area.
At the very center of the square is the impressive Fountain of the Sirens, designed in 1739 by the main arquitect of the city known as Joseph de Porres, a recognized colonial architect.
At the end board your bus once again to return to Puerto Quetzal.
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The first stop of your tour is the popular Jade Museum and Factory. On this visit you will see displays of the best sculptures made in Jade. Discover the intricate relation between the Mayans and this precious stone. Step into the factory to see how this stone is cut and polished by Guatemalan artisans who follow the carving traditions of their ancestors. At the end you can explore the shop for exquisite jade pieces available for purchase.
Continue from your comfortable vehicle on this slow-paced, easy tour that involves minimal walking on this city founded in 1543 by Spanish conquistadors, and played the role of capital and seat of the Spanish colonial government of Central America for over two centuries. In 1773 an earthquake devastated most of the city and caused it to be destroyed and abandoned. Ride along cobblestone streets, past vibrant colonial architecture restored to host a charming city today full of churches, convents and mansions - makes it apparent why it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.
Have your camera ready as you'll enjoy a photo stop at Antigua's Plaza Mayor, this central park, though small, is the heart of the city.
Among the most important monuments is the Cathedral, built in 1669 and finished in 1680. Majestic and elegant, this cathedral preserves the beautiful colonial details of its Spanish heritage. The Palace of the Captains, featuring a row of 27 arches along each floor, the Palacio del Noble Ayuntamiento which houses the city's municipal offices, and Museo del Libro Antiguo or Antique Book Museum are also in the area.
At the very center of the square is the impressive Fountain of the Sirens, designed in 1739 by the main arquitect of the city known as Joseph de Porres, a recognized colonial architect.
At the end board your bus once again to return to Puerto Quetzal.
Included
- One cup of coffee
- Professional guide
- Transport by air-conditioned minivan
- Entry/Admission - Palacio de los Capitanes Generales
- Entry/Admission - Jade Maya - The Original Jade factory and Museum
Not included
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities
Additional
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Most travelers can participate
- Child rate applies only when sharing with 2 paying adults
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Infant meals not included
- A dress code is required to enter places of worship
- May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
- A minimum of 4 participants per booking is required
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
Features
Tourism
95%
Cultural
85%
Original
25%
Reviews
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Erwin was a great guide and driver. There were four of us tourists and his van was more than comfortable for that size group, with lots of space left over. His English is excellent. He told us a lot about the history of Guatemala, its geology, and current state. We were on our own timeline. His only imperative was to get us back to the ship on time - which he did! A couple places we stayed well past the allotted time. He just shuffled things around to make it all work. We missed lunch our own fault, so Erwin bought a monster loaf of delicious banana bread to tide us over til we got back on board. Would definitely recommend him as a guide and driver.