Guatemala Colonial History

Guatemala's colonial history is present in the architecture that still stands today. Guatemala's colonization occurred in the 16th century, when Spanish conquistadors first arrived; the nation remained under Spanish control for several hundred years. Thankfully, this disturbance in the country's timeline did not lead to the destruction of all of its indigenous ruins. Instead, the country has an interesting mix of ancient, colonial, and modern structures.

During Guatemala's colonial period, the Spanish built many long-lasting structures, including cathedrals, convents, and houses — many of them still stand today. In Guatemala's colonial cities, you will enjoy a tranquil and almost genteel atmosphere. Charming streets are often paved with cobblestones and lined with cute cafés. Guatemala's colonial destinations are good places for cultural enthusiasts, history buffs, and aficionados of architecture and design.

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7 Guatemala Colonial History

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Antigua

The charming city of La Antigua is situated in a lush highland valley and surrounded by the cones of three volcanoes. As its name implies (Antigua means old in Spanish), this is a historic city. It was the former capital of Guatemala until an earthquake destroyed it in 1773. Following this disaster, the capital was moved to its current site at Guatemala City, but the ruins (and some of the people) of Antigua stayed put. These days, Antigua is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the country’s foremost tourist destinations.

Antigua

Destination

Guatemala City

Guatemala City is often a traveler’s first glimpse of Guatemala. As your plane descends over the capital, you witness the largest city in Central America unfold—a sprawling, colorful metropolis that spreads into a valley ringed by forested mountains and volcanoes. It’s a big and powerful place that is home to around four million people.

Guatemala City

Destination

Cobán, Alta Verapaz

The misty alpine town of Cobán sits within the highlands of Las Verapaces. This moderately sized town (pop. 65,000) is close to several natural attractions and has good hotel and restaurant options.

Cobán, Alta Verapaz

Destination

Quetzaltenango

Guatemala’s second largest city, Quetzaltenango (pop. 300,000), is a world apart from Guatemala City. It’s a cosmopolitan place set at an altitude of 8,000 feet (2,400 m) and is the main population center for Guatemala’s K’iche’ Mayans. Despite being a fairly big city, its residents are friendly and approachable. Quetzaltenango’s original K’iche’ name of "Xelajú" is still widely used in an abbreviated form, Xela, today.

Quetzaltenango

Destination

Retalhuleu

Retalhuleu is one of the larger towns along Guatemala’s Pacific Slope. It’s been growing in recent years thanks to its proximity to population attractions, including twin amusement parks and the Mayan ruins of Takalik Abaj.

Retalhuleu

Destination

Ciudad Vieja

Ciudad Vieja was Guatemala’s second colonial capital. Its destruction by mudflows from the Agua Volcano in 1541 caused residents to move the capital to Antigua. These days it’s a small and sleepy city.

Ciudad Vieja

Destination

Lake Izabal

Lake Izabal is the largest lake in Guatemala. It’s still largely undeveloped, but that may change in the coming years as word gets out about its natural beauty and tranquil vibes.

Lake Izabal

Destination

Trips to Inspire

Guatemala Colonial History itineraries from local insiders

Explore hand-picked Guatemala Colonial History itineraries designed by local insiders who know every hidden corner. Each trip is completely flexible, customized to your pace, travel style, and budget.

9 daysFrom $1,102 per person

A Wedding Celebration Made Better

Thank you for making my Wes and Ines's wedding so special! We were taken care of at all times and will return and only use your services!

A Wedding Celebration Made Better

Guatemala

18 daysFrom $3,602 per person

Artisan Explorer in Guatemala

the culture is so rich and diverse, the colors, the music, language, dance, art, artesania, nature, and most of all the people are very nice and wonderful

Artisan Explorer in Guatemala

Guatemala

6 daysFrom $974 per person

This is the Jungle? Ohh La La!

Take the children on an exciting adventure without sacrificing your comfort. Spend time outdoors, then enjoy high thread count linens, swimming pools, and private transportation.

This is the Jungle? Ohh La La!

Guatemala

9 daysInquire

Colorful Cultural Adventures

Explore the world in vivid color when you make your way through Guatemala. Get outdoors, enjoy cultural exchanges, learn something new. Sample the best of Guatemala now!

Colorful Cultural Adventures

Guatemala

13 daysFrom $1,261 per person

The Colors & Culture of Guatemala

Don’t just take your family somewhere new, teach them about the world on a colorful expedition of Guatemala full of outdoor adventures, history, and cultural exchanges.

The Colors & Culture of Guatemala

Guatemala

14 daysInquire

An Expedition in Guatemala & Belize

You’re an intrepid traveler with an explorer’s spirit –– it’s time to make your way through the wild heart of Guatemala and Belize. This vacation, walk with the ancients.

An Expedition in Guatemala & Belize

Guatemala

15 daysInquire

Live, Laugh, Love in Guatemala

Rediscover your passion for adventure and each other when you make your way through beautiful Guatemala. Sample a little of everything –– from ruins to cuisine.

Live, Laugh, Love in Guatemala

Guatemala

5 daysInquire

Guatemala's Gems of Nature

Take yourself on an amazing journey –– collect precious memories throughout the visually striking nation of Guatemala. The beauty of Lake Atitlan and history of Antigua awaits.

Guatemala's Gems of Nature

Guatemala

12 daysInquire

Heart of The Mayan World

I would warn them about the deceptive practices of Casa Azul though about the stocking and charges of the alcohol in the fridge. No warning at check in. No signage on fridge. Not locked. No tally sheet. No warning or heads up by Anywhere. I have never had to pay for alcohol before. ($92. U.S.) There was a store a few doors away. My only complaint about this hotel. I would stay there again. I just wouldn't be tricked twice.

Heart of The Mayan World

Guatemala

9 daysInquire

We Dreamt. Then We Went.

When we told our family and friend that we were going to Guatemala, their first impression was your kidding. The country is not safe. Let me say we had a fantastic time from beginning to end of our trip. Guatemala has a lot to present and the country has a lot of history and the people are wonderful. I would come back again. In general I would say we had no issues with the Itinerary and the drivers of Anywhere were very professional and most of all kept us safe where ever we went. The hotels that we stayed were very nice and in safe location.

We Dreamt. Then We Went.

Guatemala

Belong Anywhere

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