This theater was named after the Literature Nobel Prize winner, Miguel Angel Asturias. Its construction started in 1951, and the building was finally completed in 1978. Nine years later it was declared part of the National Heritage. With an area of 88,927 square meters, the building is designed to look like a seated jaguar. It is the largest theater in Guatemala and regularly puts on popular music concerts, choral concerts, classical and modern ballets, as well as operas and zarzuelas (Spanish light operas). The facility includes a smaller theater for plays and conferences and a small open-air theater.
Inaugurated in 1925, the zoo is mostly visited by families on weekends, when it gets really busy, and by school groups during the week. It has a wide variety of animals from Guatemala and other parts of the world. Animals are placed in cages which resemble their natural habitats, and there are many information boards. A tour around the zoo can take from a half to a full day. Food, sweets and drinks are available from stands at the entrance and around the park. There are also recreation areas for children and benches strategically placed for adults needing a rest.
This museum displays a collection of highly artistic, historical and scientific value, that includes archaeological objects from Central America and colonial art. It shows the development of Guatemalan culture throughout the years. It offers special guided tours for children and a workshop of colonial silverware for youngsters. The shop, located in the reception area, stocks books, magazines, posters, calendars and paintings, all related to the Mayan culture from the pre-Hispanic and colonial period. They also stock folk, marimba and classical music CDs, as well as videos and maps of Guatemala.
This museum specializes in the collection, preservation, research, promotion and compilation of documents related to the Mayan textiles in Guatemala. The colorful exhibition consists of an extensive collection of textiles from over 140 communities produced in different periods. The funky interior of the museum acts as an alluring backdrop for the two permanent exhibitions: watercolors by Carmen L. Pettersen depicting the Mayan costumes, and paintings by Andres Curruchich showing the daily customs of the Kaqchikel Mayan community. Its facilities include an art gallery displaying handicrafts and paintings, a bookstore and a shop selling textiles, lamps, jewelry, pictures, mirrors, wooden furniture and other handmade goods. There is even a library specializing in Mayan textiles and related subjects, and an area for children, the Museo de la Niñez y de la Juventud (Museum of Children and Young People). The latter conducts several interactive activities related to textiles such as painting, embroidering and weaving on wooden looms, using natural inks.
Founded in 1945, the National Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology houses a collection of Mayan archaeological remains. These are mainly jade and obsidian, though there are also pottery pieces and objects taken from royal tombs. The building dates back to the 1940's and its architecture is in the style of that period. After being closed for several years for refurbishment, the museum was reopened in 1977 as a showcase for the legacy of the Maya.
A traditional church constructed in the classical style, the Cathedral of Guatemala City has established itself as a significant spot in the city. The cathedral's structure is reminiscent of baroque architecture, with twin bell towers flanking the main entrance of the building. Spires jut from the vaulting roof of the church, and the stones are engraved with symbols. A statue is embedded into the wall above the vestibule. The interior of the cathedral is simple yet elegant, rows of benches neatly lined in the nave overlooking the altar. Intricate chandeliers swing from the arched ceilings of the building, and the cathedral is truly a testament to the architectural styles which prevailed in the past.
This modern Catholic Church was founded in 1981. The basement is a crypt or oratory where conferences, monthly retreats, talks prior to weddings, baptisms and confirmations take place. The altar contains an ancient golden altarpiece set in wood which previously belonged to the church of Antigua Guatemala. In the center of the altarpiece there is a sculpture of Virgen de Dolores, another one on the left of San Jose and the Child, and one of San Pio X on the right. The church has a very warm atmosphere and has a capacity of approximately 300 people. There is a small shop in the vestibule selling posters, rosaries, books, Bibles, images and souvenirs.
This temple mixes Baroque and neo-classical architectural styles. The high altar contains the wooden images of Jesús Crucificado and La Pasión. The church also shows the image of Inmaculada Concepción, a sculpture which was donated by Carlos V. This Franciscan temple was designed by architects of the religious congregation. Its construction started in 1800 and finished 29 years later. Iglesia de San Francisco is definitely a must-visit.
This mosque opened approximately 4 years ago. Its leader, Mr. Mohamed, offers introductory chats on Islam by appointment. Special celebrations take place on Muslim sacred feast days. The mosque also has a library and holds religious services five times a day every day of the week.
Red-hot currents of lava encompass the craters at the very top of the Volcán de Pacaya, its summit an intimidating sight from the base of the majestic volcano. It is considered to be one of Guatemala's most active volcanoes and the most frequently climbed around and near Antigua. Hikers flock to the spot in large numbers, enticed by both the breathtaking beauty of the surrounding vistas and the sheer challenge it is to ascend the volcano. Violent winds gust over the fields and plains, and the trek itself is a test of endurance. Despite this, the view that meets one at the top makes the trial of following the treacherous trails worth it. The highlight of the evenings is nightfall at the summit, as the streams and pockets of lava gain brilliance in contrast to the darkness.
This is the main temple in the Central American region. Known as the "Mormons' church" it opened over 50 years ago and expanded so rapidly that now it is easy to find a chapel in every city and town of this region. All chapels offer meetings on Sundays, in the morning, from 8a to 1p, and in the afternoon from 2p.The main temple is used for ordainment at very high levels, for which it is frequented by foreign Mormons who normally come from the United States in missionary groups and stay in Guatemala for two years. A distribution center for books and publications about this church can be found in one of the city's shopping centers: Montufar, Zone 9.
Building was carried out in two phases: the first phase was from 1784 to 1799, and the second one was from 1861 to 1867. In 1976 it was restored after having been damaged in an earthquake. Its interior keeps a magnificent image of Jesus Nazareno de la Candelaria, which was brought here from the Panchoy valley. It is located in the chapel on the right hand side of the church, next to the high altar.