Top Rated Attractions in Guatemala City

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.

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.

Located just north of Antigua, Cerro de la Cruz is a scenic hill offering a pleasant trek which carries innumerable feet up to a splendid view soaring straight over the city to the cloud-wreathed Agua volcano to the south. The hill is named for the enormous cross towering over the viewing area which itself is visible from throughout Antigua. This is not, unfortunately, the place to take solitary strolls; excessive robberies here inspired the creation of Antigua's tourist police, and visitors are counseled to make the climb only with their protection. Happily, this approach has proven extremely successful in reducing crime, and groups walk up to the summit each day, departing from the police station at the western end of the 6a Calle at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. The summit offers a panoramic view of the surrounding vistas.

This was the first Botanical Garden set up in Central America and the only one in Guatemala. The Centro de Estudios Conservacionistas (CECON) is in charge of the garden's management and maintenance. It offers a wide variety of plants, including a wide range of Guatemalan, endemic and endangered species. There are 18,000 square meters of gardens and visiting is a pleasant educational experience, as most of the plants are classified according to their common and scientific names. There are also guided tours for groups and assistance for researchers, teachers and students. The garden plays an important role within the conservation of species, as it includes the Index Seminum Unit, which collects seeds from the Botanical Garden and the countryside in order to exchange them with other botanical gardens abroad. It supports botanical education in Guatemala.

This archeological site from the late pre-classical period constituted the largest and most powerful Mayan city of the highlands. Built by the Mayan civilization, it was located on a fertile plain at an elevation of 1,500 meters. It was a very important commercial center, which traded in jade and obsidian. The area comprises over 200 excavations showing Mayan ceramics, sculpture and architecture. Many of the structures remain at an underground level, as that is the best way to preserve them. The excavations show the engineering and architectural works of the Mayan civilization that inhabited this vast city.

This scale model is an open-air public monument that represents the geography of Guatemala. It was designed in 1904 by Engineer Francisco Vela and covers 1,800 square meters. This relief map shows all natural and non-natural geographical features like rivers, lakes, volcanoes, ports, railways, roads, provinces, districts and important locations. Due to its historical and artistic value, it is considered national heritage. This work is unique in the world, as no other country has a relief map of such dimensions. There are two vantage points. In order to produce this map, Engineer Francisco Vela went around the national territory on foot and horseback to make the necessary calculations and grasp the country's different features and geography. Next to the map there is a small forest formed by a group of hormigo trees, the wood of which is used to make marimbas. These trees were planted in commemoration of the marimba tradition in Guatemala. At the end of the tour you can visit the shop, which offers postcards, books and brochures with information on this work.