Colonial City of Antigua Guatemala

During your two-day stay in Antigua, you’ll be visiting the San José Cathedral, the Fountain of Sirens, and the Las Capuchinas Convent. You’ll also have free time to explore other aspects of this cultural wonder.

Located in the Highlands of southwestern Guatemala, Antigua was once the most significant base in Central America for the early Spanish colonial government.

Visit Guatemala Antigua with Caravan
Call 1-800-227-2826

San José Cathedral

Known as one of the largest cathedrals in Central America by 1743, the San José Cathedral in Antigua Guatemala was rocked by a destructive earthquake in 1773 leaving only the two front towers relatively intact.

This spectacular colonial building is partly restored by the National Council for the Protection of Antigua. Initial parts of the original San José cathedral are still in use today.

Fountain of the Sirens

Miguel Porras, a renowned architect of the colonial period, designed the Fountain of the Sirens in 1739, which is in the Plaza de Armas in Antigua Guatemala.

More than just ornamental, the water piped into this fountain served as a water supply for the modest dwellings of many Antigua Guatemala residents.

Las Capuchinas Convent in Antigua

Las Capuchinas Convent is one of the best examples of convents built in the 18th century that are still in existence in Guatemala.

Completed in 1736, following the design of Architect Diego de Torres, the cells, which nuns inhabited, circled the periphery of a patio. Notably, this is the only convent in the Americas that was built in such a fashion.

Free Time in Antigua Guatemala

After lunch, you can browse the artisan markets and visit the many shops in Antigua.

Here you’ll find stores and artisans plying exquisite examples of Guatemalan culture threaded into the locally produced weaving, pottery, dance masks, Jarcias (rope rigging), wrought iron, leatherwork, jade, textiles, and chocolate.

Antigua for the Epicurean

With numerous gatherings of bars and dining locations throughout Antigua, Guatemala offers delicious samples of local and vegetarian fare. You’ll also find savoury global cuisine from France, Belgium, Germany, Mexico, Italy, Israel, Salvador, Japan, and Argentina.

The baroque-influenced Spanish architecture, plus the abundance of handmade crafts and a wide palate of epicurean pleasures highlight your visit to the culturally rich, and seemingly timeless city of
Antigua Guatemala.

About Caravan Tours

Since 1952, Caravan Tours has operated as a family-run, fully guided tour company. In 2022, we celebrate our 70th anniversary!

We now offer affordable, all inclusive escorted tours throughout North and Central America including Guatemala, Panama, and Costa Rica.

For more information about our all-inclusive Guatemala Tour, please contact us.

Call Toll Free 1-800-Caravan (227-2826)

Caret DownCaret Up RedWhy Travel with Caravan?

Why Travel with Caravan?

Excellence Since 1952

You can trust our years of experience with tours of superb quality and excellent value. Caravan has enjoyed the same family management and ownership since 1952.

PanAm Jet
In 1959, Pan Am invited Caravan to be the very first tour company to fly their clients on its new line of Clipper Jets.
Vintage Motorcoach
In 1964, Caravan introduced the very first fleet of air conditioned motorcoaches in all of Europe.
Leather Back Turtle Park
Caravan is a proud supporter of the Leatherback Turtle National Park and Costa Rica's efforts to protect this endangered giant.
Federal Reserve Bank Of Chicago

Caravan Care

For your safety, Caravan cancelled most 2020 and all 2021 tour departures and refunded 100% of all payments received. See Caravan’s Covid-19 Terms of Travel.

Caravan's Proud History

In 1965, Roger Mudd hosted a two-hour CBS TV special on Caravan Tours. This TV production took about one month to make and was so successful it inspired the 1968 romantic comedy movie “If it’s Tuesday this must be Belgium.” In the early 50’s the Mayor of Dublin presented Caravan with the Key to Dublin for bringing the first American tour to the city after WWII. Since then, Caravan has been recognized as a pioneer in travel. You can trust in our stability, experience and dedication to quality.

Great Hotels

Stay at park lodges, scenic resorts, and excellent hotels in great locations. See hotel descriptions on each tour page.

Meals

Most meals included within Latin America. For USA and Canada tours, included meals are listed on each itinerary page. Bottled water is provided on motorcoaches in Latin America.

Complete Sightseeing

Enjoy complete sightseeing with more visits, extra features, and local guides.

Fully Guided by Tour Directors

All tours conducted from start to finish by professional tour directors, who are fluent in English, experienced, and fun.

All-inclusive

Caravan includes all activities listed in the tour itinerary page. Caravan does not sell any optional activities which can add hundreds of dollars to your tour price. Your free time is scheduled in great settings where there is no need to buy additional expensive activities.

Shopping Freedom

Caravan will not bring you to overpriced shops in exchange for payments. Caravan gives you ample opportunity and time for great shopping, and the freedom to choose where and when to shop.

Great Value, Book Early

Caravan’s strong buying power gives you great vacations at prices much lower than you can find anywhere. Most of our tours sell out quickly. Book early for the date you prefer and the best airfare.

How does Caravan Tours sell these tours for such a low cost?

Caravan delivers volume to our suppliers, who in turn reward us with their very best prices. We in turn pass these savings on to you, and you reward us by buying our tours. As volume continues to rise, we then receive even better prices from our suppliers, and we pass even greater savings on to you. This year our tours are better than ever.

Trade Association Memberships

Caravan is a member of NTA (National Tour Association), ABA (American Bus Association), CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association), and ACMA (American Commerce Marketing Association).

NTA, ABA, CLIA, and ACMA