Guatemala City Guatemala – Things to Do

Your all-inclusive Guatemala Vacation with Caravan Tours includes plenty of things to do in Guatemala City, Guatemala’s capital.

Guatemala City now has a population of just over three million people. Guatemala or Guate, as the locals refer it, is now the largest and most populated center in Central America.

The Mayans first built their Mayan city here in the Valle de la Ermita (Hermitage Valley). The high-altitude location boasts spectacular lakes, soaring volcanoes, historical ruins, and many archaeological sites that seem to peel back history and expose the legendary culture of the region.

Learn More About Things to Do in Guatemala City
Call 1-800-CARAVAN (227-2826)

National Archaeology Museum in Guatemala City

The National Archaeology Museum, holds the most sizeable collection of Mayan artifacts in Guatemala.

On display are immense sculptures in stone as well as monuments from the Mayan Classic period (250-900 AD) that illustrate the height of Mayan culture.

In the ethnology section of the National Archaeology Museum, the masks, jewelry, costumes, languages, and homes of indigenous peoples are exhibited. These artifacts offer fascinating insights into ancient Mayan culture.

Guatemala City’s Metropolitan Cathedral

Constructed in the late 1700s, the Metropolitan Cathedral is an astonishing architectural and structural achievement. It is officially called the Catedral Metropolitana de Santiago de Guatemala.

This is definitely one of the most unique things to do in Guatemala City. The cathedral is home to decorative and ornate altars surrounded by classical and baroque elements, which impressively compliment the interior.

Twelve pillars in front of the cathedral commemorate thousands who disappeared or were murdered during Guatemalan internal armed conflicts in the 1960s.

National Palace of Guatemala City

The National Palace, which is also known as the Palacio Nacional de la Cultura, was built between 1936 and 1943 under the dictator General Jorge Ubico. It incorporates multiple styles from Neoclassical to Spanish Renaissance.

Now open as a museum, the National Palace has frescoed arcs, carved stonework, polished brass, and a 2-ton Bohemian chandelier in the reception entrance. It’s easy to find, adjacent to Central Park (Parque Central) in the city’s core.

Guatemala City Roaming

Want to explore things to do in Guatemala City on your own? This is the cultural and economic hub of Guatemala. You’ll find so many art galleries, museums, theatres, sports venues, and unique restaurants and shops to explore, plus easy citywide transit.

Visiting this historically diverse metropolitan city is the highlight of any Guatemalan trip.

About Caravan Tours

After more than seven decades of conducting fully guided tours (2022 marks our 70th anniversary!), Caravan Tours is still offering highly affordable tours.

Our family-run all-inclusive tour company offers tours to Guatemala, Panama, and Costa Rica in Latin America, plus tours in Canada and the United States. Caravan Tours is now a second-generation Chicago-based tour company.

Other tour highlights in Guatemala include a Lake Atitlan boat tour, and the romantic Colonial city of Antigua.

To find out more about this amazing Guatemala Tour, or if you would like to book with Caravan, please contact us.

Call toll-free at 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