Unique Sights Around Guatemala City

An Overview of Guatemala City

Guatemala City is the largest city in Central America, serving as the major central hub for Guatemala. The city is surrounded by interesting features further out in the countryside, such as Mayan ruins, serene highland lakes, the colonial town of Antigua and active volcanos. The city itself is the main entry point into the country, with the majority of the visitors arriving from La Aurora International Airport. With a huge urban sprawl, a traditional city center and access to the rest of the country, there are several unique sights around Guatemala City.

Unique Sights Around Guatemala City

Pinula Aqueduct

Following a powerful earthquake in 1773, Guatemala relocated its capital from Antigua to a new location which was better-sheltered from such disasters. The new location required constant water, and architect José Bernardo Ramírez designed a aquaduct to supply the city. The aquaduct, which was used until 1938, has a long history as a popular site for duels.

Naciones Unidas National Park

This is a forested park in the southern portion of Guatemala City. The park has views overlooking the Pacaya Volcano and Lake Amatitlán. The park is also home to several amusing replicas of famous features of the coutnry, including a miniature Temple of Tikal.

Jardin Botanico de Guatemala

This is a quaint and pretty botanical garden with numerous local plants, flowers and local exotic flowers.

Museo Miraflores

This musuem is dedicated to the archaeological discoveries around the ancient Maya city of Kaminaljuyu. The collection has over 500 artifacts, from the excavated city as well as other cities which had contact with Kaminaljuyu. There are mosaic masks, sculpted stones, indigenous textiles and several modern art pieces. The museum is open from Tuesday through Sunday.

Relief Map

Requiring eighteen months to build, this is a massive replica of Guatemala crafted of stone, pumice stone, concrete, lead, brick and steel. The map, which was unveiled in 1905, required its creators to traverse the coutnry for fifteen years by donkey and horseback.

Museuo Ixchel del Traje Indigena

This musuem is dedicated to the Guatemalan traditions regarding attire, dresses and textiles. The museum also contains a notable collection of rare books, ceramics and jewelry.

Torre del Reformador

Built in 1935 to honor the 100th anniversary of Justo Rufino Barrios’ birth, this is a unique, 71.85 meter tall tower in Zone 9 of Guatemala City. The tower is a symbol of President Barrios’ career, during which he instituted countless reforms.

Mercado Central

Found directly nearby the main square of Guatemala City, this is a large, underground shopping space filled with color, chaos, unique vendors, fresh produce, local crafts and more.

Constitution Plaza

This stately plaza serves as the central hub for celebrations and events in Guatemala City.

Palacio Nacional de la Cultura

One of the most important buildings in the country, the “Palacio Verde” once served as the operational headquarters for the President of Guatemala.

Read more about visiting Guatemala City and seeing the world by visiting Leftfade Trails Blog

Affiliate Disclosure: Leftfade Trails contains affiliate links, so using services or products through these links supports the website, at no extra cost to the user. All links are to tested services and products designed to aid travelers on their journeys. Some links specifically connect to Amazon. As an Amazon Associate this website earns from qualifying purchases.