Check out our Photos of some of what you’ll want to see in Guatemala City
Life in a large foreign city is just as exciting as it is overwhelming. Every corner brings something novel. From people watching in the city’s numerous parks and plazas, trying fresh local fruits, or even fresh goat milk from a street vendor, to stumbling upon a rally or demonstration, to wandering into the cathedral or discovering beautiful murals and street art, there is something to capture your attention on every block. Be alert, be open, and enjoy the time you have in Guatemala City. And don’t be surprised if you leave wishing you would have stayed longer.
MUSEUMS
If your tour of Guatemala includes visiting any ruins in the country, the museums in Guatemala are your best opportunity for exploring a greater depth of history and context for the ruins themselves. You won’t find as comprehensive a collection anywhere else in Central America, so take advantage of your time in the city and visit at least one.
Museo Popol Vuh and Museo Ixchel
Copy of the Dresden Codex at Popol Vuh
Exhibit at Popol Vuh
Address:
6 calle Final, Zona 10
Universidad Fransisco Marroquin
Calle 6 in Zone 10 ends at the UFM Campus. If on foot, follow the road to the bottom of the hill, and the Museums will be the first buildings you see.
The Hours for both Museums are 9am-5pm Monday-Friday. Saturday 9am-1pm.
Price: Q35 for adults. And to take pictures (no flash allowed) it is Q15 more.
Museo Popol Vuh houses an archeological collection spanning the Paleo through Post-Colonial, with artifacts, as well as explanations of pieces and overviews of the different Time Periods in Spanish and English.
Museo Ixchel, just next door to Popol Vuh, houses a beautifully stunning collection of pictures and textiles of the Indigenous populations of Guatemala. We would recommend showing up with enough time to visit both.
The National Ethnology and Archeology Museum
The National Museum on the same side of the city as Ixchel/Popol Vuh, though still a decent (though maneagable) hike from Zona 10 to Zona 13, nearing the airport and past the National Zoo.
Address:
5a Calle y 7a Av., Finca La Aurora, Zona 13
If you’re trying to fit all three museums into one day, start early.
Note that the National Museum closes at 4pm Monday-Friday. It is open Saturdays 9am-12pm, then from 1:30pm to 4pm.
Cost is Q60 for adults.
All exhibits are in Spanish.
And…after the Museums…??
Given that your stay in Guatemala won’t include another city quite as large or as vibrant as Guatemala City, you should take advantage of your time here and see what the city has to offer. While we were visiting, the annual ICARO Independent Film Festival was in town, and we had just missed the Festival Ixchel. As we’ve said, in a City this size, something is always happening. So, when you arrive: ask around, pick up the local paper, or check out www.cultura.gt for monthly schedules of art and cultural events in the city. And let us know what you find!
GETTING // GOING • SLEEPING • EATING • DOING • MAP
Take me back to GUATEMALA CITY // Take me back to GUATEMALA // Take me back HOME