The Central region

Offers the greatest contrasts among the modernity of the big cities, with the well preserved colonial sites and the richness of the crops in the beautiful landscapes of the highlands.

Type of tourism: Shopping, business, cultural, spa, relaxation, ecological, photography.

The central region is conformed by the departments of Guatemala, Chimaltenango and Sacatepéquez. Nearby there are 3 famous active volcanoes: Pacaya, Fuego and Acatenango.

This region is the main departure point for many of the international visitors. If offers multiple options with a charming countryside with a delightful landscape of volcanoes, pine forests, meadows, corn and coffee farms, all surrounded by picturesque villages.

Climate: The climate is mostly mild. The minimum temperature is between 14 º – 16º C (39 º – 46 º F). The maximum temperature is between 28º - 30º C (82 º – 86º F).

Main urban centres: Guatemala City, Antigua Guatemala, Chimaltenango and Tecpán.

Distance from Guatemala City: Towards Antigua Guatemala: 40 km. /28 miles. Towards Chimaltenango: 55 km. /34 miles.

Access: Guatemala City by land from all the borders and ports. By air: through the International Airport “La Aurora” from anywhere in the world. Sacatepéquez and Chimaltenango have paved roads to their main urban centres.

Guatemala City

It’s the main business and commercial center for the country and for the other countries in Central America. Its architecture shows a mix among the modern and classic.

It’s interesting to visit the Historical Centre where you will find colonial and neoclassical architecture, as well as the famous handicraft markets.

There are more than 20 museums in the city. The most important are: the Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology, the Museum of Natural History, Modern and Colonial Art, the Museum Ixchel of Indigenous Traditional Clothing and many others.

The Relief Map:
Built in 1905, is an impressive scaled three dimensional map of Guatemala’s topography. It’s the largest of this kind in the world.

Antigua Guatemala

antigua This colonial city founded in 1542, was declared a Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. During the Spanish colonial era, it was the capital of the Central American kingdom and the center of the region’s political, economic and religious power. There were over 18 religious orders founded in the city. Today their convents, monasteries and churches can be observed as beautiful ruins and museums. The city is considered an architectural jewel possessing a historical legacy without comparison.

There are a lot of possibilities for the visitors in Antigua. It’s highly recommended the tour in the city to visit: museums, monasteries and convents, churches and other religious and cultural centres.

Antigua also offers the highest quality in handicrafts, antiques, pictures, textiles, jade, jewels and coffee.

The Agua and Acatenango volcanoes offer an opportunity for hiking although strenuous it guarantees a unique experience. From these volcanoes you may watch the Fuego Volcano, which has been the most active in recent years.

Tecpán

It is a place coveted by nature lovers where there are eco-hotels, nature parks, reserves and forests.

You will find here the Ruins of Iximché, the old capital of the Kaqchikeles, where afterwards the Spanish established the first capital of the Kingdom of Guatemala. This archaeological site is partially restored and you will see what remains of the plazas, palaces and old temples.