Visit Guatemala City: Luxury Travel to Central America

Guatemala City

Guatemala’s current capital was founded by the decree of King Carlos III of Spain in 1776, after the 1773 Antigua earthquake.

Today, Guatemala City is the largest metropolitan area in Central America.

Its charms include luxurious hotels, innovative restaurants, colorful busses, and vibrant nightlife.

Zone 1: Plaza Mayor and The Presidential Palace

The city is organized into 21 zones. Zone 1 houses the city’s most significant historic buildings, which surround the wide Plaza Mayor.

One of the largest plazas in Central America, the plaza evokes comparisons to Mexico City’s Zocalo.

The National Palace, constructed in 1943, allows visits to its elegant rooms and the Presidential Balcony, which overlooks the plaza.

In front of the palace, an eternal flame is dedicated to the “anonymous heroes of peace.”

Other highlights include the National Library and the 18th-century Catedral Metropolitana.

Zone 7: Kaminaljuyu

In Zone 7, three miles west of the city center, the Kaminaljuyu Archeological Park protects over 200 platforms and earthen mounds—remnants of an enormous Pre-Classic Maya city, once covering a third of the valley.

A few of these mounds have been excavated to reveal a ball court and adobe pyramids dating to the 5th century.

Many of the artifacts unearthed at Kaminaljuyu are housed in Zone 11’s excellent Miraflores Museum.

Other fine museums are found in Zone 10.

Here, Museo Popol Vuh and Museo Ixchel, each display an impressive collection of Guatemalan textiles, pottery, and masks.

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What is the Weather Like?

Wet Season (May to October): Guatemala City is warm year-round; temperature typically varies from 56°F to 80°F and is rarely below 51°F or above 84°F. The wet season May to October is overcast, with the rainiest month being September. These averages are changing, please check extended weather forecasts using your favorite weather app prior to departure.

Dry Season (November to April): Guatemala City is warm year-round; temperature typically varies from 56°F to 80°F and is rarely below 51°F or above 84°F. The dry season lasts from November to April. These averages are changing, please check extended weather forecasts using your favorite weather app prior to departure.

Getting There

La Aurora International Airport, located in Zone 13, receives international flights from across Central and North America.

This airport is the natural arrival point for visitors. Antigua is only 25 miles to the west.

Connections to Flores–the gateway to Tikal–take only one hour, with multiple departures daily.

Start your journey today

LANDED delivers the finest in custom, private travel to Central America, South America, and Antarctica. These regions are our passion; we know them first-hand and by heart. Speak with one of our travel designers and let us create a tailored itinerary for you in Guatemala.