The country's third capital is one of the most popular destinations for visitors because of its architecture and picturesque colonial legacy.
Since 1979, Antigua Guatemala has been designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage site.
Arriving in Antigua, the cobblestone streets welcome you into a town that seems frozen in time.
It lives in the shadow of Volcan de Agua.
That stunning peak was responsible for the partial abandonment of the city three centuries ago, after an eruption that caused great devastation.
After the decision to relocate the capital, some locals chose to stay.
Decades later, the government invested in the restoration of buildings and helped bring the city to be a world renowned tourist attraction.
Tourism is the main economic activity of the city and the locals treat visitors with respect and friendship.
Sites to see The first destination for a first time visitor is the Central Park and the Palace of the Captains.
In the park, which begins to show the visual richness of the city, volunteer groups help tourists with information.
At the Palace of the Captains, located across from Central Park and next to the Cathedral, there is an official tourist information office.
And in the surroundings other places are recommended as the Bakery Arcade and the Museum of Weapons.
The streets that connect the city are equally attractive and inspiring as the buildings, which contain centuries of historical facts to tell.
Places to visit The most important activity in Antigua is the tour through the ruins.
And one of the main is in the city's Cathedral, rebuilt in 1680.
It also maintains a sector unchanged after the damage caused by an earthquake in the 16th century.
La Casa Popenoe is another historic attractions.
Thanks to an excellent conservation work, the place has the same character of aristocratic mansion that was at its peak centuries ago.
On the cultural side, the Mesoamerican Research Center has a large library and audiovisual materials on the history of the region.
In addition, the City Library has a long list of historical books brought from different parts of the world.
The manual work also represents an interesting activity in Antigua Guatemala.
Ceramics and textiles are handcrafted by locals.
Sometimes there are workshops open to visitors.
To complete the visit to a place so special over the city there are restaurants and cafeterias with live music.
Generally, the marimba is the preferred instrument to cheer up the guests, accompanied by other traditional instruments.