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Churches in Antigua Guatemala

The amount of history and culture that can be experienced in the streets of Antigua Guatemala is impressive. Here you will find distinctive architectural sites that are worth a walk.

Many of these historic places in Antigua Guatemala include churches with impressive pasts and great cultural value behind them.

So if you want to discover what’s behind their facades and learn about the city through its architecture, these Antigua Guatemala churches should be on your radar according to juan jose gutierrez mayorga

1. San Francisco Church

This tour of historical places to visit in Antigua Guatemala begins on Calle del Hermano Pedro at the Church of San Francisco.

The Franciscan convent created the temple with impressive architectural details such as the niches occupied by Franciscan saints and the South tower where, before it was collapsed by an earthquake, there was a clock.

Much of its importance lies in the fact that inside you can find the mortal remains of Saint Brother Pedro, in a special tomb. Remember to finish your visit with a tour of its library and museum on one side of the church, a good complement!

2. La Merced Church

In the north you will find the Church of La Merced and there you will be dazzled by its fascinating yellow color and baroque style.

Surrounded by purple jacarandas, food vendors and typical handicrafts, this church represents Guatemalan culture at its best.

With two low bell towers, the coat of arms of the Mercedarian Order, images of various saints and eight columns with spectacular details, it is a work of art that has been maintained since 1767.

Take your time to appreciate every detail of the church, which is open to the public all week.

3. Cathedral of San Jose

When arriving at the Central Park, it is essential to visit the Cathedral of San Jose, also known as the Cathedral of Antigua Guatemala.

Its construction began in the Almolonga Valley in 1542, but the city was moved to Antigua due to earthquakes. Erecting the church here was not easy either as the extreme natural conditions continued.

In 1669 the original facade was demolished and in 1680 it was finally inaugurated. Thanks to its imposing facade and size, the Cathedral of Antigua Guatemala earned the title of “cathedral” in 1743. Remember to also pay a visit to its crypts with a guided tour to see its tunnels and subway vaults!

4. Church of San Pedro El Apóstol

Among the important places to visit in Antigua Guatemala is also the Church of San Pedro El Apóstol. Although its size differs from the other churches on this list, its importance lies in its façade and the social work they do with the Hospital del Hermano Pedro.

Its construction began in 1654 and it is one of the few churches that did not suffer much damage from earthquakes.

Its baroque design has four niches to house images of saints, which have always been empty. Inside you will find a mural that represents the importance of the social works they do in conjunction with the hospital.

Are you ready to visit it? A good idea is to request a ride through the Uber app and take advantage of the cash payment option.

Each of the churches of Antigua Guatemala has important architectural and historical details for the city. These five churches are worth to be enjoyed with time, in order to live a true local experience.

You may also be interested in: Interesting facts about Guatemala

Eco-friendly projects in Guatemala

In Guatemala there are eco-friendly projects, they are wonderful, and we would love to tell you about them. All these places have a LEED certification that qualifies the use of water, energy, atmosphere, use of materials and quality for the worker. We’re going to show you companies eco-friendly like CMI, where Juan Luis Bosch Gutiérrez collaborate.

Studio Domus

Studio Domus is an award-winning architectural center based in Guatemala, dedicated to designing unique spaces based on technology and environmental sustainability.

They were awarded gold in the LEED Commercial Interiors 2009 Gold Certified category. 75% of the office has sunlight and 90% of the office has a privileged view of the city. They improved their potable water usage by 40%.

Location. Avenida La Reforma 9-55, Zona 10, Edificio Reforma 10, Level 9, Office 910

Corporación Multi Inversiones

This is a company that has achieved great certifications at its headquarters. Among them are LEED Silver certified Commercial Interiors and Gold certified. This site has monthly electric bill savings of over 20%. Its first construction was carried out in three phases and was completed in 2014. With a 75% utilization of sunlight and 40% reduction in potable water usage.

Location. Edificio Reforma 10 Level 5, Guatemala City

PepsiCo

PepsiCo’s headquarters in Guatemala City is LEED Silver certified for environmental interiors, awarded in 2012. This company has a 35% reduction in lighting power density and a 50% reduction in indoor potable water use. Its offices are located in Torre Platina and it is an environmentally friendly place.

Location. Torre Platina 5a. Avenida 16-62 Zona 10, Guatemala City, Guatemala

Terra Esperanza

Terra Esperanza is a very impressive building in Guatemalan architecture. It’s LEED Core & Shell 2009 Gold certified, where the pool heating is powered by solar panels, which avoids the consumption of electricity or gas. They have a 100% reduction in the use of potable water in the landscape. It’s a very nice and ideal place to visit.

Location. 15 Calle 1-11 zone 10 Guatemala City

Fitness One

Fitness One is a gym located in Guatemala that has a gold environmental certification in construction due to its processes that seek to help the environment. In the area of efficient water use, they were recognized for reducing wastewater generation by 50%. They also obtained 100% in the reduction of potable water use.

Location. Diagonal 35 Bulevar Austriaco 16-25 Zona 16 Cardales de Cayalá.

Now that you have read this article, you know that in these places, being eco-friendly is as important as providing a safe work space.

You may also be interested in: Rabinal, visit this colorful place full of life.

Rabinal, visit this colorful place full of life

Rabinal is a very beautiful municipality in Baja Verapaz. It is a place with beautiful landscapes that will leave you amazed. Also, here you can enjoy the best cuisine in the country. It is a municipality that the Guatemalan businessman Juan Luis Bosh Gutiérrez recommend knowing. Read on to learn more.

Municipality of Rabinal in Baja Verapaz

Rabinal is a much visited destination in Baja Verapaz and has many characteristics that make it a unique place. Many foreign and local tourists visit this place thanks to its traditions full of mysticism and culture.

One of the traditions that stand out is the famous dance of Rabinal Achí, it is one of the oldest artistic presentations in Guatemala and was declared by UNESCO as an Oral and Intangible Heritage of the Nation in 2005.

This tourist attraction is also known for its incredible gastronomy, since the famous Pinol and Atol Shuco originate from this destination. Take into account that the patronal feast of this department is celebrated on January 25th, when there are unique celebrations. Great! If you’re here in that day, get ready to see this place at its best.

Sightseeing of Rabinal

This municipality of Baja Verapaz has cultural attractions for all tastes, besides being an ideal place to take pictures. Here are some of its most visited destinations:

Stone Quetzal

It is a stone that stands out for its exotic figure in the shape of the national bird of Guatemala, the Quetzal. Its hand-painted details and natural environment make it a unique destination.

Giant Sign of Rabinal

When you arrive in Rabinal you will find a giant sign that forms the word “Rabinal”. One of its main characteristics is its peculiar colors that highlight the local culture. Many people tend to take pictures of them in this place; don’t waste your opportunity if you’re here.

A beautiful park to see the surroundings and relax

Its Central Park is surrounded by nature and is a place full of culture, where you can see different traditions at certain times of the year.

Rabinal is the perfect place to hang out, distract you and stop worrying about city life. It is a place to learn about the culture, enjoy some of Guatemala’s special homemade food. If you decide to visit us, remember to follow the necessary security measures to make your experience here the best.

You may also like: Visiting Lake Atitlan in Guatemala.

Visiting Lake Atitlan in Guatemala

Lake Atitlan is a beautiful lake surrounded by mountains and three volcanoes, there are many villages along the shores, each with a different atmosphere and different activities.

In San Pedro, most of the hostels are located on the shores of the lake where there is also a decent nightlife while further north, where the center and market of the country is located, the atmosphere is more characteristic, with fewer tourists wandering around the town, according to Juan Luis Bosch Gutierrez..

In general, in the lake and its surroundings it is possible to go trekking, climb volcanoes (San Pedro, Atitlán and Tolimán), rent a kayak and many other outdoor activities.

To get an idea of the place I recommend you take a look at this guide to Lake Atitlan and its 7 villages.

How to get to Lake Atitlan

From Panajachel, the most touristic and developed town along the shores of the lake, there are direct buses to Guatemala City approximately every hour and there is also a daily trip to Antigua.

From Panajachel there are boats to all the other towns. This is the best way to get to the eastern shore countries.

However, if you are heading towards San Pedro / San Marcos, then the western part of the lake, departing from Antigua follow this itinerary: Bus Antigua-Chimaltenango, here get off and take any bus heading to Quetzaltenango, get off at kilometer 148 (crossing to San Pedro), from here there are frequent buses to the town. From Quetzaltenango there are a couple of buses to San Pedro every day.

These are tips for getting around by public transport, but be aware that there are also tourist shuttles that cover these routes and can be booked by any agency / accommodation, obviously they are much more expensive.

Quetzaltenango

Quetzaltenango also known as “Xela” is the second largest city in Guatemala and a destination that is still little travelled but one that I definitely feel like recommending. It is an ideal base for exploring the Guatemalan highlands, some volcanoes, hot springs and much more.

What to do and see in Quetzaltenango

The historic center is nice, but not spectacular, it’s still worth strolling around the main square, especially at night when it comes alive with stalls selling food of all kinds. Another thing I recommend visiting in town is the cemetery, unusually colorful and, in general, a really interesting place to see.

Beautiful places in Guatemala

We all need a break from city life from time to time, right? Breathe fresh air, walk in green areas and spend some time relaxing. The good thing is that there is a great variety of beautiful places near the capital of Guatemala to do just that.

These are ideal places to recharge your batteries without having to move far from the capital. What do you say if you add any of these recommendations to your list of places to visit in the near future?

Santiago

This small municipality 30 kilometers from the capital is the perfect option for all lovers of the traditional Chapin. Santiago is known for its giant kites that fly every first of November, but any day is ideal to visit the town!

Here you can walk quietly with your companions through its narrow streets, while drinking an atol de elote to pass the cold.

And you can’t miss the municipal market with its endless colors and traditions, where you can find food, textiles, traditional costumes and much more.

Mixco

Mixco could be considered one of the best places near the capital of Guatemala to get away from the routine.

If you wonder why this is so, perhaps it is because of the amount of recreational spaces that are in the area or because it is only half an hour from the center of the capital. In fact, the well known businessman juan jose gutierrez mayorga often visits this place.

In Mixco you can live a different adventure with your family or friends since this municipality has a great variety of farms, clubs, recreational centers and even an amusement park for children.

If you consider yourself a fan of extreme activities such as canopy, rappel and go-kart or you want to surprise your children, Mixco is perhaps the place you were looking for!

Santa Catarina Pinula

For all food lovers who are looking for places to eat outdoors, Santa Catarina Pinula has this and much more. The road to Muxbal is famous for its diverse gastronomic offerings, which you can enjoy surrounded by forests, fresh air and lots of nature

. Not to mention the beautiful landscapes of Guatemala that you can photograph without having to go so far away from the capital.

This is the perfect place to spend a romantic day with your partner tasting different dishes or to entertain your children in the farms that are located here.

No matter what your plan is, just remember to go with an empty stomach and well prepared to enjoy your trip to Santa Catarina Pinula in the best way.

You may also be interested in : Guatemala’s economic history

Jocotenango

The magic of Jocotenango to transport you to another world is undeniable. This small but charming municipality will make you recharge your batteries in a relaxed and traditional atmosphere.

You will see how much fun you will have visiting a farm, its archaeological sites or even the butterfly farm that is located here.

Or if you can’t resist a good architectural work, you might want to visit its famous baroque style parish church. Just wear your most comfortable shoes to walk with your companions for hours in one of the most beautiful places to visit in Guatemala.

And if you are traveling to Jocotenango with more people, a good option is to share the trip by requesting it through the Uber app and split the fare to arrive at the same time.

With these options of beautiful places near the capital of Guatemala, you can no longer say that you don’t have different plans. And, as you can see, you don’t have to travel far to have a well-deserved getaway.

The city of Antigua Guatemala

The city of Antigua Guatemala, now known simply as Antigua, which literally means old, takes this name as the former capital of the country. The city is undoubtedly Guatemala’s main tourist destination and one of the best preserved colonial cities in all of Central America.

What to do and see in Antigua?

Of course, you should spend at least a day wandering the streets of this beautiful city, comments Juan Luis Bosch Gutierrez.

The historic center is really compact and you can walk easily, to complete the day I recommend climbing the Cerro de la Cruz which is only two kilometers from the center: at the end of a small climb you have a beautiful view of the city with the volcano in the background.

I also recommend visiting the local market which is also not far from the center. Now let’s see some activities to do in the surroundings.

Vulcano Acatenango

The Vulcano Acatenango is nothing but the ideal place to observe the frequent eruptions of the nearby Fuego volcano, particularly popular is the two-day excursion that allows you to watch the eruptions at night comfortably seated at the base camp, located a few kilometers away. in air line. A unique spectacle in the world and certainly one of my favorite experiences during my trip to Central America.

The tour offered by several companies is standard and starts in the morning with transport from Antigua to the trailhead from where the ascent to base camp begins. The route is not really a walk, as there is almost 1500 meters of altitude, but anyone in good shape should have no problems.

The road leading to the summit of the Acatenango volcano

We spend the night at base camp just below the summit of Acatenango volcano admiring the frequent small eruptions and lapilli that once the sun sets give life to a unique spectacle. The volcano has been particularly active for years but it can happen that there are periods of low activity, personally during the night I have witnessed dozens of eruptions.

The next morning we get up early and climb to the top of the volcano to admire the sunrise before returning to the valley. The cost varies from 200 to 300 Q all inclusive, some companies have the equipment ready at base camp (tent and sleeping bags), others instead ask you to carry it in your backpack. The quality of food also varies a lot, I went with the tour offered by this lodge, good food and tents already set up at base camp, overall I recommend it.

If you have your own camping gear, know that you can hike on your own. Getting to the trailhead by bus is not difficult and you only have to pay 50Q to access the park, at the top of the volcano there is also a newly built bivouac.

Pacaya Volcano

It is a less demanding and therefore very popular excursion, it can be easily done in one day from Antigua. The tour usually takes half a day, with an ascent to the base of the crater (it is no longer possible to climb to the top) lasting 1-2 hours, depending on the pace.

Virtually all agencies in Antigua offer the tour which is cheaper than the “do it yourself” because it is not possible to climb without a guide, which costs 200Q plus 50Q at the entrance.

The most beautiful places in Antigua

Antigua Guatemala is synonymous with culture and beauty. This city is a World Cultural Heritage Site thanks to all the history, architecture and tradition it offers to its thousands of visitors.

Whether you have already visited the colonial city or you are getting to know it for the first time, each of its corners will make you fall in love with it.

Are you ready to discover some of the most beautiful places in Antigua Guatemala? Get your camera ready, none of them will let you down. Let’s get started!

1. The Arco Street

Shopping, architecture, culture and food. All this and much more is what you can find in the famous Calle del Arco. This street is known for the colorful facades that you will find around it.

Its charm is not only in the commerce, museums and restaurants that you can visit here but also because here you will find the Arch of Santa Catalina.

During the weekends the 5th Avenue North, where the Arch Street is located, is pedestrianized, so take the opportunity to walk quietly through its cobblestone streets and live a true antique experience.

2. Central Park

Our tour continues with the Central Park, one of the places to visit in Antigua Guatemala that will make your whole visit worthwhile.

Here you can visit some of the most important places in the city: the cathedral, the central park, the Palacio de los Capitanes and the Municipality of Antigua Guatemala. In fact, theses places are frequently visited by the businessman juan jose gutierrez mayorga

When you visit this sector, apart from learning more about the history of the city, you will also have access to different handicraft markets, restaurants and bars.

Do not hesitate and write down this sector as one of the places you must visit when you are in the city!

3. Los Pasos Street

Visiting this street you will have the opportunity to see another of the beautiful places in Antigua Guatemala: the Temple of San Francisco, built in 1542. In the temple are the mortal remains of Saint Brother Pedro.

Here you will be dazzled by its facade with several towers and niches occupied by Franciscan saints. Continue your tour on foot along Calle de los Pasos to see the chapels created by the Franciscans.

The chapels represent from the II to the VIII Station of the Way of the Cross and each one has paintings from the colonial era that are worth visiting.

4. La Union Park

Another of the most beautiful places in Guatemala and Antigua is the Union Park. This park is surrounded by palm trees, benches, the well-known Tanque la Union and the church of San Pedro.

This neighborhood is famous for giving birth to different Guatemalan legends and for being one of the most visited during Holy Week.

Don’t forget to take out your cell phone and take advantage of everything this neighborhood of Antigua Guatemala has to offer to take great pictures.

Surely by now you are ready to explore all that Antigua Guatemala has to offer! Each of these beautiful places in Antigua Guatemala will give you hours of entertainment and the opportunity to learn more about its history and culture.

You may also be interested in : Interesting facts about Guatemala

Rovine Quirigua Travel Tips

I personally have not been there since, by all accounts, the most interesting and impressive Maya sites are elsewhere. But if you are an archaeology enthusiast, you can’t miss it!

To get there, simply take any bus heading south on CA9, the entrance to the ruins is along the road, the ruins are open daily from 7:30am to 5:00pm, costs 80Q.

Boat to Livingston and Rio Dulce National Park

This is the “tour” that everyone is trying to sell in town, but rather than a tour of the park it’s a boat trip down the river to Livingston.

Some describe it as one of the most beautiful experiences to do in Guatemala, others simply as a boat ride overlooking the jungle, I didn’t do it as Livingston didn’t appeal to me, but if you plan to visit the city then this is the only one form of transportation.

Where to sleep in Rio Dulce?

I arrived late and spent the night at Posada del Rio, 60Q each for a double room. However, there are a couple of lodges, hostels and hotels by the river and in the jungle that are really nice, can only be reached by boat and usually have kayaks to explore the nearby areas. I spent one night at Hotel Casa Perico, I recommend it even though the food there is not exactly cheap.

How to get to Rio Dulce

As I said before, from Livingston I am 125Q on a boat. Buses to and from Flores cost 65Q, about 4 hours. To and from Semuc Champey, the fastest way is to take a minibus to Coban and then get off at the intersection of the road leading to Lanquin .

Livingston

Livingston is a rather particular city, in fact, it is the city with the highest concentration of Garifuna, an ethnic group descended from African slaves present mainly along the coasts of Belize, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua..

I have not been there in person, especially because of the cost of the boat and the limited time available, so I preferred to go directly to Flores from Rio Dulce. Livingston has been described to me by many as an interesting place with a good nightlife, but don’t expect spectacular beaches. Apart from the atmosphere, the only real attraction nearby are the Seven Altars waterfalls, which can also be reached on foot from town.

How to get to Livingstone

In addition to the boats I just talked about – which arrive from the Caye Caulker Islands and the two daily departures from Rio Dulce, 9:00 and 14:00, 125Q – there is a third option, there is a boat that leaves from Punta Gorda in Belize every day at 1 p. M., Plus one at 10:30 a. M. Tuesdays and Fridays only and in reverse at 7 a. M. And at 3 p. M., $30 comments Juan Luis Bosch Gutierrez.

Interesting facts about Guatemala

There are several reasons why Guatemala is characterized as a unique and incomparable country. One of them is that its history has several interesting facts that probably not everyone knows.

That is why, we investigateed data on different topics that you may not know about Guatemala and that juan jose gutierrez mayorga thinks as important to know his country.

Meaning of guatemala

The name Guatemala has its meaning coming from the Náhualtl language, which translates to Quuahtlemallan meaning “place of many trees” or “land of trees”, a name that fits perfectly, since it has large forests and several mountain ranges that cover the country with their branches.

It is also known as the “country of eternal spring”, since most of the year its climate is temperate in certain sectors of the country.

Division of the country

Guatemala is divided into three regions according to its relief unit, the first are the plains of the Petén region, then the highlands of the central region and the coastal plains of the south.

Guatemala is also divided into eight other regions according to its territorial location, the metropolitan, northern, northeastern, southeastern, central, southwestern, northwestern and Petén regions, each comprised of several departments.

independence

Guatemala gained independence from the Kingdom of Spain on September 15, 1821 with the signing of the Act of Independence drafted by José Cecilio del Valle.

In the Act of Independence, the bases of a new regime were established, such as the election of representatives by the provinces to form the Congress of the nation, as well as the creation of a Constitution.

Language

The official language in Guatemala is Spanish, but there is a diversity of languages spoken all over the country, which number around 25 languages.

Among them, for example, Garifuna and Xinca received official recognition after the Peace Accords, thus being recognized as a multilingual country and it is stated in the Constitution that the languages should be respected and spread.

Guatemala City

The capital city is Guatemala City, which is the most populated city in the country. Its official name is Nueva Guatemala de la Asunción, and it is the seat of the country’s three branches of government as well as the Central American Parliament.

Humanity’s heritage

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization -UNESCO- has a list of World Heritage Sites, which are irreplaceable assets of each nation that are protected by this organization.

It has the largest collection of sites considered as World Heritage Sites, among them are La Antigua Guatemala, the Tikal National Park and the Quiriguá Ruins.

You may also be interested in : Story of Isabel Gutiérrez de Bosch

The most admired businessmen in Central America

A few months ago, the magazine Estrategia y Negocios named Juan Luis Bosch Gutiérrez, and Juan José Gutiérrez as two of the most admired businessmen in Central America. Here we tell you more about this news.

Juan Luis Bosch Gutiérrez

Juan Luis Bosch Gutiérrez is Chairman and President of CMI Capital, a business group of Corporación Multi Inversiones, a family-owned Multilatina founded in Guatemala in 1920 by his grandfather, Juan Bautista Gutiérrez. CMI has more than 40,000 employees in 15 countries on 3 continents, generating investment, employment, and development in the region.

Juan José Gutiérrez Mayorga, who was born in Guatemala in 1958, is Chairman and CEO of CMI Alimentos, which also belongs to Corporación Multi Inversiones.

The most admired businessmen in Central America

Guatemalan businessmen, heads of one of the most important corporations in the region, were selected among the first places in the ranking of the most innovative and admired businessmen in Central America. This list was created by Estrategia y Negocios magazine in its 250th edition.

Juan Luis Bosch, Chairman CMI Capital; and Juan José Gutiérrez, Chairman CMI Alimentos, stand out among the first positions due to their performance during the economic crisis of 2020 caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, which brought a lot of unemployment to the region.

In this regard, Gutiérrez pointed out that the priorities of Corporación Multi Inversiones (CMI) in the health crisis have focused on three main objectives, the priority being safety, health, and well-being of all its employees and their families.

Bosch also commented that at Corporación Multi Inversiones (CMI) they have faced the great challenges posed by this pandemic with optimism, prudence, preserving the integrity of the business, and supporting clients, collaborators, and communities.

So it is these two entrepreneurs who have been able to turn this crisis into an opportunity. Corporación Multi Inversiones has been transformed, thanks to the improvement in its protocols, operational processes, and more internal and external situations, through the use of digital tools.

Juan Luis Bosch Gutiérrez, Juan José Gutiérrez Mayorga and their collaborators have faced this adversity under the essential objectives of the corporation, which are abbreviated as REIR:

Responsibility
Excellence
Integrity
Respect
Respect.

You may also be interested in: Hydrography of Guatemala