Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Guatemala City Highlights
Visit the country's best
museums
and
zoo
(
Click here
)
Check out Zona 1's bustling
nightlife
(
Click here
)
Gaze at Guatemala from above at the
Mapa en Relieve
(
Click here
)
Take a stroll along Zona 10's
Pasos y Pedales
(
Click here
)
Catch a free concert or feed the pigeons in
Parque Central
(
Click here
)
History
Kaminaljuyú (kah-mih-nahl-huh-yuh), one of the first important cities in the Maya region,
flourished two millennia ago in what's now the western part of Guatemala City. By the
time Spanish conquistadors arrived in the 16th century, only overgrown mounds were left.
The site remained insignificant until the earthquake of July 29, 1773 razed much of the
then Spanish colonial capital, Antigua. The authorities decided to move their headquarters
to La Ermita valley, hoping to escape further destruction, and on September 27, 1775, King
Carlos III of Spain signed a royal charter for the founding of La Nueva Guatemala de la
Asunción. Guatemala City was officially born.
The colonial powers didn't quite move the capital far enough, for earthquakes in 1917,
1918 and 1976 rocked the capital, reducing buildings to rubble. The 1976 quake killed
nearly 23,000, injured another 75,000 and left an estimated one million homeless.
Sights & Activities
The major sights are in Zona 1 (the historic center) and Zonas 10 and 13, where the mu-
seums are grouped. If you're in town on a Sunday, consider taking the TransMetro's
Su-
biBaja
(free; 9am-2pm)
hop-on, hop-off self-guided tour. Modern, air-conditioned
TransMetro buses run a circuit passing every 20 minutes, with 10 stops including Parque
Central, Centro Cívico, the zoo (and museums), Zona Viva, Pasos y Pedales, Cuatro Gra-
dos Norte and Mapa en Relieve. Volunteer guides give an on-board commentary and each
bus is staffed by a member of the Transit Police. It's an excellent way to see many of these
sights without worrying about public transport or taxis.
