Guatemala City Introduction Walking Tour (Self Guided), Guatemala City

Guatemala City is the capital city of Guatemala and the largest city in Central America. The history of the city dates to 1500 BC when the land was part of the Mayan civilization. The city was known as Kaminaljuyu, which collapsed for unknown causes around 300 AD.

Guatemala City as it stands today was established in 1776 following the Spanish conquest as the capital of the Kingdom of Guatemala. Spanish conquistado Pedro de Alvarado declared the land for Spain and established a small town near the old ruins of Kaminaljuyu. The Cathedral of Guatemala, now a popular tourist attraction, was built at this time.

Guatemala was a member of the Kingdom of Guatemala for nearly 330 years. This kingdom included a part of Mexico, and present-day nations Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Rica. The kingdom became independent from Spain in 1821. In 1841, Guatemala declared itself an independent republic and retained Guatemala City as its capital.

Guatemala City is the cultural and economic center for the country, which makes it an excellent choice for a visit. The city boasts numerous museums and historical places. Some of these include the National Palace of Culture, San Francisco Church and the National History Museum.

Shopping is a popular activity for tourists to the city. Local markets offer wonderful opportunities to interact with locals, find great souvenirs and sample traditional cuisine.

Guatemala City is ideal for those who love exploring on foot. The city's relatively high altitude moderates average temperatures. Its climate is almost springlike throughout the course of the year, which makes sightseeing on foot a pleasant activity.

Take this self-guided walking tour to see the most memorable attractions in Guatemala City.