The city was called Kaminaljuyu and it was a part of the Mayan civilization. Most ruins of this city disappeared under the today's Guatemala City, only the historical center has been preserved. Kaminaljuyu declined somewhere around 900 A.D. Guatemala City experienced another boom during the Spanish colonization in the 17th century. At the end of the 18th century, an earthquake damaged the old capital of the Kingdom of Guatemala and Guatemala City became the new capital. Since 1821, Guatemala City is the center of independent Guatemala . It covers the area of about 700 sq km and has over million inhabitants today. .
Monuments and galleries
Cultural life is mostly concentrated in the so-called Zone 1, the historical part of Guatemala City. There is the main square, the national and presidential palace, the cathedral and the main market. To a tourist, the market may seem like one great theater of colors, aromas, sounds and shapes. You can biy the local groceries, drinks and hand-made products there. There are many museums and more than 30 galleries in Zone 1, such as the museum Popol Vuh dedicated to the ancient Mayan civilization. If you have never been to Paris , you should visit the "Torre el Reformador" - a replica of the Eiffel Tower in real scale.Practical information
You can get to Guatemala City by car, bus and plain. The third largest airport in Central America ,La Aurora , is located there. It provides flights from South America , North America and Spain . The biggest shopping and entertainment center is the Zona Viva with many shops, hotels and bars.Tourist information and destination rating
Guatemala City: Travel guide - tips for trips, the best restaurants, tourism