What to do around Antigua Guatemala

La Antigua Guatemala preserves a centuries-old history in numerous churches, museums, and ruins, which are to be explored along the cobbled streets while walking through the city. The ancient legends and traditions are alive in all corners.

Among the many museums, we can mention the old book’s museum, the museum of colonial art with an exhibition of paintings from the 16th and 17th centuries, the Casa Santo Domingo archaeological museum. The Capuchin museum exhibits works from the colonial era, modern art, and archaeological artifacts.

For the curious, La Antigua Guatemala offers many shops and markets where a sheer endless number of countries style textiles, ceramics, as well as high-quality silver and gold works, locally produce leather goods or precious mineral and Jade jewelry are waiting to be discovered.

Among the numerous churches, the pilgrimage Church of the Apostle Philip, the temple of Saint Bartolome Becerra, the church and monastery of Our Lady of la Merced, Santa Clara monastery, the church a convent of the reconciliation, the Church of the Apostle Saint Peter, and the monastery of the Society of Jesus stand out and are worth a visit. These sacred places add a romantic touch to the city and make it a favored setting for weddings and events.

Antigua Guatemala

Among the many museums, we can mention the old book’s museum, the museum of colonial art with an exhibition of paintings from the 16th and 17th centuries, the Casa Santo Domingo archaeological museum. The Capuchin museum exhibits works from the colonial era, modern art, and archaeological artifacts.

For the curious, La Antigua Guatemala offers many shops and markets where a sheer endless number of countries style textiles, ceramics, as well as high-quality silver and gold works, locally produce leather goods or precious mineral and Jade jewelry are waiting to be discovered.

Among the numerous churches, the pilgrimage Church of the Apostle Philip, the temple of Saint Bartolome Becerra, the church and monastery of Our Lady of la Merced, Santa Clara monastery, the church a convent of the reconciliation, the Church of the Apostle Saint Peter, and the monastery of the Society of Jesus stand out and are worth a visit. These sacred places add a romantic touch to the city and make it a favored setting for weddings and events.

on the axis between the impressive plaza central and the Palacio del Noble Ayuntamiento (an original building dating from 1743 with a two-story colonnade facade of solid stone), the Palacio de Los Capitanes generals deserve special attention. The square with the sirens fountain from 1737 and the parish church of San Jose at the entrance of the original cathedral of Santiago de los Caballeros form the historic heart of the city.

In the back part, surrounded by a few lively restaurants and bars, lie the ruins of Santa Catalina monastery with an elaborate carved with angelic figures and a striking Archway, which gave inspiration to its street name Calle del Arco.

The city has many quaint colonial-style boutique hotels and many restaurants attractive to visiting tourists and for business events and congresses.

La Merced Church

From a culinary point of view, Antigua is a cosmopolitan city where international culinary delights are to be found alongside local specialties such as Tamales, Chuchitos, Pepian, or Hilachas.

For those looking for exercise, there are spectacular mountain biking trails through the Hills and mountains surrounding the Panchoy Valley. Here, adventurers find the perfect stage for virtually any outdoor activity. There is a wide offer of tours to farms in the surrounding area; excursions on horseback are an unforgettable experience. zip lining, bird watching, coffee plantation tours, including coffee tasting or baths in hot volcanic Springs add to the vast offer of extraordinary activities.

What is traditional Maya clothing in Guatemala?

Traditional Maya clothing includes garments such as huipiles, cortes, fajas, and ceremonial textiles worn by many Indigenous communities throughout Guatemala.

What is a huipil?

A huipil is a handwoven blouse traditionally worn by Maya women. Designs vary between communities and often reflect local traditions, identity, and artistic expression.

Why do Maya textiles differ from one community to another?

Different communities have developed distinct weaving styles, colors, motifs, and techniques over generations, creating a rich diversity of textile traditions throughout Guatemala.

What is a backstrap loom?

A backstrap loom is a traditional weaving tool attached to both a fixed object and the weaver's body. It remains widely used in many Maya communities today.

What is a Corte in traditional Maya clothing?

A corte is the traditional skirt worn by many Maya women in Guatemala. Typically made from woven fabric, cortes vary in color, pattern, and style depending on the community. They are often worn with a huipil and secured with a woven belt known as a faja.

What is a Tzute?

Used in many Maya communities for both practical and ceremonial purposes, the tzute is a versatile woven cloth that may carry goods, cover the head, protect food, wrap sacred items, or complement traditional attire. Its designs and uses differ among communities.

What is a Faja?

Serving as both a functional and decorative garment, the faja is a handwoven belt used to secure a corte around the waist. Colors, patterns, and weaving techniques often reflect regional traditions and local craftsmanship.

What is a Backstrap Loom?

Still widely used throughout Guatemala, the backstrap loom is a traditional weaving tool attached to both a fixed object and the weaver's body. This technique allows artisans to create intricate textiles while maintaining centuries-old weaving traditions.

Are traditional Maya textiles still worn today?

Yes. Traditional Maya clothing continues to be worn in many communities throughout Guatemala as part of daily life, celebrations, religious events, and cultural gatherings.

Why do Maya women still wear traditional clothing in Guatemala?

Traditional Maya clothing continues to be worn for many reasons, including cultural identity, family traditions, community belonging, practicality, and personal choice. While styles and materials continue to evolve, traditional garments remain an important part of everyday life in many Maya communities.

How can travelers support Maya weavers?

Travelers can support Maya weavers by purchasing handmade textiles directly from artisans or reputable cooperatives, paying fair prices, and learning about the cultural context behind the garments.

Maya World Travel Blog

Maya World Travel Blog

by Martsam Travel

“Stories, insights, and cultural journeys through the Maya World — curated by Martsam Travel.”

Recent Posts