Guatemala City to Antigua and San Juan del Obispo: Day trip

Explore Guatemala's former colonial capital where Spanish baroque architecture creates one of the Americas' most beautiful UNESCO World Heritage cities amid dramatic volcanic backdrops. Marvel at magnificent churches including La Merced with its elaborate yellow facade, Cathedral ruins revealing earthquake damage, and Santa Catalina Arch spanning cobblestone streets while traditional markets sell indigenous textiles, jade jewelry, and handcrafted goods. Walk through perfectly preserved colonial streets where artisan workshops demonstrate traditional weaving, pottery making, and woodcarving while colonial courtyards house galleries, museums, and cultural centers preserving Guatemalan heritage. Experience authentic Guatemalan cuisine including pepián stew, tamales, and traditional coffee while colonial plazas come alive with marimba music and cultural celebrations showcasing the fusion of Spanish and Mayan traditions throughout this enchanting highland city.

Continue to this traditional village that holds one of the first Catholic churches in Guatemala. The historic Bishop's Palace houses some of Guatemala's finest religious artifacts and sacred art collections. Visit the impressive colonial church and former episcopal palace, where Spanish colonial religious architecture demonstrates ecclesiastical power while museums display baroque religious paintings, carved wooden altars, and traditional religious vestments spanning centuries of Catholic heritage.