This is our Antigua Guatemala Free Walking Tour Video and Map.
If you enjoy the above video, just click here or the below Google Map to get started. Below the Google map is a short summary of the historical significance of each stop on this free walking tour, video, and map.
This Google Map is interactive so you can add or remove locations according to your preference. Watch the video and add or remove any stops that are of interest to you.
Antigua Guatemala Free Walking Tour Video and Map
Iglesia de la Merced (Merced Church): This church, built by the Mercedarians Catholics, was completed in 1767. Mercedarians were best known for buying Christain slaves captured by Muslims during the holy wars in the 12th century. Mercedarians gave a vow to die if necessary to save another’s religious faith. The carving of Christ holding the cross was brought over from Italy and was completed in 1650.
Santa Catalina Arch: This arch built in the 17th Century was between the Santa Catalina Convent and a school. It allowed the cloistered nuns to walk between the two without walking on the street.
Convento Capuchinas: This convent was completed in 1736. It survived several earthquakes but then fell in a large earthquake in 1773. There were rich and poor nuns worshipping together here. Rich nuns, that could afford to give large donations upon entry lived private extravagant lives in fine clothing and jewelry with slaves taking care of them. Poor nuns were dressed in rustic peasant clothing, lived in community-dwelling areas, and took care of the buildings and grounds. Rich nuns could have chocolate daily unless fasting, but poor nuns were not allowed chocolate.
Casa Santo Domingo Monastery: This monastery was started in 1538 when the Dominicans arrived in Antigua Guatemala. Dominicans preached in the vernacular or local languages instead of in Latin, so people that understood only local languages could learn about Christ. This monastery was destroyed by a category 8 earthquake in 1773.
Lunch Break: 2013 Restaurant $4.50 Set Local Guatemalan Lunch. Rincon Tipico Restaurant. As shown in the above video, click this link to enjoy lunch during your Antigua Guatemala Free Walking Tour Video and Map.
Tanque La Union: Common homes in Antigua during colonial-era times did not have laundry capabilities. So unless you were rich at the time, this is where you would come to wash your clothes.
Antigua Guatemala Cathedral: This Roman Catholic Cathedral was built in 1541. It survived several earthquakes before it was demolished by an earthquake in 1669. It was rebuilt by 1680 and was the largest Cathedral in Central America by 1743. But it was destroyed again by the great earthquake of 1773. In 1779, the Cathedral was rebuilt in Guatemala City which is now the capital of Guatemala. This former Catherdral has been partially rebuilt and functions as a Roman Catholic church now.
Parque Central: For more than 200 years, this central park witnessed from center stage, the Spanish colony of Guatemala. The Guatemala colony included almost all of Central America including the countries now known as Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and the southern part of Mexico, the state of Chiapas, Mexico. This was the center of the Spanish Crown’s governance in Central America. For hundreds of years, and still today, this is where people come to enjoy their favorite pastime, people watching. The Mermaid Fountain in the center was built by Diego de Porres in 1737. You haven’t been to Antigua until you have sat for an hour on one of these benches and observed the beautiful colors and people of Guatemala.
Central Market of Antigua: This is the market where the smart locals come to save up to 80% on everything sold in other parts of Antigua. For the best price on fruits, vegetables, flowers, and meats, wander past the areas with a roof over your head. Instead, head further west to the areas where farmers are selling their goods in an open field. We were surprised by the price difference but even more astounded by the increase in quality when we bought fruits and vegetables directly from these farmer families. Don’t expect to be able to live cheaply in Antigua if you live off the imported goods sold in the La Bodegona grocery store. But it can be fun to have a treat from time to time, from home.
Thanks for checking out our Antigua Guatemala Free Walking Tour Video and Map. Make sure to grab my free eBook while you are here to learn, “How I Fired My Boss and Traveled the World for 14+ Years.“
This is Dan of Vagabond Awake, the YouTube channel for VagabondBuddha.com. The world is your home. What time will you be home for dinner?