Capital with Kids
Researched (not yet visited in person)The family plan: zoo in the morning, miniature country, and free afternoon in Cayalá.
full day · 3 stops
- 1La Aurora Zoo150 min
- 2Relief Map60 min
- 3Cayalá City120 min
Guatemala
Guatemala City
The capital that almost everyone passes through and few explore: a monumental historic center, the best Mayan museums in the country, and a modern scene of neighborhoods, cafes, and murals.
Suggested routes
Essential Historic Center
Researched (not yet visited in person)Zone 1 in a morning: square, the Palacio Verde inside, the Cathedral, textiles and market lunch, and the Sixth.
half day · 5 stops
- 1Plaza de la Constitución30 min
- 2National Palace of Culture75 min
- 3Metropolitan Cathedral30 min
- 4Central Market90 min
- 5Sixth Avenue60 min
Guate under cover
Researched (not yet visited in person)Rainy day solved: the two great Mayan museums and the underground market.
half day · 3 stops
- 1Popol Vuh Museum75 min
- 2Ixchel Museum of Indigenous Dress60 min
- 3Central Market75 min
Modern Guate
Researched (not yet visited in person)Murals, specialty coffee, and the white city: the capital that doesn't appear on postcards.
half day · 3 stops
- 1Cuatro Grados Norte90 min
- 2Sixth Avenue60 min
- 3Cayalá City120 min
Places (22)
National Palace of Culture
It is a must-visit for those who want to learn about Guatemalan history and culture.
~45 minFirst visitRainy day
Metropolitan Cathedral
It is an emblematic place that combines history, architecture, and a spectacular view.
~30 minFirst visitRainy day
National Museum of Archaeology & Ethnology (MUNAE)
If you only visit one museum in the capital, make it this one: the Maya context that makes Tikal make sense.
~90 minFirst visitRainy day
Cuatro Grados Norte
It is an ideal place to enjoy urban art and a vibrant local culture.
~75 minPhotographyAs a couple
Popol Vuh Museum
It is a must-visit place for lovers of Maya culture and history.
~75 minRainy dayFirst visit
Ixchel Museum of Indigenous Dress
It is a unique opportunity to learn about the textile culture and tradition of Guatemala.
~60 minRainy dayPhotography
Miguel Ángel Asturias Cultural Center (National Theatre)
Guatemala’s most extraordinary building — architecture as sculpture, with the city at its feet.
~75 minPhotographyFirst visit
La Aurora Zoo
The capital’s classic family outing: well-cared-for animals, picnic-friendly gardens and affordable tickets.
~150 minWith childrenPhotography
Botanical Garden (USAC)
Zone 10’s quiet escape: an hour of shade, plants and silence in the middle of the city.
~60 minAs a coupleLight walking
Railway Museum
A hidden downtown gem: climb into historic carriages and photograph another era.
~60 minWith childrenPhotography
Sixth Avenue
It is an ideal place to explore the culture and history of the city.
~60 minFirst visitLight walking
Relief Map
It is an iconic site that combines history and natural beauty, ideal for a family visit.
~60 minWith childrenFirst visit
Yurrita Chapel
Ten minutes of pure gold for architecture lovers — there is no other church like it in Central America.
~30 minPhotographyAs a couple
Naciones Unidas National Park (Amatitlán)
The closest green getaway to the capital: lake and volcano views without leaving the department.
~180 minWith childrenPhotography
Central Market
It is one of the best places in the country to buy textiles at a leisurely pace and eat cheap and authentic food.
~60 minLocal foodRainy day
Plaza de la Constitución
It is an iconic place to enjoy local life and historical architecture.
~30 minFirst visitLight walking
Cerro del Carmen
Downtown’s historic viewpoint: the valley’s oldest hermitage and Zone 1’s best short walk.
~60 minPhotographyLight walking
Cayalá City
It is a perfect place to enjoy a relaxing and attractive stroll in the city.
~120 minWith childrenAs a couple
Kaminaljuyú
It is a fascinating site to explore the rich Maya cultural heritage in an outdoor setting.
~60 minPhotographyFirst visit
Children’s Museum
The favorite indoor afternoon for local families — and the zoo’s next-door neighbor.
~120 minWith childrenRainy day
La Aurora Crafts Market
Every craft of the country in one calm place — without the chaos of a general market.
~60 minFirst visitRainy day
Useful traveler info
Get around by Uber (cheap and convenient); the Transmetro serves the center. Focus on the historic center (zone 1) during the day and the museums and zones 4/10/16 at other times. Like any capital: normal caution with phone and wallet, and avoid walking in lonely areas at night. La Aurora Airport is 15-25 minutes from almost everywhere.