City Tour Guatemala

The stability of Antigua Guatemala was seriously compromised by a series of earthquakes throughout the 17th and 18th centuries. The most devastating was the Santa Marta earthquake of July 29, 1773, which left the city in ruins.

Given the scale of the destruction and the recurring earthquakes, the colonial authorities, after intense debate and opposition from some residents and religious orders, decided to permanently relocate the capital. They chose the Valle de la Ermita (or Valle de las Vacas), a location considered safer and with better conditions for urban growth.

The transfer formally began on January 2, 1776, when the first town council meeting was held in the new settlement. The new capital was officially named Nueva Guatemala de la Asunción. This event marked the birth of the present-day Guatemala City.

A city tour of Guatemala City. I recommend visiting the following key locations, which will give you a good insight into its history, culture, and modern life:

A typical city tour might focus on the Historic Center in the morning, and then explore some of the other areas in the afternoon, depending on your interests.