Antigua Guatemala is the first capital of Guatemala, established on July 25 1554 by Don Pedro de Alvarado, who was sent by Hernán Cortés from Mexico for the conquest of Guatemala in December of 1553. This city was baptized with the name of Santiago de los Caballeros, in IXIMCHÉ and it was declared by the UNESCO in July of 1965 A World Cultural Heritage. Antigua is located in a valley (1,500.mts) at the bottom of the spectacular Water Volcano (3,765mts high). Antigua Guatemala was once the third most important Spanish colony in the Americas. More than 30 monastic orders called Antigua home and built stunning monasteries, convents and cathedrals in the town.

Antigua Guatemala, is in the department of Sacatepequez, (Hill of Grass), and it is the most exceptional and better-preserved colonial city in America. Antigua receives the visit of tourists every year from all-around the world to enjoy its natural beauty and historical monuments. The Spanish Colonial Style impregnates each part of the city: their houses, churches, squares, parks and ruins, and also their traditions and folklore.

Antigua is a colourful and charming city where you can see an overwhelming variety of the historical attractiveness of Guatemala, the handmade products by artisans that honour the traditions from generation to generation. Temperate Antigua, the climate, and the friendly inhabitants welcome visitors; the city has all the required services: sophisticated hotels, cafes and restaurants (with traditional or international menus), banks, warehouses, Internet, travel agencies, schools, and art galleries. .

Neighboring cities and villages are Ciudad Vieja, Jocotenango, El Obispo, Santa María de Jesus, San Bartolomé Milpas Altas and Santa Catalina Barahona del San Juan. Each one of these cities are wkorth the visit, for their historical colonial churches.