Parque Central

Also known as the Plaza de la Constitución, this large (and now quite bland) square was originally laid out as the city’s central focus of power, with the cathedral and important government buildings lining its edges. A redesign in the 1980s robbed the square of much of its architectural legacy, but a bit of grandeur remains. A brass plaque in front of the Palacio Nacional marks the country's ground zero, the point from which all distances in Guatemala are measured, and a huge national flag flies above an underground parking garage.

The park is pretty quiet during the week, but on weekends Guatemalans come here to promenade, eat ice cream, and shop at the huipil market. Of particular interest is the monument to the 1996 peace accord, but the eternal flame for peace has now been moved inside the palace. The square is also known for being the site of occasional protests, as was the case during the camp-in demonstrations in 2009 against Agua Pura Salvavidas.

Location:

Between Calle 6 and 8 and Avenidas 6 and 7,

City Plaza

Getting There

Next to the Palacio Nacional.

Travel Tips:

Be sure to take care of your belongings as bag-theft is common.

Price Description:

Free

Relative price: Budget

Travel Skills: beginner/easy.

By Joanne Sykes

Born and raised in Yorkshire, England, Jo is currently working as a freelance travel writer in Latin America. With degrees in International Politics...

Created: 28 Aug 2009

Updated: 23 Nov 2009