landmark
Antigua Guatemala
A UNESCO colonial city framed by volcanoes, filled with cobblestone streets, pastel-colored buildings, and stunning ruined churches.
5 km · about 10 min drive
North AmericaGuatemalaSacatepéquez
Ciudad Vieja
Sacatepéquez, Guatemala · North America
About Ciudad Vieja
Ciudad Vieja is worth a stop: 5 minutes from San Miguel Dueñas, 24km from Pacaya Volcano.
Ciudad Vieja is in Sacatepéquez, Guatemala, with about 33,000 people. The nearest town is San Miguel Dueñas, about 4 km away.
Ciudad Vieja (Spanish pronunciation: [sjuˈðað ˈβjexa]) is a town and municipality in the Guatemalan department of Sacatepéquez. According to the 2018 census, the town has a population of 32,802 and the municipality a population of 33,405. Ciudad Vieja was the second site of Santiago de los Caballeros de Guatemala, theRead more
colonial capital of the country.
San Miguel Escobar is the modern name for the district that contains the ruins of the second colonial capital of the Guatemala region. The Spaniards founded their capital here in 1527, after their previous capital at Tecpán Guatemala became untenable. The city was destroyed by a catastrophic lahar from Volcan de Agua in 1541, and the survivors had no choice but to abandon the site. Among the casualties was the governor Beatriz de la Cueva.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to see near Ciudad Vieja?
Within an hour or so of Ciudad Vieja: Antigua Guatemala (5 km), Acatenango (12 km), Pacaya Volcano (24 km), Lake Atitlan (49 km).
Are there any good drives near Ciudad Vieja?
The nearest famous roads are Ruta de las Flores.
Where is Ciudad Vieja?
Ciudad Vieja is in Sacatepéquez, Guatemala, about 4 km from San Miguel Dueñas.
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Quick Information
- Population
- 33,405
- Continent
- North America
- Country
- Guatemala
- Region
- Sacatepéquez
- Timezone
- America/Guatemala
- Coordinates
- 14.5240, -90.7631
Tags
Worth the detour from Ciudad Vieja
6 notable places within an hour's drive.
scenic viewpoint
Acatenango
A 3,976 m stratovolcano near Antigua climbed overnight so hikers can camp on the ridge and watch neighbouring Volcán de Fuego erupt through the night: one of the most reliable live-eruption views on earth.
12 km · about 25 min drive
natural wonder
Pacaya Volcano
An active volcano near Antigua Guatemala where hikers can roast marshmallows on volcanic vents and see glowing lava flows.
24 km · about 25 min drive
natural wonder
Lake Atitlan
A breathtaking volcanic lake surrounded by three towering volcanoes and traditional Mayan villages, often called the most beautiful lake in the world.
49 km · about 55 min drive
landmark
San Pedro La Laguna
A backpacker and artist hub on Lake Atitlán's shores beneath San Pedro Volcano, known for Spanish schools and Tz'utujil Maya culture.
58 km · about 65 min drive
landmark
Chichicastenango Market
Central America's largest indigenous market held every Thursday and Sunday, overflowing with textiles, masks, flowers, and Maya rituals.
60 km · about 70 min drive
Driving roads near Ciudad Vieja
- Right hereAcatenangoA 3,976 m stratovolcano near Antigua climbed overnight so hikers can camp on the ridge and watch neighbouring Volcán de Fuego erupt through the night: one of the most reliable live-eruption views on earth.
When to drive here
Year-round
Tropical latitude: plan around the wet season rather than temperature.
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