Zona Viva Hotel in Guatemala City near Aurora Airport
The Radisson Hotel & Suites offers a prime location in the center of the city's most important financial and business district, "Zona Viva." Our hotel in Guatemala City is surrounded by key office buildings, local attractions and the best restaurants, bars and nightlife in the city. La Aurora International Airport is five minutes away, and transportation is provided (reservation and fee required).
Our hotel in Guatemala City is near the following attractions:
Catedral Metropolitano This church was built in the mid-18th century and is one of Guatemala's most recognizable sights.
Jardines Botanico (Botanical Gardens) Be sure to visit the first urban botanical gardens in Central America, located in Zona 10. Phone: (502) 2-334-6064
La Aurora National Zoo Located near La Aurora Airport, the National Zoo features animals native to Guatemala and Central America. Phone: (502) 2-475-0894
La Merced View religious artwork and sculptures inside this baroque-style church in Guatemala City. Phone: (502) 2-232-0631
Mercado Central The busy indoor Central Market is the best place to get deals on everything from clothing and jewelry to handmade crafts and housewares.
Palacio Nacional Originally built for President Castaneda, the national palace now houses a museum showcasing pieces by Guatemalan artists. Phone: (502) 2-221-4444
Sitio Arqueológico Kaminal Juyú See the city's Mayan ruins, located in Zona 7.
The green and red quetzal, which is pictured on the country's flag and lends its name to the local currency, is Guatemala's national bird and a resplendent reminder of how colorful the country truly is. The capital, Guatemala City, has held onto its history and culture while growing and modernizing to become a stable economic leader of Central America. Guatemala City is a diverse city divided into 22 zones, each with distinct specialties. Grab a cab and explore. La Zona Viva, the liveliest and hippest zone, contains name-brand hotels, extravagant and chain dining options, designer shopping and nightlife. Other great sites demanding a visit lie in zone one and include the main plaza, Plaza Mayor, and Palacio Nacional, which was started in 1928 and completed in 1943. If you're looking for traditional souvenirs, try the Central Market, a two-story underground venue which carries textiles, clothes, jewelry and pottery with designs that represent the typical patterns and colors of the native tribes. The bottom floor offers produce, meat and poultry. Guatemala City is also the country's hub for side- and day-trips into the countryside. A short plane ride will deliver you to Tikal, north of the city and located in the rainforest, where Mayan temples, wildlife and natural beauty await discovery. Within reasonable driving distance is the colorful and active Chichicastenango. Set between two volcanoes, the town is a visual delight boasting an active market and the Church of Santo Tomás, site of lively spiritual rituals. Also nearby is Antigua, a beautiful colonial town that offers boutique shops, touristy dining options and an enchanting atmosphere. Lastly is Lake Atitlan, one of the world's most beautiful bodies of water. The lakeside town of Panajachel offers modern conveniences in a delightful setting. After experiencing Guatemala's rich Mayan traditions, spiritual rituals and dramatic landscapes, it's easy to appreciate such a unique place.
Did you know?
The sprawling metropolis can be hard to navigate for travelers and is separated between the Old City and the New City, as well as into 21 different zonas. Once travelers learn the key zones, getting around the city is made easier. The Old City is Zona 1 and the New City spans Zona 9 and Zona 10. Between the two is Zona 4 with the other Zonas spread around. Travelers are encouraged to get a city map to navigate between Zonas.