Shore Excursion Details

Ancient Textiles from the Highlands of Guatemala

Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala

Ancient Textiles from the Highlands of Guatemala

DETAILS

  • 7
    hrs Estimate Duration

Delve into the cultural heritage of Guatemala by browsing an ancient textiles museum, admiring Antigua Guatemala’s colonial architecture, and watching how jade jewelry is made.


After departing from the pier, you will settle in for a wonderfully scenic drive through the mountainous inland terrain and on to Antigua Guatemala. The former capital of Guatemala, this UNESCO World Heritage site contains an abundance of beautifully restored colonial architecture that you will see while driving through town.


Upon arriving at the Ancient Textiles Museum, you will learn about Guatemala’s cultural heritage of weaving and how the ancient Maya wove naturally dyed cotton. In some of the exhibits, mannequins will be seen wearing historical traditional costumes in a household setting with typical furnishings and even foods, which will add realism and relevance.


You will have a chance to purchase textiles in the museum gift shop before continuing on to the glorious La Merced Church. While pausing outside the Baroque-style church for photos, take note that the building is rather low and stout to better withstand earthquakes.


Following lunch at Casa Santo Domingo Restaurant, you will proceed to one of the city’s premier jade factories. Early civilizations in Mesoamerica prized jade mined in this part of Guatemala, and the stone is still cut and polished using traditional methods similar to those developed thousands of years ago.


Before returning to the pier, you will have time to shop for jade necklaces, earrings, bangles and even watchbands with jade clasps.


Need to Know:

Note: . Wear comfortable shoes and bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and cash for some shopping.

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ACTIVITY ATTRIBUTES

Excursion Type:

Scenic & City Tours
Shopping

Activity Level:

Image Title
  • 1
    Easy
  • 2
    Moderate
  • 3
    Challenging
Tours with this activity level involve a considerable amount of physical activity such as substantial walking over cobblestone streets, uneven or steep terrain, climbing stairs, or extended periods of standing. Not recommended for guests with physical limitations. Comfortable, sturdy shoes are recommended.
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