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The Plaza (Parque Central)

Antigua, Guatemala
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Ranked #4 of 33 attractions in Antigua
Type: Landmarks/ Points of Interest, Parks
Description: This town square, with tree-lined streets and old colonial buildings, is a popular gathering place for locals and tourists.
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268 reviews from our community

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    29
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Date Rating
Guatemala
Senior Contributor
25 reviews 25 reviews
6 attraction reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 7 May 2013

If you go to Antigua the time to go is for Semana Santa (Holy Week or Easter). You wil see the carpets that are the most beautiful in the world! The processions are amazing and the whole atmosphere is really worth it!

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See 3 more reviews by Anna M for Antigua
Copenhagen
Senior Contributor
24 reviews 24 reviews
5 attraction reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 25 April 2013

This park is truly in the center of it all. It is a great spot to stop and just relax and enjoy the beauty of the trees the funny fountain in the middle and watch life in all it's diversity- young and old, gringos and locals, lovers kissing, children playing, shoes getting shined, photos being taken, newspapers getting read, naps... More

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See 8 more reviews by webklan for Antigua
Kelowna, Canada
Contributor
14 reviews 14 reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 15 April 2013

Great for people watching especially the Maya in their beautiful native dress. Also the cathedral to wonder at the immense power of the earthquake that leveled most of it (and all the other churches in Antigua) in the 1700's.

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See 3 more reviews by mjharrisart for Antigua
Vernon, Canada
Senior Reviewer
10 reviews 10 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 April 2013

Lovely central square surrounded by colonial buildings. Lots of trees, park benches and shade to enjoy. Good tourist information booth in the square. Later in the evening we watched the moon rise over the cathedral.

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See 2 more reviews by Charles S for Antigua
Brooklyn, New York
Top Contributor
212 reviews 212 reviews
147 attraction reviews
Reviews in 77 cities Reviews in 77 cities
50 helpful votes 50 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 April 2013

People watch here, try local treats like snow cones, corn on the cob and wait for processions during Semana Santa.

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See 2 more reviews by CarmenSandiego2012 for Antigua
Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 12 April 2013

Very quiant little square. BUT, be prepared to just say a firm NO! You are basically attacked on the street with the local products for sale. They are brutal. They will watch you and follow you from store to store.

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See 2 more reviews by Jen C for Antigua
Boston, Massachusetts
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 11 April 2013

The plaza is smaller than I anticipated but it has a beautiful fountain, plenty of benches, good people watching and is in the center of many local attractions. If you're lost, just ask for the plaza as everybody knows where it is. Here I was able to talk to some locals, including some great Mayan children selling jewelry, little hand... More

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See 5 more reviews by scrapgirl77 for Antigua
Chicago, Illinois
Top Contributor
582 reviews 582 reviews
230 attraction reviews
Reviews in 147 cities Reviews in 147 cities
171 helpful votes 171 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 10 April 2013

Tip: touristic info - extremely helpful staff. Pros: nice views, social area, very busy, it also has a touristic information kiosk with very attentive and helpful staff. It's the heart of the town. You should check it.

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See 3 more reviews by Helena G for Antigua
Lebanon, Tennessee
Contributor
14 reviews 14 reviews
5 attraction reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 9 April 2013

Went to Antigua at the beginning of Holy Week. The processionals are amazing! The "carpets" are beautiful!! I am not Catholic, but this is incredible. A must see during holy week.

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Antigua, Guatemala
Senior Reviewer
10 reviews 10 reviews
5 attraction reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 7 April 2013

It's nice for people watching, having a nice ice cream and enjoying the shadow of trees. There are some decent colonial buildings.

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