Museums
National Monuments
(Convents & Churches)
Antigua Guatemala
Antigua Guatemala stands as a cinematic gem, offering a myriad of breathtaking filming locations that seamlessly blend historical richness with natural beauty. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, nestled among volcanoes, exudes a captivating charm that can elevate any film project.
Historic Architecture: The city boasts well-preserved colonial architecture, featuring vibrant facades, cobblestone streets, and majestic churches. These timeless structures provide an authentic backdrop for period pieces, dramas, and romantic films. The iconic Santa Catalina Arch and the ruins of churches add a touch of mystique and history to the visual narrative.
Natural Splendor: Surrounded by lush landscapes and framed by volcanic peaks, Antigua offers a unique combination of urban and natural settings. The Agua, Fuego, and Acatenango volcanoes create a dramatic skyline, while the nearby hills and valleys provide diverse settings for various scenes, from intimate moments to grand vistas.
Colorful Markets and Streets: The bustling markets and lively streets of Antigua are a filmmaker’s dream. Vibrant market scenes, bustling squares, and dynamic street life add authenticity and energy to any production. The kaleidoscope of colors from traditional textiles and local crafts provides a visually striking backdrop.
Courtyards and Gardens: Antigua is dotted with enchanting courtyards and lush gardens tucked away behind ancient walls. These secluded spaces offer serene settings for romantic scenes, reflective moments, or character interactions. The juxtaposition of historical architecture and nature creates a captivating visual contrast.
Mayan Ruins: Just beyond Antigua, the Mayan ruins of Iximche and Mixco Viejo provide filmmakers with the opportunity to explore ancient civilizations. These archaeological sites, with their intricate stone structures and panoramic views, add a layer of historical depth to any film set in Guatemala.
Versatility for Various Genres: Antigua’s diverse locations make it suitable for a wide range of genres, including historical dramas, romantic films, adventure stories, and even contemporary pieces seeking an authentic backdrop.
In essence, Antigua Guatemala is not merely a location; it’s a cinematic canvas waiting to bring stories to life. The combination of history, culture, and natural beauty makes it a compelling choice for filmmakers seeking an unforgettable backdrop for their projects.
Quetzaltenango
Quetzaltenango is the second largest city of Guatemala and was founded in 1845; it is surrounded by mountains and hills. Its main town is Xela which means ‘Under ten hills’.
The city’s high elevation causes the temperature to drop below freezing in the dry season. It is near the site of the battle in which the Spanish and their Indian allies from Mexico decisively defeated the K’iche’ Maya in 1524.
Quetzaltenango has many beautiful places to explore such as plazas, cathedrals, landscapes, hot springs, rivers among others. Its most important volcanoes are Santiaguito and Santa Maria.
It has a great atmosphere – not too big, not too small, enough foreigners to support a good range of hotels and restaurants, but not so many that it loses its national flavor.