Add to favorites In favorites
Activities in Antigua Guatemala

The Crypts of Antigua Guatemala Tour

On our tour of the crypts of Antigua Guatemala, we'll explore the underground areas of the Cathedral, Casa Santo Domingo, and the Church of San Francisco. You'll be surprised!

On our tour of the crypts of Antigua Guatemala, we'll explore the underground areas of the Cathedral, Casa Santo Domingo, and the Church of San Francisco. You'll be surprised!

Tour Details 

Did you know that Antigua Guatemala keeps much of its religious past underground? To discover it, we’ll meet in front of the Cathedral of San José. There, after a brief introduction, we’ll begin a tour of crypts and catacombs, exploring some of the city’s most fascinating underground spaces.

First, we’ll visit the crypts of the Cathedral of San José, located beneath one of Antigua’s most iconic churches. We’ll descend into these vaulted spaces where the colonial elite were buried. Did you know that, during the colonial era, the closer a burial was to the main altar, the greater the prestige of the deceased?

We’ll continue to Casa Santo Domingo, a former Dominican convent that today combines historic ruins with museum spaces. Here, we’ll explore its crypts, considered among the most complete in Antigua, while observing the visible effects of the 1773 earthquake. We’ll discover how the vaults, corridors, and burial chambers were adapted to meet the high demand for burials.

Then, we’ll enter the church of San Francisco el Grande, another of the major burial sites from the colonial era. At this complex, we’ll gain an understanding of the role religious orders played in managing burials and shaping the urban landscape. Additionally, here we’ll view the tomb of the saint, Brother Pedro de San José de Betancourt.

Finally, we'll return to the original meeting point, where we'll say goodbye after a 3-hour tour.

View complete description

More Information

Duration

3 hours.

Language

The activity takes place with a guide that speaks in Spanish.

Included

Spanish–speaking guide

Tickets

When to book?

You can book up until 2 hours before the activity as long as there are still places. Book now to guarantee your spot.

Type of voucher

Electronic. Show the voucher on your phone.

Accessibility

Not wheelchair accessible. Accessible toilets.

Sustainability conditions

All services published on Civitatis are carried out in accordance with our Sustainability Code.

Sustainability Code

Our providers commit to:

  • Provide a safe and satisfying experience.
  • Reduce, reuse, recycle.
  • Incorporate eco-conscious technologies.
  • Uphold fair employment standards.
  • Foster the growth of local communities.
  • Preserve the integrity of local culture.
  • Safeguard both cultural and environmental heritage.
  • Ensure ethical treatment of animals.
  • Operate with honesty and transparency.
  • Encourage sustainable behaviors among customers and staff.

This particular activity contributes as follows:

  • Printed material is avoided.
  • No single-use plastics are used.
  • Reusable headsets are used.
  • The activity helps the dissemination of local cultural heritage.
  • No printing of documentation required.
  • Promotes local employment.
  • Has a gender equality policy.
  • Has a carbon footprint offset policy.

Pets

Not permitted.

Frequently asked questions

  • Q - Why do this activity with Civitatis?

    A - At Civitatis we guarantee the best quality and prices, click here if you want to know how we select our activities.

  • Q - How to book?

    A - To reserve the activity, choose the date and complete the form on this page. You will receive your confirmation immediately.

  • Q - Which local supplier will be providing the tour?

    A - Mayaaventuras S.a. Corporate name: Experiencias Turísticas de Guatemala, S.A. Registered Office: Carretera A Ciudad Vieja 8c San Pedro El Panorama, Municipio de Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala Tax Identification Number (VAT ID): 120529831 Contact information Email: mayaaventurassa@gmail.com Phone: 45742344

If you have any other questions please contact us.

Meeting point

St. Joseph's Cathedral

View map

Log in to rate the reviews of other travelers

Don't have an account? Register here
Select a list of favourites
  • Create a new list