Avenida Las Américas — History, Tourism and Relevant Facts (Guatemala City, Guatemala)
Las Américas Avenue It is one of the most emblematic and significant urban axes of Guatemala City, a space where history, diplomacy, culture and civic coexistence meet amidst squares, monuments, gardens and public events.
🗺️ What is Avenida Las Américas?
Las Américas Avenue is a wide urban boulevard, tree-lined and emblematic, which divides the zones 13 and 14 of Guatemala City. With an approximate area of 2.6 kilometers and a width of 65 meters This avenue is characterized by its central median with gardens and sculptures that pay tribute to figures and countries of the American continent.
Originally planned towards the end of the 19th century, the avenue was officially named “Avenida Las Américas” in 1948, as a gesture of continental unity following the founding of the Organization of American States (OAS) April 30th of that year.
Today it is an iconic street that combines history, art, public spaces and outdoor cultural activities.
🧱 Origins and History
📜 Background and development
- Although its initial design dates back to the late 19th century, it was in 1948 when the avenue received its current name, in commemoration of the establishment of the OAS.
- Its strategic location makes it an urban link between residential, diplomatic and cultural areas.
🏛️ Structure and characteristics
- Its wide central median houses monuments and squares that represent American countries’ relevant historical figures.
- The objective of urban design was to foster cultural, diplomatic and historical unity among the nations of the continent.
🗽 Most Important Squares and Monuments
Las Américas Avenue has a dozen squares and monuments dedicated to countries, historical figures and cultural concepts of the American continent:
🇨🇷 Costa Rica Square
- Monument dedicated to the former Costa Rican president Rafael Calderón Guardia, with flagpoles in the colors of the Costa Rican flag.
🇨🇺 Plaza Cuba
- In honor of poet and patriot José Martí, a key figure in Cuban independence.
🇪🇨 Plaza Ecuador
- Commemorates Antonio José de Sucre, a key military leader in South American independence; in 2022 a bust and mural were inaugurated to commemorate his legacy.
🇩🇴 Dominican Republic Square
- Pays tribute to Juan Pablo Duarte, considered one of the fathers of the Dominican nation.
🇦🇷 Plaza Argentina
- In honor of José de San Martín, leader of the independence movements in South America.
🇵🇪 Plaza Perú
- Tribute to the politician and military man Ramón Castilla.
🇨🇱 Plaza Chile
- With a statue of Bernardo O’Higgins, a key figure in Chilean independence.
🇳🇮 Plaza Nicaragua
- Dedicate your space to the poet Rubén Darío, symbol of modernism in the Spanish language.
🇨🇦 Canada Square
- Opened in 2005, with an inukshuk, a traditional symbol of the Canadian Arctic.
🎗️ Columbus Square
- Historic statue of Christopher Columbus It indicates the commemoration of the European “discovery” of America.
🌳 Urban Life and Citizen Participation
🚴♂️ Steps and Pedals
The avenue comes alive every Sunday from 10:00 to 14:00, when the activity is performed Steps and Pedals, promoted by the Municipality of Guatemala. During this activity:
- Vehicular traffic is prohibited.
- Walking, cycling, running or simply enjoying the green space is permitted.
This activity has been key to promote urban recreation, healthy living and social interaction bringing families and local visitors closer to this iconic corridor.
📍 Tourism and Tour
Las Américas Avenue is ideal for walking or cycling, urban photography, viewing historical monuments, picnics, outdoor culture and public events.
🌆 Accessibility
- It is located between Zones 13 and 14 of Guatemala City, an area easily accessible from other central areas of the city.
- It is common to start the journey from the Obelisk and advance south to Berlin Square, where there is a stunning view of the nearby volcanoes and fragments of the historic Berlin Wall.
🛏️ Hotels and Nearby Accommodation
If you’re looking to host tourists or visitors near Avenida Las Américas, there are multiple options ranging from comfortable hotels to boutique accommodations in nearby areas, including Zone 13, Zone 14 and Zone 10:
🛎️ Hotels Very Close By
- Hotel Las Americas Located within the area and a short distance from the avenue.
- Adriatika Hotel & Residence: well-rated hotel a few minutes’ walk away.
- At the Grandparents’ Hotel: a convenient and accessible option.
🏨 Recommended Hotels in the City
- Hyatt Centric Guatemala City – Zone 10 (modern lifestyle).
- InterContinental Real Guatemala by IHG – luxury option.
- Barceló Guatemala City – hotel with extensive tourist services.
These accommodations are convenient both for tourists exploring the city and for those using the avenue as part of an urban tour.
🧭 Interesting Facts and Current Events
- 13 commemorative squares form the historical axis of the avenue, representing countries, heroes and symbols of continental unity.
- Steps and Pedals It transforms the entire avenue into a pedestrian space on Sundays, promoting active living and civic culture.
- The Berlin Square At the southern end, it offers original fragments of the Berlin Wall, a historical legacy and an unmissable photographic spot.
🔗 LINKS OF INTEREST
📌 Wikipedia – Avenue of the Americas (Guatemala)
https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avenida_Las_Am%C3%A9ricas_%28Guatemala%29
📌 Detailed history and squares
https://aprende.guatemala.com/cultura-guatemalteca/patrimonios/historia-avenida-de-las-americas-guatemala/
📌 Berlin Square – history and details
https://aprende.guatemala.com/cultura-guatemalteca/historia-plaza-berlin-avenida-americas/
📌 TripAdvisor – visitor reviews and experiences
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g292006-d25132465-Reviews-Avenida_De_Las_Americas-Guatemala_City_Guatemala_Department.html