Paseo de la Sexta
Guatemala City, Central Highlands
A lively pedestrianized strip in the heart of Guatemala City’s historic center, Paseo de la Sexta is part of the city’s Sixth Avenue. Lined with bars, restaurants, stores, and colorful apartment blocks, it transforms over Christmas and Easter when the street comes alive with parades and festivities.
The basics
Many travelers visit Paseo de la Sexta independently, soaking up the atmosphere, shopping, and snacking while en route to nearby attractions like Plaza de la Constitución. But most Guatemala City tours also include a stop here, and guides can talk you through its evolution from its origins as the Calle Real and introduce local landmarks like the art deco Teatro Lux.
Things to know before you go
- Paseo de la Sexta is a good stop for shoppers, people watchers, and architecture buffs.
- If you’re planning to watch the Christmas or Holy Week parades, arrive early, bring water, and watch for pickpockets.
- The street is flat and well-made, but dropped curbs are in short supply, and not all businesses accommodate people using wheelchairs.
How to get there
Paseo de la Sexta is in the heart of Guatemala City, running south from the Plaza de la Constitución. The best Transmetro bus stop is San Agustín (Line 1), or you can take an Uber or a metered taxi or join a tour.
When to get there
Paseo de la Sexta is open year-round but comes into its own for festivals and parades. These include the cultural festival in late May, the Christmas parade around the start of December, and various processions during Holy Week in the run-up to Catholic Easter.
Portal de la Sexta
Connecting the Paseo de la Sexta and Paseo Jocotenango, the Portal de la Sexta is a sleek corridor and exhibition space styled like a classical portico. Opened in 2021 to commemorate the 200-year anniversary of Guatemalan independence, it’s part of an ongoing project of urban regeneration that’s making Guatemala City safer.
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