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Monument to Christopher Columbus

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Landmark

Monument to Christopher Columbus (Guatemala)

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The Monument to Christopher Columbus in Guatemala City is a significant historical landmark located on the Avenida de las Américas. It was inaugurated on June 30, 1896, during the administration of President José María Reina Barrios to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the arrival of Europeans in America. Designed by the Spanish sculptor Thomas Mur, the monument features a bronze statue of Columbus standing atop a large marble pedestal. He is depicted standing on a globe, surrounded by allegorical figures representing the four continents: Europe, Asia, Africa, and America. Originally placed in the city's Central Park, the monument has been relocated several times due to urban expansion and political changes. The base is decorated with intricate bas-reliefs depicting scenes from Columbus's first voyage in 1892 and his encounter with the indigenous peoples of San Salvador. Today, it stands as a testament to the late 19th-century artistic style in Guatemala and continues to be a point of interest in the historic district.

Location: Guatemala
Top sights: Torre del Reformador · Da'wah Mosque of Guatemala · Universidad Mesoamericana
Nearby: Santa Catarina Pinula (4 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	19	21	22	23	23	22	21	21	21	20	19	19
Rain mm	5	7	12	41	163	225	172	223	243	191	43	8

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The Columbus Monument in Guatemala City is a public monument in a park. It is accessible at any time and admission is free.

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Typical hours

As an outdoor monument, it is usually accessible around the clock. The park may however close at night - check locally.

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Photography

Photography is allowed, be mindful of other visitors. The best time for photos is early morning or late afternoon.

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Time needed

Allocate about 10 to 15 minutes for the visit. The park invites a short stroll.

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Combine with

Combine the visit with other monuments in downtown Guatemala City. The central Plaza Mayor is also worth seeing.

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Getting there

The monument is in the central city area, easily reachable by bus or taxi. Many hotels are nearby so you can also walk.

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Insider tip

Visit the monument on weekdays to avoid larger crowds. A stop at a nearby café rounds off the trip nicely.

Geography

Coordinates

14.61300, -90.52100

Facts

Inaugurated on June 30, 1896, by President José María Reina Barrios.
Created by the renowned Spanish sculptor Thomas Mur.
The central statue is made of bronze, mounted on a marble base.
Four allegorical figures represent Europe, Asia, Africa, and America.
It was originally located in the Plaza de la Constitución in the city center.
The bas-reliefs detail scenes from the first transatlantic voyage in 1492.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Yurrita Church (Our Lady of Sorrows)<1 km · NExplore →

Ixchel Museum of Indigenous Textiles and Clothing2 km · NExplore →

Guatemala Plastic Factory2 km · SExplore →

Altar de Sacrificios2 km · SWExplore →

Guatemala Auto Parts Mfg3 km · NExplore →

Guatemala Concrete Batching4 km · SExplore →

San Francisco de Campeche6 km · WExplore →

Laguna Chichoj6 km · NExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Monument to Christopher Columbus (3)

Torre del Reformador📍 landmark

Steel lattice tower in Zone 9, built to commemorate the 1871 reform movement.

Da'wah Mosque of Guatemala📍 landmark

Mosque in Guatemala City, serving the local Muslim community for prayers.

Universidad Mesoamericana📍 landmark

Private university in Zone 2, offering programs in humanities and social sciences.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Where is the monument located?

On Avenida Las Américas in Guatemala City.

When was it erected?

It was inaugurated in the late 19th century.

Is there a fee to see it?

No, it is in a public space and freely accessible.

Is there parking available?

There are limited parking spots along the avenue; watch out for traffic.

What is nearby?

Many parks, monuments, and shopping centers in the area.

Monument to Christopher Columbus: where is it located?

Monument to Christopher Columbus is located in Guatemala.

Monument to Christopher Columbus: what is there to see?

Highlights include Torre del Reformador, Da'wah Mosque of Guatemala, Universidad Mesoamericana.

Monument to Christopher Columbus: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar.

Monument to Christopher Columbus: why is it worth visiting?

The Monument to Christopher Columbus in Guatemala City is a significant historical landmark located on the Avenida de las Américas.

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