Meet Antigua, Guatemala

Antigua, Guatemala is a UNESCO Heritage Site surrounded by 4 volcanoes, one that erupts every 15 minutes and lights up the night skies.

With 50% of the population holding indigenous Mayan ancestry, Guatemala is considered to be the birthplace of Maya civilization and the Central American country that has held on to its Mayan heritage the strongest.  Ancient traditions are actively practiced, colorful hand woven clothing is still worn and 20 Mayan languages are spoken. Guatemala also has consistent temperatures in the 70’s and the fifth lowest cost of living out of the 7 Central American countries, making it a very appealing country to visit. Antigua is Guatemala’s gem, if not the gem of all Central America.  Vibrantly colored historic Spanish colonial architecture throughout the walkable city is framed by the natural beauty of the active volcanoes Fuego and Pacaya and the dormant volcanoes Agua and Acatenango. The area is a backpacker’s dream.  Take an overnight backpack hike up Acatenango trek that takes you to 12,000 feet at the base of Volcano Acatenango up through farmlands, forest and jungle to a base camp where you might see the volcano erupt in the night skies.  Fuego typically erupts every 20 minutes.  Wake up early the next morning to hike to the Acatenango summit for sunrise. Volcanoes Acatenango, Fuego and Pacaya take center stage as they safely surround the town of Antigua in the distance.   Take in sweeping views at Cerro de la Cruz and enjoy the local buzz in Antigua’s central park, Parque Central.   Explore the 16th century ruins of Santiago Cathedral, El Carmen Church & Convento de la Merced.        Enjoy Guatemalan dishes such as Pepián, Enchiladas with beet marinade and Jocon, a traditional dish that was declared an Intangible National Cultural Heritage.      Visit Caoba Farms where organic produce is grown on 2 fully operating farms totaling 45 acres.  The farm includes a farm-to-table restaurant, a weekend farmer’s market. a butterfly sanctuary, yoga and dance classes.         Walk through Mercado Central, the largest market in Antigua where you can buy fresh produce and gifts from street artisans.     Enjoy locally grown, world renown coffee, chocolate and cardamom.       Visit one of the world’s most beautiful lakes, Lake Atitlan, a 2 hour 50 minute drive away.  3 volcanoes, often called “The Three Giants” surround the lake – Volcán San Pedro, Volcán Tolimán, and Volcán Atitlán.  Or drive 1.5 hours to see the black volcanic sand beaches on the Pacific Ocean. Take a short flight to see the 357 square miles of ancient Mayan ruins at Tikal.    

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