The ancient capital of Guatemala lost its capital by an earthquake that left it in ruins and today the ruins, Spanish colonial heritage and the natural setting in which flanked by three volcanoes, make it a World Heritage Site by the Unesco. Cobbled streets, colored houses on one floor, with colonial courtyards and wrought iron balconies, churches and convents of rich façades and altarpieces best, parks and local indigenous, and a religious Easter instead make essential visit for the traveler.
Things to do
A stroll along the cobbled streets of Antigua you to discover traces of ancient ruins, a product of successive earthquakes that struck the area several centuries ago and give a unique touch to the city. Some examples are: Church of La Candelaria (Candelaria Street, 1st Avenue North), Church of Santa Rosa de Lima (end of Alameda Santa Rosa) and the ruins of the church of La Concepción Concepción Street, 4 East).
Just outside Antigua. It's about a three-hour trek up a volcano, but once you reach the top it is so worth it! Come literally inches from hot, flowing, oozing lava! Feel the heat! Also the view of neighbouring volcanoes is one of the most impressive views I've seen to date. Don't miss out on this!
In the central park are grouped the Cathedral of St. Joseph (east), the Town House (north), with its museum of Santiago on the ground floor and the museum of antique books, which maintains that the first printing was used in Central America. South of the plaza, with his 28 columns, is the Palace of the Captains. At the center of the park, the fountain of the siren brings tourists and indigenous girls, dressed in their traditional dress, want to sell their handicrafts. A good place to observe.
The convent of Santo Domingo is the most luxurious hotel of the city, like the Posada de Don Rodrigo, deserves a visit even without staying in it. And the reception of the hotel draws attention because it is in the former convent chapel. The rustic furniture and patios and gardens surround the silence of the place.
