Antigua, also known as la Antigua, is a city in the central highlands of Guatemala known for its preserved Spanish Baroque-influenced architecture as well as a number of ruins of colonial churches. It served as the capital of the Kingdom of Guatemala and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for good reason.
The small city with it’s charming squares and equally square layout, has been the victim of significant seismic activities over the years (we experienced a 4.7 earthquake while writing this article). As the result of the particularly powerful and destructive Santa Marta earthquake in 1773 the city was ordered abandoned and the capital moved to what is now known as Guatemala City, a mere twenty five miles to the north west. Luckily many people chose to remain and rebuild much of the city, while many ancient churches and structures remain un-built and are themselves a “living” history of the 1773 earthquake, frozen in time while slowly crumbling.
Surrounded by volcanoes and green, vibrant jungle, the city has a unique atmosphere, a presence and a personality, safe and welcoming. The people are friendly and warm, genuinely. Tourism is a major driver of the economy and as such tourists are welcomed and feel welcome and the city retains a relaxed small town feel.
If you love food, Antigua offers a wide variety of options; from local dishes deeply routed in Mayan cuisine to western style fast food, Chinese and Indian food, bakeries, fresh food markets and ice cream vendors. We found some of the best meat we have had since the USA at a carniceria (butchery) on the outskirts of town and enjoyed a BBQ on the lawn beside the camper, in the shadow of the Volcano de Agua which looms over the city to the south. After days on foot exploring we decided to have Chinese food delivered to the camp and, well, it was the best $25 we have spent in a long while (for a family of four). There is a well-known burger joint in town called, Pappy’s – it is worth all the calories.
Chocolate is said to have originated in the region, there is a chocolate museum called ChocoMuseo and it is located within the Plaza Mayor. Coffee is grown in the region as the best coffee grows at altitudes above 3500 feet (Antigua sits pretty at 5069 feet) and the local brew has an excellent reputation.
Antigua, Guatamala is an exceptional city, well worth the visit. The best months to visit are said to be the dry months between November and April. We visited in June, in the middle of the rainy season and enjoyed mostly fine, cool weather with fewer tourists.
For the site-seers the most popular sites not to be missed are:
- Cathedral of San Jose
- National Palace
- Iglesia de la Merced
- Arco de Santa Catalina
- Iglesia de San Francisco El Grande
And if the weather works in your favor, there are many tour agencies that will assist you with a guided hike to the rim of the famous Acatenango volcano. Bear in mind that it is a two day hike that takes between six and eight hours to complete. The guides start at USD50 per person which includes camping at the rim, food and drinks.
Visit the tourism website at www.visitguatemala.com for more trip ideas.
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