Fun Fact: they call Antigua the Disneyland of Guatemala.
Why is that, do you think? Is it because the town is so beautiful and landscaped, that it doesn’t seem real? Or because there are so many tourists everywhere? Or maybe because if you are lucky, you get a chance to witness a church procession that kind of reminds you of the Disneyland Parade?
Disneyland or not, La Antigua Guatemala, or simply Antigua, is definitely a uniquely beautiful place to visit. A picturesque colonial Spanish capital of old Central America, it is nowadays a world Heritage site and possibly the most popular tourist destination in Guatemala. Founded by the Spanish in XVII century, it is full of historic colonial buildings, churches, cathedrals, markets and parks.
Similar to the Lake Atitlan, it is surrounded by volcanoes, a lot of which are still active – it is sometimes possible to see smoke and the lucky ones may even witness an explosion or two! You can climb the volcanoes, and hiking adventures are offered for every fitness level, from easy to extremely strenuous.
But the best thing to do in Antigua is to just get lost in its old streets, breathing its history. Pass underneath yellow Arco de Santa Catalina, perhaps the most photographed landmark.
Interesting fact: Do you know that there is actually a hidden passageway within the arch that allows crossing the street from one building to the other. It was used by nuns of Santa Catalina Convent, who were living on one side and teaching on the other: According to their vows of seclusion, they weren’t allowed to be seen, so they needed the arch to be able to walk across the street.
Visit Iglesia de la Merced
Find yourself admiring the exquisite architecture of Iglesia de la Merced, watch the ladies decorate the monuments with lush fragrant flowers… This year, 2018, the decorations are in fool bloom as the town celebrates the 800th Jubilee of La Merced, Mary, Our Lady of Mercy, the patron Saint of Antigua!
Walk by the ruins of Iglesia de Nuestra Senora del Carmen
Go by the ruins of Iglesia de Nuestra Senora del Carmen, with its still stunning old facade, through a lively souvenir market, then down the street to a small park to the Antigua Guatemala Cathedral. Sit down on a bench, marveling at its classy lines…
Listen to Guatemalan music and watch traditional dancing
For lunch, one of the cool places to go is the restaurant at Posada de Don Rodrigo hotel, right by the Arch of Santa Catalina. They have traditional dancing and marimba show every afternoon. Marimba seems to be the national instrument of Guatemala – there are bands everywhere and some feature over 10 people! Can you imagine the precision and coordination of their playing? I remember myself as a child playing my toy xylophone (I still have it!), so I can definitely appreciate their talents. I even joined the dancing with a traditionally dressed gentleman, who showed me the moves!
We liked Posada de Don Rodrigo so much that we even stayed at the hotel itself. Once we threw our bags on the floor and laid down to catch our breath after a long trip, we heard a knock at the door. The lady behind the door gave us a basket, and inside the basket we saw… guess what! Two bottles of Gallo –the most famous beer of Guatemala. And yes, it was absolutely free! What a great surprise, we were very tired and we needed it!
Learn the history of chocolate at the Chocolate Museum
For dessert, visit one of the two locations of the Chocolate Museum. You will learn how the cacao trees grow, how chocolate is made, and its history. In Maya and Aztec world, cacao was sacred and extremely valuable – the beans were widely used as currency. Cacao even had its own god!
You will have a chance to taste all kinds of chocolates and chocolate drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, and even have a cup of chocolate tea! If you feel you are really into it, sign up for one of the chocolate making classes and learn to make great cacao drinks and truffles. Just keep in mind: you need to register in advance! For those who doesn’t care about chocolate: in the courtyard you can taste local craft beers and laugh at funny signs in bathrooms! 😆
A completely special surprise that we experienced in Antigua, Guatemala
The true magic always starts at night…
We were walking down a street and saw people laying flower carpets on the ground. “What is that?” – we asked. “It is La Merced!” Well, people surely love their patron Saint. Crowds started to gather, and we knew – we were in for a treat!
The whole procession took probably over an hour. Stepping over the flower carpets, walked the priests, nuns, people, dressed up in holiday suits, waving incense censers. Then, through the thick smoke, like a mystery, appeared a golden palanquin with scenes from the Bible. At the end there was the beautiful statue of Mary of the Mercy.
The crowd cheering…the palanquin bearers chanting… you could think you are there, in the old times…Only multiple flashes of cellphones and drones buzzing overhead didn’t let you forget that you are still in 21st century! What a treat, what a wonderful experience.
If you go to Guatemala, please don’t miss this magical town. You can even use it as your main hub!
Travel Tip: If you do not want to travel across Guatemala but still want to see some of it, Antigua provides a perfect central location to make it a “hub” to stay at and to take day trips to other parts of the country.
