Santa Maria De Jesus

Most travelers head to Santa María de Jesús (Alt. 1,981 meters, 6,500 ft) because it is situated on the lower slopes of Volcán Agua, the easiest to climb of Antigua's volcanoes. For the hike up Agua, you can enlist a guide for about US$15 in Antigua, but the climb is doable on your own. Safety has been a small problem, with robberies occurring along the trail. Once you reach the top, there are panoramic views of Antigua and Volcán Fuego. Aside from the volcano, there isn't too much to see in the town besides a crumbling old adobe church (although the interior has been renovated). Gringos are mostly absent from the town, and it still retains its indigenous Kaqchikel character. Santa María is known for producing very fine textiles, although not much else, so don't plan on doing much of anything besides passing through this town. There aren't really established lodging options, and the town is not known for its cuisine. It is best to keep this to a day trip on your way to the volcano or combine it with a visit to San Juan del Obispo.

Getting and Away From Santa María de Jesús

The cheapest and most reliable way to get to Santa María de Jesús is by bus from downtown Antigua, west of the market. Buses run daily, and don't cost very much. Taxis are an option, but getting back may be tricky. If you're planning on hiking the volcano, many tour guides offer transportation to Santa María.

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Other places nearby Santa Maria De Jesus: San Lorenzo El Tejar, Pastores, El Hato, San Antonio Aguas Calientes, San Filipe De Jesus, San Juan Del Obispo and Antigua.