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First founded in the early sixteenth century by victorious Spanish conquistadores, Antigua soon became an administrative center for the Spanish Empire, overseeing all of Central America as well as the Chiapas region in what is now southern Mexico.
The city is located in a gorgeous valley surrounded by three volcanoes: Agua, Fuego, and Acatenango. Unfortunately for the citizens of Antigua, this beautiful location also makes the area very prone to devastating earthquakes and the city was destroyed on several occasions, notably in 1717 and 1773, and the capital was moved to its present location at Guatemala City.
Antigua has worked hard to retain its colonial identity and heritage. It was declared a world heritage site by UNESCO in 1979, and local ordinances make it impossible for stores or restaurants to use neon or garish signs or obstruct anyone’s view of the marvelous colonial architecture. Even the McDonald’s is low-key and almost invisible without its trademark bright colors.
When to Go
If you’re going to be in Guatemala for Semana Santa, or holy week, be sure to visit Antigua. Remember to make your reservations ahead of time, however, as the hotels fill up quickly. The streets are full of processions and picturesque carpets of colored sawdust of an incredibly intricate nature. Summer - June through August - is the other peak tourist season in Antigua.
Getting to Antigua
Buses leave regularly from Guatemala City (1.5 hours by bus). Alternatively, tour companies regularly run vans from Copan, Honduras and Tikal.
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Monumento a Landivar
On the Calzada Santa Lucía, south of the market, stands the Monumento de Landivar. This large, white monument was built in 1953 in honor of Rafael Landivar, the great poet of colonial America who
...Antigua, Guatemala
Paseo de los Museos
Inside the grounds of Hotel Casa Santo Domingo is the beautifully presented Paseo de los Museos or Museums Promenade. The route allows access to the most significant areas of the convent ruins
...Antigua, Guatemala
Iglesia y Convento de Santo Domingo
The church and convent ruins of Santo Domingo stand inside the grounds of the beautiful Hotel Casa Santo Domingo on the eastern edge of town. Between 1542 and 1666 the Dominican order built one of
...Antigua, Guatemala
Palacio de los Capitanes
Along the entire south side of Parque Central lies the first two-storey building in the city, Palacio de los Capitanes. Built in 1558, for more than two centuries it was the seat of the Spanish
...Antigua, Guatemala
Parque Central
Surrounded by important buildings dating back from colonial times, this plaza is the main hangout for locals. It’s always packed on weekends and festivals when it is the scene for concerts, parades
...Antigua, Guatemala
Mercado Central
A visit to Antigua's central market is an excellent way to experience local culture first hand. Open daily (6am - 7pm), rows of wooden stalls are alive with color and the hustle and bustle of vendors
...Antigua, Guatemala
Cerro de La Cruz y El Hato
Overlooking Antigua from the north, Cerro de la Cruz is the perfect spot to enjoy the beautiful view of Antigua and Volcano de Agua. This easy walk starts at the end of 1 Avenida Norte. Keep walking
...Antigua, Guatemala
Centro Cultural La Azotea
The Centro Cultural La Azotea is an excellent family friendly three-in-one coffee, music and costume museum. The exhibition explains how the coffee fruits of one tree are transformed into 40 cups of
...Antigua, Guatemala
Cerro de la Cruz walk
This short walk is a great way to see the city from on high, but go to the tourist police station off the north eastern side of the main square to sign up, as at the time of writing it was not safe
...Antigua, Guatemala
Cathedral de Santiago
Sitting proudly on the east side of the park, this cathedral has an ornate facade and is attractively lit up at night. Built in 1542 it was hit by numerous earthquakes, but is still standing although
...Antigua, Guatemala
La Merced
Antigua's most impressive church looks most impressive around the middle of the day, when the sun illuminates its ornate yellow facade. Inside there is a pleasant courtyard with a large central
...Antigua, Guatemala
An unforgettable experience
You are able to experience colonial history in a very unique way. It is like being transported 400 years back.
One of the best places in Guatemala!
Perfect if you wan to stay longer than a couple of days. Perfect for learning Spanish, for the nightlife, for meeting other travellers or locals. Because of the history, there are lots of attractions. The surroundings are beautiful with three volcanoes, in particular there is one close by that you can climb if you want to. You can do everthing from Antigua, because there are many agencies. Semana Santa is a highlight, but it´s also packed with people (and pickpockets!). In short, Antigua is a nice place to relax, and one that you have to visit when you are in Guatemala, but it´s not really off the beaten path!
Fun city
A really fun place, good nightlife and lots of ruins and things to do.
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