Guatemala Travel Guide
Antigua, Latin America

Nature, culture tours and multisport adventures throughout South and Central America with the Latin America specialists. Ruta Maya | Maya MultiSport | Guatemala Tours

Guatemala Travel | Pictures | Map | Latin America Tours | Gauatemala Tours

Scenically circled by volcanoes, the country's old capital, properly known as Antigua Guatemala, is one of central America's prettiest and most tranquil cities, thanks to various earthquakes - the last major one being in 1773 - that prompted the government to abandon the place and relocate to the current capital, hideous, chaotic, unsafe Guatemala City.
With all the hustlers, politicians and madmen safely ensconced in the new city, determined Antigua residents, the church and Spanish colonial authorities got on with reviving and rebuilding their space - so successfully that it is now a World Heritage site, though many damaged buildings are still in disrepair.
The city is, naturally, popular with foreign travellers as a calm, well-serviced, cosmopolitan alternative to the deranged capital, and only an hour away. It is also favoured by Spanish language students and has a variety of good schools available.
Nowhere in this country is completely free from crime so walking the cobbled streets at night should be done with care and walks in the surrounding countryside - such as a hike up Volcan Pacaya - with a guide.

Guatemala Travel Pictures © Denzil Watson