Antigua Guatemala

La Antigua Guatemala was the colonial Spanish capital of Central America. It is a World Heritage Site, and is perhaps the most popular tourist destination in Guatemala.

Now commonly referred to as just Antigua (or La Antigua), the city was one of the grand colonial capitals of the Spanish Empire in America from the 16th-18th centuries. Under the name Santiago de los Caballeros de Guatemala, it was the original "Guatemala City". A disastrous earthquake in 1773 destroyed or damaged most of the city, and the Spanish crown ordered the capital moved to a new city, what became the modern Guatemala City. In 1776 this old city was ordered abandoned. Not everyone left, but it turned from a bustling capital into a provincial town, filled with the ruins of its former glory. It became known as "Antigua Guatemala", meaning "Old Guatemala".

In the 20th century there was increasing appreciation for the large amount of preserved colonial Spanish architecture here, development to host visitors, and the city was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979.

Semana Santa ("Holy Week") is the spanish name for the week of Easter celebrations, which lasts from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday. The Semana Santa is celebrated in the whole Spanish speaking world with street processions in which religious groups carry life-sized, heavy and holy statues through the streets. Antigua Guatemala, together with Seville (Spain), is one of the most famous and traditional spots in the world to celebrate these Easter processions. First records of Semana Santa processions in Antigua date back to the year 1543.

Nowadays, Antigua is particularly famous for its carpets made of colorized sawdust that show and form religious symbols and get decorated with fruits and vegetables. These carpets are displayed in churches and on the streets - the latter as a grounding for the processions to walk over it. The streetcarpets, however, are of short attraction and although it takes hours to form then they are directly wiped away by the cleaning team after being walked over for the first time.

During Semana Santa, Antigua is the touristic hotspot in Guatemala and it seems like half of the city is involved in the Easter celebrations in one way or the other. If you plan to visit Antigua during this time, book in advance and expect to pay higher prices compared to the rest of the year.

The city's streets are mostly laid out in a rectangular grid aligned with the compass, with the Parque Central as an origin point. North-south roads are avenidas or avenues, numbered from 1st to 8th from east to west. The avenidas are further divided into sur (south) and norte (north). East-west roads are calles or streets, numbered from 1st to 9th from north to south. The calles are further divided into oriente (east) and poniente (west). The street intersection at the northeast corner of the Palace of the Captains-General, i.e. at the southeast corner of Parque Central, is the origin of this division. Avenidas are sur south of 5ª Calle, and norte north of it. Calles are oriente east of 4ª Avenida, and poniente west of it.

Some roads have names that don't follow the avenida/calle numbering scheme, and some roads away from the center don't follow the grid. Most corners do not have signs showing the name of either the street you are on or the one you just came up to. All are paved with cobblestones, and sidewalks are generally not very good.

Addresses are numbered sequentially outwards from the origin point. Even-numbered addresses are on one side of the street and odd numbers are on the other. Street addresses are written with the street or avenue number first, followed by the letter "a" in superscript (because 1ª signifies "primera", 2ª is short for "segunda", 3ª for "tercera", etc.); then "Av." (for avenida) or "Cle." (for calle), then "Ote." (oriente, east), "Pte." (poniente, west), "Sur" (south), or "Nte." (norte, north); then the street address number. For instance:

• "5ª Av. Nte. #5" is address #5 on 5th Avenue North. The small number shows it is just a little north of the north-south divider, 5ª Calle.
• "3ª Cle. Ote. #28" is address #28 on 3rd Street East. The relatively large number shows it is some ways east of the east-west divider, 4ª Avenida.

It's helpful to memorize that the north and south sides of Parque Central are 4ª and 5ª Calles, and the west and east sides are 5ª and 4ª Avenidas respectively. Parque Central is the reference point for east, west, north, and south in street addresses. "5ª Av. Nte. #5" is north of Parque Central. "5ª Av. Sur #5" is south of Parque Central. Essentially, if you understand which way is north of Parque Central, you can find anything in the city.

Inguat Tourist Office, 5ª Calle Oriente #11 (One and a half blocks east of Parque Central between 2ª and 3ª Avenidas, +502 7832-0787. M-F, 08:00-17:00, Sa-Su 09:00-17:00 (Updared May 2018).

Inguat Tourist Office, 5ª Calle Oriente #11 (One and a half blocks east of Parque Central between 2ª and 3ª Avenidas, +502 7832-0787. M-F, 08:00-17:00, Sa-Su 09:00-17:00 (Updared May 2018).

The preserved ruins of the old colonial government buildings and churches are not only Antigua's main tourist draw, but they're also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dating from the 17th and 18th centuries, these buildings were damaged in a series of seismic events culminating with the devastating earthquake of 1773. They remained abandoned and crumbling until 1944, when Guatemala's President Jorge Ubico declared them a National Monument. Preservation (and, in some cases, partial reconstruction) of the ruins began soon afterward and continues through to the present day. With the exception of the comparatively affordable Iglesia de San Francisco el Grande, entrance fees for the ruins tend to be steep. Despite the popularity of the ruins with tourists, interpretive signs and plaques (where they exist at all) tend to be in Spanish only. If you're planning to take an organized tour and don't speak any Spanish, try to seek out a bilingual guide.

• Catedral de Antigua Guatemala, 5ª Calle Oriente, +502 7832-0909. The second church to occupy this site and one of the largest in Central America during its heyday, the Catedral de Antigua Guatemala was built in 1680 to replace its antecessor that dated to 1541. While most of the building was leveled during the earthquake of 1773, the ornate Baroque facade emerged relatively unscathed. While a partial reconstruction beginning in the 19th Century has allowed the building to once again be home to a functioning church, other portions of the complex remain in ruins.
• Colegio de San Jerónimo, 1ª Calle Poniente. Daily 09:00-17:00. The useful lifespan of the Colegio de San Jerónimo was short indeed: the sixteen years between its completion in 1757 and the earthquake of 1773 that destroyed it saw the building used first as a secondary school staffed by the Friars of La Merced, then as a royal customshouse. Today, though it's quite a bit further afield from the other colonial ruins, San Jerónimo is popular with visitors for the beautifully landscaped gardens in its courtyard, centered on a lovely fountain and playing host frequently to dance performances, festivals, and other cultural events. As for the building itself, you can tour through the crumbling ruins of the old dormitories with their handsome vaulted ceilings, then head to the upper level for a great view of Volcán Agua in the distance. Q30.
• Convento de las Capuchinas, 2ª Calle Oriente, +502 7832-0184. Formally known as the Convento e Iglesia de Nuestra Señora del Pilar de Zaragoza (Convent and Church of Our Lady of the Pillar of Zaragoza), this partially reconstructed building (which is also home to the offices of the National Council for the Protection of Antigua Guatemala) was, from 1736 to the devastating earthquake of 1773, home to a community of cloistered nuns. Today, visitors can explore the ruined remains of the former nuns' dormitories, amble through the desolate tranquility of the convent's still-thriving gardens, and take in a panoramic view of the city from the rooftop terrace. Q40.
• Convento de Santa Clara, 2ª Avenida Sur, +502 7832-0184. One of the largest complexes of colonial ruins in Antigua, the Convento de Santa Clara was built in 1715 as the home of an order of Franciscan nuns founded some years earlier by a group of six sisters from Mexico. Today this ruin is most notable for its facade, which largely survived the earthquake of 1773 that devastated the complex; it's one of the most ornate in all of Antigua, replete with intricate statuary and ornamentation in molded stucco. Interestingly, the facade is located in the rear of the complex: in front is a spacious, well-tended courtyard garden not too different from the one at Colegio de San Jerónimo, ringed by the ruined remains of the former cloisters. Ascend to the upper level for a nice view over the surrounding mountains. Q40.
• Iglesia de San Francisco el Grande, 7ª Calle Oriente, +502 7882-4439. Daily 06:00-18:00. This grand old church is one of the most visited of Antigua's ruins, thanks to its status as final resting place of Hermano Pedro de San José Betancurt: a 17th-century monk who is the first Catholic saint to hail from Guatemala, and was renowned as the "St. Francis of Assisi of the Americas" due to his ascetic lifestyle, charitable generosity, and aid to marginalized groups within colonial Guatemalan society. A multi-domed structure in the Spanish Baroque style, San Francisco el Grande is a classic example of colonial-era architecture. It was partially reconstructed after the earthquake of 1773 and is still an operating church, but there's also a small museum onsite dedicated to Hermano Pedro and the history of the church. Q8.

• La Recolección, Calle de Recoletos, corner of 1ª Calle Poniente. Daily 09:00-17:00. Built in 1708 as a church and monastery for friars from the Order of the Recollects, La Recolección sustained heavy damage in the earthquakes of 1717 and 1753 before meeting its final destruction in the massive Santa Marta Earthquake of 1773 that claimed most of the rest of the city along with it. Today it's among the largest ruins in Antigua, but it's also far off the well-trodden circuit (hidden away past the bus station at the west end of town) and not particularly well-preserved either: damage to La Recolección continued even after the quake, when much of the remaining material was plundered for other construction projects and structurally stable portions of the complex were altered for use as a soap factory, a horse stable, and other purposes. Still, visitors can take advantage of the quiet tranquility and lack of crowds to enjoy a peaceful walk through the garden. As for the ruins themselves, the former church building is the best-preserved portion of the complex; the cloisters, former infirmary building, and other remains less so. Q40.
• Convent Sor Juana de Maldonado, 4ª Calle Oriente #45 (West end of town. On the straight extension of 4ª Calle Oriente before the bridge (Callejón de Puente de Chipilapa). Continue straight past the fountain toward “Bomberos.”, +502-7873-4646. M-F 09:00-17:00, Closed weekends. Two themes: It interprets the conservation and restoration of the convent and also aspects of Antigua Holy Week. Gives an appreciation of the everyday lives of XVIII Century nuns. Poster displays in English and Spanish. Video loops in Spanish, but conceptually understandable to English speakers. Static displays and two videos of the Antigua tradition of Holy Week artistic carpets of colored sawdust. Q40, students Q20 (June 2018).

Catedral de Antigua Guatemala, 5ª Calle Oriente, +502 7832-0909. The second church to occupy this site and one of the largest in Central America during its heyday, the Catedral de Antigua Guatemala was built in 1680 to replace its antecessor that dated to 1541. While most of the building was leveled during the earthquake of 1773, the ornate Baroque facade emerged relatively unscathed. While a partial reconstruction beginning in the 19th Century has allowed the building to once again be home to a functioning church, other portions of the complex remain in ruins.

Colegio de San Jerónimo, 1ª Calle Poniente. Daily 09:00-17:00. The useful lifespan of the Colegio de San Jerónimo was short indeed: the sixteen years between its completion in 1757 and the earthquake of 1773 that destroyed it saw the building used first as a secondary school staffed by the Friars of La Merced, then as a royal customshouse. Today, though it's quite a bit further afield from the other colonial ruins, San Jerónimo is popular with visitors for the beautifully landscaped gardens in its courtyard, centered on a lovely fountain and playing host frequently to dance performances, festivals, and other cultural events. As for the building itself, you can tour through the crumbling ruins of the old dormitories with their handsome vaulted ceilings, then head to the upper level for a great view of Volcán Agua in the distance. Q30.

Convento de las Capuchinas, 2ª Calle Oriente, +502 7832-0184. Formally known as the Convento e Iglesia de Nuestra Señora del Pilar de Zaragoza (Convent and Church of Our Lady of the Pillar of Zaragoza), this partially reconstructed building (which is also home to the offices of the National Council for the Protection of Antigua Guatemala) was, from 1736 to the devastating earthquake of 1773, home to a community of cloistered nuns. Today, visitors can explore the ruined remains of the former nuns' dormitories, amble through the desolate tranquility of the convent's still-thriving gardens, and take in a panoramic view of the city from the rooftop terrace. Q40.

Convento de Santa Clara, 2ª Avenida Sur, +502 7832-0184. One of the largest complexes of colonial ruins in Antigua, the Convento de Santa Clara was built in 1715 as the home of an order of Franciscan nuns founded some years earlier by a group of six sisters from Mexico. Today this ruin is most notable for its facade, which largely survived the earthquake of 1773 that devastated the complex; it's one of the most ornate in all of Antigua, replete with intricate statuary and ornamentation in molded stucco. Interestingly, the facade is located in the rear of the complex: in front is a spacious, well-tended courtyard garden not too different from the one at Colegio de San Jerónimo, ringed by the ruined remains of the former cloisters. Ascend to the upper level for a nice view over the surrounding mountains. Q40.

Iglesia de San Francisco el Grande, 7ª Calle Oriente, +502 7882-4439. Daily 06:00-18:00. This grand old church is one of the most visited of Antigua's ruins, thanks to its status as final resting place of Hermano Pedro de San José Betancurt: a 17th-century monk who is the first Catholic saint to hail from Guatemala, and was renowned as the "St. Francis of Assisi of the Americas" due to his ascetic lifestyle, charitable generosity, and aid to marginalized groups within colonial Guatemalan society. A multi-domed structure in the Spanish Baroque style, San Francisco el Grande is a classic example of colonial-era architecture. It was partially reconstructed after the earthquake of 1773 and is still an operating church, but there's also a small museum onsite dedicated to Hermano Pedro and the history of the church. Q8.

La Recolección, Calle de Recoletos, corner of 1ª Calle Poniente. Daily 09:00-17:00. Built in 1708 as a church and monastery for friars from the Order of the Recollects, La Recolección sustained heavy damage in the earthquakes of 1717 and 1753 before meeting its final destruction in the massive Santa Marta Earthquake of 1773 that claimed most of the rest of the city along with it. Today it's among the largest ruins in Antigua, but it's also far off the well-trodden circuit (hidden away past the bus station at the west end of town) and not particularly well-preserved either: damage to La Recolección continued even after the quake, when much of the remaining material was plundered for other construction projects and structurally stable portions of the complex were altered for use as a soap factory, a horse stable, and other purposes. Still, visitors can take advantage of the quiet tranquility and lack of crowds to enjoy a peaceful walk through the garden. As for the ruins themselves, the former church building is the best-preserved portion of the complex; the cloisters, former infirmary building, and other remains less so. Q40.

Convent Sor Juana de Maldonado, 4ª Calle Oriente #45 (West end of town. On the straight extension of 4ª Calle Oriente before the bridge (Callejón de Puente de Chipilapa). Continue straight past the fountain toward “Bomberos.”, +502-7873-4646. M-F 09:00-17:00, Closed weekends. Two themes: It interprets the conservation and restoration of the convent and also aspects of Antigua Holy Week. Gives an appreciation of the everyday lives of XVIII Century nuns. Poster displays in English and Spanish. Video loops in Spanish, but conceptually understandable to English speakers. Static displays and two videos of the Antigua tradition of Holy Week artistic carpets of colored sawdust. Q40, students Q20 (June 2018).

• Arco de Santa Catalina, 5ª Avenida Norte, just north of 2ª Calle Poniente. What was a walkway used in the 17th century by the nuns of the Convento de Santa Catalina to cross over 5ª Avenida Norte from their cloisters to the parochial school without having to venture into the dusty street, is now the cliché tourist photo op in Antigua. And with good reason — the Arco de Santa Catalina is a lovely sight indeed, crowned by a clock tower that was added a bit later, in the 1830s. Today, the arch is looked after by the Santos family, owners of the nearby jewelry store Reino del Jade and Hotel El Convento.
• Banco Industrial Numismatic Museum, 5ª Avenida Sur # 04 (Fifty yards south of Parque Central at entrance of Banco Industrial. M-F, 09:00-19:00, Sa-Su 09:00-17:00. Small but high-quality museum interpreting history of Guatemalan currency. Free admittance (May 2018).
• ChocoMuseo Antigua, 4ª Calle Oriente #14, +502 7832 4520. Su-Th 10:00-18:30, F-Sa 10:00-19:30. Learn how to make chocolate from the cocoa beans. A unique experience where you learn everything about the history of chocolate, the cacao plantations, and the industry of chocolate making. At the end of the class you will make your own chocolate bar at your taste and will be able to bring it back home with you. Free.
• Iglesia de La Merced, 6ª Avenida Norte, corner of 1ª Calle Poniente, +502 7832-0559. M-F 08:00-12:30 & 15:00-18:00, Sa-Su 08:00-12:00 & 14:00-18:00. Erected in 1767 by friars from the Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mercy, or Mercedarians, La Merced was one of the few buildings in Antigua to withstand the Santa Marta earthquake that struck seven years later. This was due to the ingenuity of architect Juan de Dios Estrada, who designed the building with his memories and observations of the tremor of 1751 fresh in his mind: the building's modest height, bottom-heavy orientation, wide arches, and robust columns were intended to withstand earthquakes. La Merced was abandoned in 1829 when President Francisco Morazán expelled all clergy from what was then called the Federal Republic of Central America; the church wasn't reopened until 1853, by which time the attached monastery had fallen victim to looters who plundered its building materials for use elsewhere. Today, visitors can take in a distinctive yellow facade that has been called the most beautiful example of Spanish Baroque architecture in Antigua, pay the admission fee for the ruins of the monastery whose courtyard boasts what is reputed to be the largest fountain in Central America (the Mercedarian monks once raised fish in it), or — if you happen to be in town during semana santa (Holy Week, the week before Easter) — check out the processions that wind through the streets of old Antigua on Palm Sunday and Good Friday, beginning and ending at the church. Admission fee to convent GTQ15.
• Museo Casa del Tejido Antiguo, 1ª Calle Poniente #51, +502 7832-3169. M-F 09:00-17:00, Sa 09:00-16:00. Founded in 1998, the Casa del Tejido Antiguo is a museum dedicated to the craft of weaving as practiced for centuries by the native Mayans of Guatemala. Tucked away in an out-of-the-way corner of central Antigua, you'll be taken on a brief (30-40 minute) guided tour through about a half-dozen rooms of museum exhibits detailing the history, tools, and techniques of traditional Mayan weaving, then you'll be set loose into an even larger section containing artisans hard at work on garments, mats, and artistic pieces. You can (and will be emphatically encouraged to) buy some of their work — but, although the quality is decent, the cost is several times what a decent haggler would pay for similar pieces at the Mercado. All exhibits are in Spanish only, and only some of the staff speaks English, so those who don't speak good Spanish should make sure to ask in advance for an English-speaking tour guide if possible. Q15 for guided tour of museum portion; free for those only visiting market.
• Parque Central. Located directly in the center of town, this park is a city block in size, with concentric circular walkways threading among trees and a fountain in the middle. The trees are decorated with lights, and there are plenty of benches for sitting and people-watching. The city hall and police office, the cathedral, and several banks and tourist businesses line the four sides of the park. Many Antiguans hang out in the park, and it has a pleasant, bustling, friendly feel during the day (at night, slightly less so. Use your judgment).

Arco de Santa Catalina, 5ª Avenida Norte, just north of 2ª Calle Poniente. What was a walkway used in the 17th century by the nuns of the Convento de Santa Catalina to cross over 5ª Avenida Norte from their cloisters to the parochial school without having to venture into the dusty street, is now the cliché tourist photo op in Antigua. And with good reason — the Arco de Santa Catalina is a lovely sight indeed, crowned by a clock tower that was added a bit later, in the 1830s. Today, the arch is looked after by the Santos family, owners of the nearby jewelry store Reino del Jade and Hotel El Convento.

Banco Industrial Numismatic Museum, 5ª Avenida Sur # 04 (Fifty yards south of Parque Central at entrance of Banco Industrial. M-F, 09:00-19:00, Sa-Su 09:00-17:00. Small but high-quality museum interpreting history of Guatemalan currency. Free admittance (May 2018).

ChocoMuseo Antigua, 4ª Calle Oriente #14, +502 7832 4520. Su-Th 10:00-18:30, F-Sa 10:00-19:30. Learn how to make chocolate from the cocoa beans. A unique experience where you learn everything about the history of chocolate, the cacao plantations, and the industry of chocolate making. At the end of the class you will make your own chocolate bar at your taste and will be able to bring it back home with you. Free.

Iglesia de La Merced, 6ª Avenida Norte, corner of 1ª Calle Poniente, +502 7832-0559. M-F 08:00-12:30 & 15:00-18:00, Sa-Su 08:00-12:00 & 14:00-18:00. Erected in 1767 by friars from the Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mercy, or Mercedarians, La Merced was one of the few buildings in Antigua to withstand the Santa Marta earthquake that struck seven years later. This was due to the ingenuity of architect Juan de Dios Estrada, who designed the building with his memories and observations of the tremor of 1751 fresh in his mind: the building's modest height, bottom-heavy orientation, wide arches, and robust columns were intended to withstand earthquakes. La Merced was abandoned in 1829 when President Francisco Morazán expelled all clergy from what was then called the Federal Republic of Central America; the church wasn't reopened until 1853, by which time the attached monastery had fallen victim to looters who plundered its building materials for use elsewhere. Today, visitors can take in a distinctive yellow facade that has been called the most beautiful example of Spanish Baroque architecture in Antigua, pay the admission fee for the ruins of the monastery whose courtyard boasts what is reputed to be the largest fountain in Central America (the Mercedarian monks once raised fish in it), or — if you happen to be in town during semana santa (Holy Week, the week before Easter) — check out the processions that wind through the streets of old Antigua on Palm Sunday and Good Friday, beginning and ending at the church. Admission fee to convent GTQ15.

Museo Casa del Tejido Antiguo, 1ª Calle Poniente #51, +502 7832-3169. M-F 09:00-17:00, Sa 09:00-16:00. Founded in 1998, the Casa del Tejido Antiguo is a museum dedicated to the craft of weaving as practiced for centuries by the native Mayans of Guatemala. Tucked away in an out-of-the-way corner of central Antigua, you'll be taken on a brief (30-40 minute) guided tour through about a half-dozen rooms of museum exhibits detailing the history, tools, and techniques of traditional Mayan weaving, then you'll be set loose into an even larger section containing artisans hard at work on garments, mats, and artistic pieces. You can (and will be emphatically encouraged to) buy some of their work — but, although the quality is decent, the cost is several times what a decent [[Bargaining|haggler]] would pay for similar pieces at the Mercado. All exhibits are in Spanish only, and only some of the staff speaks English, so those who don't speak good Spanish should make sure to ask in advance for an English-speaking tour guide if possible. Q15 for guided tour of museum portion; free for those only visiting market.

Parque Central. Located directly in the center of town, this park is a city block in size, with concentric circular walkways threading among trees and a fountain in the middle. The trees are decorated with lights, and there are plenty of benches for sitting and people-watching. The city hall and police office, the cathedral, and several banks and tourist businesses line the four sides of the park. Many Antiguans hang out in the park, and it has a pleasant, bustling, friendly feel during the day (at night, slightly less so. Use your judgment).

• El Hato. A small village in the mountains 20 minutes and 1,800 meters above Antigua, where you can hike around through the forest and coffee plantations and take in the view of the city. Chicken buses to El Hato (40 minutes; Q4) leave from the Mercado several times a day on an irregular schedule.
• Valhalla Macadamia Farm, +502 7888-6308. M-Sa 08:00-16:30. A nursery of macadamia trees with an interesting environmental and economic agenda. Valhalla has donated over 250,000 macadamia trees to indigenous communities in Guatemala. Macadamia nuts are a cash crop, with the potential to provide a better livelihood for Guatemalan peasants than does coffee. The farmer can use the trimmed branches of the trees for firewood. Additionally, macadamia trees take carbon dioxide out of the air and form it into wood, nuts, and shells. The shells can be used for street paving. And Valhalla have found a way to provide the trees as genetically diverse complete plants, instead of as grafts. This allows natural selection to adapt the trees to changing environmental conditions. The station turns macadamia nuts into snacks, chocolates, a fine skin cream, a pure oil, and a flour that can be made into pancakes. Pancake breakfasts are served all day, every day until 15:30. The breakfast includes 3 pancakes made of macadamia flour, served with macadamia butter, homemade blueberry marmalade and a drink of your choice. No reservation required. The station offers tours in Spanish, English, and sometimes other languages as well. At the end of a tour they offer samples of their various products. To get there, try taking a chicken bus, which run every 30 minutes on this route; the fare is around Q3.50 one way.

El Hato. A small village in the mountains 20 minutes and 1,800 meters above Antigua, where you can hike around through the forest and coffee plantations and take in the view of the city. Chicken buses to El Hato (40 minutes; Q4) leave from the Mercado several times a day on an irregular schedule.

Valhalla Macadamia Farm, +502 7888-6308. M-Sa 08:00-16:30. A nursery of macadamia trees with an interesting environmental and economic agenda. Valhalla has donated over 250,000 macadamia trees to indigenous communities in Guatemala. Macadamia nuts are a cash crop, with the potential to provide a better livelihood for Guatemalan peasants than does coffee. The farmer can use the trimmed branches of the trees for firewood. Additionally, macadamia trees take carbon dioxide out of the air and form it into wood, nuts, and shells. The shells can be used for street paving. And Valhalla have found a way to provide the trees as genetically diverse complete plants, instead of as grafts. This allows natural selection to adapt the trees to changing environmental conditions. The station turns macadamia nuts into snacks, chocolates, a fine skin cream, a pure oil, and a flour that can be made into pancakes. Pancake breakfasts are served all day, every day until 15:30. The breakfast includes 3 pancakes made of macadamia flour, served with macadamia butter, homemade blueberry marmalade and a drink of your choice. No reservation required. The station offers tours in Spanish, English, and sometimes other languages as well. At the end of a tour they offer samples of their various products. To get there, try taking a [[Guatemala#By bus 2|chicken bus]], which run every 30 minutes on this route; the fare is around Q3.50 one way.

• Cerro de la Cruz. 7am-6pm. The "Hill of the Cross" is at the north end of the city and offers the best views of Antigua. You can walk to the base of the hill from anywhere in Antigua within 10-20 minutes. Robberies have taken place on the walk up the hill in the past, but there are now police on the track during opening hours, and it is considered safe by the locals. The walk lasts less than 10 minutes, but is tough if you are out of shape. If you are concerned about either safety or fitness you can catch a tuk tuk to the top and walk down with other people. Free.

• Volcán Acatenango and Volcán de Fuego. Acatenango (3976m) is a streneous hike which can be done in one day or overnight. Camping overnight on Acatenango lets you watch the spectacular explosions of the active Fuego volcano from your camp site. There are several routes up the Acatenango. The most popular one starts near La Soledad (about 2400m). A much longer one starts from Alotenango. There is Q50 fee to enter the Acatenango area. Overnight tours are best done when Fuego is very active. You can watch the daily activity reports and some webcams to plan your trip. Virtually all tour operators in Antigua offer guided tours up the Acatenango and also provide you with camping gear charging $25-$100 per person for the overnight trip excluding park entry depending on the luxury level of camping, e.g. thicker mattress, smaller tents. Ask whether water, meals, hiking stick, jacket, cloves, hat are included. Check the name of the campsite on whether it's budget or midrange to not be ripped of. Bear in mind that you have to carry 3.5l of water and your meals by yourself. Camping gear is already at the campsite. Bring warm clothes as temperature drops below zero celsius during the night and sleeping. A headlight is also essential for the hike up to the top before sunrise. On the first day you can walk up to Fuego Acatenango for an extra charge starting at Q100 to get closer to eruptions. This is only worth doing on clear evenings. You can also contact a local guide directly which will usually charge Q200-Q300. Guides are easily found in La Soledad. Camping equipment can be rented in Antigua from O.X. or Old Town Outfitters but is relatively pricey. You can also go without a guide. There are several trail that are often not obvious but easily followed with a GPS and, e.g., the trail maps from OpenstreetMaps. To get to the trail head, take a bus from Antigua to Parramos and from Parramos to La Soledad (or take a taxi from Antigua, Q300.) The trail starts just before you reach La Soledad. There might be people selling drinks on the trail but there are usually no water sources. There are two popular camp sites half way up Acatenango. Both give you beautiful views of Fuego at night. The hike up from the western camp site to the top of Acatenango is much easier than from the eastern site. However, running down on the loose gravel to the eastern site is much more fun than going down on the west. To get the best of both sites, camp on the western site climb the peak with your gear and hike down to the eastern site. $0-$100.
• Volcán Agua. The dormant volcano stretches up invitingly to the south of Antigua. Some tourists recommend climbing as part of a tour with a police escort to avoid problems as robberies are frequent. Some unaccompanied tourists have been kidnapped. Definitely take the security situation seriously. Ask at the Inguat office for advice, and go with a tour that has armed security that you trust.
• Volcán Pacaya. Going up the active volcano is quite easy and you will find dozens of travel agents who will be very happy to sell you tickets for a Pacaya-trip that normally costs between Q60-75, depending on your bargaining skills. This includes a bus-shuttle to and from Pacaya. Once there, foreigners must pay an extra Q50 for the park entrance. Going there without a tour is likely more expensive since you can only enter the area with a guide which by park rules charges an additional Q200 per group (up to 12 people.) As of early 2016, there is no hot lava left from the 2010 eruption but you can still roast marshmellows over vents and see the cold lava. Pacaya is an active volcano. You cannot get to the crater (you just get close), but there are some amazing views. The hike is not too hard except for the last 100 meters or so that go over very loose lava rocks. This hike can be strenuous and people who are not in good physical condition should give it carefully consideration (horses are also available for Q100 each way). If you go in the afternoon, be prepared to descend in the dark. It takes approximately an hour and a half up and 45 minutes down the mountain. There are a couple of kiosks at the bottom of this hike that offer cold beer.

Cerro de la Cruz. 7am-6pm. The "Hill of the Cross" is at the north end of the city and offers the best views of Antigua. You can walk to the base of the hill from anywhere in Antigua within 10-20 minutes. Robberies have taken place on the walk up the hill in the past, but there are now police on the track during opening hours, and it is considered safe by the locals. The walk lasts less than 10 minutes, but is tough if you are out of shape. If you are concerned about either safety or fitness you can catch a tuk tuk to the top and walk down with other people. Free.

Volcán Acatenango and Volcán de Fuego. Acatenango (3976m) is a streneous hike which can be done in one day or overnight. Camping overnight on Acatenango lets you watch the spectacular explosions of the active Fuego volcano from your camp site. There are several routes up the Acatenango. The most popular one starts near La Soledad (about 2400m). A much longer one starts from Alotenango. There is Q50 fee to enter the Acatenango area. Overnight tours are best done when Fuego is very active. You can watch the daily activity reports and some webcams to plan your trip. Virtually all tour operators in Antigua offer guided tours up the Acatenango and also provide you with camping gear charging $25-$100 per person for the overnight trip excluding park entry depending on the luxury level of camping, e.g. thicker mattress, smaller tents. Ask whether water, meals, hiking stick, jacket, cloves, hat are included. Check the name of the campsite on whether it's budget or midrange to not be ripped of. Bear in mind that you have to carry 3.5l of water and your meals by yourself. Camping gear is already at the campsite. Bring warm clothes as temperature drops below zero celsius during the night and sleeping. A headlight is also essential for the hike up to the top before sunrise. On the first day you can walk up to Fuego Acatenango for an extra charge starting at Q100 to get closer to eruptions. This is only worth doing on clear evenings. You can also contact a local guide directly which will usually charge Q200-Q300. Guides are easily found in La Soledad. Camping equipment can be rented in Antigua from O.X. or Old Town Outfitters but is relatively pricey. You can also go without a guide. There are several trail that are often not obvious but easily followed with a GPS and, e.g., the trail maps from OpenstreetMaps. To get to the trail head, take a bus from Antigua to Parramos and from Parramos to La Soledad (or take a taxi from Antigua, Q300.) The trail starts just before you reach La Soledad. There might be people selling drinks on the trail but there are usually no water sources. There are two popular camp sites half way up Acatenango. Both give you beautiful views of Fuego at night. The hike up from the western camp site to the top of Acatenango is much easier than from the eastern site. However, running down on the loose gravel to the eastern site is much more fun than going down on the west. To get the best of both sites, camp on the western site climb the peak with your gear and hike down to the eastern site. $0-$100.

Volcán Agua. The dormant volcano stretches up invitingly to the south of Antigua. Some tourists recommend climbing as part of a tour with a police escort to avoid problems as robberies are frequent. Some unaccompanied tourists have been kidnapped. Definitely take the security situation seriously. Ask at the Inguat office for advice, and go with a tour that has armed security that you trust.

Volcán Pacaya. Going up the active volcano is quite easy and you will find dozens of travel agents who will be very happy to sell you tickets for a Pacaya-trip that normally costs between Q60-75, depending on your bargaining skills. This includes a bus-shuttle to and from Pacaya. Once there, foreigners must pay an extra Q50 for the park entrance. Going there without a tour is likely more expensive since you can only enter the area with a guide which by park rules charges an additional Q200 per group (up to 12 people.) As of early 2016, there is no hot lava left from the 2010 eruption but you can still roast marshmellows over vents and see the cold lava. Pacaya is an active volcano. You cannot get to the crater (you just get close), but there are some amazing views. The hike is not too hard except for the last 100 meters or so that go over very loose lava rocks. This hike can be strenuous and people who are not in good physical condition should give it carefully consideration (horses are also available for Q100 each way). If you go in the afternoon, be prepared to descend in the dark. It takes approximately an hour and a half up and 45 minutes down the mountain. There are a couple of kiosks at the bottom of this hike that offer cold beer.

• Artisanal workshops. Spend an afternoon with a local artisan specializing in jade, metal work, or textiles. Enjoy a unique cultural experience and come home with a handmade gift.
• Coffee Farm Tour, +503 5585-4450. Three-hour tours begin at 09:00 and 13:00. Learn how to pick, process and roast your own coffee! Spend a day with a coffee farmer, on the base of Volcán Agua, and learn what a day in the life of a small independent coffee farmer looks like. The tour will take you up the volcano to pick coffee from their fields. They will then take you to their homes to demonstrate how to separate the coffee fruit by density, husk the fruit, ferment and wash the beans, dry, remove the inner hull, sort by size and grade, roast, and — of course — taste! Q200 is a pretty good deal for the day, and includes a pound of coffee as well as English translation and guide services). Tours begin and end at Plaza de San Miguel Escobar in Ciudad Vieja, and must be booked at least 24 hours in advance.

• Semana Santa processions. Every year in the "Holy Week", the time from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday, most cities and villages in Guatemala celebrate local processions in which different religious groups carry life-sized, heavy and holy statues through the streets. Antigua is the Guatemalan hotspot and epicenter of these activities. If it happens you are in Antigua during the Holy Week don't miss to watch these processions. Usually there are several a day, organized by different groups or churches on different tracks throughout the streets and during different times of the day. Ask the local tourist information to find the procession that fits best into your plans.;
  Also visit the churches of Antigua in that time, as every church is proudly decorated and displaying beautiful handmade "carpets". These carpets, made of colorized sawdust, show and form religious symbols and get decorated with fruits and vegetables and is something that Antigua is particularly famous for. Also you find such handmade carpets on the streets as a grounding for the processions to walk over it.;
  Be aware that prices are rising high during the Holy Week as this is a touristic highlight well-known throughout all Guatemala. Hence, the city is crowded by natives and internationals alike. However, in the week or the two weeks before already there are a lot of processions who "practice" their walk, so it might be a smart choice to move there in the days before when prices did not yet skyrocket.

Semana Santa processions. Every year in the "Holy Week", the time from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday, most cities and villages in Guatemala celebrate local processions in which different religious groups carry life-sized, heavy and holy statues through the streets. Antigua is the Guatemalan hotspot and epicenter of these activities. If it happens you are in Antigua during the Holy Week don't miss to watch these processions. Usually there are several a day, organized by different groups or churches on different tracks throughout the streets and during different times of the day. Ask the local tourist information to find the procession that fits best into your plans.;
Also visit the churches of Antigua in that time, as every church is proudly decorated and displaying beautiful handmade "carpets". These carpets, made of colorized sawdust, show and form religious symbols and get decorated with fruits and vegetables and is something that Antigua is particularly famous for. Also you find such handmade carpets on the streets as a grounding for the processions to walk over it.;
Be aware that prices are rising high during the Holy Week as this is a touristic highlight well-known throughout all Guatemala. Hence, the city is crowded by natives and internationals alike. However, in the week or the two weeks before already there are a lot of processions who "practice" their walk, so it might be a smart choice to move there in the days before when prices did not yet skyrocket.

Artisanal workshops. Spend an afternoon with a local artisan specializing in jade, metal work, or textiles. Enjoy a unique cultural experience and come home with a handmade gift.

Coffee Farm Tour, +503 5585-4450. Three-hour tours begin at 09:00 and 13:00. Learn how to pick, process and roast your own coffee! Spend a day with a coffee farmer, on the base of Volcán Agua, and learn what a day in the life of a small independent coffee farmer looks like. The tour will take you up the volcano to pick coffee from their fields. They will then take you to their homes to demonstrate how to separate the coffee fruit by density, husk the fruit, ferment and wash the beans, dry, remove the inner hull, sort by size and grade, roast, and — of course — taste! Q200 is a pretty good deal for the day, and includes a pound of coffee as well as English translation and guide services). Tours begin and end at Plaza de San Miguel Escobar in Ciudad Vieja, and must be booked at least 24 hours in advance.

You can appreciate much about the Guatemalan culture by staying with a local family here. Arrangements for family stay can be made through a local school, or through local charity that you might volunteer for. Cost of local stay to include room and board ranges from US$65 a week with shared facility to as high as US$150 a week for private shower/bathroom. To really get into a glimpse of life in Guatemala, one can sponsor a child through a local charity, like Common Hope, or Mayan Families. Once sponsored, you can visit your child through the charity. For first time visitor, Common Hope can secure an indigenous child at a nearby village like San Rafael, where you can get to see the subsistence farming and the day-to-day life of more than 50% of Guatemalans who lives on less than US$2 a day. Seeing their life on TV is not the same as up close and personal, and seeing the impact your donation makes upon the life of the whole family is gratifying. Visits through local Spanish school usually is made once a week to the local charities and hospital in town like Hospital Hermano Pedro, where many medical groups arrive from other countries to provide needed medical and dental work (cataract surgery, cleft lip, and dental care). One can turn a blind eye to poverty by simply shopping and dining in Antigua, but visitors can make a difference by sponsoring a child or family.

When you change money at the bank, you will need your passport. Banks are open 7 days a week, and late: usually until 19:00-20:00. Most of the time, a passport is not needed for changing U.S. dollars into quetzales. However, you are likely required to have a passport if you want to redeem traveler's checks. ATMs are also available.

• El Mercado. (The Market), bordered by 1ª Calle Poniente, Alameda de Santa Lucia, 4ª Calle Poniente, and Calle de Recoletos. To the dismay of some older locals who pine for the halcyon days of the smaller, better organized market of their youth, a modern-day visit to Antigua's central market can be an overwhelming experience. You literally need a compass and a map to navigate this huge maze — that is, if you simply want to get in and get out quickly; on the other hand, getting lost amid the chaos can be one of the most authentic cultural experiences you'll have in Antigua. If you're looking for bargains and don't mind the crowds of hawking vendors, El Mercado is the place for you: this is where you'll find the cheapest produce, fresh meat, consumer goods, and gifts in town. More than just a place to go shopping, El Mercado is a gathering place for all Antiguans, where people come to socialize with their friends while buying the week's groceries, or just to see and be seen. It's open seven days a week, but Saturday, Monday, and Thursday are the busiest days.

There are so many different sections to the market that you'll probably need a full day to see all of them. The market is chaotic and somewhat disorganized, though similar types of shops tend to be grouped together in specific sections of the complex:

*At the east end of El Mercado, you'll find supermarkets and restaurants lining the Alameda de Santa Lucia.

*Souvenir shoppers will want to head to the south end of the market: it's dominated by a modern, clean and well-stocked gift, art, and local handicraft shop arranged around a central fountain. Popular items include hand-woven cloth and handmade stone and jade jewelry produced by indigenous artisans wearing brightly colored traditional clothing. The stories are all the same — "my mom made it by hand" — which is likely true. A good bargainer can usually talk them down by 25% or more off the initial asking price. Hand-carved wooden masks and figures are also big here.

*The west end has Antigua's main bus station as well as an open-air fruit market where you'll find a great selection of seasonal tropical fruits such as papayas, mangoes, pineapples, and more. The red, curly-haired lychas have a pleasant sweet taste, like the lychees found in Asia. You can also find apples, grapes, and other less unusual fruits in this part of the Mercado. Fruit is safe to eat if washed, though it's a good idea to avoid strawberries unless you can assure they've been soaked well in bleach solution to wash away any fertilizer or contaminated irrigation water. Occasionally you'll see chickens and small livestock for sale here too.

*To the north, inexpensive secondhand clothing is the order of the day: shirts, pants, shoes, and leather goods can be had for as little as Q8. Check for quality and comfort before you purchase shoes. Guatemalans tend to be a petite-statured people, so if you're in the market for small, hard-to-find sizes, you'll likely find what you're looking for with ease.

*The central portion of the market is covered and quite dark: narrow corridors lead you through meat markets, smaller restaurants, flower shops, and numerous fruit stands.

• Antigua Tabaco Compañía, 3ª Calle Poniente #12, +502 7832-9420. Daily 10:00-22:00. What an unexpected find in central Antigua. The selection at this cigar store is second to none: the cigars and pipe tobacco found in the walk-in humidor represent practically every country in the Americas. At Antigua Tabaco Compañía prices tend to be high, but you get what you pay for — along with a helping hand from the knowledgeable and friendly staff who are more than happy to point visitors in the right direction. Best of all, after a hard day on the tourist circuit there's a mellow, air-conditioned cigar bar waiting for you here where you can kick back, grab a tall cold beer, and light up. English-speaking staff.
• Pan Colonial, 7ª Avenida Norte #13B. Traditional Guatemalan bakery, good selection of breakfast breads. One of the best (and least costly) in Antigua.
• Chocolate and cacao can be found in different places around town. Each individual manufacturer has its own characteristics. The ChocoMuseo Antigua (described above) is not only a museum dedicated to chocolate and cacao, but also a working factory where artisanal chocolate is made before your eyes. Chocolate may also be found at Chocolalala, Fernando's Kaffee, and Chocolarti.

El Mercado. (The Market), bordered by 1ª Calle Poniente, Alameda de Santa Lucia, 4ª Calle Poniente, and Calle de Recoletos. To the dismay of some older locals who pine for the halcyon days of the smaller, better organized market of their youth, a modern-day visit to Antigua's central market can be an overwhelming experience. You literally need a compass and a map to navigate this huge maze — that is, if you simply want to get in and get out quickly; on the other hand, getting lost amid the chaos can be one of the most authentic cultural experiences you'll have in Antigua. If you're looking for bargains and don't mind the crowds of hawking vendors, El Mercado is the place for you: this is where you'll find the cheapest produce, fresh meat, consumer goods, and gifts in town. More than just a place to go shopping, El Mercado is a gathering place for all Antiguans, where people come to socialize with their friends while buying the week's groceries, or just to see and be seen. It's open seven days a week, but Saturday, Monday, and Thursday are the busiest days.

Antigua Tabaco Compañía, 3ª Calle Poniente #12, +502 7832-9420. Daily 10:00-22:00. What an unexpected find in central Antigua. The selection at this cigar store is second to none: the cigars and pipe tobacco found in the walk-in humidor represent practically every country in the Americas. At Antigua Tabaco Compañía prices tend to be high, but you get what you pay for — along with a helping hand from the knowledgeable and friendly staff who are more than happy to point visitors in the right direction. Best of all, after a hard day on the tourist circuit there's a mellow, air-conditioned cigar bar waiting for you here where you can kick back, grab a tall cold beer, and light up. English-speaking staff.

Pan Colonial, 7ª Avenida Norte #13B. Traditional Guatemalan bakery, good selection of breakfast breads. One of the best (and least costly) in Antigua.

Chocolate and cacao can be found in different places around town. Each individual manufacturer has its own characteristics. The ChocoMuseo Antigua (described [[#ChocoMuseo|above]]) is not only a museum dedicated to chocolate and cacao, but also a working factory where artisanal chocolate is made before your eyes. Chocolate may also be found at Chocolalala, Fernando's Kaffee, and Chocolarti.

Antigua has cafes and restaurants for all tastes and budgets. The town is the most touristy place in Guatemala so you will find anything you are looking for including international fast food shops. Be careful with where you eat. Facilities lacking in bathroom or bathroom cleanliness suggest a higher probability of food poisoning. Avoid cold salad, fresh vegetables, and undercooked meat. Street ice cream carts are common through the city and popular with the locals, but of are unknown safety for sensitive stomachs.

• Market food court, market (inside the local market. Various comedores all serving homemade Guatemaltecan food. Breakfast from Q15, set lunch Q20-30 including a drink. All restaurants offer vegetarian plates. If you don't understand their daily menu, they will let you have a quick look into the pots in the kitchen. Q15-30.
• The Bagel Barn, 5ª Calle Poniente #2, +502 7832-1224. Daily 06:30-20:30. Travelers come here to get their fix of bagels, excellent coffee and free Wi-Fi. Bagel sandwiches include different breakfast and lunch selections using quality ingredients such as fresh mozzarella cheese, real cheddar, etc. It's a home away from home, a very cozy environment, with movies shown in the afternoon and evenings. French, Spanish and English are spoken. Q 35-90.
• La Canche, 6ª Avenida Norte #42 (behind the shop; pass through the counter. Daily 08:00-22:00. Popular among locals and well hidden behind the tienda this family-run restaurant rarely sees tourists. The ladies are very kind and helpful even though they don't speak English. They serve breakfast for Q20 and set lunch for Q20-25 that includes a drink. The lunch options are written on a board in front of the shop. Enjoy authentic homemade Guatemaltecan cuisine while sharing a table with locals and being watched by a parrot. Q15-25.
• Doña Luisa Xicotencatl, 4ª Calle Oriente #12, +502 7832-2578. Daily 07:00-21:30. Has the feel of a well-run corporate restaurant set in a gorgeous leafy courtyard of a historic building. Menu includes well-executed breakfast, hamburgers, and Guatemalan interpretations of Tex-Mex food. They use purified water on their vegetables and for drinking and ice, which means their menu is in-bounds for tender First World stomachs. There is a bakery in the building, which means that when you get close you can follow the delicious smells the rest of the way in. Highly recommended, especially for the cookies and daily selection of delightful breakfast breads. Q50-80.
• Luna de Miel, 6ª Avenida Norte #40, +502 7882-4559. Daily 09:00-21:30. Luna de Miel opened its doors in July 2006, and Antigua immediately succumbed to the charms of crepes à la française. The first floor area is small, but there is an inviting open-roof terrace upstairs. The menu offers not a lot to choose, but all the products are fresh, selected each morning in the market. Free Wi-Fi. Q30-70.
• Rainbow Café, 7ª Avenida Sur #8, +502 7832-1919. Daily 08:00-23:00. Tourist-friendly and wholesome breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. An early-bird breakfast special of tomatoes, beans, eggs, rice, and tea or coffee is easy on the wallet. Sandwiches and dinner entrees are inexpensive too, and salads and big desserts are also on offer. Uses purified water for all drinks, ice, and preparation. They have a rich schedule of live music, poetry readings, and interesting lectures about Guatemala. Includes Internet access in its cornucopia of tourist-friendly offerings. If you spend more than GTQ20 in the attached bookstore, you get 25 minutes of Internet time as a bonus. Q45-90.
• Travel Menu, 6ª Calle Poniente #14, +502 4215-9601. Daily 13:00-23:00. Promises "small place, big portions", and delivers. It seats perhaps 20 people at about eight tables, in small, dim room painted to look like an underground European keller, lit only by candles on stands overflowing with cascades of wax drippings. They offer dinner entrees for low prices, with vegetarian options for everything. The portions are indeed generous. Beer and wine are also available, but not desserts. Topping it all off is the friendly proprietor, Jesper Nilsen of Denmark. Attracts a traveller crowd. Q 40-70.
• Y Tu Piña También, 1ª Avenida Sur #10B. M-F 07:00-17:00, Sa-Su 10:00-18:00. All-day breakfast and some lunch items catering to twentysomething backpackers. Depending on your sense of humor, be prepared to either LOL or be outraged at gleefully profane menu items such as "Monkey's A**" and "Egg McF***in' Muffin" (how trademark law lets them get away with that one in anyone's guess). Licuados. Benito's flavored rums. Luisa's famous hangover soups. Proper espressos. Manu Chao daily. Free Wi-Fi. GTQ 30-80.

• Helados Marcopolo, 5ª Avenida Norte (Just past the northwest corner of Parque Central, west side of the street, opposite Helados Sarita. A chain with locations all over Guatemala and El Salvador that offers ice cream dishes in a polished atmosphere.
• Helados Sarita, 5ª Avenida Norte (Just past the northwest corner of Parque Central, east side of the street, opposite Helados Marcopolo. Another chain, with locations in Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Costa Rica, and the Dominican Republic. This seems sort of like the Baskin-Robbins of Latin America. Several dozen flavors of ice cream in three different choices of cones, sundaes, and other more elaborate concoctions. Since 1948.

Helados Marcopolo, 5ª Avenida Norte (Just past the northwest corner of Parque Central, west side of the street, opposite Helados Sarita. A chain with locations all over Guatemala and [[El Salvador]] that offers ice cream dishes in a polished atmosphere.

Helados Sarita, 5ª Avenida Norte (Just past the northwest corner of Parque Central, east side of the street, opposite Helados Marcopolo. Another chain, with locations in Guatemala, El Salvador, [[Honduras]], [[Costa Rica]], and the [[Dominican Republic]]. This seems sort of like the Baskin-Robbins of Latin America. Several dozen flavors of ice cream in three different choices of cones, sundaes, and other more elaborate concoctions. Since 1948.

Market food court, market (inside the local market. Various comedores all serving homemade Guatemaltecan food. Breakfast from Q15, set lunch Q20-30 including a drink. All restaurants offer vegetarian plates. If you don't understand their daily menu, they will let you have a quick look into the pots in the kitchen. Q15-30.

The Bagel Barn, 5ª Calle Poniente #2, +502 7832-1224. Daily 06:30-20:30. Travelers come here to get their fix of bagels, excellent coffee and free Wi-Fi. Bagel sandwiches include different breakfast and lunch selections using quality ingredients such as fresh mozzarella cheese, real cheddar, etc. It's a home away from home, a very cozy environment, with movies shown in the afternoon and evenings. French, Spanish and English are spoken. Q 35-90.

La Canche, 6ª Avenida Norte #42 (behind the shop; pass through the counter. Daily 08:00-22:00. Popular among locals and well hidden behind the tienda this family-run restaurant rarely sees tourists. The ladies are very kind and helpful even though they don't speak English. They serve breakfast for Q20 and set lunch for Q20-25 that includes a drink. The lunch options are written on a board in front of the shop. Enjoy authentic homemade Guatemaltecan cuisine while sharing a table with locals and being watched by a parrot. Q15-25.

Doña Luisa Xicotencatl, 4ª Calle Oriente #12, +502 7832-2578. Daily 07:00-21:30. Has the feel of a well-run corporate restaurant set in a gorgeous leafy courtyard of a historic building. Menu includes well-executed breakfast, hamburgers, and Guatemalan interpretations of Tex-Mex food. They use purified water on their vegetables and for drinking and ice, which means their menu is in-bounds for tender First World stomachs. There is a bakery in the building, which means that when you get close you can follow the delicious smells the rest of the way in. Highly recommended, especially for the cookies and daily selection of delightful breakfast breads. Q50-80.

Luna de Miel, 6ª Avenida Norte #40, +502 7882-4559. Daily 09:00-21:30. Luna de Miel opened its doors in July 2006, and Antigua immediately succumbed to the charms of crepes à la française. The first floor area is small, but there is an inviting open-roof terrace upstairs. The menu offers not a lot to choose, but all the products are fresh, selected each morning in the market. Free Wi-Fi. Q30-70.

Rainbow Café, 7ª Avenida Sur #8, +502 7832-1919. Daily 08:00-23:00. Tourist-friendly and wholesome breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. An early-bird breakfast special of tomatoes, beans, eggs, rice, and tea or coffee is easy on the wallet. Sandwiches and dinner entrees are inexpensive too, and salads and big desserts are also on offer. Uses purified water for all drinks, ice, and preparation. They have a rich schedule of live music, poetry readings, and interesting lectures about Guatemala. Includes Internet access in its cornucopia of tourist-friendly offerings. If you spend more than GTQ20 in the attached bookstore, you get 25 minutes of Internet time as a bonus. Q45-90.

Travel Menu, 6ª Calle Poniente #14, +502 4215-9601. Daily 13:00-23:00. Promises "small place, big portions", and delivers. It seats perhaps 20 people at about eight tables, in small, dim room painted to look like an underground European keller, lit only by candles on stands overflowing with cascades of wax drippings. They offer dinner entrees for low prices, with vegetarian options for everything. The portions are indeed generous. Beer and wine are also available, but not desserts. Topping it all off is the friendly proprietor, Jesper Nilsen of Denmark. Attracts a traveller crowd. Q 40-70.

Y Tu Piña También, 1ª Avenida Sur #10B. M-F 07:00-17:00, Sa-Su 10:00-18:00. All-day breakfast and some lunch items catering to twentysomething backpackers. Depending on your sense of humor, be prepared to either LOL or be outraged at gleefully profane menu items such as "Monkey's A**" and "Egg McF***in' Muffin" (how trademark law lets them get away with that one in anyone's guess). Licuados. Benito's flavored rums. Luisa's famous hangover soups. Proper espressos. Manu Chao daily. Free Wi-Fi. GTQ 30-80.

• La Fonda de la Calle Real. Generous helpings of Guatemalan specialties, with reasonable prices and a touch of corporate efficiency in their operations. The "De Todo Un Poco" ("a bit of everything") platter combines steak, chicken, and sausage for GTQ91. The vegetarian "Pepian Vegetariano" offers green beans and other vegetables in an unusual smoky-flavored sauce. The green salad is fresh and overflows the large plate. Uses purified water for all drinks, ice, and preparation. GTQ 75-200.

La Fonda de la Calle Real has three locations:

* La Fondita, 5ª Avenida Norte #5, +502 7832-2696. Tu-Su 12:00-22:00.

* La Fonda a la Vuelta, 3ª Calle Poniente #7, +502 7832-0507. Daily 12:00-22:00.

* La Nueva Fonda, 5ª Avenida Norte #12, +502 7832-0507. Su-Th 08:00-22:00, F-Sa 08:00-23:00.

• El Mirador, 1ª Avenida Norte #9B, +502 7832-6146. Tu-Su 17:00-22:00. 360 degree rooftop view of Antigua. Burgers, kebabs, drink specials. Q75-150.
• El Mix, 4ª Avenida Sur #2A, +502 7832-8934. Music, patio, vegetarian dishes, happy hour, Israeli food.
• Monoloco, 5ª Avenida Sur #6, +502 7832-4228. Daily 11:00-01:00. A funky tourist friendly joint with cheap international calling and a few computers for Internet use. The food is very "gringo-esque", but tasty nonetheless. There's a large bar on the ground level, as well as a covered open air second floor eating area. Good place to meet and greet or enjoy a burger. Q 60-175.
• La Peña de Sol Latino, 5ª Calle Poniente #15C, +502 7882-4468. Daily noon-23:00. Bar and restaurant featuring live music by Guatemalan and Central American bands (featuring Paco). The music, the "feel", and the food make this a really special place. Make sure to try their brownies; they are absolutely amazing. Their grouper macadamia dish is also highly recommended, and their other desserts are fantastic. They use only purified water and disinfect all produce, so go ahead and enjoy one of their creative salads. Open for lunch and dinner. Q 70-160.
• Wiener, Portal del Comercio #8, Alameda de Santa Lucia Norte, +502 7832-1244. Daily 08:00-23:00. Located at El Mercado. Austrian restaurant that serves the best schnitzel this side of Vienna. One amazing treat for those of you from Austria! They also serve great local food and have a friendly, capable staff. Q 60-150.

La Fonda de la Calle Real. Generous helpings of Guatemalan specialties, with reasonable prices and a touch of corporate efficiency in their operations. The "De Todo Un Poco" ("a bit of everything") platter combines steak, chicken, and sausage for GTQ91. The vegetarian "Pepian Vegetariano" offers green beans and other vegetables in an unusual smoky-flavored sauce. The green salad is fresh and overflows the large plate. Uses purified water for all drinks, ice, and preparation. GTQ 75-200.

El Mirador, 1ª Avenida Norte #9B, +502 7832-6146. Tu-Su 17:00-22:00. 360 degree rooftop view of Antigua. Burgers, kebabs, drink specials. Q75-150.

El Mix, 4ª Avenida Sur #2A, +502 7832-8934. Music, patio, vegetarian dishes, happy hour, Israeli food.

Monoloco, 5ª Avenida Sur #6, +502 7832-4228. Daily 11:00-01:00. A funky tourist friendly joint with cheap international calling and a few computers for Internet use. The food is very "gringo-esque", but tasty nonetheless. There's a large bar on the ground level, as well as a covered open air second floor eating area. Good place to meet and greet or enjoy a burger. Q 60-175.

La Peña de Sol Latino, 5ª Calle Poniente #15C, +502 7882-4468. Daily noon-23:00. Bar and restaurant featuring live music by Guatemalan and Central American bands (featuring Paco). The music, the "feel", and the food make this a really special place. Make sure to try their brownies; they are absolutely amazing. Their grouper macadamia dish is also highly recommended, and their other desserts are fantastic. They use only purified water and disinfect all produce, so go ahead and enjoy one of their creative salads. Open for lunch and dinner. Q 70-160.

Wiener, Portal del Comercio #8, Alameda de Santa Lucia Norte, +502 7832-1244. Daily 08:00-23:00. Located at El Mercado. Austrian restaurant that serves the best schnitzel this side of Vienna. One amazing treat for those of you from Austria! They also serve great local food and have a friendly, capable staff. Q 60-150.

• Bistrot Cinq, 4ª Calle Oriente #7, +502 7832-5510. Daily 12:00-22:30. A French bistro featuring great food, very authentic cuisine found nowhere else in Antigua. American-owned and operated (as in USA, not Guatemala). Features an open kitchen where you can watch the chefs work, and a great bar. Offers many specials and unique local foods hard to find elsewhere. Q 100-300.
• Caffé Mediterráneo, 6ª Calle Poniente #6A, +502 7832-7180. M & W-Sa 12:00-15:00 & 18:00-22:00, Su 12:00-16:30 & 19:00-21:00. This is a gourmet Italian restaurant one block from the Parque Central. No menus: the waiter will simply tell you the specials, which change every day. Widely considered to be one of if not the best place for Italian food in Antigua. Q 125-280.
• Casa Escobar, 6ª Avenida Norte #3, +502 7832-5250. Daily 07:00-22:00. Entire restaurant lit with candles. Beautiful interior blending in with the style of Antigua. Do not let relatively high prices and not very appetizing pictures in the menu fool you. Steaks brought to the table will look way more appetizing and after the first bite you will know that you will not leave a single bite on the plate no matter how big of cut you have ordered. If you like steak you are hungry you are in Antigua and can spare US$20, Casa Escobar is an awesome place to go. Q 150-500.
• Havana Sabor Cubano, 4ª Calle Oriente #3A, +502 7832-4137. Su & Tu-W 11:00-18:00, Th 11:00-20:00, F 11:00-00:00, Sa 11:00-01:00. An upmarket Cuban restaurant with live music on Thursday through Saturday evenings and Sunday afternoons.

Bistrot Cinq, 4ª Calle Oriente #7, +502 7832-5510. Daily 12:00-22:30. A French bistro featuring great food, very authentic cuisine found nowhere else in Antigua. American-owned and operated (as in USA, not Guatemala). Features an open kitchen where you can watch the chefs work, and a great bar. Offers many specials and unique local foods hard to find elsewhere. Q 100-300.

Caffé Mediterráneo, 6ª Calle Poniente #6A, +502 7832-7180. M & W-Sa 12:00-15:00 & 18:00-22:00, Su 12:00-16:30 & 19:00-21:00. This is a gourmet Italian restaurant one block from the Parque Central. No menus: the waiter will simply tell you the specials, which change every day. Widely considered to be one of if not the best place for Italian food in Antigua. Q 125-280.

Casa Escobar, 6ª Avenida Norte #3, +502 7832-5250. Daily 07:00-22:00. Entire restaurant lit with candles. Beautiful interior blending in with the style of Antigua. Do not let relatively high prices and not very appetizing pictures in the menu fool you. Steaks brought to the table will look way more appetizing and after the first bite you will know that you will not leave a single bite on the plate no matter how big of cut you have ordered. If you like steak you are hungry you are in Antigua and can spare US$20, Casa Escobar is an awesome place to go. Q 150-500.

Havana Sabor Cubano, 4ª Calle Oriente #3A, +502 7832-4137. Su & Tu-W 11:00-18:00, Th 11:00-20:00, F 11:00-00:00, Sa 11:00-01:00. An upmarket Cuban restaurant with live music on Thursday through Saturday evenings and Sunday afternoons.

• Café No Sé, 1ª Avenida Sur #11C, +502 7832-0563. Cool hipster-backpacker bar serving up a range of drinks including the local favorite, "Ilegal" mezcal. Dim lighting, mysterious vibes, and interesting patrons from all over the world. Friendly staff and prices are a lot more reasonable than you'd expect from such a trendier-than-thou spot. Live music is presented frequently.
• El Muro, 3ª Calle Oriente #19D, +502 7832-8849. Plays a soundtrack of classic rock and serves real drinks, Asian and vegetarian food and local cuisine. Specials for volunteers and credit cards accepted.
• Reilly's Irish Tavern, 6ª Calle Poniente #7 (Twenty yards west of 5ª Avenida Sur, south side, +502 7832-6251. Antigua's only Irish pub and a popular sports bar. Serves Guinness and Jaegermeister, among other things. Pool table. Burgers and snacks. Every Monday at 20:00 they hold a pub quiz.(updated June 2018)
• Sangre, 5ª Avenida Norte #33A, +502 7832-8978. Fancy wine bar, fine atmosphere. Moderate prices. Large selection of wine per glass. Light snacks also served.

• Fernando's Kaffee, 7ª Avenida Norte #43D, +502 7832-6953. M-Sa 07:00-19:00, Su 07:00-13:00. Some of the best coffee in Antigua, plus great breakfasts. Fernando, the owner, is very friendly and may show you his operation: the coffee roaster, grinder, etc. Pleasant courtyard seating is found when walking through the first two rooms and around the kitchen. The breakfasts are awesome: pancakes and crepes and fresh fruit. It is a great place to relax drinking wonderful coffee.

Fernando's Kaffee, 7ª Avenida Norte #43D, +502 7832-6953. M-Sa 07:00-19:00, Su 07:00-13:00. Some of the best coffee in Antigua, plus great breakfasts. Fernando, the owner, is very friendly and may show you his operation: the coffee roaster, grinder, etc. Pleasant courtyard seating is found when walking through the first two rooms and around the kitchen. The breakfasts are awesome: pancakes and crepes and fresh fruit. It is a great place to relax drinking wonderful coffee.

Café No Sé, 1ª Avenida Sur #11C, +502 7832-0563. Cool hipster-backpacker bar serving up a range of drinks including the local favorite, "Ilegal" mezcal. Dim lighting, mysterious vibes, and interesting patrons from all over the world. Friendly staff and prices are a lot more reasonable than you'd expect from such a trendier-than-thou spot. Live music is presented frequently.

El Muro, 3ª Calle Oriente #19D, +502 7832-8849. Plays a soundtrack of classic rock and serves real drinks, Asian and vegetarian food and local cuisine. Specials for volunteers and credit cards accepted.

Reilly's Irish Tavern, 6ª Calle Poniente #7 (Twenty yards west of 5ª Avenida Sur, south side, +502 7832-6251. Antigua's only Irish pub and a popular sports bar. Serves Guinness and Jaegermeister, among other things. Pool table. Burgers and snacks. Every Monday at 20:00 they hold a pub quiz.(updated June 2018)

Sangre, 5ª Avenida Norte #33A, +502 7832-8978. Fancy wine bar, fine atmosphere. Moderate prices. Large selection of wine per glass. Light snacks also served.

The post office (oficina the correos) is opposite the market in Alameda de Santa Lucia, between 4a and 5a Calle Poniente. As of Oct 2019, no stamps are sold because the postal service is changing from a private to public owned business. They hope to reopen in 2020.

There are many Internet cafes and long-distance phone shops in Antigua. Internet time costs GTQ5-10 per hour. Internet shops often have video phones for Skype calls. Many phone shops use VOIP, and not all area codes will work: for instance, the phone shop downtown will not reach certain cell phones and certain newer area codes. But just around the northwest corner is another shop that reached most U.S. area codes. Just ask as they will reluctantly point you to their competitor. Cellphones from the U.S. will work, but international roaming charges apply and are generally quite steep. Some people ask their carrier to turn off the voice mail function to avoid charges for voice mail.

Due to the presence of the "Tourist Police", Antigua is much safer than any other city in Guatemala: you're very unlikely to be mugged or robbed here, at least during the daytime. (At night, things get a bit more questionable.) However, the flipside of that is once you leave the city center, you're mostly on your own, so it's inadvisable under those circumstances to engage in risky behavior such as displaying valuables conspicuously. If you plan to visit sites outside the center of town like the volcanoes, make sure you go with an officer of the tourist police who accompany tourists there at least once a day.

Armed robbery is depressingly common. If this happens to you, rule number one is don't try to resist, as criminals will not hesitate to use their weapons on uncooperative victims. However, there are still ways to minimize the impact of a robbery on your trip. Firstly, it's a good idea to leave your passport in your hotel safe or local home and to carry a photocopy instead. If you are robbed, you will not need to go the consulate for paperwork. Secondly, it's also smart — especially for those who'll be moving around frequently — to keep the bulk of your valuables in a money belt strapped to your waist, and place a few dollars in a separate wallet that you can hand over to a robber if you come across one. ATMs are available, so an ATM card (ideally hidden in a money belt as described above) should be carried for instant cash.

Pickpocketing is actually somewhat less of a danger in Antigua as compared to armed robberies, but during peak tourist times like Semana Santa it's still wise to keep a hand on your wallet. Keep your bags in front of you when walking through El Mercado, as there have been reports of thieves slicing through shopping bags with razor blades to steal the contents.

Almost all bars and restaurants will be happy to call a taxi for you. Asking the bar staff to call the taxi for you, instead of looking for one yourself, can be a good idea since the staff tend to know the drivers they are calling. Ask them what the price should be beforehand, and also ask them to confirm the price with the taxi or tuk-tuk when they arrive. In Antigua, many locals consider the buses safer than a tuk-tuk as they have been blamed for taking tourists to obscure areas to rob them. Women, crimes against whom are often not widely publicized in Guatemala, are especially at risk on public transportation: as a woman, you might be safer riding on a crowded bus than hailing a tuk-tuk or taxi from an unknown driver.

Hiking the Volcán de Agua requires extra caution as numerous robberies and some kidnappings have occurred there. The relatively few reputable tour operators who offer this hike usually employ the services of a police escort or armed guards. If yours doesn't, it's best to choose a different operator.

If you are lucky, you will not have any illnesses in Antigua. However, most long-term visitors may encounter a case of food poisoning or bacterial or viral enteritis. The best way to treat it without a physician's intervention is to buy packages (sobre) of re-hydration solution (solución de rehidratación oral). It is a simple mix of potassium, sodium, and glucose. Most cases of food poisoning or intestinal infections can be blamed on street vendors with unrefrigerated sauces or paste, but home cooked meals can also be the cause. Street vendor food is cheap, but you should avoid it unless you have been eating it daily. A virgin stomach often cannot handle the common bacterial toxins found in unrefrigerated sauces, slaws, and cold marinades. Piping hot, wrapped, boiled food is likely safe, but might not be completely free of all toxins.

It is best to avoid ceviche due to potential risk of bacteria like cholera. Fresh salads should not be consumed for concern of contaminated irrigation water. Strawberries have been known to pass hepatitis A due to contaminated irrigation water. When preparing your own salad or strawberries, soaking in bleach solution or iodine is advised. All fruits should be washed or peeled before eating. Undercooked meat should be avoided due to encysted parasites, unless imported, high-grade beef is assured at a well-known restaurant. Fresh cream is often served at the table, but unless you are sure it is pasteurized or precooked, it is best to avoid putting it on your food. Going barefoot or with sandals is the norm, however hiking with them or going barefoot might lead to cutaneous larva migrans, a parasitic infection where hookworm larvae penetrate the skin and cause itchy red curves and lines a few days later. Wear shoes and socks if you walk off the pavement.

Guatemala, like all Latin American countries, has filtered, chlorinated water at the point of distribution. However, once it gets to the tap, it is no longer safe. Many businesses and homes have rooftop water tanks which fill up during the low-consumption period of the day (usually at night) and maintain pressure at the faucet during the day, when water pressure in the public supply is low or nonexistent. This is the cause of the waterborne intestinal diseases like E. Coli, salmonella, or cysticoccosis that are prevalent in the country. Also, low pressure in the public water pipes often leads to groundwater contaminated with raw sewage flowing into cracks in the potable water system. It has been documented that up to 20% of those who have traveled to developing countries and now have chronic diarrhea or gastrointestinal issue carry intestinal parasites, which can last for many years after returning. Over 80% of returning Peace Corps volunteers have intestinal parasites. Laboratory tests performed in the US and the UK often miss these very small parasites, so repeated samples must be submitted. The only foolproof way to avoid waterborne illness is to avoid tap water (agua del chorro) and instead drink bottled or filtered water (agua del garrafón or agua embotellada). Also, some homes and restaurants have purified water in 5-gallon bottles and serve it in glasses. Ask if the ice is made from purified water.

Laundry can be done by various lavanderias around town. You drop off your laundry, they weigh it and charge you a price per pound (not per kilogram, interestingly). The laundry is dried and available for pickup in two to four hours. Locals advise that you inventory your laundry, to be sure that none is lost or exchanged. Two full backpacks of clothes weighed about 16 pounds.

• Qué Pasa. Bilingual monthly magazine based in La Antigua, with tourism and feature articles, interviews, and calendar of events, cinema, and live music. Print edition is available for free in many places in La Antigua and locations in Guatemala City.
• Revue Magazine. Bilingual magazine based in La Antigua, with tourism and feature articles, interviews, humor, and calendar of events, cinema, and live music. Free.
• La Cuadra. Magazine published by Café No Sé, features poetry, travellers, journals, political features and commentary, artist reviews, and more. free.

Qué Pasa. Bilingual monthly magazine based in La Antigua, with tourism and feature articles, interviews, and calendar of events, cinema, and live music. Print edition is available for free in many places in La Antigua and locations in Guatemala City.

Revue Magazine. Bilingual magazine based in La Antigua, with tourism and feature articles, interviews, humor, and calendar of events, cinema, and live music. Free.

La Cuadra. Magazine published by Café No Sé, features poetry, travellers, journals, political features and commentary, artist reviews, and more. free.

• Guatemala City - The national capital, an hour's drive away.
• Copán - Mayan ruins across the border in Honduras. There is a direct shuttle bus that makes the six-hour trip between here and Antigua.
• San Marcos La Laguna, Lake Atitlan; Shared 15-person shuttle, hostel pickup @ 08:30 & 14:00, Q70pp, 3.5 hours.