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First Impressions of Antigua Guatemala
Antigua was my first time ever in Central America. I flew into Guatemala City on a Saturday. My plan was to stay one night in Antigua, and while I was in Antigua, book a shuttle for the next day to Quetzaltenango (Xela). I didn’t know what to expect when I arrived. I didn’t expect to see so many American tourists. But there they were. I guess I’m not the only one who doesn’t always listen to US travel advisories (Guatemala is currently at the “Reconsider Travel” level).
I had read online that upon exiting the airport, a shuttle to Antigua is $10 USD and easy to get. The airport lobby is quite small. A young guy approached me asking me if I needed a shuttle. I normally don’t accept these offers (and you shouldn’t either), but when I looked to his left I realized he had come from the shuttle booth, which was now empty, so I agreed. As promised, it was $10 USD. You can also pay in the local currency (quetzales). Since I had gone to the ATM already, I figured it would be better to pay in local currency. But when I checked my converter app (one of my top travel apps), 80 Quetzales actually amounted to about $10.79, so the joke was on me!
I sat in the shuttle with two other American tourists waiting for the shuttle to fill up. 30 minutes later we were on our way to Antigua. 4 Americans (including me), 1 guy from Mexico, and a couple from Israel. 1.5 hours later we had entered the bumpy cobblestone roads of Antigua Guatemala.
Antigua wasn’t what I expected. I didn’t really know what to expect because, to be honest, I hadn’t done a lot of research. I knew it would be touristy but I hadn’t realized how small it is. My first thought was that it was going to be more of a bigger city, but without a North Face or a Korean BBQ restaurant (they have both). Since I figured I would be eating Guatemalan food for the next 4 weeks, I actually did eat at the Korean BBQ restaurant the night I arrived. It was what you might expect from Korean BBQ in Central America. Not amazing, but still decent.
I stayed in the Posada San Vicente on 6th Ave Sur, which had a really nice courtyard for hanging out and working in. It also has a beautiful terrace on the rooftop, and right in the center of the city. The rooms were a bit on the small side, and my corner room was quite noisy, but for one night it was fine.
I had less than 24 hours in Antigua as my shuttle to Xela (booked through a local tour agency, Club de los Viajeros), was scheduled for the following afternoon at 3pm. How long do you need in Antigua? Antigua is small. I think you can hit the majority of the sights within the city limits in a day or two. It’s an easy place to walk around and check out sites such as the Arco de Santa Catalina, Parque Central, Catedral de San José, and many old church ruins. If I had more time, I would have explored the churches and ruins in more detail and walked the steps up to Cerro de la Cruz. There are also several day trips that can be done as well.
I also had a great coffee and breakfast at Rainbow Cafe which had a chill environment and free wifi, and a delicious panini at La Casaca.
How To Get To Antigua
There are various ways to get to Antigua. In my opinion, the best way is a shuttle from La Aurora International Airport, which is $10 USD. You can also take a combination of a shuttle (to the main bus terminal in Guatemala City) and chicken bus to Antigua to save a few bucks, but honestly, I don’t think it’s worth the hassle.
If it’s late at night your only option may be a taxi ($35-40).
Antigua is about 40 kilometers (25 miles) from the airport. The trip (via taxi or shuttle) can take from 45 minutes to 1.5 hours depending on the time of day.
Things To Do
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Arco de Santa Catalina – one of Antigua’s signature landmarks built in the 17th century. It was originally used for nuns to pass through from the convent to the school without having to use the street.
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Parque Central – a nice place to walk around or relax on a bench and people-watch
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Catedral de San José – directly across from the park on the 4a Avenida side. The parish is located in a section of the old Catedral de Santiago, which was destroyed in the 1773 Santa Marta earthquake. The ruins are behind the Catedral de San José.
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Cerro de la Cruz – a viewpoint over the city, which can be reached after 20-30 minutes and several hundred steps
What To Eat
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Miso Restaurant, 5a Calle Poniente 15C – Pretty good Korean BBQ
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Rainbow Cafe, 7a Avenida Sur (cross street 6a Calle Poniente) – Delicious coffee and healthy breakfasts
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La Casaca, 5a Avenida Norte 10A – Paninis, coffee, and smoothies (they also have breakfast)
Where To Stay
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Posada San Vicente, 6a Avenida Sur 6 – I felt like splurging on a private room, so I chose this hotel in the center of the city with a beautiful courtyard and rooftop terrace. The room was a bit small and noisy, but for one night it was fine.
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Wicho & Charlies, 7a Calle Poniente 6 – I didn’t stay here, but if I had stayed in a hostel, I would have picked this one
Other Resources
Note: I visited Guatemala and wrote this post before the Volcán de Fuego disaster that occurred on June 3, 2018. If you would like to help the victims of the disaster you can do so by donating to one of GoFundMe’s verified fundraisers, Cruz Roja Guatemala (Guatemala’s Red Cross), or, if you are currently in Guatemala, donate blood or bring goods to donation sites.
If you have any recommendations or favorite places to go in Antigua, leave a comment below!
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