Antigua, Guatemala — why you should add this to your bucket list!!
Most people give me a confused look when I tell them about my travails through Guatemala. Either they have never heard the name or think that Guatemala is a part of Mexico. However, when I tell them more about this little gem it takes them by surprise and amusement. Guatemala, one of the 7 countries that form Central America is a popular destination in the backpacking community.
Originally, Guatemala was not part of my itinerary as I barely had any knowledge about the country. But traveling long term and speaking to fellow travelers excited me to visit this gorgeous country. While most people warned me of the dangers of visiting the country, especially known for its gun violence and constant clashes between the authorities and the drug cartels, I still wanted to see what the fuss was about. The gun laws in the country make it easy for anyone to buy guns and you can see them being carried around everywhere by people of all ages. Even though this is one of the sad truths & safety is a concern, I am a huge fan of the culture, people, geographical landscape and the experiences that it has to offer. It has something for everyone and trust me when I tell you, it will all but leave you mesmerized.
The country is the size of a mid-sized state in India but the diversity on offer is absolutely mind-blowing. Active volcanoes, beautiful beaches, flora & fauna, archeological wonders, jungles, lakes, ruins, history and much more make it a destination worth every minute spent in it. The primary reason for making this part of my itinerary was the immersive Spanish learning options. During my year-long backpack, I spent 4 odd months in this beautiful country primarily in 2 locations — Antigua & San Pedro La Laguna.
Antigua, an old Spanish settlement located around 1 hour from Guatemala City with its cobbled streets, amazing colonial architectures, Spanish schools, myriad restaurants & cafes, local markets and a surreal live Volcano in the backdrop is a tourists dream. The variety of food on offer is stupendous with architecture that will transport you to the 16th Century. On offer are a lot of activities and I can happily say that I would return at the drop of a hat as it is one of my favorite destinations in the world.
Getting there: Reaching Antigua is pretty straightforward since it is located only about 40 odd kilometers (approx. 1 hour) from Guatemala City which is the capital city and is well connected with the world. Due to the bad press that Guatemala City receives, Antigua has become a favored destination with travelers and people tend to skip Guatemala City completely. There are frequent shuttles running between other major cities in Central America & Mexico.
Learn Spanish: Antigua can easily be called the Spanish learning capital of the world as it has a lot of schools serving the needs of different types of learners of all levels. You can choose a group or private lessons based on your preference. Most schools offer programs allowing you to stay privately or at the accommodation provided by the school. Be it brushing on your Spanish, learning the basics or learning to speak fluently you can find programs suiting your needs and also customize it to your preference. Many travelers volunteer in hostels, cafes or bars while learning Spanish class for as low as USD 85/week, this aids in reducing their costs further. Guatemala is one of the best places to learn Spanish since the accent used here is very neutral, the costs are really low and you can immerse yourself since most people living here speak only Spanish thus creating a fantastic learning environment as compared to other countries in this region.
Marvel at the Architecture and ruins: Whether you are a history buff, photography enthusiast or a corporate mule, the architectural structures in this 16th-century city will take your breath away. On offer within the city limits are world heritage sites, ruins, and churches. It will be a treat for all your senses reminding you of the glory days of the Spanish settlers. One can enter into several buildings for a small fee and avail audio guides to explore and dive into the history of these magnificent buildings.
Volcano Fuego: Imagine sitting in a cafe sipping on Guatemalan coffee or an Irish bar having an artisanal beer and getting a view of a live volcano erupting regularly every 5–10 minutes. Mount Fuego, one of the most active volcanoes in the region is a breathtaking sight that inspires awe and since live volcanoes are not as common across the world it is a sight that not many must have had a chance to experience in their lifetimes. I could see this marvel from the terrace of the house that I was staying in. To get the best view of the volcano, you can hike up to the neighboring volcano called Acatenango or Mount Agua which summits at 4000 meters to view the eruptions on Fuego. It is one of the most popular activities that travelers in the region sign up for. Several tours hike up to the mountain daily, I hiked with Wicho & Charlie’s which is one of the most popular hostels that facilitates this tour daily. It is a moderate/difficult hike through 5–6 different landscapes and can take up to 7 hours to summit. Make sure that you do not cut corners while choosing the company for this expedition as it can get really cold & the gear that you carry basically determines your experience.
Market: The market in Antigua was one of the best places that I visited during my trip it was always bustling, busy and bursting with activities & color. From purchasing the freshest ingredients to experiencing local fare in terms of flavors and textures a market is definitely a place that will leave you wanting more. It is a great place to experiment with your photography, practice your Spanish or even work on your bargaining capabilities. Besides the local market, there are a lot of boutique stores selling artisanal stuff which is available only in Antigua. Explore a few of these stores while taking a walk on the famed cobbled streets of Antigua and I am sure you won’t be disappointed.
Restaurants & cafes: The main town of Antigua is filled with thematic restaurants, cafes, bars and pubs that are housed in several old Spanish architectural structures giving you a sense of royalty. The variety of food caters to people with all kinds of preferences and finding vegan and vegetarian food is not a hassle at all. No two cafes have the same ambiance and it makes the whole eating out experience very rich and exciting. The price range fluctuates drastically and has something on offer for all kinds of budgets as well. The variety can be overwhelming as several genres of food is available right from bakeries, dessert shops, street food, and healthy choices. There are several people selling their wares on the streets and my experience with them was always good. Several events such as trivia, quizzes, BBQ, Language exchange, pool competitions, beer pong, etc. are conducted regularly in the evenings to keep the visitors busy. Expect a lot of Guatemala City crowd over the weekend due to the proximity, safety, and thriving nightlife. It is a great place for people of all ages and interests.
Getting around: The best way to move around the city is by foot as it affords you the luxury of seeing and experiencing the place from a different perspective. Due to the variety and uniqueness of stores, there is a lot to explore & I believe that even a week is not enough to explore the whole place. Everything is available within a 2KM radius and I would suggest sticking to the area shown above on the map, especially at night as it is by far the safest zone in the city. While walking in the evenings is safe, one should be cautious of their surroundings and it is best to walk in groups or on crowded streets. Tuktuks are not very easily available and can be rather expensive but it is another form of transport that one can avail while in Antigua for any local commute.
Antigua is a traveler's dream — there is something for all kinds of travelers. Next time you are thinking of a destination, do remember to put Antigua in your options of places to visit and I am sure it will check in the most boxes as far as traveling to a new location is concerned. Ever been to Antigua? Do you agree with my thoughts here? Share in comments below.
