ANTIGUA GUATEMALA
Guatemala is a country where the cultural fare/menu, is of course, Signature Guatemalan Coffee, along with black beans, and tortillas. For two years, I lived in Antigua Guatemala, a small cobble stoned town, about a forty-five minute drive from Guatemala city. I miss the healthy lifestyle, of daily walks to the park, and especially enjoyed, having close proximity to fresh coconuts, chopped in front of you, precisely, with a small manchette, along with the straw that swiftly followed, … and for actually only pennies! Oh, … and is it possible to find music, anywhere in this world, … more romantic than the music found in Guatemala?
And last, … certainly not least, for only pennies as well, … is the bus from Antigua to Guatemala City, or from Guatemala City to Antigua, … that is a must ride! … Yes!, … you’ve heard him yelling, … Guate!, … Guatemala! … Just catch the conductor’s attention, as he literally, dangles on the side, … and as if by magic, … that bus, … within seconds, … will scoop you up, … for the ride of a life-time! … Go on, … jump on, … everyone’s welcomed! … but be sure to hold on tight! … cause this bus is moving fast! … but you must realize that only, … and I mean only, … after you have experienced this exciting bus ride, from Antigua to Guatemala City, or vice-versa, can you authentically say, … that you spent some time in Guatemala, … … especially if there is a Live Chicken on it.
3 Days
In Antigua
Guatemala
Upon waking, you soon realize that beautifully, and conveniently placed within the center of the heart, of this romantic, picturesque, cobbled stoned town, is ‘El Parke’,
The Park!
Welcome
To
Antigua,
Guatemala
What awaits you, is something indeed to behold. A variety of shopping, as well as restaurants, amazingly, … delicious street food, fresh coconuts, the post office, and the pharmacy, are all surro – unding this luscious huge area of foliage, invariably beckoning, … summoning you, to enter, … take a load off, and hang out a while. In other words, … this is a quiet space, … place in the world that, … is waving you in to … just … chill.
I mean, … if you have a backache, headache, or toothache, … there is simply no need to even consider worrying about it, … as you just stroll to the nearby pharmacy, of which there is usually no line to stand in, … ‘nor … prescription needed’.
Immediately, after entering EL Parke, you might find almost anyone, … from ‘Peace Corps Volunteers’, Embassy Workers, to this countries ‘fine indigenous’, are all at times, hanging out in the park. Also you might find a few locals selling their wares in, … ‘of course’, … an unobtrusive manner. You might also find tourists, and Spanish language students studying, and so much more, as everyone usually spends some ‘unhurried’ time in the Park.
It is quite known by the locals, … that new arriving tourists usually make their way to the park at some point, initially to read, or as simply a meeting place, in relation to connecting with their various reservations, tour guides, buses, as well as companions.
This clean, relatively safe, and extremely well-maintained park, with its well-placed walkways, and sidewalks, along with strategically placed iron seating, is truly special within itself. El Parke … is a grand, and beautiful resting area, that before long … you might even find yourself unwinding just enough, in which to allow the beauty of this eloquent, … ‘unique’ space … to envelop you, … ‘peace’.
OVERVIEW
Shopping
Shopping is great in Antigua, especially if you are carrying that strong ‘US dollar’, as it goes a long way here. Thus the shopping is fantastic, and of abundance as it costs very little $ for quality goods. Bargaining, … is the commonplace, ‘manner’ of shopping in this area of the world. There is usually an attached hanging or sticky price tag on the item, though the shopkeepers are indeed expecting you to bargain with them, … at least a little. Of course, bargaining is not mandatory, as buying at the listed price is certainly appreciated by the shopkeepers as well.
You must take some time in Antigua to shop, as you are also conveniently located within the vicinity of the post office, of which you can easily mail many of your shopped items to your home, family, and friends, thus no need to carry that extra load through customs. Though, be careful in being mindful that there are customs rules, and limits, etc.
A Few
POST OFFICES
El Correo Post Office Poniente 21
closes at 5pm
(The Local Service Provider) Respected as being known to be reliable, and run by a Canadian Company
Aero post
Post Office – in collective c
4 Avenida
Sur 12, Antigua Guatemala Central America
Post Office
Post Office
H 746 + RVG Closes at 5pm
Antigua Guatemala, Central America
A Few
Pharmacy’s
Farmacias Cruz Verde +502 7832 6693
Antigua, Guatemala +502 7832 1560
H 757 + MW4, Antigua, Guatemala
Farmacia Galeno + 502 7832 4747
Antigua, Guatemala
Farmacia Roca De Don Miguelito +502 7832-0612
Antigua, Guatemala
There is much to be found in Antigua, such as baskets, jackets, and scarves, as you can also have quality leather shoes made, as well as clothes made by one of the local tailors, though the time frame would require at least around two weeks. Still, just knowing that the post office, being only a few minutes’ walk away, is such a huge convenience.
If you are a more serious shopper, … then you might consider spending some time on one or more of the following shopping tours, in Antigua.
Shopping/Tours
Old Town Outfitters
+ 502 7832-4171
Tour Operator – 5a Avenida Sur 12
Artisan market – Shopping Mall
Handicraft Market, Poniente, Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala
Decora – Shopping Mall – in Antigua Guatemala
H758+P7V, Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala
Jades Tikal – Jewelry store
+ 502 7832 3531
4a calle ote. 5, Antigua Guatemala
https://www.jadesimperiomaya.com
Street Food
It is simply delicious!, … so I have heard. My US American friends would never pass up the opportunity to have some, or even just a taste, (even when they were full), of the wonderful, conveniently placed, and priced street food, … as they all absolutely loved it!
Unfortunately, I cautiously never tried it, though a few of my US American, and Peace Corps friends that I initially met in El Parke, … raved about how tasty the street food is! The attraction is that the street food is extremely cheap as well as tasty, and convenient. I avoided it, as there is invariably a possibility of contracting ‘ameba’s’.
I saw one of these friends suffer from this, and she was so relieved to realize that the severe cramping that she was suffering from, ‘keeping her painfully curled up in bed for days’, were a result of ameba’s, that she had congested from some of her favorite street food vendors. I had not seen her in a while, then I heard that she was ill, so I went to visit her. She said that she was taking her daily tablets, while still in excruciating pain, though feeling some relief in knowing that they, ‘Ameba’s’, soon would pass,… humm, pass.
Because I was a ‘lone traveler, thus unaffiliated with a group, I was very cautious about what I ate, and drank. I only felt comfortable drinking out of bottles, such as cokes or bottled water, and of course, the coconuts chopped fresh in front of me. I wanted to try the street food, though unfortunately, adamantly never did.
So, my point is that … I suggest that you take part in one or more of the following organized “Street Food Tour, at the outset of your trip, in which to be introduced to the many street food places to … with little worry, … comfortably, ‘Pig Out’ during your stay
A Few Popular
‘Street Food Tours’
Street Food Evening Tour in Antigua – Starts around $84.00 (3 hours)
Foodie Tour – Starts $115.00 per adult (Private & Luxury)
https://www.antiguafoodietours
Taste Antigua
Restaurants/Hotels
Most lodgings, in Antigua, benefit from having the park, conveniently placed within only a short stroll from your/their doorstep. For instance, just a few minutes’ walk down the calle/street, you can find a satiable hearty breakfast at ‘The Courtyard at El Viejo Café’, with awesome pancakes, well buttered, and hot upon arrival. Needless to say, this was one of my morning hangouts. In the other direction, and just a few minutes’ walk, you can find great steak restaurants, such as ‘La Estancia Steak house #15 Poniente 4a or Asados de Antigua. These steak houses are comparable to what you might find in the US, though close to just a third of the price. Again, that is what is especially nice here in this part of Central America, is that your US dollar really goes a very long way in Guatemala.
A few comfortable hotels in Antigua are ‘The Casa Antigua’, which is around $43.00 a night. This place is quiet, and very safe, and neat, as well as very clean. The rooms surround the well maintained garden in the center. I stayed here a few nights when I was dealing with some culture shock, as well as just missing some niceties of the USA.
There is sort of a ‘Zen’ atmosphere here, as I always slept like a baby, and this was just the place for dealing with my discomforts. I eventually found the ‘Hotel El Rosario apartments’, located a few minutes’ walk from El Parka. The cost at El Rosario was $200.00 a month. The hotel El Rosario is located in the ‘somewhat’ suburbs of Antigua. The gate is locked in the evening, just before the sun goes down, thus it is a safe, and comfortable secure housing, as there is only one way in, … and only one way out. Be aware that there is usually a waiting list of people trying to get accommodations here. This was my home here at El Rosario, in a small studio apartment for around two years.
More Hotels
Hotel Casa Santo Domingo – Around – $126.00 (5 Star) ten minute walk from the center of Antigua, Guatemala
Porta Hotel Antigua – Around – $99.00 offers a spa, as well as an indoor swimming pool.
Las Cruces Boutique Hotel – Around – $ 250.00
Camino Real Antigua – Around -$112
Hotel Aurora – Around – $74
Is actually the first established hotel in Antigua, Guatemala.
Expatriates/and More
Of course banks exist, … though there is also a money changer in Antigua. Interestingly, there is a small cool, hip somewhat diverse hippie crowd living in Antigua as well. You might see them from a distance, fully dressed in the clothing of the country. The rumor is that some of their parents send them around $200.00 or more a month for their living expenses. Practically anyone can afford to live comfortably in Antigua Guatemala on $200.00 a month as this dollar amount is considered a large sum of money, here, in relation to the quetzal.
You will also find in Antigua, a sizable retirement community composed mostly of US Americans who have found that their retirement checks stretch a long way in this part of the world. You can find quite a few of them living in the ‘El Rosario’. Interestingly, while I lived in the El Rosario apartments, a Guatemalan woman, who worked at the El Rosario, offered to clean my small studio apartment for around four dollars a week, and I gladly accepted. I thought that this was a bargain, though my Peace Corps friends thought that it was a bit pricey.
Weather
Surprisingly, it can at times get a little cool, especially in the evenings, so be sure to pack a light jacket or wrap, as you will be glad that you did. You also have access to buying a jacket, coat, or sweater of some type, at a great bargain price at one of the nearby stores.
Two Popular
Cultural Events
(April)
Pass ado de Christi
During ‘Easter’, around March or usually April, is the famous ‘Progression of the Christ’, in Guatemala City as well as in Antigua Guatemala. This is … ‘an especially popular, as well as special time’… to be in Guatemala as it is also very difficult to secure lodging, during ‘Easter’, especially in Antigua. This event is most popular in Antigua, … so be mindful to plan ahead, as restaurants, lodging, … everything, is, … S O L D … O U T! … humm … a little bit of an exaggeration, … but you get the point.
(October)
Dia del Nino (Children’s Day)
This unique day is celebrated every October 1st. Children are celebrated in their schools through various games, and special activities, as they are also dressed up as their favorite characters. Kids break Pinatas, as well as play among an abundance of toys.
So while out, and about, there is no need to be alarmed as you notice an abundant number of kids, looking, (not like kids), … though cute as buttons! Interestingly, Children’s day is also celebrated in the same manner in the country of Sri Lanka, as well.
A little about the people
The people are kind, and sweet, with the spoken ‘Spanish language’ … of this country’s words, ‘having the reputation of’ … being pronounced, … slowly, and … clearly, in a somewhat formal manner. Thus, you are in the vicinity of a spoken Spanish that is easy to understand. Guatemalans take great pride in the manner in which they speak their Spanish language. So, there is no need to question why there is a sort of ‘mecca’ of extremely economical Spanish Language Schools in Antigua, Guatemala.
Culture Shock
As Antigua Guatemala, Central America, is indeed, considered a ‘third world’ country by USA standards, it is wise to be mindful that … ‘culture shock’, … ‘homesickness’, and even ‘Jet Lag’, … certainly are a reality. So it is wise to accept that these ‘somewhat’ pesky ailments are invariably lurking.
My point is that these ailments can be really discomforting, and it is better to just acknowledge your feelings, thus take heed to them, … the sooner, the better. So if you should fall into one of these discomforts, then just know that it will soon, shall pass. In the meantime, try to get accustomed to the pace of life in Antigua, by just simply allowing yourself to simply slow down, and focusing on being present.
Consider taking a nice ‘cobble stoned walk’ to the popular fast food restaurant located at the end of the street in Antigua, … ‘POLLO CAMPERO’, located at Calle de Arco, 6a Avenida Norte, towards the Arch. Pollo Campero, is a great place to just hang out, and deal with homesickness, or simply any feelings of discomfort. Pollo Campero is spacious, and the food is fresh as well as served hot!
This comfortable, fast food restaurant is comparable to a fast food restaurant you might find in the USA, except much more spacious, and a tiny bit more upscale. If you are not sure where to find this restaurant, just stop anyone, and say; “Por Favor”, … “Pollo Campero”?, … ‘Chicken?’, and they will point you in the right direction, (toward the Arch), which is easy to find as it is located straight, no turns, to the far end of one of the main streets surrounding El Parke, and you can also actually see the ‘arch’ from a distance.
Pollo Campero is a great place to hang out even when you are having a great day. The fried chicken is fantastic!, and there is an extended menu. This is a restful peaceful spot, also serving tasty ‘comfort foods’ such as deserts, and more.
In the evenings, you might especially enjoy spending time at one of the popular steak restaurants in Antigua, which I previously mentioned. Also, in relation to handling culture shock, you might just stay in your lodging to watch an upbeat, positive video. My favorite is ‘Sex In The City’ with the song ‘New York”, with Beyoncé. I must have watched this film more than five times when I was surprisingly, … dealing with some culture shock in Barcelona, Idk, … maybe it was anxiety, or jet lag. After a day and ½, I was up, and about, … finally myself again!
Antigua
Nightlife
There is a ‘well lit’ nightlife in Antigua. In the evenings, if you just walk a little further to the end of one or two of the ‘Calles’, you should soon hear music from a distance, coming from within the finely lit doors. Once you enter, … is when you soon realize, … that the well-dimed, romantic light that has drawn you in, … has been kept on, … just for you.
Amidst sweet sounds of light romantic music, that is not humanly possible to resist, … you are then taken back, … among some of the more casual sweeter times in life. This quaint, beautiful music, accompanied with the breeze from the opened pleasant outdoor view from where you are resting, has now summoned you … to sit through, … just hang out, … through a few more … ‘familiar’ selections.
A Few
Bars/Nightclubs – Antigua
(Subject To chg.)
Café Sky – +502 7832 7300
1a Avenida Sur 15, Antigua Guatemala 03001, Guatemala
Vudu Bar + 502 7832-0268
4 Avenida Sur #3, Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala
Iglesia de la Antigua (Nightclub)
H 768+93C, 1a Calle Poniente, Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala
LGBTQ in Antigua
Parties – Subject to chg.
*On the ‘Last Saturday of the month’, … in Antigua, there is a club that hosts a party in relation to the LGBTQ community.
Suggestion/Food
So, instead of only eating, and enjoying the tasty foods of Antigua, you might consider learning the manner in which to prepare a few favorites yourself.
A Few Popular
Cooking
Classes/Tours
Guatemalan Cooking class and Market Tour – Starts $98.11 (4-5 hours)
Authentic Guatemalan Cooking Class in Antigua – Starts $89.80
Authentic Cooking Class
(888) 651- 9785 – Starts around $89.00 (3-4 hours)
Bean-to-bar Chocolate Workshop in ChocoMuseo Antigua – Starts $25.65 (2 hours)
In Antigua, you have access to learning about the ‘Mayan Culture”, among a few offered various tours.
A Few Day Trips
Chichicastenango and Panjacha – * Day Trip (9 hours) From Antigua starts at around $89.95 (888) 651-9785
* An opportunity to be immersed within, … ‘Mayan Culture’
(Walk Along the shore of Lago Atitlan, as well as on the Calles of the Town)
Lago Atitlan – Is an interesting, unique body of water, within an actual crater of a volcano, nestled deep, within the highlands of Guatemala.
Tikal Day Trip Flights – * Day Trip (17 hours) Starts $418.00 (888) 651-9785
* Mayan ruins among the RainForest of the Northern area of
Guatemala – Includes Round Trip Flight From Antigua with Lunch
+(702) 648-5873 (Please be mindful that, unfortunately,
‘cancellations’ do not receive a refund’).
Tikal Go Tours –
+ 502 5690 – 4706
San Bartolomé de Cera, 2 calle 26, Antigua Guatemala
Tikal – Is an ancient Mayan city’s ruins, located in the rainforest of Guatemala.
Pacaya Volcano tour and Hot Springs from Antigua – Starts $ 65.00
Is an active volcano, … in Guatemala. This is a nice convenient day trip if you are leaving from Guatemala city or Antigua Guatemala. Pacaya Volcano was granted ‘National Park’ status in 2001. (see Google)
Note: Please be sure to check the safety advisory for visiting this extremely popular site. I never visited this volcano, though I wanted to. The safety advisor was against anyone, ‘especially US Americans’ going to this attraction, at the time that I was living in Antigua.
Iximche Ruins and Colonial Antigua Tour – Starts $85.00 Per Adult
(702) 648-5873 – An opportunity to learn about the history of the Mayans
(8 hours)
A Few More Tours
Antigua ‘ATV’ Sunset Tour – * Half Day
(888) 651-9785 ATV – Discovery Tour
Starts around $64.00
Meet 6a Avenida North 60, Antigua Guatemala
Private Antigua Walking Tour – Starts $30.00 (3 hours)
(888) 651-9785
Combo Walking and Market Tour
$45.00 (3 hours & 30 minutes) +(702) 648-5873
Guatemala
City
Day Trip
You definitely want to visit Guatemala city, and I believe that the best, most exciting, and cheapest way is via the ‘Local Bus!’. From a distance, it looks like the ride might be a bit close to dangerous, but those guys know exactly what they are doing, and your only job is to just hang on, to the edge of your seat, … anything! You do not want to miss the experience of the ‘local’ Bus ride to Guatemala City, during your stay in Antigua.
Then, upon your return to Antigua, … simply go to the stop at the end of the Calle, to catch, ‘possibly the same bus’, back to Antigua for a really cheap thrill! You should have no problem finding the bus stop in Guatemala City, as you could even just ask anyone around, for instance; ‘el autobus?’ … donde?
I would suggest only asking a woman, especially a group of women. If you ask a Guatemalan woman who is alone walking, she possibly might feel a bit shy, uncomfortable or even frightened of you, so it is better to ask a group of women, and they will usually eagerly, and kindly direct you via pointing to the direction of where you should stand, and wait. Myself, as a woman, invariably traveling alone, I have made it a habit that I only seek women for information when I am out, and about within all of my various travels, in the world.
This short trip to Guatemala City, is a relatively safe excursion, as it is 45 minutes there, and 45 minutes back, on a crowded bus, just hanging with the locals. Then, once you return home, take a nice shower, and enter your bed, to sleep again, … like a baby.
Try, and stop at one of the McDonalds while in Guatemala city, as they, unlike in the USA, sell great ‘fried chicken’, as well. Just be careful to be mindful, that if you take the bus from Antigua, to Guatemala City, it is around 45 minutes to get there thus 45 minutes to get back. It is wise to get back to Antigua from Guatemala City before the evening. So, time your trip for at least a few hours in which to return before dark.
Of course, … you could take a taxi to Guatemala City. You can phone a taxi via, (888)-651-9785, … which is also ‘Ground Transfer’ from Antigua to Guatemala city airport starting at around $22.50. Also consider spending some time in Guatemala City’s ‘Zona 10’, … where you will find many beautiful Hotels, and quite a variety of quaint restaurants.
Shopping In
Guatemala City
There is a ‘Huge shopping Market’ in Guatemala City. I suggest that you consider spending some unhurried time there. The ‘Mercado Central’, … +502 2230-1579, … 8 Calle, Cdad, … De Guatemala, Guatemala. Now, … if you are interested in taking your shopping to another level, … I suggest that you follow the directions below, …
Directions to
The Largest
Market in Guatemala
El Mercado de Chichicastenango
‘The Chichi Market’
Is opened on Thursday as well as Sunday. This market is huge! … You can take the ‘Direct shuttle’ from Antigua in relation to the ‘GuateGo’. Once you arrive, you will find the ‘Central Park’ of ‘Chichi’, as well as exactly what you are looking for … a ‘massive’ number of vendors.
Guatemala City
Nightlife
I remember there being a very popular two floored booming Gay club located in the more ‘western’, … area of Guatemala City. Be mindful that prices are much higher in some of the ‘Zones’ in Guatemala City, as oftentimes you might find prices comparable to those in the US, or more.
I must say that this club that I remember was one of the most exciting clubs that I have ever been in, as I believe that this club would be a comfortable fit in NYC, as well. In this somewhat ‘upscaled’ club, in Guatemala City … you find many sexual orientations, genders, and racial groups, and a large number of heterosexuals as well, among Guatemalans as well as tourists. You will find everyone here enjoying the great ‘sounds’, thus, what you mostly find ‘in abundance’… is an exciting, fun time!
A Few LGBTQ Bars in
Guatemala City
(Note: Subject to change …)
G Bistro & Lounge – Gay Bar + 502 5016-1616
Guatemala City
71, Ruta 7, Cdad.de Guatemala 01004 Guatemala
Genetic Majestic Club – Gay Bar + 502 5016-1616
Guatemala City
Ruta 3, Cdad. De Guatemala 01004, Guatemala
https ://www.gpsmycity.com
Black Club – Gay Bar + 502 5904-1758
Guatemala City
11 Calle 2 54, Cdad.de Guatemala, Guatemala
A Few Popular Bars
Guatemala City
Shakespear’s Pub – Bar
HFXM=RRG, 13 calle, Cdad. De Guatemala, Guatemala
London Bar
31 Calle, Cdad. De Guatemala, Guatemala
Las Cien Puertas – Bar
JFRP+6MP, Cdad. de Guatemala, Guatemala + 502 2232-8502
Petty Crime
Please be careful not to wear any of your jewelry out in the open as petty crime does exist, in all of Guatemala. If you are careful to heed to the various safety warnings … then you should have a wonderful, memorable time during your travels in Guatemala. For instance, I usually did not go out at night, as I was traveling alone, and decided that it was a good idea to turn in at the time when I saw Guatemalan families turning their lights out for bed.
One of my unfortunate experiences with dealing with the petty crime in Antigua Guatemala, was when two of my Embassy female friends, and one of my female Peace Corps friends, and I decided to meet in Antigua, at the park, to spend the day together. We decided to first go to a restaurant, to have a bite. So we placed all of our things in the trunk of the truck, of which my USA, ‘Veterinarian’ friend was very careful in securing.
When we returned, … all of our things were missing from the trunk. We were robbed! I lost my ‘Fedora Safari hat’, which had sentimental value, and my small backpack. They lost their bags, and things, as well.
So you cannot be too careful, as it is best to just ‘travel light. Keep your belongings on you. I was fortunately wearing, under my shirt, my wrap-around money belt that my mom had given me. I still use it to this day, I just wash it, … when needed, and it is still to this day, … as good as new!
THE POSTING OF PACKAGES
In relation to the ‘posting of packages’, be mindful that Antigua Guatemala is in Central America. On the other hand, there exists a beautiful ‘Caribbean’ country, … with the name Antigua. Antigua, is a Caribbean/French/British influenced country, in the Caribbean, within the surrounding of the Ocean. My point is that the two countries are very different, though I believe neither is more beautiful than the other.
So, be careful, … to specifically, … have your packages addressed for ‘Antigua Guatemala, Central America’, in which to assure that your packages have the correct posting address, … or you might face the dilemma of your packages being sent to the Caribbean.
Covid Update
(Subject to chg.)
August 11, 2022, Covid-19 remains a risk in Guatemala. The Zika virus is widespread. To enter Guatemala, if you are over 12 years of age, you must present a full COVID-19 vaccination certificate, with the final dose being administered at least 2 weeks before your arrival.
Conclusion
I suggest that you try to add at least a few more days to your stay in Antigua. As you can see, … spending time in Antigua is special, with much to do, and see. Even if it is only taking a casual walk, to pick up some fresh bread at, ‘Panaderia’s Bakery’, … located at 1a Calle poinette 17, (+ 502 5855 9519), … to enjoy, of course, … in the park.
Yes, … that Park, … as it is quiet, and entertaining, and this is why so many people simply enjoy, … hanging out in it.
Oh, and try not to miss out on spending some time at the movie theater. The screen is Huge! The movie theater is not far from the park, as anyone can point you in the right direction. From the park, you go straight, no turns, and you are there.
Other Excursions
After your trip in Antigua, Guatemala, while you are in this part of the world, you might consider seeing a bit Costa Rica, Honduras or El Salvador, … all a stone’s throw away as well as … Belize!.
If you have an interest in seeing a bit of Belize, then you might consider traveling to Belize, from Antigua Guatemala to Livingston Guatemala, and then cross over the short stretch of water, via canoe into Belize, bye for now, … have fun!
Itinerary
Modify as you wish
Three Days In Antigua Guatemala
Day 1
Breakfast
The courtyard at ‘Viejo Café (In Antigua)
Open spacious area, with great food as well as service
A pleasant ‘cobblestoned’ walk for breakfast here is lovely, among the view of the surrounding mountains. Once you arrive, you notice an unhurried atmosphere lingering as you might see people reading, working on their computers, or simply enjoying wonderful food, and drink. There is a pleasing atmosphere in this wide, high ceiling, open space, courtyard, as some people even spend their whole day just hanging out here among food, and drink.
Day Trip
Chichicastenango, along the town, and shore of Lago Atitlan
The tour will advise you of the planning of your meals
Dinner
At the steak restaurant
A nice dinner would be enjoyable, before heading to one of the many bars later, where you see the dim light, and hear that beautiful music. There is a possibility that you might be pleasantly surprised at who might walk into the door, amidst that romantic music, while you are having your second drink.
Day 2
Breakfast
Union Café
After breakfast a casual ‘cobble stoned walk’ from the park, offers abundant shopping among practically any street that you happen to walk down.
Day Trip
Iximche Ruins and Antigua Tour
- Lunch – Samsara or La Brujan’s
- Dinner – Steak Restaurant
Day 3
Breakfast
Cafe Condessa
{Guatemala City – Shopping}
Lunch – ‘Samaras’ or ‘once once’
Dinner – In Antigua – ‘Por Que No Café? or the Steak Restaurant
A Couple of Unique Shops/Tour
Wines/Liquor & Cigars
Tabacos y Vinos La Antigua – Liquor Store +502 7882 4133
5a Avenida Norte #28B Justo debajo del Arco, Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala
Cigar Boutique & Lounge + 502 7937-6728
5a Avenida Norte 37, Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala
Martsam Tour & Travel + 1- 305-395-3935
Tour Operator in Antigua, Guatemala
City tours/Private tours
A Few Popular Breakfast Spots – Antigua
Samsara + 502 7832 – 2200
6a Calle Poniente 33, Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala
Union Café + 502 7832 – 1986
6 Calle Oriente # 6 Antigua Guatemala, 03001, Guatemala
Café Condesa + 502 7832 – 0038
La Casa del Conde, Avenida Norte 5a, Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala
A Few Popular Lunch Spots – Antigua
Samsara + 502 7832 – 2200
6a Calle Poniente 33, Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala
Once Once
2a Calle Oriente # 22, Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala
(Healthy Asian Cuisine) Plant Based
La Bruja + 502 3515 – 0869
4ta calle Oriente dentro del CC La Fuente, Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala
A Few Popular Dinner Spots/Antigua
Por Qué No? Café + 502 5610 – 2274
2a Avenida Sur y 9 Calle Oriente Casa 9 Antigua Guatemala, 03001, Guatemala
La Bruja + 502 3515 – 0869
4ta calle Oriente dentro del CC La Fuente, Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala
Once Once
2a Calle Oriente # 22, Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala
Healthy Asian Cuisine Plant Based
Safety: I suggest traveling, and shopping during the day, though if you are venturing out at night to one of the popular clubs or bars, then it is a wise idea, to take a taxi, ‘to, and from’, no matter the distance, nor the number in your group, in relation to safety. I suggest this, for men, as well as women.
A few Words of Advice
Guatemala is a beautiful country with sweet people, and much to see, and enjoy. In keeping your trip positive, I suggest that you give respect to the travel advisories as ‘they are there for a reason’.
For instance, I was so looking forward to visiting the Pacaya volcano, though unfortunately I never did visit Pacaya, as there was a strong travel advisory there, ‘at the time that I was in Antigua’, especially for US Americans not to travel there at the time. I mean, … I have heard stories, as well as actually known people who have had some close calls!
My point is that, … I lived alone in Antigua Guatemala for two years, as I casually traveled about in other parts of the country as well with only a few minor theft occurrences, as I remained mindful, and took heed to the safety advisories. No!, … unfortunately, I never visited the ‘active volcano’, during my time in Antigua, though still, … yes! … My two years in Guatemala were ‘fantastic’!
AN EXCURSION
Off The Beaten Path
You might consider traveling to Belize, vía Antigua Guatemala to Livingston Guatemala, and then across the ‘short water stretch’ into Belize.
Antigua Guatemala – Livingston Guatemala – Belize
Livingston Guatemala is a town in Guatemala, about a day’s bus ride away from Antigua, toward the area of Belize. Interestingly, Livingston is located directly on the beach, where you can actually see the country of Belize just from across the water, … that is how close Guatemala is to Belize.
This unique town. … ‘Livingston’, within Guatemala, is interesting as there is a great deal of diversity that you do not see in most of Guatemala. It is not uncommon to see many of the people sporting ‘Dreadlocks’, and are of African descent, with many of them speaking only, … interestingly, Spanish.
Taking the local bus is a very economical means in which to travel to Belize from Antigua. For instance, you are avoiding the much more costly taxis, and especially the costly tours, or tour vans. So, once you arrive in Livingston, you first find the office that will stamp your visa in which to enter Belize, then you bed for the night.
In the morning you go to that small ‘Passport office’, and get your passport stamped, paying possibly a little more than $20 dollars, and then just go to the area of where you are told to wait for the small canoe. The small canoe then takes you quietly across the small stretch of water, and onto the banks of Belize.
Yes, … this small appearing to be handmade sturdy canoe, did wobble a bit, as we tried to avoid getting our feet wet, … carefully stepping onto the sand along the muddy slippery bank, of Belize, trying desperately, not to slip, and fall … but Ghee!, … we made it, and it was comfortable, and fun! Is that not traveling at its core!?
I mean … off the beaten path, paying less than a third of the costs of the overpriced uncomfortable crowded tours vans, along with a shorter time, and distance to cover, … we had a blast!
It does not get any more ‘PRESENT’! … than this! … and in the evening … all you’ve got left to do, … is simply, again, … sleep like a baby.
An Experience
A female Peace Corps friend of mine contacted me via telegram, to meet in El Parke, to make the trip to Belize, from Antigua with her, through Livingston Guatemala. We partied all night on the beach, in Livingston, to ‘Reggae music’, and enjoyed the ‘Special yearly festival’ in Belize, on the beach.
We had a wonderful few days in Livingston as well as a few days of fun, and excitement in Belize, all within close vicinity of the Ocean, on the beach!
The people, in both Livingston Guatemala, and Belize were happy to see us, as they were very kind. In Belize, we were often given food, and drink at the festival that we were visiting, without being allowed to pay for it. Though we, and these Belizeans had just met, we were treated as though we were family.
Shopping
Of course, Antigua Guatemala, and Livingston Guatemala, as well as Belize, offer quite a different shopping experience. There are uniquely different cultural differences among the people, as many of them are of African descent, in Livingston as a result of the close proximity to Belize.
Baskets, and delicious bread, are two of the ‘specialty’ items in Livingston Guatemala, especially the biscuits/Rolls. The people of Livingston as well as Belize are known for their beautiful baskets. Remember to be mindful that in Belize, the US dollar is not as strong as it is in Guatemala.
In Belize, the dollar is around two Belizean dollars to the one $US dollar. So in other words, in Belize, … your $US dollar, … buys a lot less than it does in Guatemala.
El Fin
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