When I told a girlfriend I was going to Antigua, she thought I meant an island in the Caribbean.
 
“No,” I said, “this Antigua is a 16th century, Spanish colonial city in Guatemala.”

What I discovered was that this well-preserved town is one that time forgot, filled with enchanting ruins, coffee plantations and a cornucopia of culture. Although I only spent a few days in Antigua, there are many reasons to return to this UNESCO World Heritage Site. And I’m not alone as I discovered Antigua is a popular destination for many US travelers. The Americans I met told me they come back to Antigua year after year to hike or go horseback riding. In fact, new construction is currently being planned for travelers who’d love to visit more frequently or even retire here.

History among the Ruins

Nestled among three volcanoes, Antigua’s historic center encompasses 12 square blocks. The heart of the city is Central Plaza, surrounded by the Cathedral with its stately ruins, Palace, City Hall and other monuments. I took a walking tour with Elizabeth Bell, an American guide, who provided an excellent presentation of Antigua’s colorful heritage. Walking along the cobbled streets, I felt like I was living some three hundred years ago.

Learn to Speak Spanish - Pronto!

Antigua is known for its more than 75 Spanish Schools which teach you the language in just a few short weeks. These Spanish immersion classes allow you to experience the culture and customs of the Spanish-speaking world firsthand. People come here for the classes, fall in love with the relaxed, cosmopolitan atmosphere and never want to leave.

The Jade Lady

Archaeologist and 36-year resident Mary Lou Ridinger feels that Antigua offers vacationers a variety of eco systems, fascinating culture and unique recreational opportunities. “Where else can you climb a volcano and see the lava floating below?” she asked. Mary Lou (can you believe she’s also a New Trier graduate?) always dreamed of living in Antigua and came looking for the Maya jade. She founded JADES, S.A., a factory and archaeology museum, where you can also watch artisans at work creating beautiful jade jewelry and other treasures.

Casa Santa Domingo - A Sprawling Oasis

Very simply, there’s really nothing quite like Casa Santa Domingo anywhere in the world - a combination five-star hotel, restaurant and Museum Promenade. Formerly a colonial monastery, the lovely gardens, pools and fountains create a sense of peace and tranquility, while the five museums display a magnificent collection of pre-Columbia art, modern glass and popular handicrafts. Set amid one of the convent spaces, the restaurant features local as well as international cuisine such as tortilla soup, avocado salad and pumpkin ravioli.

Beyond Antigua

Guatemala has a wealth of other sites to explore, such as the archaeological wonders of Tikal, with its 4,000 pyramids, temples and plazas from the ancient Maya civilization. Go west and discover the majestic black sand beaches and abundant deep sea fishing on the Pacific coast.

Getting There - Plane or Port

Antigua is easily accessible via flight service from Chicago. Holland, Princess and other cruise lines also port in Guatemala and offer popular shore excursions to Antigua.

The Best of Antigua

After dinner at Fridas Cocina Mexicana, I walked around the Central Plaza and stopped to hear a group playing lively Latin music. With the steaming cup of home-grown coffee in hand and the cool mountain breezes, this was indeed, an exotic paradise.

For more information, visit:

www.aroundantigua.com
www.antiguatours.net
www.visitguatemala.com