Holiday in Antigua Guatemala (Old Town)

About Antigua Guatemala (Old Town)

Antigua Guatemala is located in a valley surrounded by three volcanoes, combining colonial splendor with a vibrancy that many Latin American cities have lost. The former capital of the Captaincy General of Guatemala, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979, was destroyed by earthquakes in the 18th century and was never fully rebuilt — and it is precisely this state between preservation and picturesque decay that gives it its irresistible charm. The cobblestone streets are lined with one- and two-story colonial buildings in pastel colors: ochre yellow, terracotta, sky blue, and mint green, interspersed with lushly blooming bougainvilleas climbing over the walls. Through open entrance doors, glimpses of shady courtyards with fountains and orange trees can be caught — many of these colonial casas now house boutique hotels, cafés, and language schools. The ruins are the soul of Antigua: The Cathedral of San José, once the most magnificent in Central America, still shows its massive façade, while the roof has been missing since the earthquake of 1773, revealing a view of the sky and the volcano Agua. The ruins of Santa Clara Convent, the convent of the Capuchins, and especially the photogenic ruin of La Recolección with its stone arch are atmospheric witnesses of a lost splendor. The Acatenango volcano, which can be climbed as a two-day hike from Antigua, offers an unforgettable spectacle at night: From the base camp at 3,600 meters, one can observe the active neighboring volcano Fuego, which spews lava and glowing rocks into the night sky every 15-20 minutes — a natural spectacle that cannot be compared to any fireworks in the world.