| Antigua Guatemala | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Nickname(s): Antigua or La Antigua | |
  Antigua Guatemala
|
|
| Coordinates: 14°34′N 90°44′W / 14.567°N 90.733°W | |
| Country |  Guatemala |
| Department | Sacatepéquez |
| Government | |
| - Mayor | |
| Population (2002) | |
| - Total | 34,685 as of last census (2,007) |
La Antigua Guatemala (commonly referred to as just Antigua or La Antigua) is a city in the central highlands of Guatemala famous for its well-preserved Spanish Mudéjar-influenced[1] Baroque architecture as well as a number of spectacular ruins of colonial churches. It has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Antigua Guatemala serves as the municipal seat for the surrounding municipality of the same name. It also serves as the departmental capital of Sacatepéquez Department.
Contents |
The city had a peak population of some 60,000 in the 1770s; the bulk of the population moved away in the late 18th century. Despite significant population growth in the late 20th century, the city had only reached half that number by the 1990s. According to the 2007 census, the city has some 34,685 inhabitants.
La Antigua Guatemala means the "Old Guatemala" and was the third capital of Guatemala. The first capital of Guatemala was founded on the site of a Kakchikel-Maya city, now called Iximche, on July 25, 1524 — the day of Saint James — and therefore named Ciudad de Santiago de los Caballeros de Goathemalan (City of Saint James of the Knights of Guatemala). Naturally, St. James became the patron saint of the city.
After several Cakchiquel uprisings, the capital was moved to a more suitable site in the Valley of Alotenango (Rio Guacalate) on November 22, 1527, and kept its original name. When this city, on the site of present-day San Miguel Escobar[2], was destroyed on September 11, 1541 by a devastating lahar from the Volcán de Agua,[3] the colonial authorities decided to move once more, this time to the Panchoy Valley. So, on March 10, 1543 the Spanish conquistadors founded present-day Antigua, and again, it was named Santiago de los Caballeros. For more than 200 years it served as the seat of the military governor of the Spanish colony of Guatemala, a large region that included almost all of present-day Central America and the southernmost State of Mexico: Chiapas. In 1566 King Felipe II of Spain gave it the title of "Muy Noble y Muy Leal" ("Very Noble and Very Loyal").
On September 29, 1717, an estimated 7.4 magnitude earthquake hit Antigua Guatemala, and destroyed over 3,000 buildings. Much of the city's architecture was ruined. The damage the earthquake did to the city made authorities consider moving the capital to another city.
In 1773, the Santa Marta earthquakes destroyed much of the town, which led to the third change in location for the city. The Spanish Crown ordered (1776) the removal of the capital to a safer location, the Valley of the Shrine, where Guatemala City, the modern capital of Guatemala, now stands. This new city did not retain its old name and was christened Nueva Guatemala de la Asunción (New Guatemala of the Ascension) and its patron saint is Our Lady of Ascension. The badly damaged city of Santiago de los Caballeros was ordered abandoned, although not everyone left, and was thereafter referred to as la Antigua Guatemala (the Old Guatemala).
| Antigua Guatemala* | |
|---|---|
| UNESCO World Heritage Site | |
 |
|
| State Party |  Guatemala |
| Type | Cultural |
| Criteria | ii, iii, iv |
| Reference | 65 |
| Region** | Latin America and the Caribbean |
| Inscription history | |
| Inscription | 1979 (3rd Session) |
| * Name as inscribed on World Heritage List. ** Region as classified by UNESCO. |
|
Central Park (Parque Central) is the heart of the city. The reconstructed fountain there is a popular gathering spot. Off to the side of the Central Park, the Arco de Santa Catalina is among the many notable architectural landmarks of La Antigua.
La Antigua is noted for its very elaborate religious celebrations during Lent (Cuaresma), leading up to Holy Week (Semana Santa) and Easter (Pascua). Each Sunday in Lent, one of the local parishes sponsor a Procession through the streets of Antigua. Elaborate and beautiful artistic carpets predomenantly made of dyed sawdust, flowers and even fruits and vegetables adorn the processions' path.
Due to its popularity amongst tourist and its very well developed tourism infrastructure, Antigua Guatemala is often used as a central location in which many choose to set up base and from here, visit other tourist areas in Guatemala and Central America. Cruise ships that dock on Guatemalan ports offer trips to Antigua from both the pacific and Atlantic.
Antigua also holds a sizeable retirement community from the US as well as Europe as its colonial charm has appealed to many who have crossed paths with this enchanting and romantic town.
Antigua is known as a destination for people who want to learn Spanish through immersion. There are many Spanish language schools in Antigua and it is one of the most popular and best recognized centers for Spanish language study by students from Europe and North America. In fact, language institutes are one of the primary industries of Antigua, along with tourism. Centro Linguistico Maya, Christian Spanish Academy, Escuela Tecun Uman, Spanish Academy Sevilla and Don Pedro de Alvarado Spanish School are among a number of respected Spanish language institutes in Antigua. There are other trusted schools in the city, as well. The city's tourism office can give helpful advice on choosing a reputable school, as can current students. One can often find pupils in Antigua's Central Park, in the afternoon.
The University of San Carlos in Antigua was founded by the Papal Bull of Pope Innocent XI issued dated 18 June 1687.
A number of restaurants can be found in Antigua. Many small eateries can be found at the Antigua marketplace located next to the central bus stop. U.S. style fast food restaurants including "Burger King", "McDonald's", as well as Guatemalan favorite "Pollo Campero" are in the city. Thai: "Café Flor"; Italian: "La Antigua VinerÃa", "Tre Fratelli"; Pizza: "Asjemenou"; Mexican: "Café No Sé", "Frida's"; Spanish: "Tapas y Tintos"; American Style Sports Bar: "Mono Loco" and numerous quaint restaurants offering local food and ambiance. You can also find steak houses such as "Del Tingo al Tango" and if you are looking for fine dining, you can patronize places like "Meson Panza Verde", "Posada de Don Rodrigo" or the restaurant at "Hotel Casa Santo Domingo".
Antigua is a growing tourist destination in Guatemala as it is close to Guatemala City but is much calmer and safer, with more tourist oriented activities. It is possible to take buses from Antigua to many parts of Guatemala, though the transportation is more central in Guatemala City.
Three large volcanoes dominate the horizon around Antigua.
The most commanding, to the south of the city, is the Volcán de Agua or "Volcano of Water", some 3766 meters (12,356 ft) high. When the Spanish arrived, the inhabitants of the zone, Kakchikel Mayas, called it Hunapú (and they still do). However, it became known as Volcán de Agua after a mudslide from the volcano buried the second site of the capital, which prompted the Spanish authorities to move the capital to present-day Antigua. The original site of the 2nd capital is now the village San Miguel Escobar.
To the west of the city are a pair of peaks, Acatenango, last erupted in 1972, some 3976 meters (13045 ft) high, and the Volcán de Fuego or "Volcano of Fire", some 3763 meters (12346 ft) high. "Fuego" is famous for being almost constantly active at a low level. Smoke issues from its top daily, but larger eruptions are rare.
 Courtyard in La Merced Church, featuring Antigua's largest water fountain |
 A derelict church |
 The Santa Catalina arch |
 Antigua Guatemala Cathedral |
 Church ruins |
 Depiction of Roman soldiers on horseback leading the procession |
 Central Park Cathedral with Antigua and Guatemala Flags flying |
 The re-constructed Central Park fountain |
 Antigua Street with Volcan de Agua in the background |
 San Hermano Pedro Church |
 Looking toward Volcan de Agua |
 Making a dyed Sawdust Carpet (Alfombra de Aserrin) |
Coordinates: 14°34′N 90°44′W / 14.567°N 90.733°W
|
|||||||||||
La Antigua Guatemala was the colonial Spanish capital of Central America. It is a World Heritage site, and is perhaps the most popular tourist destination in Guatemala.
Commonly referred to as just Antigua (or La Antigua), the city's streets are mostly laid out in a rectangular grid aligned with the compass, with the Parque Central as an origin point. North-south roads are avenidas or avenues, numbered from 1st to 9th from east to west. The avenidas are further divided into sur (south) and norte (north). East-west roads are calles or streets, numbered from 1st to 7th from south to north. The calles are further divided into oriente (east) and poniente (west). The street intersection at the north-east corner of the Palace of the Captains-General, i.e. at the south-east corner of Parque Central, is the origin of this division. Avenidas are sur south of 5a Calle, and norte north of it. Calles are oriente east of 4a avenida, and poniente west of it.
Some roads have names that don't follow the avenida/calle numbering scheme, and some roads away from the center don't follow the grid. Most corners do not have signs showing the name of either the street you are on or the one you just came up to. All are cobblestoned and sidewalks are generally not very good.
Addresses are numbered sequentially outwards from the origin point. Even-numbered addresses are on one side of the street and odd numbers are on the other. Street addresses are written with the street or avenue number first, followed by the letter "a" (because 1a signifies "primera", 2a is short for "segunda", 3a for "tercera", etc); then "av." (for avenida) or "Cle" (for calle), then "ote" (oriente, east), "pte" (poniente, west), "sur" (south), or "nte" (norte, north); then the street address number. For instance:
It's helpful to memorise that the north and south sides of Parque Central are 5a and 4a calles, and the west and east sides are 5a and 4a avenidas. Parque Central is the reference point for east, west, north and south in street addresses. "5a av. nte #5" is north of Parque Central. "5a ave. sur #5" is south of Parque Central. Essentially, if you understand which way is north of Parque Central, you can find anything in the city.
The Inguat Tourist Office is on the south-east side of the Parque Central. Open until 5PM Monday to Friday. Open Saturdays. Closed Sundays.
Located just 30 miles (45 km) west of Guatemala City, you can get here in 45-60 minutes from La Aurora Airport.
You can catch a crowded chicken bus (recycled US school bus) from Guatemala City for US$1 or Q8. One should be aware that since beginning of 2009 with 37 bus drivers murdered during gang related murders since the start of 2009. About 140 bus drivers were murdered in the past year. This was due to a gang related extortion ring, whose leader was recently arrested. Drivers who refused to pay $10000 protection fees were murdered. With this in light, many still consider the chicken buses and local city bus in Antigua safer than taking the taxis or Tuk-tuks (small three wheelers with cloth side doors). Tuk-tuks have been blamed for taking tourist to an obscure area for robbery - so knowing a local tuk tuk driver might be safer than procuring one on the street. When safety is of utmost concern, it is best to call a cab company or prearrange your rides through a shuttle company.
There are regular shuttle vans directly from the airport to Antigua. These cost around $5 to $10 US each and leave regularly all day until 8PM. You don't need to prearrange, but demand can be high depending on the number of flights arriving at the same time, so prepurchasing a ticket from a local travel agent is best. A taxi from the airport to Antigua is around $30, and can be split among 2 or 3 riders to make it comparable with privately arranged shuttles. There are numerous travel agencies in the central park of Antigua to purchase rides back to the airport. The usual cost is from $5 to $8. To take the chicken bus from the airport to antigua, one can walk to a bus stop just outside of the parking lot. However, it is unclear at times if buses are allowed that close. If the government prevent buses from stopping there, one need to be ready to walk about 1/4 mile to another bus stop just outside of the airport. However, a tourist pulling luggage might make easy target for a local robber. The second problem with taking buses is that they are often very filled, and it is your responsibility to secure and lift your luggage to the top of the bus (unless you can negotiate the bus attendant to help you). The cost to take the local bus to the chicken bus station is about 12 cents (1 Q), then one has to procure a chicken bus (leaving at every 5 minutes or so) to Antigua. So the total cost of taking the bus is less than 2 dollars, but you might be required to walk a short distance to the nearest corner outside of the airport proper.
There is a direct shuttle bus from Copán, Honduras which departs twice a day at 5:30AM and midday.
A charter tourist van costs about USD $30-$40. The driver will meet you at the airport with your name on a sign. For first-time visitors, the convenience and security of arranging a van like this might be worth the cost.
Transportation by bus is cheap compared to taxis or shuttles, but would be less convenient and take a longer time. For Antigua, you would need to take a cab to the second class bus station that does this route and get on a chicken bus.
There is no commercial air or train service for this town.
Antigua is very compact and easy to walk around. Most tourist destinations are in an 8-by-8 block area less than 1 km across. You can walk across it in 15 minutes. Be careful: the sidewalks are narrow and not always in good repair, you may have to walk in the street with traffic whizzing by you, and at night it's worth being cautious and aware of your surroundings. The standard tourist map are linear in their drawings. They are only accurate near the town centers, as their periphery are indistinct and inaccurate. Get a real map with accurate topography if you are seeking locations farther from the town center, as dead ends and curved streets are not portrayed accurately.
If you don't know the city streets too well, and it's past about 11PM, it is best to get a taxi back to your accommodations from Parque Central, especially if you're alone, or going more than a few blocks away from the well lighted Central Park area.
To reach Guatemala City, one simply ask for the main route of the chicken bus. They stop at every corner, honk the horn as early as 5:30PM, and yell out loud "GUATE, GUATE". It is not uncommon to see one bus every 4 to 5 minutes leaving from the same corner. Do not expect the bus driver to stop and secure your luggage on the top of the bus without a fee, and they might drive off even while you are still on the roof.
Tuk-tuks and taxis can take you to destinations within the city center for Q10 or less -- negotiate the fare with the driver in advance. If you don't, they will routinely charge 50% to 100% more than customary. Tuk-tuks usually do not go to guatemala, so one will need a shuttle or taxi instead. Flag down a cruising tuk-tuk, or pick up a taxi from the queue at Parque Central; or along a main route to the city's periphery.
The whole city is full of historic buildings, monuments, fountains and ruins. This city was founded by the Spanish in the XVII Century, and it follows the traditional design of a Main Plaza surrounded by Government and Catholic Church buildings. It's worthwhile to visit La Catedral, el Palacio de los Gobernadores, Convento de Capuchinas, Convento de Santa Clara, el Arco de Santa Catarina, Iglesia La Merced and the Handcrafts Market.
Entrance fees for the Ruinas are steep, except for the Ruinas y Museo de San Francisco which is a bargain at 5 Quetzals; the Ruinas de Santa Clara, Ruinas de San Jeronimo, Ruinas La Recollecion and the Museo Capuchino charge 30 Quetzals for foreigners (locals 2 Quetzals). The Museo Hotel Casa Santo Domingo charges 40 Quetzals, although here you may see just the ruinas for free.
The Parque Central is a park in the center of town. The park is a city block in size, with concentric circular walkways threading among trees and a fountain in the center. The trees are decorated with lights, and there are plenty of benches for sitting and people-watching. The Inguat tourist agency, the city hall and police office, the cathedral, and several banks and tourist businesses line the four sides of the park. Many Antiguans hang out in the park, and it has a pleasant, bustling, friendly feel during the day (at night, slightly less so... use your judgment).
A large cross is prominent on a hill to the north of the city (Cerro de la Cruz). It is a pleasant, moderately strenuous 30-minute walk to the cross from the Parque Central. On a clear day there is a fine vista over most of Antigua and the Volcán de Agua rising high to the south. Note: there are persistent reports of robberies on this trail. The Tourist Police lead a free walk up to the park at 10AM and 3PM daily. Check-in with the Tourist Police office which is on the north side of City Hall at the north east corner of Parque Central (Central Park).
The Experimental Station Valhalla is a nursery of macadamia trees with an interesting environmental and economic agenda. Valhalla has donated over 250,000 macadamia trees to indigenous communities in Guatemala. Macadamia nuts are a cash crop, with the potential to provide a better livelihood for Guatemalan peasants than does coffee. The farmer can use the trimmed branches of the trees for firewood. Additionally, macadamia trees take carbon dioxide out of the air and form it into wood, nuts and shells. The shells can be used for street paving. And Valhalla have found a way to provide the trees as genetically diverse complete plants, instead of as grafts. This allows natural selection to adapt the trees to changing environmental conditions. The station turns macadamia nuts into snacks, chocolates, a fine skin cream, a pure oil, and a flour which can be made into pancakes. Pancake breakfasts are served all day, every day until 3:30PM. The breakfast includes 3 pancakes made of macadamia flour, served with macadamia butter, homemade blueberry marmalade and a drink of your choice. No reservation required.
Experimental station Valhalla is a few km out of Antigua in the direction of San Miguel Dueñas. Chicken busses run every 30 minutes on this route, and the fare is around Q3.50 one way. The station offers tours in Spanish, English, and sometimes other languages as well. At the end of a tour they offer samples of their various macadamia products. tel +502-7888-6308, fax +502-7831-5799, web [1], email [2]. Open M-Sa 8AM-4:30PM.
Cultural walking tours of Antigua are offered six days a week. They are the work of Elizabeth Bell, who came to Guatemala in 1969 from the U.S. and stayed. She has literally written the book on Antigua, twice (Antigua Guatemala: the city and it's heritage and Lent and Holy Week in Antigua). This tour is an interesting "peek behind the door" of Antigua -- telling you about the people and forces driving Antigua today and in its past, as you go to a few of the main destinations of Antigua. Since Elizabeth Bell is one of those people driving Antigua, her perspective is hard to beat. An essential complement to a more conventional tour of the of the top monuments and their histories. USD $18 per person (USD$15 for project volunteers), includes entrance fees. Some proceeds donated to cultural foundations in Antigua. Available in English and Spanish. Depart from the fountain in the Parque Central.
El Mercado or the Market is located about 3 blocks directly west of the northwest corner of the town center. Walking through it is a cultural experience. The market is opened every day, but is largest on Saturday, Monday, and Thursday. It is big, like a maze, and you will likely lose your way. It is dark in the covered areas, and brighter on the outside sections. The cheapest food, commodities, fresh meat, and gifts are found here. Occasionally, livestock such as chicken and small mammals are sold also. It is a gathering place for all Antiguans, and where most families buy their groceries.
For those who like hiking, two trips near Antigua are highly recommended: Hiking up the active volcano Volcán Pacaya and/or the dormant Volcán Acatenango.
GuatemalaVentures [6] is on 1era Av Sur (below Café Sky) in Antigua and offers a wide range of outdoor activities such as guided volcano hikes, mountain biking, kayaking, and bird-watching tours. They're happy to custom-tailor your excursion, and the guides speak English, German, and Spanish.
Mundo Guatemala, [7]. Antigua-based tour operator for Guatemala and Central America, with tailor-made travel for individuals and groups which is distinct, personal, and out-of-the-ordinary. Options include: short excursions (1-3 days) to 8-day and longer trips with focus on Mayan culture and traditions, relaxation, archeology, nature and/or soft adventure. Can also arrange Spanish lessons and homestay (see below). Also offers trips to Belize, Honduras, El Salvador, Mexico, Costa Rica or Cuba. edit
Viaventure[8] offerers high-end day- and multi-day trips from their base in Antigua Guatemala. Best to contact them with advance notice as they are not really set up for "walk-ins." They can arrange helicopter excursions, VIP guides, 4x4s, etc. Their services tend to be more expensive than other local agencies but they offer different products than what you will find at the many travel agencies around town.
Spanish school Antigua is the most popular - though not the cheapest - place to learn Spanish in Guatemala. Prices and hours vary, and can change depending on the season. Also note that home-stay opportunities are available as a cheaper and more culturally enriching living situation than a hotel; the average home-stay with a Guatemalan family costs US$70 for 7 nights in your own room with shared bath and 2 to 3 meals daily except on Sunday. It is well worth it to pay a little extra for your own bathroom or shower, and search for a family who takes in only one or a few students (and local Guatemalan boarders) for a more immersive experience. Just remember, an immersive experience does not mean you speak English at the dinner table with other students. Families often visit each other on Sundays, and not available to provide meals. If you are the only student in the home, you are often invited for family get togethers, and it is quite a cultural experience. Informal conversational class can be had with the many shoe shiners in the central park, if you chose not to have your shoe shined and pay them a few bucks instead. Their education and vocabulary can be very limited, as Spanish is often their second language, and Mayan is their first.
Cooking schools
You can easily get a job as a waiter, waitress, bartender, or host in any of the many bars, restaurants and hotels in Antigua. Usually they pay from 8USD to 20USD a day plus tips. It's important to speak Spanish in most of these places, but you can slide by without it in some touristy spots, where most of the customers are foreigners. Also you can join in and volunteer at local non-profits. There are many local projects in education, health, and development that accept short and long term volunteers. Example would be Common Hope, and other local churches and charities. These organizations should be contacted ahead of time for availabilities and credentialing of their volunteer - which is of utmost importance for the safety of their clients.
When you change money at the bank, you will need your passport. Banks are opened 7 days a week, and open late into the night at 7 or 8PM Most of the time, a passport is not needed for changing dollars into quetzales. However, you are likely required to have a passport if you want to redeem traveler's checks. ATM's are also available, but read the charges well before completing the transaction. The current exchange rate (June 1, 09) is about 8 Q per dollar.
Antigua has cafes and restaurants for all tastes and budgets. The town is the most touristy place in Guatemala so you will find anything you are looking for; there are even a McDonalds, a Burger King, a Dominos Pizza, and Subway! So, no, you will not starve while in Antigua. Be careful with where you eat. Facilities lacking in bathroom or bathroom cleanliness suggest a higher probability of food poisoning. Avoid cold salad, fresh vegetables, and undercooked meat.
Antigua offers a wide variety of hotels at all price levels. Additionally, many local families open their homes to students of Spanish and travellers. Contact any Antigua language school for help acquiring a local homestay, a few dollars offered for their service, or signing up for spanish lessons might encourage a more helpful match making.
Home stays with Antigua families can be arranged through language schools or directly with the family in question. As the families are prepaid, you can switch your school at anytime and try a different school. Your shuttle from the airport is also prepaid if arranged through a school, so if your driver ask for $5 or $10 in tips, just smile, and give him 2 or 3 bucks at most (a 20% tip) or 5Q to 10Q (about 1 buck!), unless he lugged your luggage up a steep hill and dozens of steps. The homes are often on hill tops, so be prepared to encounter large black scorpions on the lit walls at night, when you are walking home late. They are harmless if you don't disturb them, but you might consider wearing shoes if they are too abundant. Choose a home in the town to avoid climbing hills, and you will also get less mosquito problems. Currently, families charge about $70 USD for 7 days of bed, shared toilet, and 2 meals. Expect to pay about $10 or $20 more if you want to add lunch (the main meal), or if you expect a private bathroom (well worth it if you don't want to share with up to a dozen other boarders). An advantage of a home stay for the Spanish language student is a chance for language immersion, as well as the cultural experience. The less student's the family board, the better your experience. Too many students prefer to speak in English to each other, and destroy your "immersive" experience. Ask first how many people are in the home, and how many boarders there are. You might find out, up to 14 people might share only one sink and 2 toilets. Water pressure is low at night, and you might not get a warm shower if the flow is too low to activate the heated shower head. Ask the house mom to explain how to get the switch to activate on the shower, otherwise you might have to deal with a cold shower. Buy your own soap and shampoo, as the home might use the same soap for washing dishes and clothing as for bathing. The housing may be more basic than in a hotel: simple concrete block or adobe construction, shared bathroom, and small rooms. Ask if there is a secure lock for your room, as the home is often shared with local boarders, and you do not always want to lug your camera and laptop everywhere you go. It is important to realize that mosquitos are common, and the owners often leave your door open while cleaning. A compact mosquito net or tent is necessary if you do not enjoy having mosquito buzzing around your face at night. Some area of Antigua is mosquito free, other area they are found in abundance. It is important to verify the number of students and guests in the house, as one can encounter situations where up to 14 people are sharing two toilets and one sink! If you value cleanliness and convenience, book a room with private toilet and sink. You must provide your own hand towels and bathing towels. If you leave it in a common bathroom, don't be surprise if everyone will use it. Eating hours are often different, with dinner often served at 7:30 or 8:00PM, so you might want to procure your own meals if you intend to go to bed early. Remember that dinner is simple - a few pieces of cold bread, and perhaps very light soup. For American style dinner, go out and buy your own food at the restaurants. Fresh fruits and vegetable is often not served, so eat plenty of beans or bring along your own source of fiber.
Due to the presence of the "Tourist Police" Antigua is much safer than any other city in Guatemala. However, the tourist police are only present within the city. During the daytime your risk of getting robbed in Antigua is very small. However, if you leave the tourist-areas or if you walk the streets at night, there is a considerable risk. This is especially true during the time when the night and the morning shifts of the police change guard. It is probably best to leave your passport in your hotel safe or local home, and carry a US passport ID instead. If you are robbed, you will not need to go the consulate for paperwork. An ATM is available, so an ATM card should be carried instead for instant cash. If you have to travel much, a money belt can be strapped to your waist, and a simple wallet with few dollars can be handed to a robber if one is encountered. There are many places on your body and clothing to hide a few extra bucks, or a credit card. Crime committed against women is often not publicized. While Guatemala might be a safe place for some, a woman might best get around safely on a crowded public bus, than hailing a Tuk Tuk or Taxi from an unknown driver.
Almost all bars and restaurants will be happy to call you a taxi. Asking the bar staff to call the taxi for you, instead of looking for one yourself, can be a good idea since they tend to know the drivers they are calling. Ask them what the price should be beforehand, and also ask them to confirm the price with the taxi or tuk-tuk when they call you one. Within Antigua, many locals consider the buses safer than a tuk-tuk. Due to the crowd, it is unlikely that you will be robbed. However, tuk-tuk's have been blamed on taking tourists to obscure area to rob them, perhaps due to their lower investment cost, they might attract less than desirable drivers. If your bar or house lord arranges your tuk-tuk, it likely will be safer.
During peak tourist times, like Semana Santa or any major festival in Antigua, pickpockets abound and it´s wise to keep a hand on your wallet. A money belt can be kept around your waist for important ID and passport. A few bucks in the wallet can be stolen or robbed without causing much headaches. Avoid carrying large quantities of money and flashing it around. Also, when walking through the crowded market, keep your bags in front of you, since there are certain thieves who use razors to cut the fabric without you feeling a thing, to gain access to the contents.
If you plan to visit sights like "La Cruz" outside town, make sure you go with an officer of the tourist police who accompany tourists there at least once a day. (See the See section).
The municipal water supply in Antigua is treated with chlorine (citation needed). However, don't regard it as completely safe. It's still wise to drink agua del garrafon or agua embotellada (purified bottled water), and not agua del chorro (tap water). Some homes and restaurants have purified water in five gallon bottles and serve it in glasses. It's sensible to ask if the ice is made from purified water, but they will really never admit the truth about the source of water.
Antigua is in an undeveloped country. As such, irrigation water is often contaminated with human feces. This put all travelers at risk for fecal borne infection such as hepatitis A, salmonella, and E.coli. The Center of Disease control has a list of recommendation for Guatemala. One should consider hepatitis A vaccination at least 3 months before the trip. Malaria pills should be taken if you are planning to hike or climb the nearby hills or volcanoes. A typhoid vaccine is available, and should be considered if you are planning to eat in the community frequently.
If you are lucky, you will not have any illnesses in Antigua. However, most long term visitors will encounter a case of food poisoning or bacterial or viral enteritis. The best way to treat without a physician's intervention is to buy packages (sobre) of re hydration solution (solucion rehidracion oral). It is a simple mix of potassium, sodium and glucose. One mix a liter of water with the powder, and simply take multiple small sips through the day to consume 2 liter or more. This will rest your intestines, and prevent nausea. Start nibbling small pieces of bread the next day, before you challenge your system. Antibiotics will not help food poisoning, which toxins from bacterias are already form; so it is not the most appropriate treatment unless you are medically trained or advised before you take such products.
Most cases of food poisoning or intestinal infections can be blamed on street vendors with unrefrigerated slaws, sauces, or paste; but home cooked meals can also be the blame due to lack of education and sanitation by some home families. Street vendor food is cheap, but you should avoid it unless you have been eating it daily. A virgin stomach often can not handle the common bacterial toxins found in unrefrigerated sauces, slaws, and cold marinades. Piping hot wrapped boiled food is likely safe, but might not be freed completely of all toxins. If you observed unsanitary practice by your home mom, you might consider just eating bread or cereal for breakfast, and pass on lunch and dinner. Bringing antibacterial handwipes can help sanitize if there is no soap in the bathroom.
It is best to avoid ceviche (cold limejuice marinated raw fish and shrimp) due to potential risk of bacteria like cholera. Fresh salads should not be consumed for concern of contaminated irrigation water. Strawberries has been known to pass hepatitis A due to contaminated irrigation water. If you prepared your own salad or strawberries, soaking in bleach water or iodine is advised. All fruits should be washed or peeled before eating. Undercooked beef should be avoided due to risk encysted parasites, unless imported high grade beef is assured at a well known restaurant. Fresh cream is often served at the table, but unless you are sure it is pasteurized or precooked by the family, it is best to avoid putting it on your food. Going barefoot or with sandals is the norm, however hiking with them or going barefoot might lead to "cutanous larva migrans", where hookworms larvae penetrate and cause itchy red curves and lines a few days later. Penetrating "botfly" larvae with their wiggly head through a red swollen knot around the ankle is a rare souvenir gift that would entertain your family at home. So, wear shoes and socks, if you desired to walk off of the pavement.
Homestay is likely safe, however, inexpensive hostels can lead to infection with body lice, and whole body itchy scabies. Body lice can be rid by simple clothing change. Scabies must be rid with 2 treatment of high concentration permethrin cream 5% applied head to toe, left on for 8 hours, and repeated two weeks later. Pubic louse is likely encountered at brothels in the nearby towns, and is treated with 1% permethrin shampoo or cream. Bedbugs are hard to get rid of, and is common in both the US and Guatemala. You are likely to encounter them in both inexpensive and expensive hotels after a few hours of sound sleep on an infected mattress. It is best to keep your luggage far away from hotel beds, unless you would like to bring the pests home to the US or spread them to other hotels. Itchy red bumps along an arm or leg is a common symptom of bedbugs. Checking your mattress cover and the crevices of the bed to assure they don't sneak a meal from your arm or legs at night. If you find bedbugs, ask for another room, or ask for a refund. If your plan is to travel through Central America on pennies a day, be aware of the symptoms of these common parasites.
There are many internet cafes and long-distance phone shops in Antigua. Internet time costs from Q5-10 per hour. Internet shops often have video phones for Skype calls. Many phone shops uses voice over internet protocol, and not all area codes will work. The phone shop at the town center will not reach certain cell phones and certain newer area codes. But just around the northwest corner is another phone shop that reached most USA area codes. Just ask, they will reluctantly point you to their competitor. Cell phones from the US will work, but will charge $2 a minute for use, for receiving voice mails, or for reaching customer service. Some people ask their carrier to turn off the voice mail function to avoid charges for voice mail.
Antigua is a very good base for anyone who wants to explore Guatemala. The city is bustling with language students and you will have no problems finding a bus to anywhere in the country.
Almost all travel agencies in Antigua offer scheduled tourist shuttles to La Aurora airport in Guatemala City. Fares range from USD $5-10. The earliest buses and shuttles depart at 4AM, in time to arrive at the airport by 5AM and catch a 7AM flight out. The lines at the airport is very long, so don't expect to push an international flight; unless you intend to miss it. Arrive at least 1 hour or more before your flight. Shuttles often arrive late, as they are on Guatemalan time. If lucks run out, you can catch a taxi for about $30, or hop the numerous "GUATE, GUATE" chicken busses. Along the main route of the bus through town, the driver stops at every corner, and attempt to fill the bus. Loud horn honking, and the attendant yelling "Guate, Guate", indicating destination. Chicken buses are usually gaudily painted, and have their destinations indicated above the front windshield. Whereas the local buses are often regular yellow school buses, and occasionally also gaudily painted. Once you get to guatemala, catch a "TUK TUK" or a taxi to get to the airport. If you take a connecting local bus, expect to pay about 15 cents, but they often leave you about a 10 minute walk to the terminal. Currently, the buses are not allowed to enter the airport proper. There is a bus station next to the airport parking lot, but do not expect the bus to drop you off or pickup there.
Chicken bus drivers can not always be trusted to take you to outlying towns. Their goal is often to fill the bus, and not often for your best interest. It is best to talk to several bus drivers before you board. You can be left stranded waiting for a connecting bus that might not arrive until the following day or hours later. A direct bus is best, but might not be encountered frequently. Be prepared to ride small uncovered pickup trucks if you can not find a taxi to your final destination. Heavy rain can occur, and you can get soaked if the cover is ripped or not functioning.
Shuttle buses from Antigua to Copán leave at 4AM and 9AM and take about six hours and cost $10-15.
| This is a guide article. It has a variety of good, quality information including hotels, restaurants, attractions, arrival and departure info. Plunge forward and help us make it a star! |
Category: Guide articles
  | photo - Central Park, Antigua, Guatemala, 1 of 21 photos |
 | Antigua photos - Antigua Guatemala photos | Lake Atitlan photos |
| | thegringosguide.com - Antigua Guatemala Informacion |
| | A free tourist guide of all Guatemala. - Information on Guatemala |
| | aroundantigua.com - Antigua Guatemala - Around Antigua |
| | Antigua Guatemala Wallpapers - Antigua Guatemala wallpapers - Antigua Guatemala |
| | Antigua Guatemala Hotels - Antigua Guatemala Hotels, Bed & Breakfast and Inns |
| | photo-vinc.com - ๑۩۞۩๑ PHOTO-VINC ๑۩۞۩๑ - La Antigua Guatemala |
|
|
Top topics
Wikis
Quiz
Map
Search
