"Antigua, Guatemala" a Antigua Guatemala Travel Page by isabeau

The locals in Antigua are known as Panza Verdes, which means "green pounch" because of their fondness for avocados. I always thought that if I were on a deserted island and only had one food source it would have to be avocados...so I was totally at home here.

I was surprised by the great selection of places to eat, and style of food...there is something for everyone. But enough about food, Antigua is beautiful, quaint, welcoming...and fun to explore by foot. If you get tired though, there are always the "tuktuks" that wiz around. A bumpy ride over the cobblestone streets had me giggle like a kid in an amusment park.

When you feel satisfied that you've seen enough landmarks and ruins, hangout in the Parque Central, go to a service at Catedral de Santiago, or stop by Dona Luisa's bakery for a loaf of freshly baked banana bread.

Antigua is full of ruins of churches that fell victim to natural disasters, or neglect. Although what is left in most cases is the shell of the church, the facade still shows details of the former grandeur.

At night people congregate in Parque Central for some social time. It's pleasant because of the beautiful centerpiece fountain, and the soft lights illuminating the Catedral de Santiago across the street.