Introduction
40km (25 miles) SW of Guatemala City; 108km (67 miles) SE of Chichicastenango; 80km (50 miles) SE of Panajachel
Simply put, Antigua is a gem, an enchanting blend of restored colonial-era architecture and rugged cobblestone streets, peppered with ruins and brimming with all the amenities a traveler could want -- beautiful boutique hotels, fine restaurants, and plenty of shopping and activity options. Antigua sits in a small valley surrounded by towering volcanoes, which are clearly visible over the red tile roofs and church bell towers that dominate the small city's skyline. The colonial core of Antigua is extremely compact and well suited to exploring on foot.
Antigua was Guatemala's capital from 1543 until 1776. It was founded after mudslides and flooding destroyed the country's first capital, in what is today Ciudad Vieja, in 1541. Designed by Italian civil architect Juan Francisco Antonielli and originally christened La Muy Noble y Muy Leal Ciudad de Santiago de los Caballeros...
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Old Town Outfitters
- Old Town is the premier adventure outfitter in Antigua. The shop is just off the main town square, and you'll find quality bikes to rent, with...
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- Biking
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K'frans
These folks manufacture and sell cotton clothing for men and women featuring their original designs. They have a sister shop in Panajachel. Open...
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- Shopping
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Joyería del Angel
Custom-made one-of-a-kind pieces are the forte of this place. Though many of the pieces are quite expensive, there are some more moderately priced...
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- Shopping
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