The Best of Antigua Guatemala
Antigua de Guatemala is one of those cities that will just get a hold on you. From its stone streets, textile shopping and true farm to table food, traveling to Antiqua was a bucket list trip I didn’t even plan for. I came here on a solo trip and felt immediately embraced by it’s passionate history and eco-conscious offerings.
Antigua has endured centuries as a historical landmark, surviving several devastating floods, volcanic eruptions and earthquakes. Renowned for its Spanish colonial buildings, colorful Guatemalan textiles and charming cobblestone streets, the city is effortlessly beautiful and welcoming. And for foodies, the rising vegan and vegetarian culinary scene is not to be missed, even for us omnivores.
Antigua carries an intimate sensibility of enamorarse, falling in love. Meant to be savored in long walks on cobblestone and casual sittings in courtyards, Antigua stands as an aged edifice marked by love and loss.
Spanish Colonial structures are an integral part of the city’s charm offering UNESCO World Heritage sites, monasteries and cultural monuments. Peruse the bustling markets filled with textile shops, plazas, fountains, the best?coffee, cafe’s and unique accommodations across the city’s grid.
Hikers seek refuge in Antigua for the 3-day hike to El Fuego, the volcano at the edge of the city. I met @preetikarana from San Francisco, who went with a guided group, hiked for 2 days and camped adjacent to an erupting volcano. Her photos (permission granted) were spectacular!
Where to stay in Antigua:
1. El Convento Boutique Hotel
I booked my stay here for the bathtub and the gorgeous courtyard property grounds. Serenity and luxury are accessible with rooms under $200. I upgraded to the Junior Suite during the holidays at around $230 per night.
2. Meson Panza Verde
Meson Panza has it all. With an outdoor pool, piano bar, restaurant, yoga studio, art gallery and rooftop terrace! Stroll in to this magical place to check out the art or take your coffee from the rustic rooftop terrace. The hotel is luxury at a very affordable rate. I had initially booked my stay here before booking at El Convento, but changed last minute. The rooms are fabulous but the difference was about $40 per night, and I chose the savings for two words: Guatemalan textiles. #shopping
3. Good Hotel Antigua
Modern and sophisticated, this hotel is located just two blocks from the Convento Santa Clara ruins. Affordable and minimal, Good Hotel is a great option for solo travelers.
Antigua Vegan Food
1. Once Once
If you’re not already vegan, vegetarian or gluten free well, you will want to be! Healthful and fresh food options are abundant in Antigua. Just around the corner from El Convento, this cafe is set in a quiet courtyard offering Asian, Mexican and Italian fusion vegan cuisine. The breakfast here is hearty and delicious too. Order several small plates and save room for the Coconut Cream Brule.
2. La Bruja
Located in a beautiful outdoor space with shops, cafes and a Viking bar, La Bruja was a delight to find after wandering in through a cacao shop. I ordered the portobello taco plate and sat perfectly content in the shaded floral courtyard.
3. Caoba Farms, Restaurant
Organic farm to table restaurant located just outside the city with freshly harvested ingredients on site. A mandarin just might fall on your plate from the tree above, or three! This co-op offers an extensive breakfast, lunch and dinner menu as well as artisanal honeys, cosmetics, herbs, spices and local hand made goods. For an additional 30Q ($3.80) visit the mariposa garden to see the transitioning stages from cocoon to first flight of the monarch and zebra butterfly.
4. Samsara
Samsara has an amazing menu with so many options! Come here for breakfast, lunch, smoothies and fruit bowls. Curries, stir-fry’s and taco plates make up the flavors on the menu and everything is fresh and savory.
5. 7A Norte Pizzeria
The upstairs terrace sits modestly against the ruins of a historic parish. The pizza here is delicious and the drinks are made with fresh juices and herbs. I had a watermelon salad with the artichoke and garlic pizza. mmwha!
6. Antigua Brewing
Craft beers and volcano views, enough said. Come here for the rooftop patio and cerveza artisanal. If you’re lucky, you can sip beer while watching the volcano erupt. No seriously, the volcano is very active.
7. Ulew Cocktail Bar
Speakeasy Cocteleria situated inside the door of a red phone booth. Come and enjoy unique cocktails in a cozy setting.
Things to do in Antigua:
1. Santa Clara Convento Ruins
Maintained grounds and monastery ruins The El Convento Santa Clara survived two earthquakes before it was left in ruins in 1984. For 40Q ($5) you can enjoy the quiet grounds and take lovely photographs of the stone arches.
2. Church of Candelaria Ruins
Just a few blocks from my hotel was the original face of the Candelaria parish. The Spanish baroque structure has been integrated into modern living, now adjacent to a basketball court. The plague on the building marks its insurrection in 1548 but due to catastrophic damage the Church was abandoned. According to inscription, the earthquake in Guatemala that took place on Sept 3, 1874 was the most devastating recorded in the world that year.
3. Santa Catalina Arch
As the most distinguished landmark in Antigua, this 17th century arch was originally connected to the Santa Catalina conven, which allowed the nuns to pass from one building to another without going on the street. In this plaza are several high end textile stores on this street with beautiful adornments of cloth and housewares, yet still I recommend walking to Nim Po’t for the best shopping.
Central America evokes an ancient whisper. Carried by the smoke of a ceremonial fire, the purification of a temazcal and the bitter sustenance of the sacred cacao, Guatemala is a place that inspires slow living and deeper connection.
Next stop, Lake Atitlan! Check out the full guide on where to stay, eat, dance and yoga on Lake Atitlan here.
One Comment