|
ELEVATION: 1530 meters POPULATION 30,0000 |
|
HIGHLIGHTS: Ruins of Catholic Cathedrals (Santa Clara is especially beautiful) Casa Popenoe (Interesting to see how people lived in Colonial Times) HISTORY: Declared an UNESCO World Heritage Site, Antigua is famous for it's authentic colonial atmosphere. It was founded in 1543 as the capital of Guatemala. Located in a valley surrounded by 3 volcanoes, Antigua has suffered numerous devasting earthquakes over the years. It's residents rebuilt their city numerous times and Antigua remained the capital for 233 years. A huge earthquake struck in 1773 destroying the city and in 1776 the capital was moved to it's present location. Slowly Antigua was repopulated and rebuilt - preserving it's colonial architecture. PLACES TO STAY: Casa de Santa Lucia no. 2: \\$10.00 (US) for a double with private bath. Hot water and removed from street noise. Posada Ruiz: Next door to Santa Lucia. Looks really nice and is cheaper. RESTAURANTS: Mono Locos: Veg. Burgers, Nachos, Quesadillas, Huge Burritos and Salads. LaFuente: In beautiful courtyard. Good coffee and breakfasts. Lots of vegetarian selections for other meals. Restaurant Dona Luisa Xicotencatl: Also set in nice courtyard. Good food and have their own bakery. BARS: Mono Locos: Incredibly cheap drink specials, friendly atmosphere, and micro brew beer. INTERNET: Funky Monkey: Located next to Mono Locos. Great price and great connections (fiber optics). AMERICAN FOOTBALL/BASKETBALL: Mono Locos once again. (OK, OK, we really like this place!) SPECIAL NOTE: As Antigua is only 45 minutes from Guatemala City it's a great place to stay when you arrive or are leaving the country. There are shuttle buses to and from the airport. They cost \\$10.00 (U.S.) per person (if you have more than 3 people it might be cheaper). You can hire a taxi for under $20.00(U.S.) . Or, you can take a public bus, but still need a taxi to and from airport ($5-7.00 U.S.) |
|
|
|
Click here for Antigua 1999/2000
Click here for Antigua 2000/2001 Homepage , Travel , Trip 1999-00 , Trip 2000-01 |
