La Antigua, Guatemala

La Antigua in Guatemala

Former Spanish colony. World heritage site. Most popular destination in its country. All these and more define what La Antigua in Guatemala is.

Just 45 minutes away from the La Aurota Airport, La Antigua in Guatemala can be reached. There is charter tourist van that costs abut US$30 where the driver will be waiting at the terminal with your name on a sign. This would be very wise for the first- timers even if it might be more expensive than the other available vehicles around. If you are well- versed on the place, it is safe to ride a bus as it is cheaper compared to the taxis and shuttles. The local transportation is called "tuk-tuks" that can take you to within the city center for Q10 or less.

Walking around La Antigua in Guatemala is just very easy. The tourist spots are only in an eight by eight block area less than one kilometer across. It will even just take about 15 minutes the most. However, be very careful especially with your valuables especially at night. The sidewalks are not as wide you expect it to be and it still require a lot of repairs.

La Antigua in Guatemala is blessed with sights and activities that you as a visitor should not miss.
* Parque Central
This is park in the central town which is concentric in circular pathways that threads among trees with a fountain in the center. It is a great to stroll along lazily as it is decorated with lights and benches scattered. Lining the four sides is a tourist agency, city hall, police headquarters, cathedral, banks and shops.
* Cerro dela Cruz
Thirty minutes away from Parque Central is a large prominent cross set on a hill to the north of the metropolis. When the day is very clear, a picturesque vista of the Volcan de Agua can be seen that rises high from the south. Just be very careful because there have been many reported cases of robbery on that particular trail. However, policemen have been stationed to ensure security.
* Experimental Station Valhalla
A nursery of macadamia trees that has both an interesting economic and environmental purpose has given employment to a lot of its local natives. Macademia nuts are cash crops that can be made as coffee. The laborers trim the branches for firewood that when burned takes in carbon dioxide out of the air that forms into a shell. The shells in turn are used for street paving and requisitioning air.

There are also several volcanoes in La Antigua in Guatemala that has allowed tourism to flourish.
- Volcan Pacaya is not that entirely difficult to trek. A trip there normally costs around US$7-9.
- Volcan Acatenango is for the experienced climbers. It is about 13, 044 feet in height.
- Volcan Agua is a picturesque view. It already dormant so it is safe to hike there.