Antigua Guatemala or Antigua is a city as well as UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the central highlands of Guatemala, about 32 km from the national capital Guatemala City. It is the capital of Sacatepequez Department and the municipal seat of neighboring municipalities. Antigua is well known for its Spanish Baroque influenced architecture and the ruins of ancient churches.

The economy of Antigua is centered on tourism and coffee-production. Antigua has a university called ‘The University of San Carlos’.

Geography of Antigua:

Antigua is located between latitude 14°34′ in the north and longitude 90°44′ in the west.

History of Antigua:

The present Antigua was formed by Spanish conquistadors on March 10, 1543 and it was known by Santiago de los Caballeros and it served as the headquarters of the military administrator of the Spanish colony of Guatemala for more than 200 years. Antigua was heavily damaged by 7.4 magnitude earthquake on September 29, 1717 and around 3,000 buildings were demolished in that incident.

How to reach Antigua?

Antigua is served by La Aurora International Airport situated at a distance of 36 km with connection to North American, Central American and European cities. It takes around 45-60 minutes to reach Antigua from the airport through roadway.

There are taxis, tuk-tuks and shuttle vans regularly available to Antigua. Shuttle vans cost around Q80 and provide services until 8PM. Buses are cheaper than all these transportation options but buses are not regular and convenient.

Culture, Food and Shopping in Antigua:

Antigua is a historical place housing plenty of archeological sites and cultural centres all around. Guate Linda Center and Escuela de Espanol Cooperacion are local schools best to learn about local culture and language.

Tourists can purchase hand woven cloth, jade jewelry, chocolate and cacao in Antigua’s shops. The major food corners in Antigua are:

• Dabbawala Tandoori
• Cinema Cafe Bistro
• Mono Loco
• El Pelícano Dorado

Things to do in Antigua:

• Hill of the Cross
• El Mercado
• Artisan Workshops
• Bike tour
• Adventure Tours
• Coffee Farm Tour
• Artisan Workshops

Places to see in Antigua:

Saint Joseph Cathedral:

Saint Joseph Cathedral is a must visit site in Antigua. It was initially built in 1541, later was renovated in 1680 after the 1669 earthquake and it was once again suffered by 1773 earthquake. Don’t forget to take photos of this world class church.

Parque Central:

Parque Central is a beautiful park located in the heart of Antigua. It houses plenty of trees decorated with colorful lights and a stunning fountain in the middle.

La Merced Church:

La Merced Church is a top beauty on the earth and its stunning architecture is really a great treat to the eyes of visitors. The largest water fountain of Antigua within La Merced Church is also must watch.

Other places of interest in Antigua include:

• La Recoleccion Architectural Complex
• Ruins of old San José
• Old weapons Museum
• San Francisco Church
• Santo Domingo Monastery
• The Jade Museum
• Casa del Turista
• The Santa Catalina arch
• Hermano Pedro ancient Hospital

Best time to visit Antigua:

From November to April is the ideal time to visit historical Antigua in Guatemala.

Accommodation Options in Antigua:

Antigua houses many world-class hotels along with world famous archeological sites. Generally budget hotels charge $15/$20 for double per night, mid range- $50 and top end-around $100 per night. The major hotels and hostels in Antigua are listed below:

Budget:

• El Viejo Danes Hostal
• Villa Esthela
• Antigua Umma Gumma Hostel
• La Casa de los Abuelos
• El Gato Negro
• Casa Bellona
• Hotel Casa Cristina
• Hostel 5
• Hostel Calle 6

Mid range:

• Hotel Boutique Euskadi
• Chez Daniel
• Posada de la Merced
• Hostel Las Marias
• Hotel Casa Antigua
• Hotel Quinta de las Flores

Splurge:

• Hotel Palacio de Dona Leonor
• Casa Santo Domingo
• Hotel Casa del Parque
• Hotel Convento Santa Catalina

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Antigua also called as Wadadli is one of the islands in the country of Antigua and Barbuda. It is located in the Leeward Islands in the Caribbean at the coordinates of 17°5′ N 61°48′ W. St. John’s serves as the capital of both Antigua Island and Antigua and Barbuda nation and other major settlements in Antigua include All Saints and Liberta. The economy of Antigua is centered on rich tourism.

Geography of Antigua:

Antigua is spread over an area of 281 sq. km. at a maximum altitude of 402 meters.

History of Antigua:

Ciboney people were the first inhabitants of Antigua, followed by Arawak Indians and Carib. Christopher Columbus named ‘Antigua’ after an icon in the Seville Cathedral (Santa Maria de la Antigua) when he reached Antigua as a first European.

How to reach Antigua?

Antigua is served by V.C. Bird International Airport which is located around 7 km from the centre of the capital city, St. John’s.  It operates flights from and to major American and European cities including Toronto, Newark, Atlanta and London. The major air operators include Caribbean Airlines, American Airline, British Airways and Air Canada.

Rental cars at Antigua charge around US$100 per day and buses, taxis are other options for local travel and boats are useful to reach neighboring islands.

Culture, Food and Shopping in Antigua:

Cricket is very popular sport in Antigua and it is home to international cricket stadium, Sir VIV Richards Cricket Ground which was established in 2006.

Some best shops in Antigua include:

• All In The Bag
• Antigua Heritage Publications
• A & B Museum Gift Shop
• Australian Homemade

The famous restaurants in Antigua are:

• Admirals Inn
• Bumpkins Beach Bar
• Calabash Restaurant
• Caribbean Taste Restaurant

Things to do in Antigua:

• Boating
• Diving
• Snorkeling
• Kayaking
• Fishing
• Golfing
• Cricket
• Tropical Adventures
• Sailing Cruises
• Zip Line Canopy Tour
• Scenic Tours Antigua
• Windsurfing

Places of interest in Antigua:

Nelson’s Dockyard:

Nelson’s Dockyard is a Caribbean’s only Georgian dockyard located in English Harbor of Antigua. Tourists are allowed between Monday and Sunday from 8AM – 6PM. Admission fee is US $8. Bring camera to click pictures of beautiful harbor and the historic sites.

St. John’s Cathedral:

St. John’s Cathedral is a must see religious site in Antigua, constructed in the year 1681, designed by Mr. Robert Cullen. Its interior and exterior architecture will be a great treat to the eyes of visitors.

Wallings Reservoir:

Wallings Reservoir is the beginning point for many hiking trails. This nice picnic area’s construction began in 1890 and was finished in 1900. Wallings Reservoir is great to visit at evening.

Other places of interest in Antigua include:

• Northwest Coast
• Antigua and Barbuda Museum
• Half Moon Bay
• Bethesda Tamarind Tree
• Betty’s Hope Sugar Plantation
• Jones Valley Trail
• Nelsons Dockyard National Park
• Pot works Reservoir
• Christian Valley Agricultural Station
• English Harbor

Best time to visit Antigua:

From mid-December to mid-April (winter season) will be the best time to travel Antigua.

Accommodation options in Antigua:

Due to the visit of a large number of tourists from all around the world, there are plenty of top class resorts and villas established all around Antigua. Most of them are sited in capital city, St. John’s with amazing facilities and services. List of major accommodation centres in Antigua are:

• Galley Bay Resort
• Hermitage Bay
• The Villas at Sunset Lane
• ReefView Apartments
• Curtain Bluff Resort
• Nonsuch Bay Resort
• Siboney Beach Club
• Verandah Resort & Spa
• Sandals Grande Antigua Resort & Spa
• James’s Club
• Sugar Ridge
• Cocos Hotel Antigua
• Keyonna Beach
• Grand Pineapple Beach
• Coconut Beach Club
• Hawksbill by Rex Resorts

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