Guatemala

Antigua is an outstanding Colonial city in the central highlands of Guatemala, about 45 minutes from the capital city: Guatemala City. Antigua was built 1,500 meters above sea level, in a valley between three volcanoes (named Agua, Fuego and Acatenango). The scenery is majestic, but it can't be perfect because this is a region of recurring earthquakes. That's why it was largely damaged during the years, so there are many ruined churches and monasteries seen in the city but they are luckily well preserved.
In general, Antigua is among the world's best conserved colonial cities, so no wonder it was declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Colonial history is more than just being kept. New buildings are built in the same Spanish Colonial style and it is nice to see that nothing has changed much and you can still imagine walking in the streets of centuries ago.

No doubts about this fact: Antigua is a unique place, full of charm and color. You feel it in about every corner: squares, churches, monasteries, cathedrals, convents, houses, parks, courtyards, ruins, art galleries and more. No wonder many tourists and backpackers fell in love with this city - it is almost impossible not to enjoy its natural beauty, historic monuments and the great atmosphere.

What to do?

• Climbing the Pacaya Volcano – The Pacaya Volcano is one of the main tourist attractions in Guatemala and climbing it is great fun, getting the chance to see an amazing sight of floating lava just at 5 meters distance from the place you stand. Every tour agency in town operates daily tours to the Volcano. Barco Expeditions is a recommended one - arranging the transportation and the guide. It is about 2-3 hours climb from the village you are dropped by the bus, crossing viewpoints over the valley and getting interesting explanations about the area and its special vegetation. The guide is really informative and willing to answer any question. When getting almost to the top, you'll see kind of a reddish light getting bigger until you finally get and see a river of lava floating next to you. The ground looks like an imaginary Moon surface, and the heat can be unbearable if you stand too close, maybe even stressing when you hear the giant rocks crack and burn so easily.
  This is an awesome, one of a kind adventure.
  Don't forget to take water with you and a sweater or something to put on you especially when going down after you sweat a lot from the heat and it is cold and windy up on the mountain, so easy to catch a cold without some kind of a cover.
  It is possible taking the tour during the day, but it is highly recommended doing that during the evening. The lava just seems much more impressive at the dark. The tour costs 10-15$.
• Big market on the back of the Bus Terminal. You can find almost anything you want in here.
• Eat in Ceviches Mex – 7A Avenida Norte No. 13A. Great and cheap Mexican food. Large plates so you can't get out hungry.
• If you consider doing Spanish course during your trip, know that Antigua is one of the most popular Latin America's cities for studying Spanish with dozens of Spanish language schools.

Where to stay? 

• Guesthouse Los Amigos – 30 Avenida and 2 Calle.
  Small yard with common area. Very quiet and clean. Family atmosphere with kids running around and the people who own and run it are really friendly. 5-7$.
• Black Cat Hostel – 6 Avenida Norte No. 1A.
  One of the busiest places in town so you might arrive and see there is not even one empty bed.  Hot water which is something obvious in Guatemala. Friendly staff. Great location. 8$ for dormitory.

Special tips:  

• If you are in Guatemala during times of Lent and Easter, get to Antigua and watch out from pickpockets because Antigua hosts the largest celebrations for Lent and Easter in the Western Hemisphere.
• STA Travels is a large travel agency who work with all the big international airlines. If you need to change your flight ticket, they will help you to solve your problem or give you the needed information/guidance.
• It is possible but not recommended going to Pacaya Volcano without a guide. First it can be very dangerous if you walk on the wrong lane. The guides have done it hundred of times but for someone at his first time, the peak looks exactly alike and you don't want to be stuck in the middle of floating lava without knowing if and where you can escape, not even mentioning it can be foggy and harder to maneuver. Second, there were cases of robberies on the mountain. When you are with a large group with a guide it will be harder to rob you than doing that when you are on your own without a guide. In any case don't be worried too much because there is armed security at various points of the trail.
• If leaving to Lake Atitlan, there are buses to Panajachel which is the gateway to all the villages on the lake. Buy the bus tickets in advance - Colombia Tours Expeditions sell bus tickets for about 5$ - a good price after checking at several tour agencies.