On to Antigua
Shuttle to Antigua
We have a final breakfast at the Hotel Reserva Natural before our shuttle driver picks us up for the trip to Antigua Guatemala.
He picks up a number of other people who are heading to either Antigua (like us) or onwards to Guatemala City. I notice so many locals, even families that drive in the back of pickups.
We’ve been travelling about twenty minutes through very twisty roads, not always paved and with steep inclines and declines. This doesn’t seem to be the same route we left Antigua by.
The road gets even more twisty and sometimes not paved…up and down, side to side. We even drive through a stream! The lady behind me has her head down …I hope she doesn’t puke.
Click here and also here for a couple of videos of the viewpoint from inside the shuttle.
We get to Antigua a lot quicker than I expected…about 2.5 hours.
The Yellow House Hostel
We store our luggage at our hostel, The Yellow House Hostel, until check-in time.The place is very clean with lots of cute terraces and relaxing areas. And most important it is just steps away from the Central Plaza. There are people here of all ages (John and I are not the oldest) and from many countries.
We find a recommended crepe restaurant, Luna del Miel, with a cute rooftop area. John has a salad and I have a delicious spinach, goats cheese, honey and almond crepe. Yum. I also have a glass of white wine but it was not that good.
It is really hot now so we head back to the hostel. They check us in early and I’m able to change into a cooler dress.
Central Plaza and the Sad Mermaid
The Central Plaza is a short walk away. We join a 3:00pm pay what you want walking tour at the Mermaid Fountain. John notes that the mermaid is looking very sad.
The Guatemalan flag flies nearby. I cannot help but notice that the adorable Quetzal bird figures prominently in the centre of the flag.
I pose for a few pictures in Central Plaza in front of the Cathedral of Antigua and I actually get photo bombed by a pigeon…would you beleive it?
The Central Plaza is hopping. There are street merchants selling all kinds of handicrafts and food. I can’t get over how the women are able to carry huge amounts of stuff on top of their heads. The guide tells us that the women who where the traditional dress usually only have about three outfits because it takes so long to make them. The embroidery is quite intricate.
About Antigua
Antigua Guatemala was founded in the mid 1500s by the Spaniards. It used to be the capital of Guatemala until earthquakes destroyed the city numerous times and they decided to move the capital to Guatemala City in the 1700s. This city has about 50,000 inhabitants and is one of the main tourist destinations in Guatemala.
The city is just so lovely. It is one of our favourite cities in Central and South America…a close tie with Arequipa, Peru.
The Church of La Merced
The Church of La Merced is very close to our hostel. It also has a really cute square in front of it where local women sell their home made meals. The yellow church has so many beautiful details. I get a chuckle when I see where the pigeons choose to perch.
Santa Catalina Arch
The town is so gorgeous with it’s many cathedrals, convents and churches (some still operating and others in ruins) and the beautiful Santa Catalina Arch which used to connect the monastery to the school.
After our tour we rest up before heading out for supper.