ANTIGUA
Transport
From San Pedro de Atitlan: tourist shuttle, 70 GTQ, purchased from one of the largest lakeside agencies, Maya Tzutujil. We lost almost an hour to deviate to San Marcos and load other passengers. For those wishing to use public transport: the chicken buses leave from Panajachel, you must take those direct to Guatemala City, then change in Chimaltenango
To Copan (Honduras): the series of tourist shuttles (20 USD) continues… This was the best trip ever, not so much for the conditions of the vehicle, but for the low number of passengers, only me and two travelers from Singapore, sprawled like pashas each one of us in his personal row of seats. Purchased at the New Destiny agency in Antigua. The ride in the opposite direction (purchased in Copan), however, costs 25 USD.
Sleep
Hotel Cristal. Booked the first night via booking and chosen because 1) it was the least expensive of all 2) credit card was not necessary to keep the reservation. Really very modest, one of the two beds in my room, which I used to store my luggage, was very uncomfortable, it looked like those cheap sofa beds with a thin foam mattress. The shared bathroom had hot water and was clean, but it was however very very basic and old. Regarding excursions, it is better to book them in the various agencies in the city centre, despite the presence of an internal travel agency whose ad panel board is hung at the reception. I found a big difference, for instance regarding the transfer to Copan, between prices quoted by the hotel owner and the ones found in town, same is for departure hours, so much so that I suspect it could be a private service. Ditto for the excursion to the Pacaya Volcano. Already from the first evening I tried to look around if I found other accommodation, but then laziness prevailed. My room, with a window overlooking the inner courtyard, was silent, I had free water, the other guests were decent people, and so who cares if the hotel was not too good. I have to say anyway that I peeked in the ensuite rooms and they looked a lot better.
Eat
Some restaurants are magnificent. In some of them, for an hotdog, you will spend the equivalent of 2/3 Eu accommodated in some beautifully restored old colonial building.
The same applies to some fast food chains like Taco Bell, set in ancient luxurious mansions.
Here are my experiences worthy of note, both positive and negative: near the central market, Las Delicias Chapinas, a comedor, 30 GTQ for rice and rather insipid beans,
and the Wiener Restaurant, not exactly local food, but, however, frequented by Guatemalans, 52 GTQ for a dish full of fried vegetables.
In the 2nd avenida, at the Restaurante Santa Clara excellent diced aubergines and zucchini at 28 GTQ, piano music show included, very much appreciated by the locals.
On Saturday nights, in the square in front of the Iglesia de la Merced, some ladies set up stalls and, besieged by foreigners and locals, offer excellent street food, both sweet and savory. 5 GTQ each portion.
Great variety of sweets can be found at the central market where there are some pastry counters.
Excursions
Dozens of agencies downtown, so it is not a waste of time to ask for information and compare prices while walking.
A little outside the city, reachable by public transport, there are traditional villages, which I could not visit for lack of time.
If you are in Antigua during July and August, holiday peak for Europeans but rainy season months, you have to leave for the excursion to Pacaya as early as possible. Excursions usually start at around 8.00, but sometimes this could be already late, and when you reach the slopes of the volcano the top is already covered with clouds, especially if the day before was very rainy. Better anticipate and leave Antigua at 7.00 or 6.30
In the mornings, apart from volcanoes, the weather is usually sunny, and the downpour normally arrive in the afternoon. Let’s say that, in general, the rain during this trip never disturbed too much my activities.
Antigua is practically the main hub of every tourist land connection in Guatemala, from here you can reach virtually every destination. The presence of numerous tour operators in the city makes as I said prices competitive.
Impressions
I visited Antigua a little bit in a hurry, in the average standard time normally dedicated by tourists. Enchanting. I wish I could stay longer. Truly a magnificent colonial city
The restored palaces are beautiful, but the ruins are also very fascinating.
Excellent shopping can be made at the Tourist Market, near the Central Market and the Bus Terminal.
Moreover, in the Fifth Avenue, next to the Arch of Santa Catalina there is a huge emporium that sells all kinds of souvenirs, as well as typical fabrics. On the walls traditional clothes are exposed, different in colour and design in each village and region.
The place that most fascinated me was the Convent of Santo Domingo, with free admission. The restored part now houses a luxury hotel with spa, and a museum. It is possible to walk in the gardens among the ruins. Wonderful
