Oioioi, Antigua is such a difficult city to resist! This Central American sweetheart is only an hour away from the capital of Guatemala, but it just has so many more charming features to offer. The difference is already notable upon entering the city. If you drive into of the Calle Orientes of Antigua from the ‘highway’ you instantly know it when you’ve made it to this colonial gem: the cobblestones while make you and that taxi shake for sure!
I arrived in February 2017 for the first time in Antigua and have returned twice times so far. So yes, for me this city is a winner. I remember when I walked around a bit for the first time and how I got the feeling that I’d stepped onto a film set or something; perhaps of a modern maya love story.
It’s the lack of screaming advertisement, the uneven sidewalks, the super friendly people, the local craftsmanship, the ice vendors with their tiny wagons, the ever smoking and majestic volcanos backdrops and those dog food bowls for strays outside the cafes that makes this city shine the brighter. The contrast with dirty Guatemala City is quite significant therefore too.
I’ve lingered in Antigua much longer than I intended at first. But there’s nothing to regret about it. All I did was walking and making pictures (and eating!). I tried to sneak into old casas to see as much patios and old interiors. I climbed the Cerro de la Cruz to watch the cobble stoned streets from above. I bought macadamias on the street (Guatemala produces a lot of crazy delicious nuts) and I saw the townsmen catching up on the local gossip or reading their newspapers at the Parque Central.
Above all I tried to capture the charm of Antigua; so here you have it!
A couple of vendors in the night on 4 avenida sur, Antigua
Modern Maya Love
The street of Alameda Santa Rosa
Just a cute window. It was my view upon leaving Mary's Hotel in Calle Camposeco.
Flower with woman, near de Iglesia de la Merced
The iconic gate: El Arco de Santa Catalina, on an early Sunday Morning
A gorgeous doorknob, with a septum ring
A perfect spot for parking that Duckatti. The feathered hothead must be around somewhere in Antigua
El Convento de la Compania de Jesus at night with Christmas decorations
A pretty snap
Waiting in the early morning sun
The view from the beginning of the stairs to Cerro de la Cruz
On 1a Calle Oriente with the Iglesia de la Merced in the back
The view from my window at Iglesia de la Merced. There was no need to close these shutters
El Tanque de la Union
Lamps can provide shade too, Antigua
The ruines of Ermita San Jeronimo, Antigua
Just a cute alley at 1e Calle Oriente
A pretty (and) outgoing lady at Parque Central
Fronton van Museo de Arte Colonia
View from bar Sky on the dramatic Volcan de Agua
The arches of Parque Central, superbeautiful early in the morning
Another pretty door knocker
View on Parque Central seen from the Palacio de los Capitanes
Monday Laundryday at the Tanque la Union
Bassin at a hotel
So which one would you pick?
The old charm of Antigua
This guy just knew he how to pose and loved being photographed.
Blue hour has arrived at Tanque la Union
Here’s where to find that lovely city!
