Antigua, Guatemala
July 22 - August 19 [2022]
Guatemala dropped their vaccination mandate in June opening the door for my long awaited visit to its former capital, Antigua. This is a high elevation UNESCO registered Spanish Colonial city that was essentially left for ruin after a 1773 earthquake destroyed much of its infrastructure. Fortunately, the people of Guatemala never gave up on its historic qualities and eventually built the city back to its current state of livability. So much so that its local economy is primarily driven by tourism.
Unlike every other Spanish Colonial city along my travels, Antiqua resides in a sub-tropical environment that's robust in colorful vegetation and omni-present with the song of our flying feathered friends. Additionally, Antigua is surrounded by three volcanoes commanding a major presence from all corners of the valley. This combination of elements make Antigua a highly attractive destination to visit or live for an extended stay of months at at time. Perhaps a little too small for long term inhabitance but that's negotiable and yet to be tested.
My stay in Antigua coincided with the rainy season represented by dramatic afternoon storms and the playful tango of clouds and volcanoes along the narrowing cone of their peaks. The inclement weather also insures lower prices and lessor tourists so overall, a net positive from the perspective of long term travel. Finally, Antigua reminds me of San Miguel de Allende given its finely tailored central core and well appointed boutique hotels/restaurants. But unlike San Miguel, they do not allow wall murals or graffiti so the experience leans purely historic without modern interference. And if you're a coffee lover, welcome to Nirvana. Guatemala grows some of the finest coffee in the world and Antigua is a town where you can find deliciously exotic blends in cafes and stores throughout.
Highly recommended.
Now its off to visit one of the worlds most beautiful places a couple hours up the road. Lake Atitlan.
