La Antigua Guatemala was die koloniale Spaanse hoofstad van Sentraal-Amerika. Dit is 'n wêrelderfenisgebied en is miskien die gewildste toeristebestemming in Guatemala.
Verstaan
Geskiedenis
Die stad word tans net Antigua (of La Antigua) genoem, en was een van die groot koloniale hoofstede van die Spaanse Ryk in Amerika vanaf die 16de tot 18de eeu. Onder die naam Santiago de los Caballeros de Guatemala, dit was die oorspronklike "Guatemala-stad". In 1773 het die grootste deel van die stad 'n rampspoedige aardbewing vernietig of beskadig, en die Spaanse kroon het beveel dat die hoofstad na 'n nuwe stad moes verhuis, wat die moderne stad geword het Guatemala-stad. In 1776 is hierdie ou stad as verlate bestel. Nie almal het vertrek nie, maar dit het van 'n bruisende hoofstad 'n provinsiale stad geword, gevul met die ruïnes van sy eertydse glorie. Dit het bekend geword as "Antigua Guatemala", wat "Ou Guatemala" beteken.
In die 20ste eeu was daar toenemende waardering vir die groot hoeveelheid behoue koloniale Spaanse argitektuur hier, die ontwikkeling om besoekers te huisves, en die stad is tot 'n UNESCO-wêrelderfenisgebied in 1979.
Semana Santa
Semana Santa ("Heilige Week") is die Spaanse naam vir die week van Paasfeesvieringe, wat van Palmsondag tot Paassondag duur. Die Semana Santa word in die hele Spaanssprekende wêreld gevier met straatoptogte waarin godsdienstige groepe lewensgroot, swaar en heilige standbeelde deur die strate dra. Antigua Guatemala, saam met Sevilla (Spanje), is een van die bekendste en mees tradisionele plekke ter wêreld om hierdie Paasoptogte te vier. Eerste verslae van Semana Santa-optogte in Antigua dateer uit die jaar 1543.
Antigua is deesdae veral bekend vir sy tapyte van gekleurde saagsels wat godsdienstige simbole vertoon en vorm en versier word met vrugte en groente. Hierdie matte word in kerke en op straat uitgestal - laasgenoemde as 'n basis vir die optog om daaroor te loop. Die straatmatte het egter 'n kort aantrekkingskrag en alhoewel dit ure neem om te vorm, word dit direk deur die skoonmaakspan uitgewis nadat hulle vir die eerste keer aangestap is.
Tydens Semana Santa is Antigua die toeristiese brandpunt in Guatemala en dit lyk asof die helfte van die stad op die een of ander manier by die paasfees betrokke is. As u van plan is om Antigua gedurende hierdie tyd te besoek, moet u vooraf bespreek en verwag om hoër pryse te betaal in vergelyking met die res van die jaar.
Oriëntasie
Die stad se strate is meestal uitgelê in 'n reghoekige rooster wat in lyn is met die kompas, met die Parque Sentraal as oorsprongspunt. Noord-suid paaie is avenidas of paaie, genommer van 1 tot 8 van oos na wes. Die avenidas word verder verdeel in sur (suid) en norte (noord). Oos-wes paaie is calles of strate, genommer van 1 tot 9 van noord na suid. Die geroepe word verder verdeel in oriente (oos) en poniente (wes). Die straatkruising op die noordoostelike hoek van die Paleis van die kapteins-generaal, d.w.s. op die suidoostelike hoek van Parque Central, is die oorsprong van hierdie afdeling. Avenidas is sur suid van 5ª Calle, en norte noord daarvan. Oproepe is oriente oos van 4ª Avenida, en poniente wes daarvan.
Sommige paaie het name wat nie die avenida / kalle-nommeringskema volg nie, en sommige paaie weg van die sentrum af volg nie die rooster nie. Die meeste hoeke het nie bordjies wat die naam van die straat waarin u is of die straat waarop u pas gekom het, aandui nie. Almal is geplavei met keistene, en sypaadjies is oor die algemeen nie baie goed nie.
Adresse word opeenvolgend vanaf die oorsprongpunt genommer. Ewe-nommer adresse is aan die een kant van die straat en onewe getalle aan die ander kant. Straatadresse word eers met die straat- of laanommer geskryf, gevolg deur die letter "a" in die superscript (omdat 1ª "primera" beteken, 2ª die afkorting vir "segunda", 3ª vir "tercera", ens.); dan "Gem." (vir avenida) of "Cle." (vir calle), dan "Ote." (oriente, oos), "Pte." (poniente, wes), "Sur" (suid) of "Nte." (norte, noord); dan die straatadresnommer. Byvoorbeeld:
- "5ª Av. Nte. # 5" is adres # 5 in 5th Avenue Noord. Die klein getal wys dat dit net 'n bietjie noord van die noord-suid verdeler, 5ª Calle, is.
- "3ª Cle. Ote. # 28" is adres # 28 in 3rd Street East. Die relatiewe groot aantal toon dat dit 'n paar maniere oos van die oos-wes-verdeler, 4ª Avenida.
Dit is handig om te onthou dat die noord- en suidekant van Parque Central 4ª en 5ª Calles is, en die west- en oostekant onderskeidelik 5ª en 4ª Avenidas. Parque Central is die verwysingspunt vir oos, wes, noord en suid in straatadresse. "5ª Av. Nte. # 5" is noord van Parque Central. "5ª Av. Sur # 5" is suid van Parque Central. In wese, as u verstaan watter pad noord van Parque Central is, kan u enigiets in die stad vind.
1 Inguat-toerismekantoor, 5ª Calle Oriente # 11 (Anderhalf blokke oos van Parque Central tussen 2ª en 3ª Avenidas), ☏ 502 7832-0787, ✉[email protected]. MF, 08: 00-17: 00, Sa-So 09: 00-17: 00 (Opgedateer Mei 2018).
Gaan in
Met die vliegtuig
Daar is geen direkte kommersiële lugdiens na Antigua nie. Die naaste lughawe is La Aurora Internasionale Lughawe (GUA IATA) in Guatemala City, wat 45 minute tot 'n uur met die motor vanaf Antigua is.
'N Taxi vanaf die lughawe na Antigua is rondom GTQ350 en kan onder twee of drie ryers verdeel word om dit vergelykbaar te maak met pendels wat privaat gereël word. Daar is talle reisagentskappe in die buurt vir u vertrek vanaf Antigua Parque Sentraal waarvandaan u ritte na die lughawe kan koop. Die gewone koste is vanaf Q55-80 (quetzales).
Daar is gewone bussies direk vanaf die lughawe na Antigua wat ongeveer GTQ80 kos en vertrek gereeld die hele dag tot 20:00. U hoef nie vooraf te rangskik nie, maar die vraag kan groot wees, afhangende van die aantal vlugte wat op dieselfde tyd aankom, dus dit is die beste om vooraf 'n kaartjie by 'n plaaslike reisagent te koop. Om na die lughawe terug te keer, bied byna alle reisagentskappe in Antigua geskeduleerde toeristependels na La Aurora aan, teen tariewe wat wissel van Q40-80. Die vroegste busse en pendelbusse vertrek om 04:00, betyds om teen 05:00 op die lughawe te arriveer vir 'n vlug om 07:00. Die lyne op die lughawe is baie lank, dus kom minstens 1 uur of langer voor u vlug aan.
U kan ook 'n toeriste-bussie vooraf huur om u op die lughawe op te laai, wat vir die eerste keer besoekers die veiligste en gerieflikste opsie kan wees. Dit kos ongeveer Q250-350, en die bestuurder sal u op die lughawe ontmoet met u naam op 'n bord.
Met die bus
Die 1 Sentrale busstasie (La Terminal) is geleë aan die westekant van die stad, noordwes van die kruising van Calle Pte 4a en Alameda Santa Lucia, in die erf agter "El Mercado" (Sentrale mark, sien hieronder onder "koop"). Van hier af ry die busse na Chimaltenango, Esquintla, Jesus Santa Maria, San Miguel Dueñas, Ciudad Vieja, San Antonio Aguas Caliente en waar ook al. As u per hoenderbus na Quetzaltenango, Huehuetenango of Panajachel gaan, neem die Chimaltenango-bus na die Interamerica Hwy (CA-1) suid van Chimaltenango en vervoer na 'n bus na die weste wat na die gewenste bestemming gaan. Busse noordwaarts in die rigting van Chimaltenango ry ook deur Jocotenango, noordelike 'voorstad' van Antigua. 2 Busse na Guatemala-stad, San Miguel Dueñas en Ciudad Vieja vertrek vanaf die volgende straat suid van die kunsvlytmark. Busse vanaf Guatemala-stad vertrek vanaf Terminale Trebol en stop onder die voetgangerbrug by Tikal Futura Mall langs Cazalda Roosevelt in Guatemala-stad.
Daar is talle reisagente regoor die stad wat pendels aanbied of reël na Panajachel, San Marcos, San Cristobal de las Casas, Monterrico, Quetzaltenango, San Pedro La Laguna, Chichicastenango (markdae); Die lughawe, Lanquín y Semuc Champey; en Copan de Ruinas. Ander bestemmings soos Flores / Tikal, Puerto Barrios, Tapachula, San Salvador en ander stede in Sentraal-Amerika word eerder deur 'n eersteklas trekbusbusmaatskappy bespreek. Van Antigua vervoer hulle passasiers na die pullman-busstasie (s) in Guatemala-stad per pendel- of minibus. Die pendeldienste is duurder as hoenderbusse, maar is vinniger, gemakliker en veiliger as hoenderbusse. Die vervoeropsies word aangebied as eenrigting vervoer, of hulle kan deel uitmaak van 'n onafhanklike daguitstappie of begeleide toer met terugkeer op dieselfde dag. Daar is daguitstappies na Tikal wat aangebied word met 'n vroeë shuttle na die lughawe en 'n vlug na Flores en terug dieselfde dag / aand. Sommige van die plaaslike reisagente is:
- Adrenalina Toere, 2a Calle Poniente, Casa No, 3, Antigua Guatemala 03001, ☏ 502 5308-5532. Vervoer pendels tussen die gewilde toeristeplekke in Guatemala en reël 'n pendel vir verdere reis na San Cristobal de las Casas in Mexiko; Leon, Nicaragua; Tunco, El Salvador; en La Ceiba, Honduras van Antigua.
- Hedman Helaas, 5ª Ave N (Calle del Arco) 19, Antigua 03-001 (Langs La Posada de Don Rodrigo, tussen 2a Calle en 3a Calle Poniente.), ☏ 502 7832-6162. Bied 'n pendelbus van 3:00 vanaf Antigua na hul Guatemala City-terminale waar passasiers verder na Honduras ry. Aankomste vanaf Honduras is ongeveer 21:30
- LiteGua, 4ª Calle Oriente No. 48, ☏ 502 7832-9850. Bied daagliks drie of vier keer minibus- of pendelverbindings van / na hul Guatemala-stadstasie. Vanuit Guatemala-stad gaan hulle na Karibiese kus en Oos-Guatemala.
- Maya Kingdom Travel, 6ª Ave Sur No 4, ☏ 502 7832-0398. Gemagtigde agent vir TicaBus en Del Norte (FDN), Maya De Oro.
- Maya Reis, 5ª Calle Poniente No 2, ☏ 502 7832-2157.
- [dooie skakel]Rainbow Reis Sentrum, 7ª. Avenida Sur nr. 80, ☏ 502 7931-7878, tolvry: 1 866 978-6688 (VSA). M-F 09: 00-13: 00 & 14: 00-18: 00, Sa 10: 00-13: 00 & 14: 00-17: 00. Kan gebruik word om verdere internasionale vlugte en navorsing vir plaaslike hotelle te bespreek. Hulle bied ook daguitstappies na ander gebiede aan.
Daar is ook ander reisagente in Panajachel, Copan de Ruinas, San Cristóbal de las Casas, Flores en ander toeristebestemmings wat pendels na Antigua bespreek.
Kry rond
Op voet
Antigua is baie kompak en maklik om rond te loop, met 'n uitleg wat volg op die tipiese Spaanse koloniale ontwerp van 'n hoofplein omring deur regerings- en Katolieke kerkgeboue. Die meeste besienswaardighede vir besoekers is in 'n 8x8-blokgebied van minder as 'n kilometer, wat u binne 15 minute kan loop. Wees versigtig: die sypaadjies is smal en nie altyd goed herstel nie; u moet dalk in die straat loop terwyl die verkeer deur u fluit en dit is die moeite werd om in die nag versigtig te wees en bewus te wees van u omgewing. Standaard toeristekaarte is lineêr in hul tekeninge en is dus slegs naby die middestad akkuraat. Kry 'n regte kaart met akkurate topografie as u na plekke verder van die middestad af soek, aangesien doodloopstrate en geboë strate nie akkuraat uitgebeeld word nie.
As u nie die stadstrate te goed ken nie, en dit is omstreeks 23:00 verby, is dit die beste om 'n taxi na u akkommodasie terug te kry, veral as u alleen is of meer as 'n paar blokke van die put af gaan. -verligte omgewing van Parque Sentraal.
Met die hoenderbus
Hoenderbusse is goed vir langer afstande. Om Guatemala-stad te bereik, vra 'n mens bloot die hoofroete van die hoenderbus. Hulle stop by elke hoek, toeter al om 05:30 en skree hardop "Guate! Guate!". Dit is algemeen om elke 4 tot 5 minute een bus vanaf dieselfde hoek te sien vertrek. Busse na San Pedro, San Juan en / of Santa Ana vertrek elke 10 tot 20 minute; die beste plek om dit te vind is by die Mercado of by Iglesia de Santa Lucia, aangesien hulle dikwels nie dieselfde vaste roete deur die stad volg nie.
Met tuk-tuk of taxi
Tuk-tuks en taxi's kan u vir Q15 of meer na bestemmings in die middestad neem. Onderhandel vooraf met die bestuurder oor die tarief. Andersins, sal hulle gereeld 50-100% meer hef as wat hulle moes. Tuk-tuks gaan gewoonlik nie na Guatemala-stad nie, en hulle hou om 22:00 op met werk, dus moet jy eerder 'n pendelbus of taxi benodig. Vlag 'n tuk-tuk af, of haal 'n taxi vanaf die ry by Parque Sentraal of langs 'n hoofroete na die stad se periferie.
Sien
Koloniale ruïnes
Die bewaarde ruïnes van die ou koloniale regeringsgeboue en kerke is nie net Antigua se belangrikste toeriste-trekpleister nie, maar ook 'n UNESCO-werelderfenisgebied. Hierdie geboue dateer uit die 17de en 18de eeu en is beskadig in 'n reeks seismiese gebeure wat uitloop op die verwoestende aardbewing van 1773. Hulle het verlate gebly en verbrokkel tot 1944, toe president Jorge Ubico van Guatemala hulle tot 'n Nasionale Monument verklaar het. Die bewaring (en in sommige gevalle gedeeltelike rekonstruksie) van die ruïnes het kort daarna begin en duur voort tot vandag toe. Met die uitsondering van die betreklik bekostigbare Iglesia de San Francisco el Grandetoegangsgeld vir die ruïnes is geneig om steil te wees. Ondanks die gewildheid van die ruïnes onder toeriste, is interpretatiewe tekens en plate (waar dit hoegenaamd bestaan) slegs in Spaans. Probeer 'n tweetalige gids soek as u van plan is om 'n georganiseerde toer te neem en nie Spaans praat nie.
- 1 Catedral de Antigua Guatemala (Catedral de San José), 5ª Calle Oriente, ☏ 502 7832-0909. Die Catedral de Antigua Guatemala, die tweede kerk wat hierdie terrein beset het, en een van die grootste in Sentraal-Amerika gedurende sy bloeitydperk, is in 1680 gebou ter vervanging van sy voorganger wat dateer uit 1541. Terwyl die meeste van die gebou gelykgemaak is tydens die aardbewing van 1773, die sierlike barokgevel het betreklik ongeskonde na vore gekom. Terwyl 'n gedeeltelike rekonstruksie wat in die 19de eeu begin, die gebou weer die tuiste van 'n funksionerende kerk kon bied, bly ander dele van die kompleks in puin.
- 2 Colegio de San Jerónimo, 1ª Calle Poniente. Daagliks 09: 00-17: 00. Die nuttige lewensduur van die Colegio de San Jerónimo was inderdaad kort: die sestien jaar tussen die voltooiing daarvan in 1757 en die aardbewing van 1773 wat dit vernietig, het die gebou eers as 'n sekondêre skool gebruik wat deur die Friars van La Merced beman is, daarna as 'n koninklike doeanehuis. Alhoewel dit 'n bietjie verder van die ander koloniale ruïnes af geleë is, is San Jerónimo gewild onder besoekers vir die pragtig aangelegde tuine in sy binnehof, gesentreer op 'n lieflike fontein en gereeld gasheer vir dansvoorstellings, feeste en ander kulturele geleenthede. Wat die gebou self betref, kan u deur die verbrokkelde ruïnes van die ou slaapsale met hul mooi gewelfde plafonne toer, en dan na die boonste vlak gaan vir 'n wonderlike uitsig oor Volcán Agua in die verte. V30.
- 3 Convento de las Capuchinas, 2ª Calle Oriente, ☏ 502 7832-0184. Formeel bekend as die Convento e Iglesia de Nuestra Señora del Pilar de Zaragoza (Convent and Church of Our Lady of the Pillar of Zaragoza), hierdie gedeeltelik gerekonstrueerde gebou (wat ook die tuiste is van die kantore van die Nasionale Raad vir die Beskerming van Antigua Guatemala), was vanaf 1736 die verwoestende aardbewing van 1773, die tuiste van 'n gemeenskap van kloosteragtige nonne. Besoekers kan vandag die verwoeste oorblyfsels van die voormalige nonne se slaapsale verken, deur die verlate rustigheid van die nog steeds bloeiende tuine van die klooster verken en vanaf die dakterras 'n panoramiese uitsig oor die stad geniet. V40.
- 4 Convento de Santa Clara, 2ª Avenida Sur, ☏ 502 7832-0184. Die Convento de Santa Clara, een van die grootste komplekse koloniale ruïnes in Antigua, is in 1715 gebou as die tuiste van 'n orde van Franciscaanse nonne wat 'n paar jaar tevore gestig is deur 'n groep van ses susters uit Mexiko. Vandag is hierdie ruïne veral opmerklik vir sy gevel, wat die aardbewing van 1773 wat die kompleks verwoes het, grotendeels oorleef het; dit is een van die mees versierde in die hele Antigua, vol met ingewikkelde standbeelde en versiering in gevormde pleisterwerk. Dit is interessant dat die gevel in die agter van die kompleks: aan die voorkant is 'n ruim, versorgde binne-tuin wat nie te veel verskil van die tuin nie Colegio de San Jerónimo, omring deur die verwoeste oorblyfsels van die voormalige kloosters. Styg op na die boonste vlak vir 'n mooi uitsig oor die omliggende berge. V40.
- 5 Iglesia de San Francisco el Grande, 7ª Calle Oriente, ☏ 502 7882-4439. Daagliks 06: 00-18: 00. Hierdie oulike ou kerk is een van die mees besoekte ruïnes van Antigua, danksy die status as laaste rusplek van Hermano Pedro de San José Betancurt: 'n 17de-eeuse monnik wat die eerste Katolieke heilige is wat uit Guatemala afkomstig is, en was bekend as die "Sint Franciscus van Assisi van die Amerikas" as gevolg van sy asketiese lewenstyl, liefdadigheidsvryheid en hulp aan gemarginaliseerde groepe binne die koloniale Guatemalaanse samelewing. San Francisco el Grande is 'n meerkoepelende struktuur in die Spaanse barokstyl en is 'n klassieke voorbeeld van argitektuur uit die koloniale era. Dit is gedeeltelik gerekonstrueer na die aardbewing van 1773 en is nog steeds 'n opererende kerk, maar daar is ook 'n klein museum opgedra aan Hermano Pedro en die geskiedenis van die kerk. V8.
- 6 La Recolección, Calle de Recoletos, hoek van 1ª Calle Poniente. Daagliks 09: 00-17: 00. La Recolección, wat in 1708 gebou is as 'n kerk en klooster vir broeders uit die Orde van die Herinneringe, het swaar skade opgedoen in die aardbewings van 1717 en 1753 voordat hy sy finale vernietiging ontmoet het in die massiewe aardbewing in Santa Marta van 1773 wat die grootste deel van die res van die land geëis het. stad daarmee saam. Vandag is dit een van die grootste ruïnes in Antigua, maar dit is ook ver van die goed vertrapte baan (weggesteek verby die busstasie aan die westekant van die stad) en ook nie besonder goed bewaar nie: die skade aan La Recolección duur voort selfs na die aardbewing. , toe baie van die oorblywende materiaal vir ander bouprojekte geplunder is en struktureel stabiele gedeeltes van die kompleks verander is vir gebruik as 'n seepfabriek, 'n perdestal en ander doeleindes. Besoekers kan tog gebruik maak van die rustige rustigheid en die gebrek aan skares om 'n rustige wandeling deur die tuin te geniet. Wat die ruïnes self betref, is die voormalige kerkgebou die bes bewaarde gedeelte van die kompleks; die kloosters, die voormalige hospitaalgebou en ander bly minder. V40.
- 7 Klooster Sor Juana de Maldonado (Museum vir die tradisies van die Heilige Week), 4ª Calle Oriente # 45 (Westelike punt van die stad. Op die reguit verlenging van Calle Oriente voor die brug (Callejón de Puente de Chipilapa). Gaan reguit verby die fontein in die rigting van "Bomberos."), ☏ 502-7873-4646. M-F 09: 00-17: 00, Geslote naweke. Twee temas: dit interpreteer die bewaring en herstel van die klooster en ook aspekte van Antigua Holy Week. Gee 'n waardering vir die alledaagse lewens van nonne uit die XVIII eeu. Plakkate word in Engels en Spaans vertoon. Video-loops in Spaans, maar konseptueel verstaanbaar vir Engelssprekendes. Statiese uitstallings en twee video's van die Antigua-tradisie van die Holy Week artistieke tapyte van gekleurde saagsels. Q40, studente Q20 (Junie 2018).
Ander besienswaardighede binne die middestad
- 8 Arco de Santa Catalina, 5ª Avenida Norte, net noord van Calle Poniente 2. Wat was 'n loopbrug wat in die 17de eeu deur die nonne van die Convento de Santa Catalina Avenida Norte van hul kloosters na die parochiale skool oorsteek sonder om die stofstraat aan te durf, is nou die cliché toeristefoto in Antigua. En met goeie rede - die Arco de Santa Catalina is inderdaad 'n pragtige gesig, gekroon deur 'n kloktoring wat 'n bietjie later, in die 1830's, bygevoeg is. Vandag word die boog deur die Santos-familie, eienaars van die nabygeleë juwelierswinkel, opgepas Reino del Jade en Hotel El Convento.
- 9 Banco Industriële Numismatiese Museum, 5ª Avenida Sur # 04 (Vyftig meter suid van Parque Central by die ingang van Banco Industrial). M-F, 09: 00-19: 00, Sa-So 09: 00-17: 00. Klein, maar hoë gehalte museum wat die geskiedenis van Guatemalaanse geldeenheid interpreteer. Gratis toegang (Mei 2018).
- 10 [dooie skakel]ChocoMuseo Antigua, 4ª Calle Oriente # 14, ☏ 502 7832 4520. Su-Do 10: 00-18: 30, F-Sa 10: 00-19: 30. Leer hoe om sjokolade van die kakaobone te maak. 'N Unieke ervaring waarin u alles leer oor die geskiedenis van sjokolade, die kakao-aanplantings en die industrie van sjokoladesmaak. Aan die einde van die klas maak u u eie sjokoladestafie na u smaak en kan u dit saambring huis toe. Vry.
- 11 Iglesia de La Merced, 6ª Avenida Norte, hoek van 1ª Calle Poniente, ☏ 502 7832-0559. M-F 08: 00-12: 30 & 15: 00-18: 00, Sa-So 08: 00-12: 00 & 14: 00-18: 00. La Merced, wat in 1767 opgerig is deur broeders uit die Orde van die Heilige Maagd Maria van Genade, of Mercedariërs, was een van die min geboue in Antigua wat die aardbewing in Santa Marta kon weerstaan wat sewe jaar later getref het. Dit was te danke aan die vindingrykheid van argitek Juan de Dios Estrada, wat die gebou ontwerp het met sy herinneringe en waarnemings van die bewing van 1751 vars in sy gedagtes: die beskeie hoogte, die bodem-swaar oriëntasie, die breë boë en robuuste kolomme was bedoel om aardbewings te weerstaan. La Merced is in 1829 in die steek gelaat toe president Francisco Morazán alle geestelikes verdryf het uit die destydse Federale Republiek van Sentraal-Amerika; die kerk is eers in 1853 heropen, teen daardie tyd het die aangehegte klooster die slagoffer geword van plunderaars wat die boumateriaal daarvan geplunder het om elders te gebruik. Besoekers kan vandag 'n kenmerkende geel gevel inneem wat die mooiste voorbeeld van Spaanse barok-argitektuur in Antigua genoem is. Die toegangsgeld betaal vir die ruïnes van die klooster waarvan die binnehof die grootste fontein in Sentraal-Amerika is ( die Mercedariese monnike het een keer vis daarin grootgemaak), of as u gedurende die stad was semana santa (Heilige Week, die week voor Paasfees), kyk op die Palmsondag en Goeie Vrydag die optogte wat deur die strate van die ou Antigua kronkel, begin en eindig by die kerk. Toegangsgeld vir die klooster GTQ15.
- 12 Museo Casa del Tejido Antiguo, 1ª Calle Poniente # 51, ☏ 502 7832-3169. M-F 09: 00-17: 00, Sa 09: 00-16: 00. Die Casa del Tejido Antiguo, wat in 1998 gestig is, is 'n museum wat toegewy is aan die vaartuig soos eeue lank beoefen deur die inheemse Maya's van Guatemala. Weggesteek in 'n uit-die-weg-hoek van die middestad van Antigua, word u geneem op 'n kort (30-40 minute) begeleide toer deur ongeveer 'n halfdosyn kamers met museumuitstallings waarin die geskiedenis, gereedskap en tegnieke van tradisionele Maya-weefwerk. Dan word u losgelaat in 'n nog groter afdeling wat ambagsmanne bevat wat hard aan die werk is op kledingstukke, matte en kunswerke. U kan (en sal met klem aangemoedig word om) van hul werk te koop; Alhoewel die kwaliteit ordentlik is, is die koste 'n paar keer 'n ordentlike prys onderhandelaar sou betaal vir soortgelyke stukke by die Mercado. Alle uitstallings is slegs in Spaans, en slegs sommige van die personeel praat Engels, en diegene wat nie goed Spaans praat nie, moet vooraf 'n Engelssprekende toergids vra. V15 vir begeleide toer deur museumgedeelte; gratis vir diegene wat net die mark besoek.
- 13 Parque Sentraal (Plaza Mayor) (Tussen 4ª en 5ª Calles en 4ª en 5ª Avenidas). Hierdie park is direk in die middel van die stad geleë en is 'n groot stadsblok met konsentriese sirkelvormige looppaadjies wat tussen bome inryg en 'n fontein in die middel. Die bome is met liggies versier en daar is baie bankies om te sit en om na mense te kyk. Die stadsaal en polisiekantoor, die katedraal en verskeie oewers en toeristebesighede staan langs die vier kante van die park. Baie Antiguans kuier in die park, en dit het 'n aangename, bruisende, vriendelike gevoel gedurende die dag (snags, effens minder. Gebruik u oordeel).
Verder weg
- 14 El Hato (6 kilometer buite die middestad van Antigua via Cerra Candelario). 'N Klein dorpie in die berge 20 minute en 1800 meter bokant Antigua, waar jy deur die bos en koffieplantasies kan rondstap en die stad se uitsig kan geniet. Hoenderbusse na El Hato (40 minute; Q4) vertrek verskeie kere per dag vanaf die Mercado volgens 'n onreëlmatige skedule.
- 15 [dooie skakel]Valhalla Macadamia Farm (9 kilometer buite sentraal Antigua in die rigting van San Miguel Dueñas), ☏ 502 7888-6308, faks: 502 7831-5799. Ma-Sa 08: 00-16: 30. 'N Kwekery van makadamiabome met 'n interessante omgewings- en ekonomiese agenda. Valhalla het meer as 250 000 makadamiabome aan inheemse gemeenskappe in Guatemala geskenk. Makadamianeute is 'n kontantgewas, met die potensiaal om 'n beter bestaan vir Guatemalaanse boere te bied as koffie. Die skulpe kan gebruik word vir straatplaveisels, en Valhalla het 'n manier gevind om die bome as geneties uiteenlopende plante te voorsien, in plaas van as oorplantings. Dit laat natuurlike seleksie toe om die bome aan te pas by veranderende omgewingstoestande. Die stasie verander makadamianeute in versnaperinge, sjokolade, 'n fyn velroom, suiwer olie en meel wat van pannekoeke gemaak kan word. Pannekoekontbyte word elke dag tot 15:30 bedien. Die ontbyt bevat 3 pannekoeke gemaak van makadamia-meel, bedien met makadamiabotter, tuisgemaakte bosbessiekonfyt en 'n drankie van u keuse. Geen bespreking nodig nie. Die stasie bied toere in Spaans, Engels en soms ook ander tale aan. Aan die einde van 'n toer bied hulle voorbeelde van hul verskillende produkte aan. Probeer om a daar te kom hoenderbus, wat elke 30 minute loop; die tarief is ongeveer Q3.50 eenrigting.
Stap op nabygeleë berge en vulkane
- 16 Cerro de la Cruz. 07:00 tot 18:00. Die "Hill of the Cross" is aan die noordekant van die stad en bied die beste uitsigte oor Antigua. U kan binne 10 tot 20 minute van oral in Antigua na die basis van die heuwel stap. Rooftogte het in die verlede op die heuwel teen die heuwel plaasgevind, maar daar is nou polisie tydens die openingstye op die baan, en dit word deur die plaaslike inwoners as veilig beskou. Die wandeling duur minder as tien minute, maar dit is moeilik as u nie in staat is nie. As u besorg is oor veiligheid of fiksheid, kan u 'n tuk-tuk boontoe haal en saam met ander mense afstap. Vry.
- 17 Volcán Acatenango en Volcán de Fuego. Acatenango (3976 m) is 'n noukeurige staptog wat op een dag of oornag gedoen kan word. As u oornag op Acatenango kamp, kan u die skouspelagtige ontploffings van die aktiewe Fuego-vulkaan vanaf u kampterrein bekyk. Daar is verskeie roetes die Acatenango op. Die gewildste een begin naby La Soledad (ongeveer 2400 meter). 'N Baie langer begin vanaf Alotenango. Daar is Q50 fooi om die Acatenango-omgewing te betree. Oornagtoere kan die beste gedoen word as Fuego baie aktief is. U kan die daaglikse aktiwiteitsverslae en sommige webkams om u reis te beplan. Feitlik almal toeroperateurs in Antigua bied begeleide toere op die Acatenango aan en bied u ook toerusting wat $ 25 - $ 100 per persoon kos vir die oornagreis, behalwe toegang tot die park, afhangende van die luukse vlak van kampeer, byvoorbeeld dikker matras, kleiner tente. Vra of water, etes, stapstok, baadjie, naeltjies, hoed ingesluit is. Kyk op die naam van die kampeerterrein of dit nie begroting of middelmatig is nie. Onthou dat u 3,5 liter water en u maaltye self moet saamneem. Kamptoerusting is reeds by die kampplek. Bring warm klere as die temperatuur gedurende die nag onder nul celsius daal en slaap. 'N Koplig is ook noodsaaklik vir die staptog na bo voor sonop. Op die eerste dag kan u na Fuego Acatenango teen 'n ekstra koste vanaf Q100 om nader aan uitbarstings te kom. Dit is net die moeite werd om op helder aande te doen. Jy kan ook kontak 'n plaaslike gids direk wat gewoonlik Q200-Q300 sal laai. Gidse kan maklik gevind word in La Soledad. Kamptoerusting kan in Antigua gehuur word vanaf O.X. of Old Town Outfitters, maar is relatief duur. Jy kan ook gaan sonder 'n gids. Daar is verskeie roetes wat dikwels nie voor die hand liggend is nie, maar maklik met 'n GPS gevolg kan word, en byvoorbeeld die roetekaarte van OpenstreetMaps. Om by die roete te kom, neem 'n bus van Antigua na Parramos en van Parramos na La Soledad (of neem 'n taxi vanaf Antigua, Q300.) Die roete begin net voordat u La Soledad bereik. Daar is moontlik mense wat drankies op die roete verkoop, maar daar is gewoonlik geen waterbronne nie. Daar is twee gewilde kampeerplekke halfpad Acatenango op. Albei bied snags 'n pragtige uitsig oor Fuego. Die staptog vanaf die westelike kampterrein na die top van Acatenango is baie makliker as vanaf die oostelike terrein. Om op die los gruis na die oostelike terrein af te hardloop, is egter baie lekkerder as om in die weste af te gaan. Om die beste van albei terreine te kry, klim u op die westelike terrein met u toerusting en stap af na die oostelike terrein. $0-$100.
- 18 Volcán Agua. Die sluimerende vulkaan strek uitnodigend na die suide van Antigua. Sommige toeriste beveel aan om te klim as deel van 'n toer met 'n polisiebegeleier om probleme te vermy, aangesien daar gereeld rooftogte is. Sommige onbegeleide toeriste is ontvoer. Neem die veiligheidsituasie beslis ernstig op. Vra raad by die Inguat-kantoor en gaan met 'n toer met gewapende sekuriteit wat u vertrou.
- 19 Volcán Pacaya. Om die aktiewe vulkaan op te doen, is redelik maklik en u sal tientalle reisagente vind wat baie graag kaartjies vir u sal verkoop vir 'n Pacaya-reis wat normaalweg tussen Q60-75 kos, afhangende van u bedingingsvaardighede. Dit sluit 'n buspendel van en na Pacaya in. Daar aangekom, moet buitelanders 'n ekstra Q50 vir die ingang van die park betaal. Om daarheen te gaan sonder 'n toer, is waarskynlik duurder, aangesien u slegs die gebied kan binnegaan met 'n gids wat volgens die reëls van die park 'n ekstra Q200 per groep vra (tot 12 mense.) Vanaf die begin van 2016 is daar geen warm lawa oor vanaf 2010 nie. uitbarsting, maar jy kan nog steeds malvalekkers oor vents rooster en die koue lawa sien. Pacaya is 'n aktief vulkaan. U kan nie by die krater uitkom nie (u kom net naby), maar daar is 'n wonderlike uitsig. Die staptog is nie te hard nie, behalwe vir die laaste 100 meter of so wat oor baie los lawarots gaan. Hierdie staptog kan inspannend wees en mense wat nie in 'n goeie liggaamlike toestand is nie, moet dit deeglik oorweeg (perde is ook beskikbaar vir Q100 elke reis). As u die middag gaan, wees bereid om in die donker neer te daal. Dit neem ongeveer anderhalf uur op en 45 minute met die berg af. Daar is 'n paar kiosks aan die onderkant van hierdie staptog wat koue bier bied.
Doen
- [dooie skakel]Ambagswerkswinkels (Eks so groen soos dit raak). Spandeer 'n middag met 'n plaaslike ambagsman wat spesialiseer in jade, metaalwerk of tekstiele. Geniet 'n unieke kulturele ervaring en kom tuis met 'n handgemaakte geskenk.
- 1 [dooie skakel]Koffieplaas Toer (Eks so groen soos dit raak), ☏ 503 5585-4450. Drie uur lange toere begin om 09:00 en 13:00. Leer hoe u u eie koffie pluk, verwerk en rooster. Spandeer 'n dag saam met 'n koffieboer aan die voet van Volcán Agua en leer hoe 'n dag in die lewe van 'n klein onafhanklike koffieboer is. Die toer neem u op die vulkaan om koffie uit hul lande te pluk. Hulle sal u dan na hul huise neem om te demonstreer hoe u die koffievrugte volgens digtheid kan skei, die vrugte kan skil, die boontjies gis en was, droog, die binneste romp verwyder, volgens grootte en graad, gebraai en natuurlik smaak. Koste Q200 vir die dag, en bevat 'n pond koffie, sowel as Engelse vertaal- en gidsdienste. Toere begin en eindig om Plaza de San Miguel Escobar in Ciudad Vieja, en moet minstens 24 uur vooraf bespreek word.
Gebeurtenisse
- Semana Santa optogte. Elke jaar in die 'Heilige Week', die tyd van Palmsondag tot Paassondag, vier die meeste stede en dorpe in Guatemala plaaslike optogte waarin verskillende godsdienstige groepe lewensgroot, swaar en heilige standbeelde deur die strate dra. Antigua is die Guatemalaanse brandpunt en middelpunt van hierdie aktiwiteite. As dit gebeur dat u gedurende die Heilige Week in Antigua is, moet u nie hierdie optog misloop nie. Gewoonlik is daar verskeie per dag wat deur verskillende groepe of kerke op verskillende spore in die strate en gedurende verskillende tye van die dag gereël word. Vra die plaaslike toeriste-inligting om die optog te vind wat die beste by u planne pas .;
Also visit the churches of Antigua in that time, as every church is proudly decorated and displaying beautiful handmade "carpets". These carpets, made of colorized sawdust, show and form religious symbols and get decorated with fruits and vegetables and is something that Antigua is particularly famous for. Also you find such handmade carpets on the streets as a grounding for the processions to walk over it.;
Be aware that prices are rising high during the Holy Week as this is a touristic highlight well-known throughout all Guatemala. Hence, the city is crowded by natives and internationals alike. However, in the week or the two weeks before already there are a lot of processions who "practice" their walk, so it may be advisable to move there in the days before when prices have not yet skyrocketed.
Give
You can appreciate much about the Guatemalan culture by staying with a local family here. Arrangements for family stay can be made through a local school, or through local charity that you might volunteer for. Cost of local stay to include room and board ranges from US$65 a week with shared facility to as high as US$150 a week for private shower/bathroom. To really get into a glimpse of life in Guatemala, one can sponsor a child through a local charity, like Common Hope, of Mayan Families. Once sponsored, you can visit your child through the charity. For first time visitor, Common Hope can secure an indigenous child at a nearby village like San Rafael, where you can get to see the subsistence farming and the day-to-day life of more than 50% of Guatemalans who lives on less than US$2 a day. Seeing their life on TV is not the same as up close and personal, and seeing the impact your donation makes upon the life of the whole family is gratifying. Visits through local Spanish school usually is made once a week to the local charities and hospital in town like Hospital Hermano Pedro, where many medical groups arrive from other countries to provide needed medical and dental work (cataract surgery, cleft lip, and dental care). One can turn a blind eye to poverty by simply shopping and dining in Antigua, but visitors can make a difference by sponsoring a child or family.
Leer
Antigua is the most popular, though not the cheapest, place to learn Spanish in Guatemala. Prices and hours vary, and can change depending on the season.
Homestays for language students are also available as a cheaper and more culturally enriching living situation. The average homestay with a Guatemalan family costs Q585 for 7 nights in your own room with shared bath and 2-3 meals per day (except Sunday). It is well worth it to pay a little extra for your own bathroom or shower, and for maximum immersion into the local culture, search for a family who takes in only one or a few students at a time (and local Guatemalan boarders). Families often visit each other on Sundays, and no meals are available. If you are the only student in the home, you are often invited for family get-togethers, and it is quite a cultural experience.
- 2 Antiguan Spanish Academy, 1ª Calle Poniente #10 (One-half block west of La Merced Church.), ☏ 502-5735-4638, ✉[email protected]. Established in 1985, this large school offers high-quality instruction at a competitive price. Nearly all teachers have between ten and 25 years of experience. Typically, 20-45 students receive one-on-one instruction in a large garden compound a few blocks from the office.
- 3 Centro Lingüístico La Unión, 1ª Avenida Sur #21, ☏ 502 7832-7757, ✉[email protected]. Serious and exciting method of learning Spanish at "La Unión" language, cultural, and travel center. US$205 for 6 hrs/day, 5 days/wk; see website for other price structures.
- 4 Cooperación Spanish School, 1ª Calle del Chajón #21B, ☏ 502 5812-2482. A school run as a cooperative, ensuring teachers get paid fairly. The school has a nice garden area for studying. Homestays with Guatemalan families available. Q750/week for 20 hr of one-on-one lessons.
- 5 Don Pedro de Alvarado, 6ª Avenida Norte #39, ☏ 502 7882-4575. One student, two teachers. The school suggests a course of six hours of study per day, which produces the most successful students who achieve the most fluency and accuracy. The student studies with one teacher each morning with the primary focus being on grammar and usage. In the afternoon, the student will study with another teacher who will concentrate on improvements in conversational skills. US$200/week for six hours of study per day; other courses vary in price.
- 6 Ixchel Spanish School, 9ª Calle Oriente #5, ☏ 502 7832-3440, ✉[email protected]. Management and staff provide excellent service and are very responsive to requests. Instructors are friendly and knowledgeable. Instruction offered at all levels with an established curriculum, flexible one-on-one instruction, optional tours and activities daily, various options for accommodations including great all-inclusive homestays with hospitable local families. See website for detailed price structure.
- 7 Máximo Nivel, 6ª Avenida Norte #16, ☏ 502 7932-1500. Máximo Nivel offers small group, online and individual Spanish classes taught by certified native Spanish instructors. Clients can join free conversation practice and be teamed up with local residents who are studying the school's intensive English programs. The school also provides intensive TEFL/TESOL certification classes each month. See website for detailed price structure.
- 8 Proyecto Lingüistico Francisco Marroquín, 6ª Avenida Norte #43, ☏ 502 7832-1422. This is the oldest Spanish school in Antigua, founded in 1969, which has expanded to include courses in a number of Mayan languages, including Kaqchikel, K'iche, and Mam. Their complete immersion program includes the option of accommodation with a Guatemalan family. Full-time schedule US$200 (Spanish), US$250 (Mayan); honestay accommodation and pickup service extra.
- Spanish Traveling:[dooie skakel] 4a. calle poniente #17 Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala ☏ 502 7832 8005
As well, impromptu "classes" in conversational Spanish can often be had with the many shoeshines in Parque Central, if you choose not to have your shoe shined and pay them a few bucks instead. Your results may vary: their education and vocabulary can be very limited, as they are often native speakers of Mayan for whom Spanish is a second language.
Werk
You can easily get a job as a waiter, waitress, bartender, or host in any of the many bars, restaurants and hotels in Antigua. Usually they pay from Q65-165 a day plus tips. It is important to speak Spanish in most of these places, but you can slide by without it in some touristy spots, where most of the customers are foreigners. Also you can join in and volunteer at local non-profits. There are many local projects in education, health, and development that accept short and long-term volunteers. An example would be Common Hope, and other local churches and charities. These organisations should be contacted ahead of time for availability and credentialing.
Koop
When you change money at the bank, you will need your passport. Banks are open 7 days a week, and late: usually until 19:00-20:00. Most of the time, a passport is not needed for changing U.S. dollars into quetzales. However, you are likely required to have a passport if you want to redeem traveler's checks. ATMs are also available.
- 1 El Mercado(The Market), bordered by 1ª Calle Poniente, Alameda de Santa Lucia, 4ª Calle Poniente, and Calle de Recoletos. To the dismay of some older locals who pine for the halcyon days of the smaller, better organized market of their youth, a modern-day visit to Antigua's central market can be an overwhelming experience. You literally need a compass and a map to navigate this huge maze — that is, if you simply want to get in and get out quickly; on the other hand, getting lost amid the chaos can be one of the most authentic cultural experiences you'll have in Antigua. If you're looking for bargains and don't mind the crowds of hawking vendors, El Mercado is the place for you: this is where you'll find the cheapest produce, fresh meat, consumer goods, and gifts in town. More than just a place to go shopping, El Mercado is a gathering place for all Antiguans, where people come to socialize with their friends while buying the week's groceries, or just to see and be seen. It's open seven days a week, but Saturday, Monday, and Thursday are the busiest days.
- There are so many different sections to the market that you'll probably need a full day to see all of them. The market is chaotic and somewhat disorganized, though similar types of shops tend to be grouped together in specific sections of the complex:
- At the east end of El Mercado, you'll find supermarkets and restaurants lining the Alameda de Santa Lucia.
- Souvenir shoppers will want to head to the south end of the market: it's dominated by a modern, clean and well-stocked gift, art, and local handicraft shop arranged around a central fountain. Popular items include hand-woven cloth and handmade stone and jade jewelry produced by indigenous artisans wearing brightly colored traditional clothing. The stories are all the same — "my mother made it by hand" — which is likely true. A good bargainer can usually talk them down by 25% or more off the initial asking price. Hand-carved wooden masks and figures are also big here.
- The west end has Antigua's main bus station as well as an open-air fruit market where you'll find a great selection of seasonal tropical fruits such as papayas, mangoes, pineapples, and more. The red, curly-haired lychas have a pleasant sweet taste, like the lychees found in Asia. You can also find apples, grapes, and other less unusual fruits in this part of the Mercado. Fruit is safe to eat if washed, though it's a good idea to avoid strawberries unless you can assure they've been soaked well in bleach solution to wash away any fertilizer or contaminated irrigation water. Occasionally you'll see chickens and small livestock for sale here too.
- To the north, inexpensive secondhand clothing is the order of the day: shirts, pants, shoes, and leather goods can be had for as little as Q8. Check for quality and comfort before you purchase shoes. Guatemalans tend to be a petite-statured people, so if you're in the market for small, hard-to-find sizes, you'll likely find what you're looking for with ease.
- The central portion of the market is covered and quite dark: narrow corridors lead you through meat markets, smaller restaurants, flower shops and numerous fruit stands.
- 2 Antigua Tabaco Compañía, 3ª Calle Poniente #12, ☏ 502 7832-9420. Daily 10:00-22:00. What an unexpected find in central Antigua. The selection at this cigar store is second to none: the cigars and pipe tobacco found in the walk-in humidor represent practically every country in the Americas. At Antigua Tabaco Compañía prices tend to be high, but you get what you pay for, along with a helping hand from the knowledgeable and friendly staff who are more than happy to point visitors in the right direction. Best of all, after a hard day on the tourist circuit there's a mellow, air-conditioned cigar bar waiting for you here where you can relax with a cold beer and light up. English-speaking staff.
- 3 Pan Colonial, 7ª Avenida Norte #13B. Traditional Guatemalan bakery, good selection of breakfast breads. One of the best (and least costly) in Antigua.
- Chocolate and cacao can be found in different places around town. Each individual manufacturer has its own characteristics. Die ChocoMuseo Antigua (described hierbo) is not only a museum dedicated to chocolate and cacao, but also a working factory where artisanal chocolate is made before your eyes. Chocolate is also sold at Chocolalala, Fernando's Kaffee, en Chocolarti.
Eet
Antigua has cafes and restaurants for all tastes and budgets. The town is the most touristy place in Guatemala so you will find anything you are looking for including international fast food shops. Be careful with where you eat. Facilities lacking in bathroom or bathroom cleanliness suggest a higher probability of food poisoning. Avoid cold salad, fresh vegetables, and undercooked meat. Street ice cream carts are common through the city and popular with the locals, but of are unknown safety for sensitive stomachs.
| Hierdie bladsy gebruik die volgende prysklasse vir 'n gewone maaltyd vir een, insluitend koeldrank: | |
| Begroting | Under GTQ85 |
| Midde-reeks | GTQ85-170 |
| Splurge | Over GTQ170 |
Begroting
- 1 Market food court, mark (inside the local market). Verskeie comedores all serving homemade Guatemaltecan food. Breakfast from Q15, set lunch Q20-30 including a drink. All restaurants offer vegetarian plates. If you don't understand their daily menu, they will let you have a quick look into the pots in the kitchen. Q15-30.
- 2 The Bagel Barn, 5ª Calle Poniente #2, ☏ 502 7832-1224. Daily 06:30-20:30. Travelers come here to get their fix of bagels, excellent coffee and free Wi-Fi. Bagel sandwiches include different breakfast and lunch selections using quality ingredients such as fresh mozzarella cheese, real cheddar, etc. It's a home away from home, a very cozy environment, with movies shown in the afternoon and evenings. French, Spanish and English are spoken. Q 35-90.
- 3 La Canche, 6ª Avenida Norte #42 (behind the shop; pass through the counter). Daily 08:00-22:00. Popular among locals and well hidden behind the tienda this family-run restaurant rarely sees tourists. The ladies are very kind and helpful even though they don't speak English. They serve breakfast for Q20 and set lunch for Q20-25 that includes a drink. The lunch options are written on a board in front of the shop. Enjoy authentic homemade Guatemaltecan cuisine while sharing a table with locals and being watched by a parrot. Q15-25.
- 4 Doña Luisa Xicotencatl, 4ª Calle Oriente #12, ☏ 502 7832-2578. Daily 07:00-21:30. Has the feel of a well-run corporate restaurant set in a gorgeous leafy courtyard of a historic building. Menu includes well-executed breakfast, hamburgers, and Guatemalan interpretations of Tex-Mex food. They use purified water on their vegetables and for drinking and ice, which means their menu is in-bounds for tender First World stomachs. There is a bakery in the building, which means that when you get close you can follow the delicious smells the rest of the way in. Highly recommended, especially for the cookies and daily selection of delightful breakfast breads. Q50-80.
- 5 Luna de Miel, 6ª Avenida Norte #40, ☏ 502 7882-4559. Daily 09:00-21:30. Luna de Miel opened its doors in July 2006, and Antigua immediately succumbed to the charms of crepes à la française. The first floor area is small, but there is an inviting open-roof terrace upstairs. The menu offers not a lot to choose, but all the products are fresh, selected each morning in the market. Gratis WiFi. Q30-70.
- 6 Rainbow Café, 7ª Avenida Sur #8, ☏ 502 7832-1919. Daily 08:00-23:00. Tourist-friendly and wholesome breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. An early-bird breakfast special of tomatoes, beans, eggs, rice, and tea or coffee is easy on the wallet. Sandwiches and dinner entrees are inexpensive too, and salads and big desserts are also on offer. Uses purified water for all drinks, ice, and preparation. They have a rich schedule of live music, poetry readings, and interesting lectures about Guatemala. Includes Internet access in its cornucopia of tourist-friendly offerings. If you spend more than GTQ20 in the attached bookstore, you get 25 minutes of Internet time as a bonus. Q45-90.
- 7 Travel Menu, 6ª Calle Poniente #14, ☏ 502 4215-9601. Daily 13:00-23:00. Promises "small place, big portions", and delivers. It seats perhaps 20 people at about eight tables, in small, dim room painted to look like an underground European keller, lit only by candles on stands overflowing with cascades of wax drippings. They offer dinner entrees for low prices, with vegetarian options for everything. The portions are indeed generous. Beer and wine are also available, but not desserts. Topping it all off is the friendly proprietor, Jesper Nilsen of Denmark. Attracts a traveller crowd. Q 40-70.
- 8 Y Tu Piña También, 1ª Avenida Sur #10B. M-F 07:00-17:00, Sa-Su 10:00-18:00. All-day breakfast and some lunch items catering to twentysomething backpackers. Depending on your sense of humor, be prepared to either LOL or be outraged at gleefully profane menu items such as "Monkey's A**" and "Egg McF***in' Muffin" (how trademark law lets them get away with that one in anyone's guess). Licuados. Benito's flavored rums. Luisa's famous hangover soups. Proper espressos. Manu Chao daily. Gratis WiFi. GTQ 30-80.
Ice cream shops
- 9 Helados Marcopolo, 5ª Avenida Norte (Just past the northwest corner of Parque Central, west side of the street, opposite Helados Sarita). A chain with locations all over Guatemala and El Salvador that offers ice cream dishes in a polished atmosphere.
- 10 Helados Sarita, 5ª Avenida Norte (Just past the northwest corner of Parque Central, east side of the street, opposite Helados Marcopolo). Another chain, with locations in Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Costa Rica, en die Dominikaanse Republiek. This seems sort of like the Baskin-Robbins of Latin America. Several dozen flavors of ice cream in three different choices of cones, sundaes, and other more elaborate concoctions. Since 1948.
Midde-reeks
- La Fonda de la Calle Real. Generous helpings of Guatemalan specialties, with reasonable prices and a touch of corporate efficiency in their operations. The "De Todo Un Poco" ("a bit of everything") platter combines steak, chicken, and sausage for GTQ91. The vegetarian "Pepian Vegetariano" offers green beans and other vegetables in an unusual smoky-flavored sauce. The green salad is fresh and overflows the large plate. Uses purified water for all drinks, ice, and preparation. GTQ 75-200.
- La Fonda de la Calle Real has three locations:
- 11 La Fondita, 5ª Avenida Norte #5, ☏ 502 7832-2696. Tu-Su 12:00-22:00.
- 12 La Fonda a la Vuelta, 3ª Calle Poniente #7, ☏ 502 7832-0507. Daily 12:00-22:00.
- 13 La Nueva Fonda, 5ª Avenida Norte #12, ☏ 502 7832-0507. Su-Th 08:00-22:00, F-Sa 08:00-23:00.
- 14 El Mirador, 1ª Avenida Norte #9B, ☏ 502 7832-6146. Tu-Su 17:00-22:00. 360 degree rooftop view of Antigua. Burgers, kebabs, drink specials. Q75-150.
- 15 El Mix, 4ª Avenida Sur #2A, ☏ 502 7832-8934, ✉[email protected]. Music, patio, vegetarian dishes, happy hour, Israeli food.
- 16 Monoloco, 5ª Avenida Sur #6, ☏ 502 7832-4228. Daily 11:00-01:00. A funky tourist friendly joint with cheap international calling and a few computers for Internet use. The food is very "gringo-esque", but tasty nonetheless. There's a large bar on the ground level, as well as a covered open air second floor eating area. Good place to meet and greet or enjoy a burger. Q 60-175.
- 17 La Peña de Sol Latino, 5ª Calle Poniente #15C, ☏ 502 7882-4468. Daily noon-23:00. Bar and restaurant featuring live music by Guatemalan and Central American bands (featuring Paco). The music, the "feel", and the food make this a really special place. Make sure to try their brownies; they are absolutely amazing. Their grouper macadamia dish is also highly recommended, and their other desserts are fantastic. They use only purified water and disinfect all produce, so go ahead and enjoy one of their creative salads. Oop vir middag- en aandete. Q 70-160.
- 18 Wiener, Portal del Comercio #8, Alameda de Santa Lucia Norte, ☏ 502 7832-1244. Daily 08:00-23:00. Located at El Mercado. Austrian restaurant that serves the best schnitzel this side of Vienna. One amazing treat for those of you from Austria! They also serve great local food and have a friendly, capable staff. Q 60-150.
Splurge
- 19 Bistrot Cinq, 4ª Calle Oriente #7, ☏ 502 7832-5510. Daily 12:00-22:30. A French bistro featuring great food, very authentic cuisine found nowhere else in Antigua. American-owned and operated (as in USA, not Guatemala). Features an open kitchen where you can watch the chefs work, and a great bar. Offers many specials and unique local foods hard to find elsewhere. Q 100-300.
- 20 Caffé Mediterráneo, 6ª Calle Poniente #6A, ☏ 502 7832-7180. M & W-Sa 12:00-15:00 & 18:00-22:00, Su 12:00-16:30 & 19:00-21:00. This is a gourmet Italian restaurant one block from the Parque Central. No menus: the waiter will simply tell you the specials, which change every day. Widely considered to be one of if not the best place for Italian food in Antigua. Q 125-280.
- 21 Casa Escobar, 6ª Avenida Norte #3, ☏ 502 7832-5250. Daagliks 07: 00-22: 00. Entire restaurant lit with candles. Beautiful interior blending in with the style of Antigua. Do not let relatively high prices and not very appetizing pictures in the menu fool you. Steaks brought to the table will look way more appetizing and after the first bite you will know that you will not leave a single bite on the plate no matter how big of cut you have ordered. If you like steak you are hungry you are in Antigua and can spare US$20, Casa Escobar is an awesome place to go. Q 150-500.
- 22 Havana Sabor Cubano, 4ª Calle Oriente #3A, ☏ 502 7832-4137. Su & Tu-W 11:00-18:00, Th 11:00-20:00, F 11:00-00:00, Sa 11:00-01:00. An upmarket Cuban restaurant with live music on Thursday through Saturday evenings and Sunday afternoons.
Drink
- 1 Café No Sé, 1ª Avenida Sur #11C, ☏ 502 7832-0563. Cool hipster-backpacker bar serving up a range of drinks including the local favorite, "Ilegal" mezcal. Dim lighting, mysterious vibes, and interesting patrons from all over the world. Friendly staff and prices are a lot more reasonable than you'd expect from such a trendier-than-thou spot. Live music is presented frequently.
- 2 El Muro, 3ª Calle Oriente #19D, ☏ 502 7832-8849. Plays a soundtrack of classic rock and serves real drinks, Asian and vegetarian food and local cuisine. Specials for volunteers and credit cards accepted.
- 3 Reilly's Irish Tavern, 6ª Calle Poniente #7 (Twenty yards west of 5ª Avenida Sur, south side), ☏ 502 7832-6251. Antigua's only Irish pub and a popular sports bar. Serves Guinness and Jaegermeister, among other things. Pool table. Burgers and snacks. Every Monday at 20:00 they hold a pub quiz.(updated June 2018)
- 4 Sangre, 5ª Avenida Norte #33A, ☏ 502 7832-8978. Fancy wine bar, fine atmosphere. Moderate prices. Large selection of wine per glass. Light snacks also served.
Koffiewinkels
- 5 Fernando's Kaffee, 7ª Avenida Norte #43D, ☏ 502 7832-6953. M-Sa 07:00-19:00, Su 07:00-13:00. Some of the best coffee in Antigua, plus great breakfasts. Fernando, the owner, is very friendly and may show you his operation: the coffee roaster, grinder, etc. Pleasant courtyard seating is found when walking through the first two rooms and around the kitchen. The breakfasts are awesome: pancakes and crepes and fresh fruit. It is a great place to relax drinking wonderful coffee.
Slaap
| Hierdie gids gebruik die volgende prysklasse vir 'n standaard dubbel kamer: | |
| Begroting | Under USD25/GTQ195 per night |
| Midde-reeks | USD25-75/GTQ195-585 per night |
| Splurge | Over USD100/GTQ585 per night |
Begroting
- El Pasar de los Años. As of early 2016, the cheapest place to stay during the week. Reasonable hostel with a lot of beds put into a room. Has a kitchen, free WiFi, and a spacious patio. Q35 (Q55 during the weekend).
- 1 La Casa del Rompecabezas, 2ª Avenida Sur #19, ☏ 502 7832-6694, ✉[email protected]. There are four private rooms available for rent at this friendly homestay: two singles and two doubles. Free Wi-Fi, three meals served daily except Sunday, free purified water, coffee and tea, shared baths with hot showers. US$20/person/day daily or weekly (3-day minimum stay); US$15/person/day monthly.
- 2 Hostel 5, 4ª Avenida Norte #33, ☏ 502 7832-5462. Wonderful owner who will take very good care of you and is a great cook. Comfortable beds, clean facilities, lockers, very hot showers, awesome rooftop terrace with picnic table, hammock, and a great view of the volcano. The bar/restaurant downstairs has very cheap cold beers and serves great food. Q50 for a dorm with full breakfast included.
- 3 Jungle Party Hostal, 6ª Avenida Norte #20, ☏ 502 7832-8975. A mid-sized hostel with a courtyard, bar, restaurant, and hammocks. The operative word here is "party", so if you want a peaceful place where you can hit the hay early, look elsewhere. Wi-Fi free and daily happy hour. Hot water showers (hot water tank, not electric showerheads). Rate includes breakfast from anything on the menu. Dorm rooms from 4-6 beds. No outside food or drinks permitted. US$8-10/night.
- 4 Posada Don Valentino, 5ª Calle Poniente #28, ☏ 502 7832-0384. Inboek: 15:00, uitteken: 13:00. Spacious, light-filled rooms and common areas with Guatemalan furniture and textiles. All rooms have private bath, cable TV, 24-hour hot water, and views. 18 standard rooms and 3 suites. 2 large terraces with city and volcano views. An Internet cafe, international phone service, travel agency, use of a shared kitchen, laundry service, bag storage, free bottled water. Bilingual staff. Discounts for large groups and longer stays. US$14-34/night.
- 5 [voorheen dooie skakel]Posada Juma OCAG, Alameda de Santa Lucía Norte #13, ☏ 502 7832-3109. Rooms with private baths and cast-iron beds. Rooms set around a small pretty courtyard. Small sun terrace upstairs. Vriendelike en hulpvaardige personeel. Q120 single, Q160 double.
- 6 El Viejo Danés, Alameda de Santa Lucia Norte, Callejón San Jerónimo #31, ☏ 502 7832-3881, ✉[email protected]. Inboek: 14:00-16:00, uitteken: 11:00. Small hostel. Close to the market, ruins, and chicken bus station, run by a friendly couple Roberto and Claudia. Clean, shared toilet and showers with hot water. Kitchen with cooking facilities and dining area on the rooftop terrace overlooking the ruins. Two-bed rooms also available. They can also organize tours to different sights in and around Antigua. English-speaking staff. US$14 for double room, US$19 for quadruple.
- 7 Villa Esthela, 2ª Avenida Sur #48, ☏ 502 4102-4122. Inboek: 13:00, uitteken: 11:00. A nice quiet guesthouse in Antigua. You can use the kitchen to make your own meals but breakfast is included. Nice clean rooms and shared bathrooms are also very clean. Garden with hammocks and a living room with cable TV/DVD, nice way to meet other travellers. A little bit further from the center (10-15 minute walk), but then you have also something good for a very good price. Bunk beds US$6.50/night; private rooms US$9-11/person/night.
Midde-reeks
- 8 Chez Daniel, Calle de San Luquitas #20, ☏ 502 4264-1122, ✉[email protected]. Inboek: 13:00, uitteken: noon-14:00. Spacious and modern rooms, complete with a comfortable double bed, along with a single bed, a huge bathroom with giant tub. Gratis WiFi. US$54 single, US$59 double, US$15 for each additional person.
- 9 Entre Volcanes (formerly Posada Lazos Fuertes), Alameda Santa Lucia Sur #5, ☏ 502 7832-8614. A 15-room hotel, very clean, with an upscale colonial-style elegance that belies a quite down-to-earth room rate. In a busy part of town, but very quiet. Pleasant patio and rooftop terrace. Breakfast (ample portions!) included in the rate. Fast, reliable wireless Internet. US$85-95/night.
- 10 Hostal Las Marias, Calle a San Bartolo, Las Jacarandas, Lote #7, ☏ 502 5516-9147. Inboek: 15:00, uitteken: 13:00. A beautiful bed and breakfast in a very quiet and safe area, about 5 blocks from Parque Central. Comfortable rooms, hot water, Wi-Fi, complimentary water, shampoo, etc. Discount for groups, students, volunteers, adopting parents. US$50-80 for standard rooms, apartments US$85 for 1-2 guests or US$100 for 3-4 guests.
- 11 Hotel Casa Antigua, 3ª Calle Poniente #5, ☏ 502 7832-9090, ✉[email protected]. Inboek: 15:00, uitteken: 13:00. Historic hotel only a two-minute walk from Parque Central. 22 rooms all with baths, 3 gardens with fountains and a rooftop terrace. All rooms are decorated with antiques. Discounts for large groups or weekly stays. Free Wi-Fi & Internet terminals, free purified water, breakfast is available, coffee, use of kitchen, laundry service, bag storage, travel services, airport pickups, cable TV & hot water 24 hours. US$47-73.
- 12 Hotel Casa Cristina, Callejón Camposeco #3A, ☏ 502 7832-0623. This small and charming 10-room hotel is only four blocks from Parque Central. All rooms have private bath and hot water. Free coffee, tea and purified water. Wireless accessible from all rooms. Discounts for longer stays. US$25-45/night.
- 13 Hotel Casa Rustica, 6ª Avenida Norte #8, ☏ 502 7832-0694, ✉[email protected]. Inboek: 15:00, uitteken: 13:00. All rooms are private, have comfortable anti-stress beds and lots of natural light. Free purified water, use of large shared kitchen, laundry service, bag storage, Internet terminals, small cafe, Internet cafe, travel services, airport pickups, cable TV & hot water 24 hours a day. The Wi-Fi signal is fast, strong, and free for hotel guests (Q5/hr, Q20/day or Q70/week for nonguests). Check your email while relaxing by the garden, on the terrace or in a hammock, while sipping on a cool one or eating a snack. And if you're a dog lover, you're in luck - there are three friendly ones who live on the property. Weekdays: US$32 (single)/US$39 (double) with shared bath, US$40 (single)/US$49 (double) with private bath. Weekends: US$37 (single)/US$45 (double) with shared bath, US$46 (single)/US$56 (double) with private bath.
- 14 Hotel Quinta de las Flores, Calle del Hermano Pedro #6, ☏ 502 7832-3721. Inboek: 15:00, uitteken: 13:00. Located a 10-minute walk from the center of town, this hotel offers several quiet, almost free-standing rooms spaced around a central fountain. A special treat is the working fireplace, with firewood at the ready. US$65-95, US$140 for detached "casita"; higher for New Year's and Semana Santa.
- 15 Posada Doña Luisa, 7ª Avenida Norte #4, ☏ 502 7832-3414. There is nothing fancy about this place, but the people there are warm and friendly and it is clean and quiet. Single, double, and triple rooms available. US$39-45/night.
- 16 Posada la Merced, 7ª Avenida Norte #43, ☏ 502 7832-3197. Inboek: 15:00, uitteken: 13:00. Clean, well-kept hotel with helpful staff. The owner used to be a tour guide and offers great advice. US$46-56/night.
Splurge
- 17 Casa Madeleine, Calle del Espíritu Santo #69, ☏ 502 7832-9848, tolvry: 1 877 325-9137, faks: 502 7832 9358, ✉[email protected]. Inboek: 15:00, uitteken: 13:00. A beautiful B&B about six blocks from Parque Central. Comfortable rooms, hot water, Wi-Fi, complimentary water, shampoo, etc. Whirlpool and Jacuzzi, spa services and packages. Great view of their courtyard and the volcano. Discount for groups, students, volunteers, adopting parents. US$110/night for standard twin or double room; US$157/nt for suite.
- 18 Casa Santo Domingo, 3ª Calle Oriente #28A, ☏ 502 7820-1220, faks: 502 7832-4155, ✉[email protected]. Inboek: 15:00, uitteken: middag. A luxury international-class hotel built in the remodeled ruins of an old convent. Access to three great museums in the Paseo de los Museos is included in your room rate. Gorgeous landscaping and all the services. US$176-198/night for standard room, US$253/nt for suite.
- 19 Hotel Casa del Parque, 4ª Avenida Norte #5, ☏ 502 7832-0961, faks: 502 7832-3709, ✉[email protected]. Inboek: 15:00, uitteken: 13:00. Centrally located luxury hotel. 16 rooms and 9 suites, all with bath, breakfast, swimming pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, (massages available), 3 gardens with fountains and a 2nd level terrace. All rooms are decorated with beautiful Guatemalan furniture. Free Wi-Fi & Internet terminals, free purified water, free breakfast & coffee, laundry service, bag storage, travel services, airport pickups, cable TV & hot water 24 hours. US$82/night.
- 20 Hotel Convento Santa Catalina, 5ª Avenida Norte #28, ☏ 502 7832-3080, faks: 502 7832-3610. Inboek: 15:00, uitteken: 13:00. In the shadow of the famous Arco de Santa Catalina, the Hotel Convento Santa Catalina offers singles, doubles, triples, and junior suites. 16 furnished rooms, seven of which have kitchenettes. 2 beautiful gardens and a wonderful view of the volcanoes. US$81/night.
- 21 El Marques de Antigua, 4ª Avenida Sur #30, ☏ 502 2836-1012, ✉[email protected]. Inboek: 15:00, uitteken: middag. 'N All-suite hotel. Two types of suites: Loft Doña Beatriz (1-4 guests) and Loft Don Pedro (4-6 guests), fully furnished and equipped with kitchen, living room, dining table, mini-patio with a fountain, washer and dryer, 42-inch LED TV, Wi-Fi, and more. US$120-136/night.
- 22 Hotel Palacio de Doña Leonor, 4ª Calle Oriente #8, ☏ 502 7962-0202, ✉[email protected]. Inboek: 15:00, uitteken: middag. Named after the daughter of Pedro de Alvarado, conqueror and first governor of Guatemala. Twelve rooms and suites around a magnificent garden courtyard. GTQ1250-1900/nt.
- 23 El Palacio de Doña Beatriz, Las Gravileas, Calle de los Duelos, ☏ 502 7832-4052. Inboek: 15:00, uitteken: 13:00. Luxury B&B inside a coffee plantation, near Santo Domingo convent and museum, 40 minutes from the Guatemala City airport. GTQ880-1350/nt.
- 24 Porta Hotel Antigua, 8ª Calle Poniente #1, ☏ 502 7931-0600, ✉[email protected]. Inboek: 15:00, uitteken: Middag. A beautiful hotel, just a few blocks away from the park on a quiet street. The hotel has a great pool, parrots that live outside your window and great meals in the dining area. Tip: try their amazing hot chocolate. Rooms from US$195.
Homestays
Homestays with Antiguan families can be arranged through language schools or directly with the family in question. Because the families are prepaid, you can switch your school at any time and try a different school. Your shuttle from the airport is also prepaid if arranged through a school, so if your driver asks for Q40 or Q80 in tips, just smile, and give him Q10 or Q15 at most (a 20% tip), more if your luggage was lugged up a steep hill and dozens of steps.
The homes are often on hilltops, so be prepared to encounter large black scorpions on the lit walls at night, when you are walking home late. They are harmless unless you disturb them, but you might consider wearing shoes if they are abundant. Choose a home in the town to avoid climbing hills, and you will also get fewer mosquitoes. Families charge about Q580 for 7 days of bed, shared toilet, and 2 meals. Expect to pay about Q80 or Q160 more if you want to add lunch (the main meal), or if you expect a private bathroom (well worth it if you don't want to share with up to a dozen other boarders).
An advantage of a home stay for the Spanish language student is a chance for language immersion, as well as the cultural experience. The fewer students the family board, the better the experience. Too many students prefer to speak in English to each other and destroy your "immersive" experience. Ask first how many people are in the home, and how many boarders there are. You might avoid a situation where, say, there's one sink and two toilets shared by 14 people, and there's no way to take a proper shower because so many people are using the hot water. If you value cleanliness and convenience, book a room with private toilet and sink.
Ask the house mother to explain how to get the switch to activate on the shower, or you might have to deal with a cold shower. Buy your own soap and shampoo, as the home might use the same soap for washing dishes and clothing as for bathing. The housing may be more basic than in a hotel with simple concrete block or adobe construction, shared bathroom, and small rooms. Ask if there is a secure lock for your room, as the home is often shared with local boarders, and you do not always want to lug your camera and laptop everywhere you go.
You must provide your own hand towels and bath towels. If you leave them in a common bathroom, don't be surprised if everyone uses them. Eating hours are often different, with dinner often served at 19:30 or 20:00, so you might want to procure your own meals if you intend to go to bed early. Remember that dinner is simple: a few pieces of cold bread and perhaps very light soup. For American-style dinners, go out and buy your own food at the restaurants. Fresh fruits and vegetables are not often served, so eat plenty of beans or bring along your own source of fiber.
Some areas of Antigua are muskiet-free, but in other areas, they are found in abundance. As owners of homestay facilities often leave the door open while cleaning, a compact mosquito net or tent is necessary if you do not enjoy having mosquitoes buzzing around your face at night.
Verbind
Die post office (oficina the correos) is opposite the market in Alameda de Santa Lucia, between 4a and 5a Calle Poniente. As of Oct 2019, no stamps are sold because the postal service is changing from a private to public owned business. They hope to reopen in 2020.
There are many Internet cafes and long-distance phone shops in Antigua. Internet time costs GTQ5-10 per hour. Internet shops often have video phones for Skype calls. Many phone shops use VOIP, and not all area codes will work: for instance, the phone shop downtown will not reach certain cell phones and certain newer area codes. But just around the northwest corner is another shop that reached most U.S. area codes. Just ask as they will reluctantly point you to their competitor. Cellphones from the U.S. will work, but international roaming charges apply and are generally quite steep. Some people ask their carrier to turn off the voice mail function to avoid charges for voice mail.
Bly veilig
Due to the presence of the "Tourist Police", Antigua is much safer than any other city in Guatemala: you're very unlikely to be mugged or robbed here, at least during the daytime. (At night, things get a bit more questionable.) However, the flipside of that is once you leave the city center, you're mostly on your own, so it's inadvisable under those circumstances to engage in risky behavior such as displaying valuables conspicuously. If you plan to visit sites outside the center of town like the volcanoes, make sure you go with an officer of the tourist police who accompany tourists there at least once a day.
Armed robbery is depressingly common. If this happens to you, rule number one is don't try to resist, as criminals will not hesitate to use their weapons on uncooperative victims. However, there are still ways to minimize the impact of a robbery on your trip. Firstly, it's a good idea to leave your passport in your hotel safe or local home and to carry a photocopy instead. If you are robbed, you will not need to go the consulate for paperwork. Secondly, it's also smart — especially for those who'll be moving around frequently — to keep the bulk of your valuables in a money belt strapped to your waist, and place a few dollars in a separate wallet that you can hand over to a robber if you come across one. ATMs are available, so an ATM card (ideally hidden in a money belt as described above) should be carried for instant cash.
Pickpocketing is actually somewhat less of a danger in Antigua as compared to armed robberies, but during peak tourist times like Semana Santa it's still wise to keep a hand on your wallet. Keep your bags in front of you when walking through El Mercado, as there have been reports of thieves slicing through shopping bags with razor blades to steal the contents.
Almost all bars and restaurants will be happy to call a taxi for you. Asking the bar staff to call the taxi for you, instead of looking for one yourself, can be a good idea since the staff tend to know the drivers they are calling. Ask them what the price should be beforehand, and also ask them to confirm the price with the taxi or tuk-tuk when they arrive. In Antigua, many locals consider the buses safer than a tuk-tuk as they have been blamed for taking tourists to obscure areas to rob them. Women, crimes against whom are often not widely publicized in Guatemala, are especially at risk on public transportation: as a woman, you might be safer riding on a crowded bus than hailing a tuk-tuk or taxi from an unknown driver.
Hiking the Volcán de Agua requires extra caution as numerous robberies and some kidnappings have occurred there. The relatively few reputable tour operators who offer this hike usually employ the services of a police escort or armed guards. If yours doesn't, it's best to choose a different operator.
Bly gesond
If you are lucky, you will not have any illnesses in Antigua. However, most long-term visitors may encounter a case of food poisoning or bacterial or viral enteritis. The best way to treat it without a physician's intervention is to buy packages (sobre) of re-hydration solution (solución de rehidratación oral). It is a simple mix of potassium, sodium, and glucose.Most cases of food poisoning or intestinal infections can be blamed on street vendors with unrefrigerated sauces or paste, but home cooked meals can also be the cause. Street vendor food is cheap, but you should avoid it unless you have been eating it daily. A virgin stomach often cannot handle the common bacterial toxins found in unrefrigerated sauces, slaws, and cold marinades.Warm warm, toegedraaide, gekookte kos is waarskynlik veilig, maar is miskien nie heeltemal vry van alle gifstowwe nie.
Dit is die beste om te vermy ceviche as gevolg van die potensiële risiko van bakterieë soos cholera. Vars slaaie moet nie verbruik word nie, aangesien besoedelde besproeiingswater besorg is. Daar is bekend dat aarbeie hepatitis A slaag as gevolg van besmette besproeiingswater. Wanneer u u eie slaai of aarbeie voorberei, is die aanbeveling om dit in bleikmiddeloplossing of jodium te week. Alle vrugte moet gewas of geskil word voordat dit geëet word. Ondergaar vleis moet vermy word as gevolg van encysted parasiete, tensy ingevoerde, hoë-graad beesvleis by 'n bekende restaurant verseker word. Vars room word gereeld aan tafel bedien, maar as u nie seker is dat dit gepasteuriseer of voorafgekook is nie, is dit die beste om dit nie op u kos te sit nie. Om kaalvoet of met sandale te gaan, is die norm, maar om saam met hulle te stap of om kaalvoet te gaan, kan lei tot kutane larwes migrans, 'n parasitiese infeksie waar haakwurmlarwes deur die vel dring en 'n paar dae later jeukerige rooi kurwes en lyne veroorsaak. Dra skoene en sokkies as u van die sypaadjie af stap.
Guatemala, soos alle Latyns-Amerikaanse lande, het gechloreerde water op die punt van verspreiding gefiltreer. Sodra dit by die kraan kom, is dit egter nie meer veilig nie. Baie besighede en huise het watertenks op die dak wat gedurende die lae verbruiksperiode van die dag (gewoonlik snags) vol word en gedurende die dag druk by die kraan handhaaf wanneer die waterdruk in die openbare toevoer laag is of nie bestaan nie. Dit is die oorsaak van die derm siektes soos E. Coli, salmonella of sistikokose wat algemeen in die land voorkom. Lae druk in die openbare waterpype lei ook dikwels tot grondwater wat besoedel is met rou riool wat in die drinkwaterstelsel krake vloei. Daar is gedokumenteer dat tot 20% van diegene wat na ontwikkelende lande gereis het en nou chroniese diarree of gastro-intestinale probleme het, ingewande parasiete dra, wat baie jare kan duur nadat hulle teruggekeer het. Meer as 80% van die vrywilligers van die Peace Corps wat terugkeer, het dermparasiete. Laboratoriumtoetse wat in die VSA en die Verenigde Koninkryk uitgevoer word, mis baie klein parasiete, en daarom moet herhaalde monsters ingedien word. Die enigste dwaas manier om siektes deur water te vermy, is om kraanwater te vermy (agua del chorro) en drink eerder gebottelde of gefiltreerde water (agua del garrafón of agua embotellada). Sommige huise en restaurante het ook water in bottels van 5 liter gesuiwer en dit in glase bedien. Vra of die ys van gesuiwerde water gemaak is.
Hanteer
Wasgoed
Wasgoed kan deur verskillende persone gedoen word lavanderias in die dorp rond. U laai u wasgoed af, hulle weeg dit en vra u 'n prys per pond (interessant genoeg nie per kilogram nie). Die wasgoed word gedroog en binne twee tot vier uur beskikbaar om af te haal. Plaaslike inwoners beveel aan dat u u wasgoed opneem, om seker te maak dat niks verlore gaan of omgeruil word nie. Twee volle rugsakke klere het ongeveer 16 pond geweeg.
Publikasies
- Qué Pasa. Tweetalige maandblad in La Antigua, met toerisme en artikels, onderhoude en kalender van gebeure, bioskoop en lewendige musiek. Drukuitgawe is gratis beskikbaar op baie plekke in La Antigua en in Guatemala-stad.
- Revue Tydskrif. Tweetalige tydskrif gebaseer in La Antigua, met toerisme en artikels, onderhoude, humor en kalender van gebeure, bioskoop en lewendige musiek. Vry.
- La Cuadra. Tydskrif uitgegee deur Café No Sé, bevat poësie, reisigers, tydskrifte, politieke funksies en kommentaar, resensies van kunstenaars en meer. vry.
Gaan volgende
- Guatemala-stad - Die nasionale hoofstad, 'n uur se ry weg.
- Copán - Maya-ruïnes oorkant die grens in Honduras. Daar is 'n direkte pendelbus wat die reis van ses uur tussen hier en Antigua onderneem.
- San Marcos La Laguna, Lake Atitlan; Gedeelde 15-persone-pendeltuig, koshuisopname @ 08:30 & 14:00, Q70pp, 3,5 uur.