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I don’t really know how to begin describing my time in Guatemala. It truly is a gem of a country and more people need to go visit it!
My friend, A has been going there for years, multiple times in a year and I never understood why. Yes, the photos she took were nice and I always imagined wanting to go at least once. But never did I think that I would want to come back. I usually want to go see newer places. But man, there is something so magical about the country that I can’t quite describe it.
I will definitely be back (God willing)!
For now I just want to break it down to what I did while i was there.
Accommodation: Hotel Meson del Valle
The hotel was clean, comfortable and cute! The only issue I had was that the bathroom was small. But I would definitely be back.
The location was great too. It was about a 5-7 minute walk to the city center.
Things We Did
1. Cerro de la Cruz
This is the highest point in Antigua and is marked with a cross. My friend, T (she’s the one I did most of the exploring with) and I went here on our second morning, right after breakfast. 
It was a 10 minute walk to the beginning of the hike. The hike to the top itself was about 15 minutes.
The beginning of it was a little strenuous as it was steep and I am totally out of shape at the moment.
Once you get to the top, you have a gorgeous view of the city and Volcano Agua.
There are also vendors at the top selling water, snacks and souvenirs. It’s a great spot to sit and have a picnic.
It is recommended to go here during daylight as at night you are prone to theft. It is also recommended to try and go up during a clear, cloudless day so you get a better view of the volcano. We had some clouds the day we went, but I thought the views were just as gorgeous.
2. Central Park
This park is lush and green surrounded by a lot of shops, eateries and historic structures.
It’s a nice place to sit around and enjoy the atmosphere. It also makes for a great meeting spot if you are traveling with multiple people.
3. Antigua Guatemala Cathedral
Located across the central park, this Roman Catholic Church was built in 1541. Since then, it has gone through many changes and reconstruction due to several earthquakes.
4. Arco de Santa Catalina
This 17th century structure is a historic landmark in Antigua. It was used as a passageway for the nuns from the convent to the school.
5. Iglesia de la Merced
This Baroque style church was so beautiful! The facade has many intricate details and the yellow color was so gorgeous against the blue sky.
Now that I am writing this, I realized I didn’t go inside it and I can’t remember why. 
6. Shopping
There are lots of shopping centers and vendors in and around the tourist spots. I went to Mercado De Artesanias el Carmen to get a lot of souvenirs.
Everything is so vibrant and beautiful, I wanted to get it all!
7. Something that I missed: Hiking a volcano
I didn’t get a chance to do this but I will definitely do this next time I go. It’s highly recommended!
Where we Ate
Oh.My.God. The food was sooo good! I didn’t have any bad experiences, just one mediocre one.
I went to most of these places due to the recommendation of A.
1. Ganache
My first breakfast experience. I ordered lemon pancakes and freshly squeezed orange juice. 
I am not the biggest pancake fan but I devoured them!
Other friends ordered an omelet and chocolate french toast all of which I tried and thought were delicious!
2. Frida
This is about the only place open past 9 p.m. in this small city. We went here in search for a late dinner one night and ordered nachos and baja fish tacos.
A recommended the nachos and I ordered the tacos because I am a sucker for baja fish tacos and couldn’t help myself!
Everything was delicious!
3. Cafe Condesa
We came here in search for coffee and ice cream after hiking Cerro de la Cruz. My friend got the coffee here along with chocolate ice cream and I tried the vanilla flavor which was creamy and delicious as well!
4. Bella Vista
If you go anywhere in Antigua, this should be at the top of your list. The views here are spectacular! You can have beautiful views of all the volcanoes while enjoying the most delicious french toast ever…which is exactly what I ate here. I also ordered two fried eggs and a watermelon banana smoothie. Everything was soooo good!
(Fried eggs, beans, cheese and coffee is a typical Guatemalan breakfast.)
5. Amanecer Juice Bar
We grabbed some juice here as a snack on our way to lunch one day. If you haven’t figured it out, getting fruit juices and smoothies in Antigua is a must. Everything is so fresh and tasty!
This particular juicery also has healthy options with shots of ginger and beet juice. I am not that healthy so I stuck to a simple watermelon smoothie.
I am also not much of a drinker. I only drink water and black tea in the mornings but while being here, I couldn’t stop with the fruit juices!
6. Taqueria Dona Lupita
As a taco lover, I had to eat here. We ordered steak, chicken and veggie tacos along with nachos. These were delicious and I crave them all the time now!
The little eating spot in the back is so cute to sit at and enjoy this perfect meal.
7. Sobremesa Ice Cream
This ice cream shop has some interesting mix of flavors. I got the fig and rose version and really enjoyed it.
We grabbed some on our way to do shopping which was a great way to enjoy it.
8. Fonda de la Calle Real
Wanting more of an authentic experience, T and I headed here for a final dinner. We ordered chile relleno, pupusas and a grilled steak. To be honest I thought the food here was okay. It was a 3.5/5 in my opinion.
I was kind of sad but it’s okay!
9. El Viejo Cafe
Our final breakfast in Guatemala! We had an omelet and croissant with jam and cheese and fruit and plantains and smoothies. It was a great last meal!
Everything tasted so delicious, fresh and healthy!
City Views
The atmosphere in Antigua was so chill and the weather was perfect the entire time we were there. I spent a lot of time just walking around the streets and enjoying the vibe.
T and I were here for three days and then went to Lake Atitlan for two so I will share my Atitlan experience next!
Side note: Part of the reason I came to Guatemala was for the inauguration of Humanity First’s Nasir Hospital which was also an amazing experience. If you are curious to learn about Humanity First, please visit their website.
In addition, T is raising funds for Humanity First’s Women’s Health Garden in Alotenango, Guatemala (a new project that she started). It will be the first community garden to support local women and their health, nutrition, and livelihood. I am helping her spread the word so please help in any small amount that you can! Thank you in advance! 🙂
