Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
plans to rebuild, and its ruined churches and convents remained just that. It is said the re-
maining residents of Antigua were so poor they had to subsist on avocadoes, earning them
the nickname Panzas Verdes (Green Bellies).
Today, Antigua (as it is more commonly referred to) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
andishometomuchofGuatemala'sexpatriatepopulationalongwithscoresofinternation-
al students studying in its many Spanish schools. Its brightly colored houses and cobble-
stone streets harbor some of Guatemala's finest restaurants, shopping, and art galleries in
a fantastic mountain setting that has inspired artists, writers, and wanderers for centuries.
Antiguaisapleasant mixtureofMayanandSpanishcolonial influences andisanexcellent
base from which to explore other parts of the country.
Antigualies45kilometersfromGuatemalaCityviaagood,pavedhighway.Itssettingis
spectacular, flanked on its southern extreme by towering 3,750-meter (12,325-foot) Agua
Volcano. The colossal 4,235-meter (13,900-foot) Acatenango and active Fuego Volcanoes
lie to the west. The surrounding hillsides provide wonderful views of the valley and the
volcanoes, and are excellent terrain for recreational pursuits such as hiking and mountain
biking. The climate is similar to that of Guatemala City, as Antigua lies at about the same
altitude, just over 1,500 meters. Days are warm and nights are pleasantly cool.
