Anyone been to Antigua, Guatemala?

Parent Cafe
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<p>Traveling there soon for two weeks. I’ve also checked out Trip Advisor which is a great source of info. But I also wanted to see what info I’d get from CC.</p>

<p>Quick questions: What to wear? I’m assuming tropical wear but not like Hawaii cut off shorts and tanks. I know it’s rainy season and also warm and humid. Any favorite attractions? We will be going to Spanish school and doing most of our sightseeing after lunch and on weekends. We have scheduled a tour of Antigua and a school that we’ve donated to, the choco museo for our youngest and a trip to Chichicastanango. We aren’t doing anything extreme (such as mountain biking or hiking up a volcano), mostly staying around town. Anything you consider a “must see/do” or a “don’t bother”?</p>

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<p>Been there once and really enjoyed it (it and Tikal). Dress like Florida, but be ready for rain (it will be as humid as Florida, but not as hot, much more comfortable). Antigua really reminded me of St. Augustine (in Florida), but much more interesting. Lots to do but we enjoyed the little restaurants and visiting the ruins. </p>

<p>The views of the volcanoes are spectacular. You’re going to have a great time. :)</p>

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<p>Several family members have been there in a volunteer capacity. I would include a couple of skirts and tops that cover your shoulders (not tanks) or a scarf to throw over your shoulders if you want to visit historic churches. Remember Guatemala is famous for their textiles. Buy a (fair trade) garment while you are there!</p>

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<p>I spent three weeks there, volunteering for Safe Passage there and in Guatemala City and learning Spanish. We took a couple of weekend trips, one to Lake Atitlan (gorgeous and fascinating region a must-see to me), one to Tikal (amazing place but truly a tropical rainforest climate, unbearably hot and humid).</p>

<p>The climate in Antigua is very comfortable shirtsleeve weather: not too humid (much less than FL in my experience) and not too hot. The rain usually consists of a shower in the afternoon and it’s done, although there might be the odd soaking rainstorm.</p>

<p>Antigua is a beautiful place. Just walking around peeking into courtyards is delightful. Elizabeth Bell and her partner Roberto Spillari do an excellent and totally un-obnoxious walking tour with very small groups of people. (And believe me, I am a card-carrying tour hater. :slight_smile: ) It is small enough so that you can see all of the cathedrals, both functioning and ruined, and the other major sights with no difficulty. There are numerous places to buy wonderful Guatemalan textiles and handcrafts, and a huge market where everything is sold, including fish, meat, vegetables, toiletries, clothes, pottery, weaving, you name it. (I think that the nicest textiles were to be found in the towns around Lake Atitlan, though.) There was no Chocomuseo when I was there–I would definitely have gone!</p>

<p>Be very careful about using ATMs. Our info was stolen and our accounts cleared out the first night we were there, using an ATM at a bank on the main square that our host took us to. Apparently, they replace the card reader with their own, that broadcasts your acct number and pin to a nearby location. To be safe, only go to an ATM <em>inside</em> a bank. (Luckily, I had two accounts and two cards with me.) Banks, at least when we were there, had armed guards, as did jewelry stores and the like. You should be careful walking around at night, definitely not alone. </p>

<p>There is a hotel/museum, Casa Santa Domingo, that is open to the public. It is a don’t miss. We loved the Cafe No Se in the evenings. They usually have live music. I also spent a pleasant afternoon hanging out there on my one day off. :)</p>

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<p>Gator, great to know the weather is more mild than FL!<br>
Dragonmom, I can’t wait to see the textiles! A friend brought one home from India and had it framed. I’m looking forward to finding a colorful piece to frame, too.
Consolation, I’ve read about Elizabeth Bell, I’ll look up her name again. I am taking your ATM warning to heart. I’ll be bringing our “extra” ATM with only our vacation money in the account. My D will be bringing her school ATM card as a backup. I will look up Cafe No Se, too. I saw that in another travel guide. I also hope to find a family friendly place to watch the World Cup.</p>