Trip to Antigua, Guatemala

On Saturday I took a day trip, my first of my summer travels, to Antigua, Guatemala through Viator Tours, through Jaguar Travels. My travel guide was Fidicio and my driver was Tonio. I had the best time! I was the only one on the tour, so I had a personal service. I didn’t have to catch the Uber to get there or worry about getting back, so that was wonderful. We went shopping in Antigua, and I bought a Guatemalan purse for my friend Alice, we saw beautiful old churches. We went to the “Cross on the Hill,” monument, which had a beautiful view of the city. The city in fact, historically had like 20 churches, which are the domes that can be seen in the city center. Also, this region is the area of volcanoes, and there is one in the distance.

At the bottom of the hill, I got a mango Helados (ice cream).

Then we went to the city and saw the La Merced Church. Mass was in session, so we couldn’t go inside, but the mass was on speakers outside. Fidicio said this was not legal, but they were trying to get followers, so it was pretty to listen to in the square.

We went downtown, and they were having their bread festival - Festival of Pan - at the same time, so there were many samples.

I bought a Guatemalan hat, which has beautiful embroidery on the hat base. Mine has a religious icon and beautiful flowers. I had been looking for one since Puerto Rico since I kept getting sunburns. I also got a Guatemalan weave wrap skirt.

Part of the tour went to the jade factory and it was clear that I was expected to buy something there but I did not.

For lunch, I went to El Adobe, recommended by Fidicio, and it was quite delicious. One thing I had amazing was Cimarrona. It is really just mineral water, salt and lime and it is one of the best drinks I have ever had! Recipe in the link. I had delicious steak, a potato, some amazing chips, guacamole, black beans, blue corn tortilla and it was so delicious!

After that we headed back to town. I had a wonderful time and would recommend Jaguar Tours and Fidicio as well.