|
|
PLACES OF INTEREST
AROUND ANTIGUA
Antigua Guatemala is surrounded by several picturesque villages, in a wonderful landscape
that makes the place so special. Some are within walking distance others are
just ten minutes away by car. Ciudad Vieja: The original capital of Guatemala
is only 10 minutes away, right at the foot of the Agua volcano. Some ruins of the original colonial
city can still be seen. More
Information about Ciudad Vieja.
San Antonio Aguas Calientes village: 4
miles from Antigua, an Indian
town well known for weaving, although many typicas are sold here from other villages. More information
about San Antonio
San Pedro de Las Huertas town: It is well know for its colonial church
in front of the plaza, only 2 miles from Antigua.
Santa Marìa de Jesus: 7 miles or 15 minutes from Antigua by car or bus,
it has a 90% Indian population, and it is the starting point for climbing the Agua Volcano.
It is not spoiled by tourists yet. More
information about Santa Marìa.
San Juan del Obispo: Also only 5 minutes by car, home of the first Bishop
of Guatemala, with a wonderful view of the valley and mountains. More
information about San Juan
San Lorenzo Aguas Calientes: Small hot springs 10 minutes from
Antigua, mostly visited by locals Guatemalans. If you take the bus, ask the
driver to drop you off at San Luis de las Carretas, then walk 1.5 miles
Guatemala Voodoo: San Simon, known as
Maximon by the Indians, is a
famous Guatemalan tradition and its origins are unknown. San Simon is an actual
Guatemalan God and a big part of the population believes in it, but they keep
this tradition a secret, so be discrete to ask. There are several San Simons in
the country the famous ones are in Nahuala and Zunil in Quetzaltenango
state, 3 hours from Antigua, Santiago Atitlan in Panajachel also a couple of
hours away, and the San Andres Itzapa which is located only 30 minutes away by
car. They believe that his incredible powers grant you protection from evil
spirits, spells and enemies, and that he also provides wives, husbands, lovers, money,
jobs, luck etc... The worship of this God is a mix of pagan rituals (Indians)
and Christian religion. As an example, one way of asking is to curse, spit, smoke
and drink alcohol in front of him while Christ is evoked.
BACK
TO TOP
|
Landmark of Antigua
Arch of Santa Catalina, part of the original convent,
which is now the Hotel
Convento
To request the best deal for your room at Hotel
Convento click here.
|
